Shebo Kusiyo

15 Cozy Christmas Drinks to Warm Up Winter Mornings

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A festive flat-lay of various cozy Christmas drinks, including mulled wine, hot chocolate, and eggnog, on a wooden table.

I can’t get enough of Cozy Christmas Drinks. I believe they make the holiday season feel exceptional.

Do you ever feel like your celebrations are missing a little magic? It’s that warmth that starts deep inside you—that perfect scent of spices and holiday cheer. You know the feeling, I mean.

I’ve been on a mission to perfect the best, most delicious holiday drinks. I’ve gathered 15 incredible recipes for you to try this year. They are all simple and easy to create at home. Here’s how you can make your holiday the coziest one yet!

A woman holding a clear mug of hot mulled wine, with Christmas lights blurred in the background.

Part 1: The Ultimate Warm Christmas Cocktails

These are the boozy, warm Christmas drinks that I think are perfect for adult gatherings or for winding down after a long day of wrapping presents.

The Ultimate Classic Mulled Wine

You haven’t lived until you’ve smelled this simmering on your stove. It’s the official scent of Christmas, in my opinion. It’s so much easier than you think.

  • What You’ll Need:
    • 1 bottle of red wine (something fruity, like a Merlot, is excellent)
    • 1 orange, sliced into rounds
    • 6-8 whole cloves
    • 3-4 cinnamon sticks
    • 2-3 star anise
    • A quarter-cup of honey or maple syrup (you can add more to taste)
    • A splash of brandy (optional, but I love it)
  • Step-by-Step Guide:
    1. Pour your bottle of red wine into a large pot or a slow cooker.
    2. Stud a few of your orange slices with the whole cloves. This stops the cloves from floating around.
    3. Add the orange slices (with and without cloves), cinnamon sticks, and star anise to the pot.
    4. Add your sweetener. I prefer maple syrup, but honey is classic.
    5. Warm everything over medium-low heat. The most important rule is not to let it boil! You want to warm it, not cook off the alcohol. Let it gently simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in a slow cooker on low.
    6. Just before serving, stir in a splash of brandy, if using.
    7. Ladle it into mugs and garnish with a fresh orange slice or cinnamon stick.

Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate

This is not your childhood hot cocoa. This is a rich, decadent, and minty treat that feels like a hug in a mug. I’m obsessed with this one.

  • What You’ll Need:
    • 2 cups of whole milk (or a creamy oat milk)
    • Half a cup of heavy cream
    • Half a cup of good semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 2 tablespoons of sugar (or to taste)
    • A quarter-teaspoon of vanilla extract
    • A shot (about 2 ounces) of peppermint liqueur per mug
  • Step-by-Step Guide:
    1. In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and sugar.
    2. Warm it over medium heat, whisking until the sugar and cocoa are dissolved.
    3. Once it’s warm (but not boiling), add the chocolate chips. Keep whisking until the chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and thick.
    4. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
    5. Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mugs.
    6. Add one shot of peppermint liqueur to each mug and stir gently.
    7. Top it with whipped cream and some crushed candy canes.

The Perfect Hot Toddy

I always thought this was just a drink for when you’re sick, but I was so wrong. A well-made Hot Toddy is a sophisticated, simple, and wonderfully cozy Christmas drink.

  • What You’ll Need:
    • 1.5 ounces of whiskey or dark rum
    • 1 tablespoon of honey
    • Half an ounce of fresh lemon juice
    • 1 cup of hot water (not boiling)
    • 1 cinnamon stick and a lemon slice for garnish
  • Step-by-Step Guide:
    1. Start by warming your mug. Pour hot water into it and let it sit for a minute, then discard the water. This keeps your drink hot longer.
    2. Pour the whiskey (or rum) into the warmed mug.
    3. Add the honey and the fresh lemon juice. Stir them together.
    4. Top it off with the hot water and stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
    5. Garnish with the cinnamon stick and a thin slice of lemon. It’s simple, elegant, and so warming.

