11 Easy Christmas Coffee Drinks Holiday Cocktails To Make Now

Craving that perfect, cozy holiday vibe? The kind that fills your home with warmth, laughter, and the scent of Christmas? Often, that feeling is just one perfect drink away, a warm mug that brings everyone together and makes the season feel truly special. You want to be the host with the most memorable festive treats, but you don’t have time for complicated recipes with hard-to-find ingredients. You’re looking for something simple yet impressive, a drink that tastes like the holidays in a cup.

This guide provides 11 easy Christmas coffee and holiday cocktail recipes perfect for any festive occasion. Find simple instructions for warm, iced, boozy, and non-alcoholic options, including favorites like Peppermint Mochas, Gingerbread Martinis, and classic Spiked Christmas Coffees. We’ve gathered and simplified 11 of the most beloved and festive Christmas coffee cocktails, drawing from classic recipes and modern twists, to ensure you can play the perfect holiday host with zero stress.

Craving the Perfect Holiday Vibe? What If the Coziest Christmas Drink Was Just a Few Minutes Away?

The search for perfect Christmas coffee drinks and holiday cocktails is really a search for creating moments. It’s about finding that ideal recipe that can be whipped up for a quiet, cozy evening by the fire or easily batched for a lively holiday party. You need festive coffee recipes that are straightforward but deliver on flavor, from rich espresso-based cocktails with spirits like Kahlúa and vodka to comforting warm drinks with Baileys or rum. This collection is your answer, a complete guide to holiday drink ideas that are as easy to make as they are delightful to drink.

11 Easy Christmas Coffee Drinks & Holiday Cocktails To Make Now

Get ready to impress your friends and family this season. We’ve curated a list of 11 incredible Christmas coffee recipes that cater to every preference. Whether you love a rich, boozy Christmas coffee, a chic espresso martini with a festive twist, or a comforting non-alcoholic spiced drink, you’ll find your new go-to recipe here. Each one comes with simple, step-by-step instructions and our own pro tips, making them accessible for home bartenders of all skill levels. These recipes use readily available ingredients and simple methods, so you can spend less time mixing and more time celebrating.

1. Classic Boozy Christmas Coffee

Save this comforting recipe to your ‘Holiday Cocktails’ board!

This Christmas coffee cocktail is the epitome of holiday comfort. The combination of rich coffee liqueur, sweet butterscotch schnapps, and a hint of creme de cocoa creates a perfectly balanced and heartwarming drink, especially when topped with a homemade spiced creamer.

• Ingredients:
  • 6 oz hot, strong brewed coffee
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
  • 1 oz butterscotch schnapps
  • 1/2 oz creme de cocoa
  • 2 oz homemade spiced creamer (or heavy cream)
  • Whipped cream and cinnamon for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Brew a strong cup of your favorite coffee.
  2. While the coffee is hot, pour it into a festive mug.
  3. Add the coffee liqueur, butterscotch schnapps, and creme de cocoa. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Pour in the spiced creamer and stir again.
  5. Top with a generous amount of whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon.

Pro-Tip: Make the spiced creamer ahead of time by simmering milk with a cinnamon stick, a few whole cloves, and a vanilla bean for 10 minutes. Strain and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

2. Spiked Peppermint Mocha Delight

Pin this festive mocha recipe for your next holiday party!

Nothing says Christmas quite like the combination of chocolate and peppermint. This boozy peppermint mocha takes the coffee shop classic to a new level with a kick of crème de menthe and rich chocolate liqueur, making it the perfect after-dinner treat.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz brewed espresso or very strong coffee
  • 1 oz crème de menthe
  • 1 oz chocolate liqueur
  • 1/2 oz peppermint syrup
  • 4 oz heavy cream or milk, warmed
  • Whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Brew the espresso or coffee and pour it into a warm mug.
  2. Add the crème de menthe, chocolate liqueur, and peppermint syrup.
  3. Stir in the warmed heavy cream or milk until well combined.
  4. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle generously with crushed peppermint candies.

