My Top 14 Favorite Christmas Whiskey Cocktails

Christmas is nearly here!

Therefore, I tend to have a good whiskey cocktail before or after a family dinner or also by the fire with my friends – the right Christmas whiskey cocktail really raises the experience. And whether you prefer a spicy kick or something easy-drinking, here are my favorite Christmas whiskey cocktails recipes to help you impress your guests, make your Christmas-time merry and delicious.

Let’s get to work and make these festive season boozy cocktails.

The 14 Best Christmas whiskey cocktails

1. Hot Toddy

There are few things that I like more after a chilly day than to warm up with a luscious hot drink. My favorite one is some hot water with a dash of honey, a squeeze of lemon juice and a shot of whiskey.

There is something soothing about the mixture of hot water and these four basic ingredients. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup hot water
• 1 1/2 oz whiskey
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 lemon slice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2-3 whole cloves (optional)

 Instructions

1. Boil water and let it sit for a moment to cool slightly.

2. In a mug, combine the whiskey, honey, and lemon juice.

3. Pour the boiling water into the mug and stir until the honey has completely dissolved.

4. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick.

5. For an optional touch, stud the lemon slice with 2-3 whole cloves.

6. Serve hot and enjoy!

2. Whiskey Sour

I believe the alchemy of it lies in its minimalism and the caliber of its ingredients. Whisky, lemon juice, some simple syrup, and a stir.

A splash of bitters if feeling frisky.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon whiskey
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Ice
• Maraschino cherry (for garnish)
• Lemon peel (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Combine the bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker.

2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 15 seconds.

3. Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.

4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a twist of lemon peel.

5. Serve immediately and enjoy your Whiskey Sour!

3. Old Fashioned Christmas

 I try to make my favorite Old Fashioned version with lots of brown sugar, orange bitters and a twist of orange zest so I get that wonderful old-fashioned Christmas aroma and flavor.

This drink sparkles with the joy and warmth of yesteryear every time I pour it.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube
• 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1 small splash of water or club soda
• Orange peel (for garnish)
• Maraschino cherry (for garnish)
• 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

1. Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass.

2. Soak the sugar cube in bitters and then douse with a splash of water or club soda.

3. Muddle the sugar cube with a muddler until dissolved, leaving a sugar syrup in the bottom of your glass.

4. Top with ice cube (large or a few small ones) and whiskey.

5. Stir gently to combine the flavors.

6. Garnish with an orange peel, a maraschino cherry, and a cinnamon stick.

4. Ginger Whiskey Flip

I think a Ginger Whiskey Flip might be a good cocktail to try. The richness of the whiskey, coupled with a ginger kick is pretty delightful.

I sometimes use fresh ginger, smooth whiskey (the lighter and smoother the better), and a little simple syrup to add balance. I like the creaminess that sometimes comes from whole eggs, too.

It’s a winning combination.

 Ingredients

2 oz whiskey
1 oz ginger liqueur
1 oz simple syrup
1 whole egg
Freshly grated nutmeg (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Shake vigorously in an ice-filled cocktail shaker with whiskey, ginger liqueur, simple syrup and a whole egg.

2. Shake (without ice) vigorously for about 15 seconds to thoroughly emulsify the egg.

3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled, about 30 seconds.

4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.

5. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg on top.

6. Serve immediately and enjoy your Ginger Whiskey Flip!

5. Maple Whiskey Sour

I love nothing more than a cocktail that amalgamates the smoky, rich notes of whiskey with the sweet, complex taste of maple syrup. If I’m feeling particularly experimental, I’ll add a squeeze of lemon for brightness, then a dash of aromatic bitters for added depth.

Ingredients

• 2 oz whiskey
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.75 oz maple syrup
• Ice cubes
• Lemon twist or slice, for garnish
• Maraschino cherry, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and maple syrup in a cocktail shaker.

2. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously until well chilled.

3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.

4. Garnish with a lemon twist or slice.

5. Optionally, add a Maraschino cherry for a festive touch.

6. Serve immediately and enjoy your Maple Whiskey Sour.

6. Spiced Apple Whiskey

I am a fan of standout flavors, so I like to pair cinnamon sticks and a splash of vanilla. My favorite is also a refreshing bite of fresh apple and a cap’ful of nutmeg.