Easy Homemade Spiked Eggnog

Easy Homemade Spiked Eggnog

Forget the store-bought stuff forever. Homemade eggnog is creamy and rich, and you can control exactly how it tastes. I love making this for a party.

  • What You’ll Need:
    • 4 large egg yolks
    • Half a cup of sugar
    • 2 cups of whole milk
    • 1 cup of heavy cream
    • Half a teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg (trust me, fresh is better)
    • A pinch of salt
    • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
    • Half a cup of brandy, rum, or a mix (optional)
  • Step-by-Step Guide:
    1. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until they are light, pale yellow, and creamy.
    2. In a saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, nutmeg, and salt. Warm this over medium heat until it begins to simmer around the edges.
    3. Now, you need to “temper” the eggs. Very slowly, pour about half a cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk bowl, whisking continuously.
    4. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, adding the remaining milk.
    5. Keep whisking over medium-low heat for about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon. Don’t let it boil, or you’ll end up with scrambled eggs!
    6. Remove from the heat and strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. This removes any small cooked bits.
    7. Stir in the vanilla extract and your preferred alcohol.
    8. You can serve this warm right away, or let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours. I think it’s even better the next day! Serve with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Hot Buttered Rum

This sounds old-fashioned, but I promise you it’s one of the wealthiest, most comforting drinks on the planet. The secret is making a “batter” ahead of time.

  • What You’ll Need (For the Batter):
    • 1 stick (half a cup) of unsalted butter, softened
    • 1 cup of brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
    • Half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg
    • A pinch of ground cloves
    • A pinch of salt
  • What You’ll Need (For the Drink):
    • 2 ounces of dark rum
    • Boiling water
  • Step-by-Step Guide:
    1. First, make the batter. In a bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, spices, and salt until it’s light and fluffy. You can store this batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
    2. When you’re ready for a drink, grab a heatproof mug.
    3. Add two heaping tablespoons of your pre-made batter to the mug.
    4. Pour in the dark rum.
    5. Top with about 6 ounces of boiling water and stir until the batter is completely dissolved.
    6. This drink is vibrant and perfect for a snowy night.

Part 2: Creamy & Sweet Dessert Drinks

Sometimes you will want a drink that’s basically a liquid dessert. These cozy Christmas drinks are sweet, creamy, and perfect for satisfying that holiday sweet tooth.

Creamy White Christmas Dream

This drink looks like freshly fallen snow. It’s a beautiful and delicious cocktail that’s great for parties.

  • What You’ll Need:
    • 2 ounces of vanilla-flavored vodka
    • 2 ounces of white chocolate liqueur
    • 1 ounce of white crème de cacao
    • 1 ounce of heavy cream
    • Ice
    • White chocolate shavings for garnish
  • Step-by-Step Guide:
    1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
    2. Pour in the vodka, white chocolate liqueur, crème de cacao, and heavy cream.
    3. Shake it hard for about 15 seconds. You want it to get really cold and a little frothy.
    4. Strain the drink into a chilled martini glass.
    5. Garnish the top with a delicate sprinkle of white chocolate shavings.

Easy Gingerbread Cookie Latte

This is one of my favorite Christmas morning drinks. It tastes just like a gingerbread cookie, and you can make it with or without a shot of coffee.

  • What You’ll Need:
    • 1 cup of whole milk
    • 1 tablespoon of molasses
    • Half a teaspoon of ground ginger
    • Half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon
    • A tiny pinch of ground cloves
    • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
    • 1 shot of espresso or strong coffee (optional)
    • Whipped cream for topping
  • Step-by-Step Guide:
    1. In a small saucepan, combine the milk, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
    2. Whisk gently over medium heat until the milk is hot and frothy. Don’t boil it.
    3. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
    4. If you’re using coffee, pour the shot of espresso into your mug.
    5. Pour the spiced milk mixture over the coffee (or just into the mug if you’re skipping coffee).
    6. Top it with a big swirl of whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon.