Lesson Learned: Use a good quality chocolate liqueur. It makes a significant difference in creating a rich, decadent mocha flavor rather than an artificially sweet one.

3. Gingerbread Espresso Martini

Save this chic cocktail recipe to your ‘Christmas Party Ideas’ board!

Give the trendy espresso martini a festive makeover with the warm, spicy notes of gingerbread. This holiday cocktail is sophisticated, delicious, and guaranteed to be the star of any Christmas party.

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 oz vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
  • 1 oz chilled espresso
  • 1/2 oz gingerbread syrup
  • Ice
  • Garnish: mini gingerbread cookie, cinnamon sugar for rim
• Instructions:
  1. Prepare your martini glass by chilling it and rimming it with cinnamon sugar.
  2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  3. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, chilled espresso, and gingerbread syrup to the shaker.
  4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
  5. Strain the mixture into your prepared martini glass.
  6. Garnish with a mini gingerbread cookie on the rim.

Pro-Tip: For the best frothy top, use freshly brewed espresso that has been rapidly chilled (by shaking it with ice separately first). The natural crema in the espresso creates that signature foam.

4. Creamy Amaretto & Kahlúa Coffee

Add this elegant and easy recipe to your ‘Cozy Drinks’ Pinterest board!

This spiked Christmas coffee feels like a warm hug in a mug. It’s reminiscent of a “hot White Russian,” blending Irish cream, Kahlúa, and a touch of vodka for a creamy, dreamy experience, all crowned with a luxurious Amaretto-flavored whipped cream.

• Ingredients:
  • 6 oz hot brewed coffee
  • 1 oz Irish cream (like Baileys)
  • 1/2 oz Kahlúa
  • 1/2 oz vodka
  • For Amaretto Whipped Cream: 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 tbsp powdered sugar, 1 tsp Amaretto
• Instructions:
  1. In a small bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and Amaretto until soft peaks form. Set aside.
  2. Pour the hot coffee into a mug.
  3. Add the Irish cream, Kahlúa, and vodka. Stir well.
  4. Gently spoon a large dollop of the Amaretto whipped cream on top.
  5. Garnish with shaved almonds if desired.

Pro-Tip: For a stronger almond flavor, add a drop of almond extract to the coffee along with the liqueurs. It enhances the Amaretto in the whipped cream beautifully.

5. Salted Caramel Espresso Martini

Save this decadent dessert cocktail for a special holiday treat!

For those who love a sweet and salty combination, this Salted Caramel Espresso Martini is pure bliss. It’s a decadent, dessert-like cocktail that balances the bitterness of espresso with sweet caramel and a hint of sea salt for a truly unforgettable drink.

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 oz vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur
  • 1 oz chilled espresso
  • 1/2 oz salted caramel sauce (plus more for garnish)
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Ice
• Instructions:
  1. Drizzle some salted caramel sauce on the inside of a chilled coupe or martini glass.
  2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  3. Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, salted caramel sauce, and a tiny pinch of sea salt.
  4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled and frothy.
  5. Double-strain the cocktail into the prepared glass.
  6. Garnish with three coffee beans on top of the foam.

Lesson Learned: Don’t skip the pinch of salt in the shaker! It balances the sweetness of the caramel and makes the flavors pop.

6. Boozy Eggnog & Rum Latte

Pin this ultimate Christmas comfort drink to your ‘Holiday Recipes’ board!

Combine two of the season’s most iconic flavors—eggnog and coffee—into one spectacular latte. The addition of spiced or dark rum makes this the ultimate Christmas coffee drink for a cold winter’s night.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz espresso or strong coffee
  • 4 oz eggnog
  • 2 oz milk
  • 1.5 oz spiced or dark rum
  • Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. In a small saucepan, gently heat the eggnog and milk until warm but not boiling.
  2. Brew the espresso or coffee and pour it into a large, warm mug.
  3. Add the rum to the coffee.
  4. Pour the warm eggnog and milk mixture into the mug.
  5. If you have a milk frother, you can froth the mixture for a foamier top.
  6. Garnish generously with freshly grated nutmeg.

