11 Easy Christmas Coffee Drinks Recipes For Your Coziest Holiday 2025

As the air gets a little crisper and twinkling lights begin to appear, do you find yourself craving that warm, cozy feeling that only the holiday season can bring? It’s a magical time of year, filled with traditions and joy, but sometimes the hustle and bustle can make it hard to slow down and truly savor the moment. You want to create those picture-perfect holiday memories, but you need simple, accessible ways to infuse that festive spirit into your everyday life.

You see the festive menus at your favorite coffee shops and wish you could bring that same delight home without the complexity or the cost. You’re looking for something more than just a standard cup of coffee; you want a beverage that tastes and smells like Christmas itself—a warm hug in a mug that can be the centerpiece of a quiet morning or a treat to share with loved ones. The challenge is finding recipes that are not only delicious but also easy enough for any home barista to master.

The solution is simpler than you think. The easiest way to make your coffee Christmassy is by infusing it with holiday spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. You can achieve this by adding the spices directly to your coffee grounds before brewing or by creating a simple spiced syrup to stir into your finished cup. We’ve curated a list of tested, easy-to-follow recipes that will turn your kitchen into the coziest café this side of the North Pole.

11 Easy Christmas Coffee Drinks For Your Coziest Holiday Ever

The best way to dive into the holiday spirit is with a festive coffee in hand, and this list provides 11 distinct and delicious recipes, from classic lattes to unique spiced brews. I’ve made sure to include a wonderful mix of flavors and styles to suit every craving. You’ll find everything from rich and creamy coffee shop copycats to simple, aromatic spiced coffees. Each recipe is designed with clear, step-by-step instructions, ensuring you can create a perfect, cozy coffee moment at home, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home barista. This collection features a variety of options, including: 1. Pumpkin Caramel Latte, 2. Pecan Pie Latte, 3. Apple Cinnamon Latte, 4. Toasted White Mocha, 5. Gingerbread Latte, 6. Rosemary Latte, 7. Irish Mocha, 8. Candy Cane Latte, 9. Salted Caramel Mocha, 10. Eggnog Latte, and 11. Spiced Christmas Coffee.

1. Pumpkin Caramel Latte

Save this cozy latte idea to your ‘Holiday Drinks’ board!

This recipe combines the quintessential autumn flavor of pumpkin spice with the decadent sweetness of caramel, creating the perfect transition drink from fall into the festive Christmas season. It’s a beautifully layered drink that looks as good as it tastes, and you can enjoy it either hot or cold.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 shots of espresso or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
  • 1 cup milk (or almond milk)
  • 2 tbsp pumpkin puree
  • 1 tbsp sugar (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 tbsp caramel sauce, plus more for drizzle
• Instructions:
  1. In a small saucepan, begin by creating the pumpkin sauce. Gently simmer the canned pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and strong brewed coffee (if you’re not using espresso) over medium heat. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and smooth.
  2. Take your favorite mug and drizzle a high-quality, thick caramel sauce along the inside walls for that coffee-shop look. If you’re making an iced version, this is the time to add your ice.
  3. Pour the warm pumpkin sauce into the prepared mug.
  4. Next, add your milk of choice, pouring it over the sauce.
  5. Finally, pour in the two shots of hot, freshly pulled espresso. The layers will look beautiful!
  6. Finish your creation with a generous topping of whipped cream and an extra drizzle of buttery caramel sauce.

Pro-Tip: For a richer, more complex flavor that truly stands out, I recommend using a dark roast coffee. Its robust notes provide a wonderful balance to the sweetness of the pumpkin and caramel. A caramel sauce made with brown sugar and distinct butter notes will also elevate this drink significantly.

2. Pecan Pie Latte

Pin this Southern-inspired coffee recipe for a comforting treat!