Spiked Salted Caramel Mocha

Spiked Salted Caramel Mocha

This is pure indulgence. It combines coffee, chocolate, and caramel. What’s not to love? I make this when I’m feeling extra.

  • What You’ll Need:
    • 1 cup of strong brewed coffee
    • Half a cup of milk
    • 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup
    • 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce
    • A pinch of sea salt
    • 1.5 ounces of caramel-flavored vodka or Irish cream liqueur
    • Whipped cream and extra caramel for drizzle
  • Step-by-Step Guide:
    1. In a saucepan, heat the coffee and milk together.
    2. Stir in the chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, and the pinch of sea salt. Continue stirring until the mixture is completely dissolved and has cooled to a hot temperature.
    3. Pour the mixture into a large mug.
    4. Stir in your liqueur of choice.
    5. Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, and a final sprinkle of sea salt.

The “Santa’s Whiskers”

I named this one myself! It’s a simple, creamy, and nutty drink that’s surprisingly light. It’s an excellent after-dinner drink.

  • What You’ll Need:
    • 1.5 ounces of amaretto liqueur
    • 1 ounce of brandy
    • 2 ounces of heavy cream (or half-and-half)
    • Ice
    • Grated nutmeg
  • Step-by-Step Guide:
    1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
    2. Add the amaretto, brandy, and cream.
    3. Shake well for about 10-15 seconds.
    4. Strain into a short rocks glass, either with or without fresh ice.
    5. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg.

Cranberry Christmas Mule

This is a holiday twist on a classic. It’s bubbly, spicy from the ginger, and has that beautiful tart cranberry flavor.

  • What You’ll Need:
    • 2 ounces of vodka
    • 1 ounce of unsweetened cranberry juice
    • Half an ounce of fresh lime juice
    • 4-6 ounces of ginger beer
    • Fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig for garnish
  • Step-by-Step Guide:
    1. Fill a copper mug (or any glass) with ice.
    2. Pour in the vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
    3. Gently stir to combine.
    4. Top off the glass with the ginger beer.
    5. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. I love how the rosemary looks like a tiny Christmas tree!

Part 3: Amazing Non-Alcoholic Cozy Christmas Drinks

You absolutely must have some incredible non-alcoholic Christmas drinks for your guests, for kids, or for yourself on a quiet morning. These are so good, you won’t even miss the booze.

Slow-Cooker Spiced Apple Cider

This is my go-to for parties because you just set it and forget it. Your entire house will smell incredible.

  • What You’ll Need:
    • 1 gallon of fresh apple cider (the cloudy kind is best)
    • 1 orange, quartered
    • 4-5 cinnamon sticks
    • 1 tablespoon of whole allspice
    • 1 tablespoon of whole cloves
    • A 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced (optional)
  • Step-by-Step Guide:
    1. Pour the apple cider into your slow cooker.
    2. Place the cloves, allspice, and ginger slices into a small piece of cheesecloth and tie it up. This creates a “spice sachet” and stops you from getting a mouthful of spices.
    3. Add the spice sachet, cinnamon sticks, and quartered orange to the cider.
    4. Turn the slow cooker on low and let it warm up for at least 2 hours.
    5. That’s it! Just ladle it into mugs for your guests. I leave the slow cooker on “Warm” all evening.

The Richest Homemade Hot Chocolate

Homemade Non Alcoholic Hot Chocolate For Kids

This is the ultimate, kid-friendly, classic hot chocolate. My secret? I use real chocolate, not just powder.