Pro-Tip: For a richer taste, use full-fat eggnog. If you want a lighter version, you can adjust the ratio to have more milk and less eggnog.

7. Espresso Old Fashioned with a Twist

Save this bold and modern holiday cocktail idea for the whiskey lover!

For the whiskey aficionado, this Espresso Old Fashioned is a game-changer. It’s a robust, sophisticated cocktail that marries the deep, complex notes of bourbon or rye with the rich bitterness of espresso for a truly modern holiday classic.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 1/2 oz chilled espresso
  • 1/4 oz simple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Large ice cube
  • Orange peel for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. In a mixing glass, combine the whiskey, chilled espresso, simple syrup, and bitters.
  2. Add ice and stir with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled.
  3. Place a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
  4. Strain the mixture from the mixing glass over the ice cube.
  5. Express the orange peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in as a garnish.

Pro-Tip: The quality of the whiskey matters here. A good quality bourbon will add notes of vanilla and caramel that pair perfectly with the espresso.

8. Cinnamon & Cognac Coffee Cocktail

Add this sophisticated and warming recipe to your ‘Winter Drinks’ board!

This elegant coffee cocktail is perfect for sipping by the fire. The warmth of Cognac pairs beautifully with sweet cherry liqueur and spicy cinnamon syrup, creating a complex and deeply satisfying drink for a chilly evening.

• Ingredients:
  • 5 oz hot coffee
  • 1.5 oz Cognac
  • 1/2 oz cherry liqueur (like Cherry Heering)
  • 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup
  • Whipped cream for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Make or warm your cinnamon syrup (you can make it by simmering equal parts sugar and water with a cinnamon stick).
  2. Pour the hot coffee into a warm, footed mug.
  3. Add the Cognac, cherry liqueur, and cinnamon syrup.
  4. Stir gently until everything is combined.
  5. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and an extra dusting of cinnamon.

Lesson Learned: Don’t overheat the coffee once the alcohol is added, as it can burn off the delicate flavors of the Cognac. Just ensure the coffee is hot enough to begin with.

9. Simple Café Amore

Pin this effortlessly elegant 3-ingredient cocktail for an easy win!

Sometimes, the simplest things are the most elegant. The Café Amore is a classic after-dinner drink that combines hot coffee with Cognac and Amaretto for a perfectly smooth, nutty, and warming cocktail that requires minimal effort.

• Ingredients:
  • 6 oz hot, freshly brewed coffee
  • 1 oz Cognac
  • 1/2 oz Amaretto
  • Whipped cream and shaved almonds for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Pour the hot coffee into a pre-warmed glass mug.
  2. Add the Cognac and Amaretto.
  3. Stir gently to combine the spirits with the coffee.
  4. Top with a layer of whipped cream and sprinkle with shaved almonds.

Pro-Tip: For a beautiful presentation, try floating the whipped cream on top. Do this by holding a spoon upside down over the coffee and slowly pouring fresh (unwhipped) heavy cream over the back of the spoon.

10. Festive Irish Cream Cold Brew

Save this cool and creamy recipe for a refreshing holiday coffee break!

Who says holiday drinks have to be hot? This Festive Irish Cream Cold Brew is a cool, creamy, and refreshing take on Christmas coffee, inspired by popular coffee shop drinks but with an adult-friendly twist.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 oz cold brew concentrate
  • 4 oz water
  • Ice
  • For Irish Cream Foam: 2 oz heavy cream, 1 oz Irish cream liqueur, 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Instructions:
  1. In a small bowl or jar, combine the heavy cream, Irish cream liqueur, and simple syrup. Use a handheld milk frother to whip until it becomes a thick, pourable cold foam.
  2. Fill a tall glass with ice.
  3. Pour in the cold brew concentrate and water, and stir.
  4. Slowly pour the Irish Cream cold foam over the top of the cold brew.
  5. Garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder if desired.

