11 Warm Christmas Beverages For Your Coziest Holiday 2025

When the air turns crisp and festive lights begin to sparkle, do you find yourself searching for that perfect, soul-warming drink to capture the magic of the season? It’s easy to fall back on the same old cup of hot cocoa, but the holidays call for something a little more special, a beverage that feels like a cozy blanket and a joyful celebration all in one.

You might be looking to host a memorable holiday party, wanting to offer guests more than just standard coffee or tea. Or perhaps you’re simply craving a comforting companion for a quiet winter night by the fire. The challenge is finding recipes that are both delicious and festive, with options to please everyone, from the kids to the adults who might enjoy a little boozy cheer. The search for diverse, easy-to-follow recipes for both classic and unique warm Christmas beverages can feel overwhelming when you just want to relax and enjoy the moment.

The best warm Christmas drinks blend festive spices with comforting warmth, creating a perfect holiday atmosphere. Popular choices range from classic alcoholic options like rich Mulled Wine and creamy Eggnog to family-friendly, non-alcoholic drinks such as spiced apple cider. This curated list offers a variety of recipes to ensure you have the perfect cozy beverage for any holiday occasion.

Feeling the Holiday Chill and Craving Something Cozy?

The universal desire for comfort during the holidays is best satisfied with a warm, festive beverage that creates a cozy and celebratory atmosphere. As the temperature drops, nothing quite compares to wrapping your hands around a steaming mug filled with the scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and citrus. These drinks are more than just a way to warm up; they are a tradition, a social centerpiece, and an essential part of the holiday experience. From boozy hot Christmas cocktails to delightful non-alcoholic options, there’s a perfect recipe to make any winter night feel special.

As a passionate home entertainer who lives for the holiday season, I’ve spent years perfecting and collecting the coziest warm beverage recipes that are guaranteed to make any gathering feel festive. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or enjoying a quiet evening, these drinks are designed to bring warmth and joy. We’ll explore a curated selection of both classic Christmas traditions and unique new flavors, ensuring you find the perfect sip for your celebration.

11 Warm Christmas Beverages For Your Coziest Holiday 2025

This list of 11 warm Christmas drinks offers a diverse selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic recipes to suit any holiday occasion. Each recipe has been carefully selected and tested to ensure it’s not only delicious but also easy to follow, bringing the best of holiday traditions and new flavors right to your kitchen. We’ve included everything from timeless classics like Eggnog and Hot Buttered Rum to unique concoctions like Spiced Almond Pear Cider. You’ll find boozy cocktails perfect for adult gatherings and delightful mocktails the whole family can enjoy, ensuring there’s a perfect warm drink for every festive moment this season.

1. Classic Eggnog

Pin this traditional Christmas recipe for your next holiday party!

Making authentic, homemade eggnog yields a rich, creamy, custard-like beverage that is far superior to store-bought versions. This traditional Christmas drink, often enhanced with dark rum, bourbon, or whiskey, is a holiday staple loved for its decadent texture and warm spice notes of nutmeg and cinnamon.

• Ingredients:
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • Pinch of cloves
  • Pinch of cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup dark rum, bourbon, or whiskey (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until they become pale and creamy.
  2. Combine the milk, heavy cream, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
  3. Temper the eggs by slowly pouring about a cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
  4. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk.
  5. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. It is crucial not to let it boil.
  6. Remove from the heat and stir in your choice of alcohol. A good quality dark rum adds fantastic depth.
  7. Strain the eggnog through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher or bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until it’s completely chilled.
  8. Serve cold, garnished with a fresh sprinkle of grated nutmeg.

Pro-Tip: For an extra frothy and light eggnog, beat the egg whites separately until stiff peaks form and gently fold them into the chilled eggnog base just before serving.

2. Hot Buttered Rum

Save this soul-warming recipe for a chilly winter night!