  • What You’ll Need:
    • 4 cups of whole milk
    • Half a cup of heavy cream
    • 1 cup of high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • A quarter-cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
    • A quarter-cup of sugar (adjust to your taste)
    • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
    • A tiny pinch of salt (this is the real secret!)
    • Mini marshmallows
  • Step-by-Step Guide:
    1. In a large saucepan, whisk the milk, cream, cocoa powder, and sugar over medium heat.
    2. Whisk it constantly until it’s hot and the cocoa and sugar are dissolved.
    3. Add the chocolate chips and the tiny pinch of salt. The salt doesn’t make it salty; it just enhances the chocolate flavor.
    4. Keep whisking until every single chocolate chip is melted and the hot chocolate is thick and smooth.
    5. Remove from the heat, stir in the vanilla, and serve.
    6. Pile it high with mini marshmallows.

Sparkling Cranberry-Ginger Fizz

This is a bright, bubbly, and refreshing mocktail. It’s a perfect non-alcoholic Christmas drink that feels just as fancy as a cocktail.

  • What You’ll Need:
    • Half a cup of unsweetened cranberry juice
    • Half a cup of ginger ale (or ginger beer for more spice)
    • A splash of fresh orange juice
    • A squeeze of fresh lime juice
    • Garnish: fresh cranberries and an orange twist
  • Step-by-Step Guide:
    1. Fill a festive glass (like a champagne flute or wine glass) with ice.
    2. Pour in the cranberry juice, orange juice, and lime juice.
    3. Slowly top it off with the ginger ale.
    4. Garnish with a few cranberries and a twist of orange peel.

Warm Spiced “No-g” (Non-Alcoholic Eggnog)

This is for everyone who loves the taste of eggnog but not the raw eggs or alcohol. It’s a warm, creamy, and safe-for-all-ages treat.

  • What You’ll Need:
    • 4 cups of whole milk
    • 1 can (13.5 oz) of full-fat coconut milk (this gives it richness)
    • Half a cup of maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
    • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
    • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
    • A pinch of salt
  • Step-by-Step Guide:
    1. Combine all ingredients—milk, coconut milk, maple syrup, spices, vanilla, and salt—in a saucepan.
    2. Whisk everything together well.
    3. Warm the mixture over medium heat, whisking often, until it is hot and steaming.
    4. Don’t let it boil! You want to let it simmer and allow the flavors to blend.
    5. Serve warm in mugs, topped with an extra sprinkle of nutmeg.

Peppermint “No-jito” (Mocktail)

This is such a fun and festive drink! It’s minty, fizzy, and has that lovely holiday color.

  • What You’ll Need:
    • A few fresh mint leaves
    • A quarter-cup of crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
    • 1 ounce of fresh lime juice
    • Half an ounce of simple syrup (or use the sweetness from the candy)
    • 4-6 ounces of club soda
    • A candy cane for garnish
  • Step-by-Step Guide:
    1. In the bottom of a sturdy glass, gently muddle (press) the mint leaves with the lime juice and simple syrup.
    2. Add the crushed peppermint candies.
    3. Fill the glass with ice.
    4. Top it off with club soda and stir gently.
    5. Garnish with a whole candy cane hooked over the rim.

How to Decorate Your Cozy Christmas Drinks

You can’t just serve these incredible drinks in any old cup! The presentation is half the fun. I love making my mugs look as good as the drink tastes.

The Glassware & Mugs

Your first step is choosing the right vessel.

  • Clear Glass Mugs: These are my favorites for layered drinks, such as lattes, or for mulled wine. You get to see the beautiful colors and the spices.
  • Rustic Ceramic Mugs: These are perfect for sipping cozy Christmas drinks, such as hot chocolate or cider. They feel good to hold.
  • Martini or Coupe Glasses: Use these for your chilled cocktails, such as the White Christmas Dream. You can even chill the glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes beforehand.
  • Copper Mugs: These are traditional for mules, like the Cranberry Christmas Mule. They get frosty on the outside, which I love.

Step-by-Step Rim Decorations

A woman dipping a mug rim into crushed candy canes to decorate the cozy Christmas drink.

This is the easiest way to make your drink look professional.