Lesson Learned: The key to great cold foam is using very cold heavy cream. It whips up faster and holds its shape longer on top of the drink.

11. Cozy Non-Alcoholic Spiced Coffee

Pin this family-friendly recipe for everyone to enjoy this holiday season!

You don’t need alcohol to create a festive and delicious holiday drink. This non-alcoholic spiced coffee is packed with the flavors of Christmas—cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg—and is a cozy treat that everyone in the family can enjoy.

• Ingredients:
  • 8 oz freshly brewed coffee (decaf optional)
  • 4 oz milk or non-dairy alternative
  • 1 oz homemade spiced syrup (see tip)
  • Whipped cream, caramel sauce, and cinnamon for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Brew a cup of coffee and pour it into a large mug.
  2. Stir in the spiced syrup.
  3. Gently warm the milk in a saucepan or microwave, then froth with a handheld frother until foamy.
  4. Pour the frothed milk into the coffee.
  5. Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Pro-Tip: Create a versatile spiced syrup by simmering 1 cup of water, 1 cup of brown sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 whole cloves, and 1 tsp vanilla extract for 10 minutes. Strain and store in the fridge. It’s perfect for coffee, pancakes, or ice cream!

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/christmas-coffee-drinks-and-cocktails-25-festive-recipes–8936899255681355/

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Christmas Coffee Drinks & Holiday Cocktails

This scannable summary highlights the essential takeaways for crafting perfect holiday coffee drinks.
* Embrace Festive Flavors: The key to a great Christmas coffee cocktail is incorporating seasonal flavors like peppermint, gingerbread, eggnog, cinnamon, and caramel.
* Quality Base is Key: Always start with good quality, strong-brewed coffee or fresh espresso. It’s the foundation of your drink, and its flavor will shine through.
* Garnish Generously: Don’t underestimate the power of presentation! Whipped cream, crushed candies, chocolate shavings, cinnamon sticks, and festive rims elevate a simple drink into a special treat.
* Customize to Your Taste: These recipes are fantastic starting points. Feel free to adjust the sweetness, the amount of alcohol, or swap spirits (e.g., use bourbon instead of rum in the eggnog latte) to make it your own.
* Offer Options: Having both a warm boozy option and a festive non-alcoholic choice ensures every guest feels included and celebrated.

People Also Ask About Christmas Coffee Drinks & Holiday Cocktails

What is the most popular Christmas cocktail?

While classics like Eggnog and Mulled Wine are incredibly popular, the Espresso Martini has become a modern holiday favorite. Its combination of coffee and vodka offers a sophisticated and energetic kick perfect for festive celebrations. For coffee-specific cocktails, spiked Peppermint Mochas and drinks featuring Irish cream are always a crowd-pleaser.

What are good hot coffee drinks for Christmas?

Excellent hot coffee drinks for Christmas include a classic Boozy Christmas Coffee with butterscotch and Kahlúa, a Spiked Peppermint Mocha, a Boozy Eggnog Latte with rum, and the elegant Café Amore with Cognac and Amaretto. For a non-alcoholic option, a coffee infused with a homemade spiced syrup featuring cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg is wonderfully festive.

What liqueurs go well with coffee for the holidays?

Several liqueurs pair beautifully with coffee for the holidays. Coffee liqueurs (like Kahlúa), Irish cream (like Baileys), and Amaretto are classic choices. For festive flavors, try peppermint schnapps, creme de menthe, butterscotch schnapps, or a quality chocolate liqueur. Spirits like whiskey, rum, and Cognac also add warmth and complexity.

Final Thoughts

This holiday season, transform your home into the coziest café with these simple and delicious Christmas coffee drinks. Each recipe is more than just a beverage; it’s a chance to create a warm memory with friends and family. From the chic Gingerbread Espresso Martini to the comforting Boozy Eggnog Latte, there’s a perfect cup waiting to make your holidays merry and bright.

Which one are you most excited to try first? Let us know in the comments below