Inspired by the beloved Southern classic, this latte is the caffeinated equivalent of a warm, comforting slice of pecan pie. The homemade pecan pie syrup is the star of the show, delivering buttery, nutty, and sweet notes that blend perfectly with strong coffee and frothed milk.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup strongly brewed French Roast coffee
  • 1/2 cup milk (or almond milk), frothed
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp pecan butter
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Whipped cream and crushed pecans for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. The first step is to craft the delicious pecan pie syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, pecan butter, and sugar. It is essential to use a smooth, high-quality pecan butter to ensure your syrup has a silky, not gritty, texture. Heat gently until everything is melted and the syrup is slightly thickened.
  2. For a beautiful presentation, dip the rim of your serving mug into the warm syrup and then press it into a plate of crushed pecans.
  3. Pour 2-3 tablespoons of your freshly made pecan pie syrup into the bottom of the decorated mug.
  4. Add the hot, strongly brewed French Roast coffee and give it a good stir to combine it with the syrup.
  5. Gently top the coffee with your frothed milk.
  6. Finish with a swirl of whipped cream and a final sprinkle of crushed pecans for texture and flavor.

Lesson Learned: From my experience making this syrup, it’s crucial that you don’t let it boil. If the heat is too high, the pecan butter can separate, ruining the smooth consistency. A gentle, slow simmer is all you need to perfectly meld the ingredients together.

3. Apple Cinnamon Latte

A perfect fall-to-winter drink! Save this Apple Cinnamon Latte recipe.

For those who love the crisp, comforting flavors of autumn apples, this latte offers a warm and caffeinated twist on a classic hot toddy. The homemade apple base, simmered with whole spices, creates a fragrant and flavorful foundation for a truly unique and delicious holiday coffee.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup strongly brewed coffee
  • 1/2 cup apple juice
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 4-5 whole cloves
  • 1/2 tsp apple pie seasoning
  • 1/2 cup milk, frothed
  • Garnish: Cinnamon stick, caramel sauce
• Instructions:
  1. Start by creating the spiced apple base. In a saucepan, combine the apple juice, orange juice, sugar, aromatic whole cloves, and a pre-blended apple pie seasoning. Let this mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. Afterwards, strain it to remove the cloves.
  2. For an extra special touch, you can decorate the rim of your mug. Dip it first in caramel sauce, then into a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon powder.
  3. Pour about 1/4 cup of the warm, strained apple base into your prepared mug.
  4. Add the hot, freshly brewed coffee and stir well to combine.
  5. Gently pour in the frothed milk, holding back the foam with a spoon and then spooning it on top.
  6. Garnish your latte with a final sprinkle of cinnamon powder and a whole cinnamon stick.

Pro-Tip: I’ve found that using whole cloves and straining them out after simmering provides a much cleaner and more aromatic apple flavor. Using ground cloves, while convenient, can sometimes leave a slightly gritty texture in the final drink.

4. Toasted White Mocha

Your favorite coffee shop drink, made at home! Pin this recipe.

This indulgent and decadent drink is the perfect after-dinner treat on a cold holiday evening. It beautifully blends the rich flavors of French vanilla coffee, sweet caramel sauce, and creamy white chocolate into a luxurious mocha that feels like a special occasion in a cup.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup hot, strongly brewed French Vanilla coffee
  • 2 tbsp white baking chocolate, chopped
  • 1 tbsp caramel sauce
  • 1/2 cup milk, steamed
  • Whipped cream and white chocolate shavings for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Begin by brewing a strong, aromatic cup of French Vanilla coffee.
  2. While the coffee is still piping hot, immediately add the chopped white baking chocolate and the caramel sauce. For the best, smoothest result, I recommend using high-quality white chocolate chips that are specifically designed for baking, as they melt much more easily.
  3. Stir the mixture continuously and vigorously until the white chocolate is completely melted and the caramel sauce is fully incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy base.
  4. Gently stir in your steamed milk.
  5. Top your mocha generously with whipped cream and garnish with delicate white chocolate shavings for a truly elegant finish.

Pro-Tip: To ensure your mocha is perfectly smooth, make sure to chop the white chocolate very finely before adding it to the hot coffee. This small step helps it melt quickly and evenly, preventing any unwanted lumps in your drink.

5. Gingerbread Latte

Fill your home with the scent of Christmas! Save this Gingerbread Latte recipe.

Nothing says “Christmas” quite like the warm, spicy aroma of gingerbread. This latte smells just as incredible as it tastes, filling your home with the scents of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Making your own gingerbread syrup is simple and allows you to control the sweetness and spice level perfectly.