1. The Crushed Candy Cane Rim (For Hot Chocolate or Peppermint Drinks)

  1. Step 1: Place a handful of candy canes or peppermint candies in a zip-top bag. Use a rolling pin to smash them into a fine powder.
  2. Step 2: Pour the crushed candy onto a small plate.
  3. Step 3: On another small plate, pour a thin layer of chocolate syrup or honey.
  4. Step 4: Dip the rim of your empty mug into the chocolate syrup, then immediately dip it into the crushed candy, twisting to get a good coat.

2. The Sugar or Spice Rim (For Lattes or Cider Drinks)

  1. Step 1: On a small plate, mix coarse sugar with a small amount of cinnamon and nutmeg.
  2. Step 2: On another plate, pour a small amount of maple syrup or use a wedge of orange or lemon.
  3. Step 3: Run the citrus wedge around the rim of your glass, or dip the rim in the maple syrup.
  4. Step 4: Dip the wet rim into the sugar-spice mixture.

3. The Chocolate Drizzle Rim (For Mochas or Dessert Drinks)

  1. Step 1: Hold your empty glass at an angle.
  2. Step 2: Drizzle chocolate syrup into the glass, allowing it to run down the sides.
  3. Step 3: You can also drizzle it on the outside rim, allowing it to drip down for a truly decadent look.

Perfect Garnishes (The “Toppers”)

This is the final touch! Please don’t skip it.

  • Whipped Cream: A classic for a reason. Always add it to hot chocolate and mochas.
  • Cinnamon Sticks: A must-have for cider, mulled wine, and Hot Todds.
  • Star Anise: These are beautiful. They look like little stars floating in your mulled wine.
  • Rosemary Sprigs: I’m obsessed with using these. They look like mini Christmas tree branches and add a wonderful piney scent. Perfect for cranberry or citrus drinks.
  • Fresh Cranberries: Toss a few into any bubbly drink for a pop of color.
  • Citrus Peels: Use a vegetable peeler to get a long strip of orange or lemon peel. Twist it over the drink to release the oils, then drop it in.
  • Chocolate Shavings: Use a peeler on a bar of chocolate. This looks so elegant on top of creamy drinks.

My Top Tips for Making the Best Holiday Drinks

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this whole process easier and yield better results.

  1. Make It a Batch. For parties, I always use my slow cooker. You can make huge batches of the mulled wine, apple cider, or even the hot chocolate. Just keep it on the “Warm” setting, set out some mugs, and let guests serve themselves.
  2. Use Fresh Ingredients. Please, I beg you, use fresh-squeezed lemon and lime juice. It makes a bigger difference than you can imagine. And freshly grated nutmeg is a game-changer for eggnog.
  3. The “Bar on the Side” Trick. If you’re hosting a party with kids and adults, make the non-alcoholic version of the drink in a big batch (like the Spiced Apple Cider or Homemade Hot Chocolate). Then, set out bottles of rum, brandy, and peppermint liqueur on the side. This allows adults to “spike” their own drinks, and everyone gets to enjoy a festive mug.
  4. Taste and Adjust. My recipes are a guide, but you are the boss! If you prefer a sweeter taste, add more sugar. If you want it spicier, add more cinnamon. I always take a small taste before serving.
  5. Don’t Boil the Booze! This is the most essential rule for warm Christmas cocktails. If you boil mulled wine or a Hot Toddy, you’re just burning off the alcohol and ruining the flavor. You want a gentle, low-heat simmer.

Conclusion: Your New Holiday Tradition

Whew, that’s a lot of drink inspiration! I truly hope this list of 15 Cozy Christmas Drinks helps you bring a new level of warmth and magic to your holiday season. For me, the simple act of simmering spices on the stove or shaking up a festive cocktail is as much a part of the holiday tradition as the tree itself.

These recipes are all about creating those perfect, cozy moments with the people you love. You don’t need to be a professional to make something truly special.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Which of these cozy Christmas drinks are you planning to make first?

Where to next?