This classic winter cocktail is an easy and delicious recipe featuring a rich, spiced butter batter mixed with dark rum and hot water. Known for its comforting and warming properties, Hot Buttered Rum is the perfect nightcap for a cold evening, blending the sweetness of brown sugar with the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

• Ingredients:
  • For the batter: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened), 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, pinch of salt.
  • For each drink: 2 oz dark rum, 6 oz boiling water.
• Instructions:
  1. First, prepare the spiced butter batter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Beat with a mixer until it is well combined and fluffy. You can make this batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
  2. To assemble a drink, add 2 tablespoons of the spiced butter batter to a warm mug.
  3. Pour in the dark rum. Using a quality spiced or dark rum will really enhance the flavor.
  4. Top with boiling water and stir continuously until the batter is completely dissolved and the drink is creamy.
  5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an extra sprinkle of nutmeg for a festive touch.

Lesson Learned: Don’t just drop a cold pat of butter in the drink, as this can create an unappealing oil slick on the surface. Taking the time to make a pre-creamed batter is the secret to a smooth, well-incorporated, and delicious Hot Buttered Rum.

3. Swedish Glogg (Mulled Wine)

Bring a taste of Scandinavia to your holidays! Pin this recipe now.

Swedish Glogg is a unique Scandinavian mulled wine distinguished by the addition of spirits like aquavit or rum and served with raisins and almonds. This festive Christmas drink is simmered with a fragrant blend of spices like cardamom, cloves, and ginger, creating a deeply aromatic and flavorful beverage that is both a drink and a snack.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine
  • 1/2 cup aquavit or dark rum
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 orange, peel and juice
  • 10 whole cloves
  • 8 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
  • For garnish: raisins, slivered almonds, dried cherries
• Instructions:
  1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the red wine, brown sugar, orange peel, orange juice, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon sticks, and sliced ginger.
  2. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves. Allow it to simmer gently for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to infuse. Be careful not to let it boil.
  3. Using a spice bag or cheesecloth for the whole spices can make the straining process much easier.
  4. Strain the glogg to remove all the spices and peels for a smooth drink.
  5. Just before serving, stir in the aquavit or rum.
  6. Ladle the warm glogg into mugs and add a spoonful of raisins, slivered almonds, and dried cherries to each cup.

Pro-Tip: For the most robust flavor, make the glogg base a day ahead of time and allow the spices to infuse in the wine overnight in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it and add the aquavit or rum just before your guests arrive.

4. Wassail

Share this taste of history with your loved ones! Save the recipe.

Wassail is a traditional hot mulled cider, rich in history and flavor, with versatile options for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions. This Christmas punch recipe blends apple cider with orange and lemon juices, all simmered with classic holiday spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. It’s often described as tasting like a warm slice of apple pie in a mug.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 gallon apple cider
  • 2 cups orange juice
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 8 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tbsp whole cloves
  • 1 whole apple
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • Spiced rum (optional, to taste)
• Instructions:
  1. Pour the apple cider, orange juice, and lemon juice into a large stockpot or slow cooker.
  2. Stud the whole apple with some of the whole cloves and place it in the pot to float.
  3. Add the cinnamon sticks and the rest of the cloves to the liquid. Using pre-packaged wassail mulling spices can be a great time-saver.
  4. Stir in the ground ginger and nutmeg until well combined.
  5. On the stovetop, bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it steep for at least 1-2 hours. If you’re using a slow cooker, cook on low for 3-4 hours to let the flavors meld.
  6. Before serving, remove the whole spices and the apple.
  7. Ladle the hot wassail into mugs. For an alcoholic version, add a shot of spiced rum to each individual mug.

Pro-Tip: For the best and most authentic flavor, use a good quality, unfiltered apple cider as the base. The cloudier, the better, as it provides more depth and body than clear apple juice.

5. Mulled Wine

The ultimate Christmas classic! Pin this easy mulled wine recipe.

