Christmas is the season for celebration, and nothing sets the mood quite like a well-chosen cocktail. Whether you’re hosting Christmas lunch, throwing a festive party or just want to impress your guests with a perfectly poured pre-dinner drink, serving the right cocktails can transform your gathering into something truly memorable.
From timeless classics to seasonal twists, here’s our guide to the best cocktails to serve at Christmas. All easy to enjoy, beautifully balanced, and guaranteed to please a crowd.
1. The Classic Old Fashioned
Rich, warming and endlessly sophisticated, the Old Fashioned is a go-to cocktail for cosy winter nights. With notes of bourbon, orange and a touch of sugar, it’s a smooth-sipping favourite that feels right at home next to the Christmas tree.
Perfect serve: Pour over ice with a twist of orange peel. Want to go next-level? Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a festive flourish.
Try this: The Old Fashioned Collection - four takes on the classic, including Salted Maple and PB&J.
2. Margarita with a Winter Twist
You might think of Margaritas as a summer drink, but citrus-based cocktails work beautifully in winter too, especially when they’re perfectly balanced and ready to serve. It’s a bright, palate-cleansing option that cuts through rich festive food.
Perfect serve: Serve cold with a salted rim and a dried lime wheel. Add a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic touch.
Try this: Kocktail Margarita - zesty, complex and effortlessly refreshing.
3. Espresso Martini
An indulgent after-dinner drink that doubles as dessert. Bold coffee flavour meets vodka and a touch of sweetness, making it the perfect pick-me-up as the evening draws in. This is the one your guests will remember.
Perfect serve: Shake with ice and pour into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with coffee beans or a dusting of cocoa.
Try this: Single Espresso Martini Gift Box - ideal for serving or gifting.
4. Passionfruit Martini
Fun, fruity and always a favourite, the Passionfruit Martini (sometimes known as a Pornstar Martini) adds a splash of colour to any Christmas party. It’s vibrant, smooth and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Perfect serve: Shake with ice and pour into a coupe and serve with half a passionfruit for garnish. For extra sparkle, add a prosecco chaser on the side.
Try this: Passionfruit Martini – bar-quality and ready to pour.
5. Amaretto Sour
This one tastes like Christmas in a glass. Think marzipan, citrus and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s approachable, elegant and pairs well with everything from canapés to Christmas pudding.
Perfect serve: Shake with ice and strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with a cherry and orange slice.
Try this: Amaretto Sour - expertly balanced and unmistakably festive.
How to Serve Cocktails at Christmas Without the Stress
Hosting doesn’t have to mean playing bartender all day. With pre-batched cocktails, you can skip the mess and focus on spending time with your guests. Just shake, pour and garnish... no mixing, no juicing, no stress.
Top tip: Set up a self-serve cocktail station with a few different Kocktail bottles, glassware, and garnishes. Let guests help themselves and try something new.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a conversation starter, a warming winter sipper or a cocktail that doubles as dessert, the right serve can take your Christmas gathering to the next level. With expertly made, ready-to-pour cocktails, it’s easier than ever to impress without the hassle.
So pour generously, raise a glass, and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.