• Ingredients (for Syrup):
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsulphured molasses
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Ingredients (for Latte):
  • 2 shots espresso
  • 1 cup milk, steamed
  • 2 tbsp gingerbread syrup
  • Whipped cream for topping
• Instructions:
  1. Your first step is to create the heart of this recipe: the gingerbread syrup. In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, molasses, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Using a quality unsulphured molasses is absolutely key for achieving that authentic, rich gingerbread flavor.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow it to simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool completely; it will thicken as it cools. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  4. Now, assemble your latte. Add 2 tablespoons of your homemade gingerbread syrup to a large mug.
  5. Pour two shots of hot, fresh espresso directly over the syrup and stir to combine.
  6. Top with freshly steamed milk and finish with a festive swirl of whipped cream.

Lesson Learned: Be careful not to over-reduce the syrup on the stove. From personal experience, if you let it simmer for too long, it will become incredibly thick and candy-like once it cools, making it difficult to mix into your coffee. A gentle simmer is all it needs.

6. Rosemary Latte

Try something new this holiday season! Pin this unique Rosemary Latte.

This unique and sophisticated latte brings the wonderfully aromatic and savory notes of rosemary, a holiday staple, into a surprisingly delightful sweet coffee drink. The infused milk is fragrant and herbaceous, creating a complex flavor profile that is both unexpected and incredibly delicious.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup almond milk (or 2% milk)
  • 2-3 fresh rosemary sprigs
  • 1 cup strongly brewed French Roast coffee
  • 1-2 tsp monk fruit sweetener blend (or sugar)
  • Ground rosemary for garnish (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. The key to this recipe is the rosemary-infused milk. In a small saucepan, gently heat your almond milk and the fresh rosemary sprigs over low to medium heat. Let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, but be very careful not to let it come to a full boil. Using a quality barista blend almond milk is a great choice here as it will help create a better, more stable foam later on.
  2. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the rosemary to continue steeping in the warm milk for another 10 minutes to deepen the flavor. Then, remove and discard the sprigs.
  3. Brew your coffee and pour it into your favorite mug. Stir in your sweetener until it has completely dissolved.
  4. If the infused milk has cooled, reheat it gently, then use a milk frother to create a nice foam.
  5. Carefully pour the frothed rosemary milk over your sweetened coffee.
  6. For a final aromatic touch, garnish with a tiny pinch of finely ground rosemary.

Pro-Tip: To get the most flavor out of your herbs, gently bruise the rosemary sprigs with the back of a spoon before adding them to the milk. This helps to release more of their fragrant essential oils, resulting in a more aromatic and flavorful latte.

7. Irish Mocha

A perfect boozy treat for a cold night. Save this Irish Mocha recipe!

For the adults in the room, this silky, boozy, and deeply chocolatey treat is the perfect way to warm up. This recipe combines rich espresso with chocolate sauce and Irish cream flavor for an indulgent experience. It’s easily made non-alcoholic by using a flavored syrup, or you can add a shot of real whiskey for an extra kick.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup strong coffee
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp chocolate sauce
  • 2 tbsp Irish cream syrup
  • Optional: 1 shot of Irish whiskey
  • Thin layer of foamed milk for topping
• Instructions:
  1. Start by pulling two fresh shots of espresso and pouring them into your serving mug or glass.
  2. In a milk steaming pitcher, combine the milk, chocolate sauce, and a good non-alcoholic Irish cream syrup. The benefit of using a syrup is that it provides that classic, creamy flavor without the alcohol, making this a versatile recipe for everyone.
  3. Steam the milk mixture until it’s hot, creamy, and well-combined.
  4. If you’re making the boozy version, now is the time to add your shot of Irish whiskey to the espresso and give it a stir.
  5. Pour the hot, steamed chocolate-Irish cream milk mixture over the espresso.
  6. To finish, spoon a thin layer of plain foamed milk gracefully on top.

Pro-Tip: For the most delicious and well-balanced flavor, I always recommend using a dark chocolate sauce. The slight bitterness from the dark chocolate provides a beautiful contrast to the sweet and creamy notes of the Irish cream flavor.

8. Candy Cane Latte

The taste of Christmas in a mug! Pin this Candy Cane Latte.