This simple, classic recipe for mulled wine transforms a bottle of red wine into a warm, aromatic, and festive holiday beverage. By gently simmering fruity red wine with honey, orange, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, you can easily create this beloved Christmas drink, also known as Glühwein, right in your own home.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 bottle (750ml) of red wine (like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 1/4 cup honey or sugar
  • 4-5 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 orange, zested and juiced
  • 8 whole cloves
  • 3-4 star anise
• Instructions:
  1. Combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan or a slow cooker.
  2. Gently heat over medium-low heat until the mixture is warm. It’s very important that you do not let it boil, as this will cook off the alcohol.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and allow the wine to simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour, to let the flavors fully meld together.
  4. Using a pre-made mulling spice bag is a convenient way to contain the spices for easy removal before serving.
  5. Strain out the spices and orange zest, and serve the mulled wine warm in mugs.
  6. Garnish each mug with a fresh slice of orange and a cinnamon stick for a beautiful presentation.

Lesson Learned: You don’t need to use an expensive bottle of wine for this recipe. A good, fruit-forward, and inexpensive red wine works perfectly, as the spices and orange will become the dominant, most delicious flavors.

6. Hot Apple Cider (Spiked or Non-Alcoholic)

A perfect drink for the whole family! Save this crowd-pleasing recipe.

This versatile hot apple cider recipe is a crowd-pleasing holiday staple that can be easily served either non-alcoholic or spiked for adults. Simmered with brown sugar and cinnamon sticks, this simple drink is the essence of cozy. For those wanting an extra kick, a shot of cinnamon whiskey or dark rum transforms it into a festive cocktail.

• Ingredients:
  • 1/2 gallon apple cider
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 6-8 cinnamon sticks
  • Optional for spiking: Cinnamon whiskey or dark rum
• Instructions:
  1. Pour the apple cider into a large pot or a slow cooker.
  2. Stir in the packed brown sugar until it fully dissolves.
  3. Add the cinnamon sticks to the mixture.
  4. Heat over medium-low heat until hot. Keep it on a low simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the cinnamon flavor to deeply infuse the cider.
  5. Serve warm in mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick.
  6. For a spiked version, add 1.5 ounces of cinnamon whiskey or dark rum to each individual mug before pouring in the hot cider.

Pro-Tip: For parties, keep the cider warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting. Set up a “spiking station” next to it with bottles of cinnamon whiskey and dark rum so guests can customize their drinks as they please.

7. Tom & Jerry

Revive a classic Christmas cocktail! Pin this vintage recipe.

The Tom & Jerry is a classic, frothy, and warm egg-based cocktail that dates back to the 1800s. This vintage Christmas drink is made from a rich, spiced batter combined with dark rum, brandy, and hot water or milk, resulting in a delightfully sweet and foamy beverage perfect for sharing with loved ones.

• Ingredients:
  • For the batter: 3 eggs (separated), 1 cup raw or powdered sugar, 1 oz dark rum, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, 1/4 tsp ground allspice.
  • For each drink: 1 oz dark rum, 1 oz brandy, boiling water or hot milk.
• Instructions:
  1. First, create the essential batter. In one bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks until they are pale, then gradually beat in the sugar and spices.
  2. Gently fold the yolk mixture into the stiffly beaten egg whites until they are just combined. This thick, foamy batter is the heart of the drink.
  3. To serve, preheat a mug with boiling water, then discard the water to keep the drink warm.
  4. Add a heaping tablespoon or two of the Tom & Jerry batter to the warm mug.
  5. Pour in the dark rum and brandy.
  6. Top with boiling water or hot milk, stirring vigorously until the drink becomes wonderfully frothy.
  7. Garnish with a generous dusting of freshly grated nutmeg.

Lesson Learned: Beating the egg whites and yolks separately is the non-negotiable key to achieving the signature light, airy, and frothy texture of a proper Tom & Jerry. Do not skip this critical step!

8. Hot Toddy

The perfect winter warmer! Save this simple Hot Toddy recipe.

The Hot Toddy is a classic and easy-to-make warm cocktail known for its soothing properties, often used as a comforting remedy for winter colds. This simple recipe combines whiskey or rum with honey, fresh lemon juice, and hot water, creating a timeless beverage that is both warming and restorative.