It’s a drink that feels like a toast to celebrations and fun – rich and spicy, sweet and savory all at once.

Ingredients

• 2 oz whiskey (preferably bourbon)
• 4 oz apple cider
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz maple syrup
• 1 dash ground cinnamon
• 1 dash ground nutmeg
• Cinnamon stick for garnish
• Apple slice for garnish

Instructions

1. Shake together the whiskey, apple cider, lemon juice, and maple syrup in a cocktail shaker.

2. Season to taste with a pinch of ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground nutmeg.

3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until the mixture is chilled.

4. Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice.

5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an apple slice before serving.

6. Enjoy your festive Spiced Apple Whiskey!

7. Whiskey Eggnog

Now that the holiday season is just around the corner, I can’t wait for those long, cold nights by the fire with a nice steaming hot drink in my hand. I have a couple favorites, but the best is definitely the classic Whiskey Eggnog.

The reason it really stands out is because it combines the comforting heat of whiskey with the creamy goodness of eggnog. You can really feel the season with its flavorsome ingredients of nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla.

 Ingredients

4 large eggs, separated
3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
1/2 cup dark rum
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a bowl mix the egg yolks with a fork until the egg yolks lighten in color.

2. Add 1/2 cup of sugar bit by bit and whisk to combine fully.

2. Meanwhile, heat the milk, heavy cream and nutmeg in a saucepan until it comes just to a boil. Remove from heat and slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks while continuously whisking the eggs.

3. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat to 160°F and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the whiskey, rum and vanilla. Chill well, at least 2 hours.

4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks. Add the remaining quarter cup of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks.

5. Whisk the chilled eggnog base into the beaten egg whites until combined.

6. Pour into serving glasses, garnish with ground cinnamon, and enjoy!

8. Cranberry Whiskey Smash

Cranberry Whiskey Smash is the cocktail that springs to mind whenever I think of a fireside evening. The fresh cranberries’ tartness pairs fantastically with whiskey.

The cocktail can be made with muddled cranberries, small splash of orange juice, a couple shakes of maple syrup, and garnished with a sprig of rosemary. Pure happiness.

 Ingredients

• 2 oz whiskey
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• Handful of fresh cranberries
• Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish)
• Ice cubes

 Instructions

1. Muddle a handful of fresh cranberries at the bottom of a cocktail shaker.

2. Add whiskey, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice to the shaker.

3. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake well until chilled.

4. Strain the mixture into an ice-filled glass.

5. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and additional fresh cranberries, if desired.

6. Serve immediately and enjoy your Cranberry Whiskey Smash!

9. Whiskey Gingerbread Fizz

I love a ‘seasonal’ cocktail, the festive cheer of a little something boozy to add to the ambience of the holiday season. My favorite is the drink I’ve just come up with: whiskey, gingerbread with some water and fizz.

For me, the luxurious feel of the whiskey, the bite of gingerbread syrup, and a splash of soda water is the ultimate seasonal drink. I finish with a shard of cinnamon and a twist of orange peel to round out the fragrance.

 Ingredients

2 oz whiskey
1 oz gingerbread syrup
1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 dashes of ginger bitters
Soda water
Ice
Lemon twist or candied ginger (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a shaker, combine whiskey, gingerbread syrup, lemon juice, and ginger bitters.

2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.

3. Fill a highball glass with ice and strain the mixture into the glass.

4. Top with soda water and stir gently to combine.

5. Garnish with a lemon twist or candied ginger. Serve immediately and enjoy!

10. Holiday Manhattan

When I imagine holiday cocktails for myself, I tend towards the whimsical, the seasonal, the non-threatening: bourbon or rye whiskey mixed with cranberry syrup, maybe a little orange zest, a dash of Angostura bitters and a splash of sweet vermouth, served up at the cocktail hour that morphs organically into dinner!