This delightful and cheerful Christmas drink brings the iconic festive flavor of candy canes right into your coffee mug. The combination of chocolate and peppermint is a holiday classic, and this simple recipe is a fun and easy way to enjoy it on a chilly winter morning.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup hot brewed coffee
  • 1/4 cup half & half (or milk), warmed
  • 1 tbsp chocolate syrup
  • 1/4 tsp pure peppermint extract
  • Optional: 1 tsp cherry juice for color/flavor
  • Whipped cream and a candy cane for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Brew a fresh, hot cup of your favorite coffee.
  2. In your serving mug, combine the hot coffee with the warmed half & half and the chocolate syrup.
  3. For a hint of fruity flavor and a lovely pinkish hue, stir in the optional cherry juice.
  4. Now, add the peppermint flavor. Be careful here, as a high-quality pure peppermint extract is very potent. I strongly recommend starting with just 1/4 teaspoon; you can always add another drop if you want it mintier.
  5. Stir everything together until it is thoroughly combined.
  6. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream, sprinkle with crushed candy cane pieces, and hang a whole candy cane on the rim of the mug for the perfect festive garnish.

Lesson Learned: It’s important to know that peppermint extract is much, much stronger than peppermint-flavored syrup. If you only have syrup on hand, you’ll need to use a significantly larger amount (likely around 2 tablespoons) and you may want to reduce or omit any other sugar in the recipe to avoid making it overly sweet.

9. Salted Caramel Mocha

Satisfy your sweet and salty craving! Save this mocha recipe.

Combining the rich sweetness of a classic mocha with a delightful salty kick from caramel, this drink is perfect for satisfying a serious sweet tooth. It’s a popular Starbucks copycat that is surprisingly easy to make at home, giving you that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and chocolatey goodness.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup hot strong coffee
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp caramel sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar (or to taste)
  • Pinch of coarse sea salt
  • Whipped cream for topping
• Instructions:
  1. Brew a cup of strong coffee and pour it into your mug.
  2. Add the caramel sauce, unsweetened cocoa powder, and sugar directly to the hot coffee. Stir well until all the ingredients have completely dissolved into a smooth, chocolatey base.
  3. In a separate container, gently heat and froth your milk until you have a nice, creamy foam.
  4. Pour the frothed milk into the coffee and chocolate mixture.
  5. Top with a generous amount of whipped cream, drizzle with even more caramel sauce, and finish with a small pinch of a flaky, coarse sea salt. For this drink, the crunchy texture of the salt is just as important as the salty flavor.

Pro-Tip: To avoid lumps of cocoa powder in your drink, I recommend a simple trick: mix the cocoa powder with just a tablespoon of the hot coffee first. Stir this into a smooth, thick paste before adding the rest of the coffee. This ensures a perfectly smooth mocha every time.

10. Eggnog Latte

The ultimate Christmas classic. Pin this Eggnog Latte recipe!

As one of the most iconic flavors of the season, the Eggnog Latte is a rich, luxurious, and quintessential Christmas coffee. This sweet, creamy, and warmly spiced drink is a holiday favorite for a reason, and it’s incredibly simple to make a coffee-shop-quality version in your own kitchen.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 shots espresso
  • 1/2 cup eggnog
  • 1/2 cup milk (optional, for a lighter latte)
  • Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Pull two shots of fresh, hot espresso and pour them into the bottom of your mug.
  2. In your milk steaming pitcher, combine the eggnog and milk (if you’re using it). Using a good quality, full-fat eggnog is crucial here, as it will give you the richest flavor and the creamiest, most luxurious texture.
  3. Steam the eggnog mixture until it’s hot and has a nice, frothy foam. Be very careful not to overheat it; eggnog has a tendency to curdle more easily than plain milk due to the eggs in it.
  4. Pour the beautifully steamed eggnog into the mug over the espresso shots.
  5. Spoon any remaining foam on top and finish with a generous grating of fresh nutmeg for that classic, aromatic touch.

Lesson Learned: Through trial and error, I’ve discovered that steaming pure eggnog can often result in a drink that is a bit too thick and heavy. I find that cutting the eggnog with about 25-50% milk creates a much better latte consistency that is easier to pour and not overwhelmingly rich.

11. Spiced Christmas Coffee

Make your whole house smell like the holidays! Save this simple recipe.

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the most effective. This cozy coffee fills your entire home with the unmistakable aroma of the holidays before you even take a sip. By adding a blend of classic Christmas spices directly to your coffee grounds, you infuse every drop with festive flavor.