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 oz whiskey (bourbon is a great choice), or dark rum
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 4-6 oz hot water
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 lemon wheel for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. In a warm mug, combine the whiskey (or rum), honey, and fresh lemon juice.
  2. Top with hot water and stir until the honey is completely dissolved.
  3. Add the cinnamon stick to infuse the drink with a bit of spice.
  4. Garnish with a fresh lemon wheel. For an extra touch of spice, you can stud the lemon wheel with a few whole cloves before adding it to the mug.

Pro-Tip: The quality of your spirit matters here. Using a good bourbon with distinct notes of vanilla and caramel will create a much more complex and satisfying Hot Toddy than a lower-quality whiskey.

9. Spiced Almond Pear Cider

Try a unique twist on cider! Pin this elegant recipe.

This recipe offers a unique and sophisticated warm holiday beverage that stands out from traditional apple cider. By combining pear juice with the nutty sweetness of amaretto liqueur, the richness of Cognac, and a blend of warm spices, this elegant drink provides a delightful and unexpected Christmas flavor profile that is perfect for a crowd.

• Ingredients:
  • 8 cups pear juice
  • 1 cup amaretto liqueur
  • 1/2 cup Cognac
  • 4 star anise
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tsp whole cloves
  • 1-inch gingerroot, peeled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
• Instructions:
  1. Combine all ingredients—pear juice, amaretto, Cognac, spices, and brown sugar—in a slow cooker or a large pot.
  2. The nutty, almond flavor of the amaretto liqueur is the star of this drink, beautifully complementing the pear.
  3. If you are using a slow cooker, cook on low for 3-4 hours.
  4. If you are using a pot on the stovetop, bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it steep for at least 1 hour. Do not let it boil.
  5. Strain out all the whole spices before serving.
  6. Ladle the hot cider into mugs and garnish with a fresh pear slice or a single star anise.

Pro-Tip: For the best possible flavor, use 100% pear juice, not from concentrate. The natural sweetness and delicate flavor of pure pear juice pair beautifully with the rich amaretto and cognac.

10. Hot Pumpkin Pie

Your favorite dessert in a mug! Save this boozy pumpkin spice recipe.

For those who adore pumpkin spice, this recipe creates a warm, creamy, and alcoholic drink that tastes just like a slice of pumpkin pie. This festive beverage combines pumpkin puree and holiday spices with the smooth, creamy liqueur RumChata for a decadent treat that is perfect for a chilly Christmas evening.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 4 oz RumChata
  • Whipped cream and grated nutmeg for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. In a saucepan, whisk together the whole milk, pumpkin puree, light brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice.
  2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until it is hot and all the ingredients are well combined. Do not let it boil.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the RumChata. The creamy, spiced flavor of RumChata is the perfect complement to the pumpkin.
  4. Pour the mixture into two mugs.
  5. Top with a generous amount of whipped cream and finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg.

Pro-Tip: Make sure you are using 100% pure pumpkin puree for this recipe, not canned pumpkin pie filling. The pie filling is already sweetened and spiced, which will throw off the recipe’s delicate balance of flavors.

11. Hot Cranberry Apple Cider Mocktail

A festive drink everyone can enjoy! Pin this easy mocktail recipe.

This Hot Cranberry Apple Cider Mocktail is a delicious and festive non-alcoholic warm beverage that is suitable for all ages and perfect for a crowd. Combining the sweetness of apple cider with the tartness of cranberry juice and a hint of spice from cinnamon and cloves, this easy recipe is a guaranteed hit at any holiday gathering.