Ingredients

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1/2 oz cranberry juice
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Ice cubes
• Orange peel twist for garnish
• Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)

 Instructions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.

2. Add rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, cranberry juice, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters to the glass.

3. Stir the mixture thoroughly for about 30 seconds.

4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini or cocktail glass.

5. Garnish with an orange peel twist and a few fresh cranberries, if desired.

6. Serve immediately and enjoy your Holiday Manhattan.

11. Cinnamon Whiskey Punch

When I make this grand punch, which is often, I like to use spices and bright citrus flavors. I especially enjoy adding fresh apple cider that makes it crisp and fall-like.

Mine wouldn’t be the same without a little maple syrup sweetness. And the cinnamon sticks and clove really take it to the next level.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle cinnamon whiskey
• 4 cups apple cider
• 2 cups ginger beer
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• Cinnamon sticks, for garnish
• Apple slices, for garnish
• Orange slices, for garnish

Instructions

1. Add to a large punch bowl: cinnamon whiskey, apple cider, ginger beer, orange juice and lemon juice.

2. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

3. Store in the refrigerator for an hour or more to let the flavors blend.

4. Before serving, give the punch one more stir.

5. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, apple slices, and orange slices.

6. Serve over ice and enjoy!

12. Irish Coffee

My version of the classic Irish Coffee begins with a suitable coffee base: I love it rich and hot, brewed fresh. After that, I go for an Irish whiskey for that characteristic bite.

I like just a touch of brown sugar for sweetness, and of course the clincher: that layer of softly whipped cream. So good!

I love making this beautiful, warming and utterly delicious drink on a cold evening.

Ingredients

• 1 cup hot brewed coffee
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 1/2 ounces Irish whiskey
• Freshly whipped cream
• Optional: grated chocolate or nutmeg for garnish

Instructions

1. Brew a cup of hot coffee using your preferred method.

2. Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar in hot coffee and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Pour 1 1/2 ounces of Irish whiskey into the sweetened coffee and stir.

4. Pour on cloudlike whipped cream by drizzling it over the back of a warm spoon.

5. Optionally, garnish with a light dusting of grated chocolate or nutmeg.

6. Serve immediately and enjoy while warm.

13. Winter Whiskey Mule

I like to huddle with a Winter Whiskey Mule whenever the temperature drops below freezing.

Rich bourbon, zingy ginger beer, a little lime. And if I’m feeling festive – and every drink of mine is festive – then a sprinkle of cinnamon or a sprig of rosemary.

Ingredients

• 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye)
• 3 oz ginger beer
• 0.5 oz cranberry juice
• 0.5 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• Cranberries (optional, for garnish)
• Lime wheel or lime wedge (for garnish)
• Mint sprig (for garnish)
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Fill a mule mug or a highball glass with ice cubes.

2. Pour the whiskey, cranberry juice, and lime juice over the ice.

3. Top off with ginger beer and gently stir to combine.

4. Garnish with lime wheel (or wedge), cranberries and a sprig of mint.

5. Serve immediately and enjoy your festive Winter Whiskey Mule!

14. Peppermint Whiskey Martini

I love making drink recipes and one, I can tell you I love, is the Peppermint Whiskey Martini.

This one is a bold combination of fresh peppermint and smooth whiskey. Take fine whiskey and a hit of peppermint schnapps.

Mix with a splash of cream and garnish with a handful of crushed candy canes and you have a perfect festive cocktail for evenings by the front of the fireplace.

Ingredients

• 2 oz whiskey
• 1 oz peppermint schnapps
• 1 oz white crème de cacao
• 1 oz heavy cream
• Candy cane or peppermint stick (for garnish)
• Crushed candy canes (for rimming the glass)
• Ice cubes

 Instructions

1. Crush a few candy canes and place in a small plate. Dip the rim of a martini glass into some water and then into the crushed candy canes to coat.

2. Pour the whiskey, peppermint schnapps, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream into a cocktail shaker.

3. Add plenty of low cubes to the shaker, and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds until frozen.

4. Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.

5. Garnish with a whole candy cane or peppermint stick.

6. Serve immediately and enjoy your festive creation!