• Ingredients (for a full pot):
  • 1/2 cup dark roast ground coffee
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/8 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional)
  • Water for brewing
• Instructions:
  1. In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground allspice. Using a quality pre-ground dark roast coffee is a great choice as its robust flavor profile provides a strong, sturdy base for the spices.
  2. Add this fragrant spice mixture and the optional powdered sugar directly to your regular coffee grounds in the filter basket of your drip coffee maker or in your French press.
  3. Brew the coffee just as you normally would. As the hot water passes through the grounds, it will extract the aromatic oils from the spices along with the coffee, infusing the entire pot with wonderful holiday flavor.
  4. Serve it black to fully appreciate the spice notes, or add your favorite cream and sugar. It’s also exceptionally delicious when topped with whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Pro-Tip: For an even fresher and more vibrant flavor, I highly recommend using whole spices and grinding them yourself right before you mix them with the coffee grounds. This simple step releases the most aromatic and potent oils, making a noticeable difference in the final cup.

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

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Christmas Coffee Drinks Recipes

To get started on your festive coffee journey, remember these key strategies for success. This quick guide highlights the most important tips from our recipes.
* Embrace Holiday Spices: The absolute easiest way to create a Christmas feel in your coffee is by using spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. You can add them directly to your coffee grounds before brewing or create a simple spiced syrup.
* Master the Syrup: A simple homemade syrup, like the ones in our gingerbread or pecan pie recipes, can instantly elevate a basic latte into a gourmet holiday treat. Plus, you can make a batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge for quick and easy use.
* Don’t Forget the Garnish: Toppings are essential for that true coffee-shop-quality experience. Whipped cream, a rich caramel drizzle, festive crushed candy canes, or a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg provide the perfect finishing touch for both visual appeal and flavor.
* Copycats are Easy: You don’t need to leave the house to enjoy your favorite holiday drinks. Recreating popular Starbucks recipes like the Salted Caramel Mocha or the Gingerbread Latte is surprisingly simple with the right ingredients and our easy-to-follow techniques.
* Hot or Cold: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Many of these delicious recipes, such as the Pumpkin Caramel Latte and the Spiced Christmas Coffee, can be easily adapted into an iced version. Just let the coffee cool down before pouring it over a glass full of ice.

People Also Ask About Christmas Coffee Drinks Recipes

Here are answers to some of the most common questions people have about making festive holiday coffee at home.

What is the most popular Christmas drink?

While Eggnog is a classic and widely considered the most popular traditional Christmas drink, in the world of coffee, the Gingerbread Latte and Peppermint Mocha consistently rank as top favorites. These iconic flavors are heavily marketed by major coffee chains each year and have become synonymous with the holiday season for coffee lovers everywhere.

How do I make my coffee Christmassy?

You can easily make your coffee Christmassy by infusing it with holiday spices. A simple method is to mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves directly into your coffee grounds before you start brewing. Alternatively, for a finished cup, you can add a splash of peppermint extract, a pump of gingerbread syrup, or even some rich eggnog for an instant festive transformation.

What are the top 10 coffee drinks?

While personal tastes can certainly vary, the top 10 most popular coffee drinks generally include the Latte, Cappuccino, Americano, Espresso, Mocha, and Macchiato, along with classic Brewed Coffee. Seasonal favorites that often make the list during the holidays are the incredibly popular Pumpkin Spice Latte, Peppermint Mocha, and the classic Eggnog Latte.

How to make Santa’s White Christmas coffee?

Santa’s White Christmas is a popular flavored coffee that is known for its notes of coconut, caramel, and vanilla. To make a similar drink at home, you should brew a medium-roast coffee and add a splash of coconut syrup, caramel syrup, and a dash of vanilla extract. Finish it by topping with your favorite milk or cream to create that signature creamy, sweet, and wonderfully festive flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Creating a cozy and memorable holiday atmosphere doesn’t require elaborate plans or expensive outings. As we’ve seen, it can be as simple and comforting as brewing a special cup of coffee right in your own kitchen. Each of these 11 recipes offers a unique way to savor the flavors of the season and bring a little bit of that Christmas magic into your daily routine. So go ahead, pick a favorite, and treat yourself to a delicious moment of holiday cheer.

Which of these festive coffee drinks are you most excited to try first? Let me know in the comments below

Last update on 2025-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API