• Ingredients:
  • 6 cups apple cider
  • 4 cups 100% cranberry juice (not cocktail)
  • 1 tsp whole cloves
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 orange, sliced, for garnish
  • Fresh cranberries for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Combine the apple cider, cranberry juice, whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks in a large pot or a slow cooker.
  2. Making this drink in a slow cooker is perfect for parties, as it keeps the mocktail warm for hours without taking up valuable stove space.
  3. Heat on medium-low on the stovetop or on low in the slow cooker for at least one hour to allow the spices to fully infuse the juice.
  4. Make sure not to let the mixture boil.
  5. Strain out the whole cloves before serving.
  6. Ladle the hot mocktail into mugs and garnish with a fresh orange slice and a few floating fresh cranberries for a beautiful, festive look.

Pro-Tip: Use 100% pure cranberry juice instead of a cranberry cocktail blend. The pure juice provides a much richer, deeper color and a genuine tartness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the apple cider.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Warm Christmas Beverages

• Embrace the Classics: Traditional drinks like Eggnog, Mulled Wine, and Wassail are holiday staples for a reason; their rich history and comforting spice profiles are always a crowd-pleaser.
• Cater to All Guests: Always plan for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. A versatile recipe like Hot Apple Cider or a dedicated mocktail ensures everyone, including kids and non-drinkers, has a festive cup to enjoy.
• Use a Slow Cooker for Parties: For large gatherings, preparing drinks like Wassail, Hot Apple Cider, or Spiced Pear Cider in a slow cooker is a game-changer. It keeps the beverage warm for hours and frees up your stovetop.
• Don’t Skimp on Garnish: Freshly grated nutmeg, a quality cinnamon stick, or a fresh slice of orange can elevate a simple drink into a special holiday treat. Presentation matters!

@join_jules

Cocktail 10 of the 25 cocktails of Christmas & this is perfect to warm up any cold day, Hot Cider Toddy I’m using my Apple cider that we made but you can also omit or add a little cranberry juice or truly any winter favorite! Here’s how to make it: Start by tempering your glass with hot water, let sit for two minutes, and discard. Add in your ingredients into the glass mug: 1/2 oz honey 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice 3/4 oz fresh orange juice 2 oz bourbon 1.5 oz hot apple cider Top the rest with hot water. Stir to combine Garnish with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and/or a fresh orange slice! Xoxo, cheers! #merrychristmas #25cocktailsofchristmas #holidaydrinks #christmasdrinks #cocktailrecipes #hotcocktails #applecider #hottoddy #christmasparty #bourbon

♬ The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) – Nat King Cole Trio

People Also Ask About Warm Christmas Beverages

What is a good hot Christmas drink?

A good hot Christmas drink is one that evokes a festive feeling through warmth and spice. Classics like Mulled Wine, Hot Apple Cider, and Eggnog are extremely popular. For a non-alcoholic option, a Hot Cranberry Apple Cider Mocktail is a fantastic choice that the whole family can enjoy. The best drink often depends on personal preference for either boozy cocktails or cozy, family-friendly beverages.

What is the hot Christmas drink called?

There are many hot Christmas drinks, each with its own distinct name and tradition. “Mulled Wine” (or “Glühwein” in German-speaking countries) refers to spiced red wine. “Wassail” is a hot mulled cider, often with other fruit juices. “Eggnog” is a creamy, egg-based drink served both warm and cold. “Glogg” is the Scandinavian version of mulled wine, often fortified with spirits.

What are some good warm drinks for winter?

Beyond specifically Christmas-themed drinks, there are many excellent warm winter beverages to enjoy. A Hot Toddy, made with whiskey or rum, honey, and lemon, is a classic warmer. Hot Buttered Rum offers rich, buttery comfort. For non-alcoholic choices, spiced teas like chai, or a decadent homemade hot chocolate provide a perfectly cozy experience on a cold day.

Final Thoughts

This holiday season, let the warmth of a festive beverage be the centerpiece of your cozy gatherings. Whether you choose a timeless classic like Mulled Wine or a unique new favorite like Spiced Almond Pear Cider, the simple act of simmering spices on the stove is enough to fill your home with the scent of Christmas. We hope these 11 recipes inspire you to create warm memories with your loved ones. What’s your go-to warm drink to celebrate the holidays? Share your favorites in the comments below.

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