11 Holiday Shots & Cocktails Perfect for Christmas Parties

The holidays just aren’t complete without a little festive cheer in a glass, and I’m always looking for new ways to make my Christmas gatherings extra special. Food is a big part of it, of course, but drinks are where the fun really kicks in! I love mixing up something colorful, sweet, and spirited that makes everyone smile the moment they take that first sip. From creamy cocktails to quick little shots that taste like dessert, having a lineup of festive drinks ready always takes the party up a notch.

For me, Christmas cocktails aren’t just about the alcohol, they’re about the presentation and the vibe. I get so excited about layering colors, adding fun garnishes, and creating something that looks as good as it tastes. There’s something magical about sipping a bright red or green drink while the Christmas lights twinkle in the background. And those little shots that pack all the flavor of a holiday dessert into a tiny glass are always a crowd favorite with my friends and family.

That’s why I put together this list of 11 holiday shots and cocktails that are perfect for Christmas parties. They’re fun, festive, and guaranteed to keep the holiday spirit flowing. From a big family get-together to a cozy night in with friends or even just a special treat while wrapping gifts, these recipes bring the cheer straight to your glass.

You should also take a look at my Christmas Mocktail Recipes.

1. Grinch Shots

Grinch Shots are one of my favorite little holiday party tricks because they’re so fun and festive. That bright green color instantly makes everyone smile, and the flavor is just as cheerful – sweet, smooth, and a little tropical from the coconut rum. I like to drop a cherry in the bottom for a pop of red, and suddenly it looks just like a mini Grinch in a glass. They’re quick to whip up, super easy to serve, and always disappear fast at Christmas gatherings!

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2. Christmas Sugar Cookie Shots

Christmas Sugar Cookie Shots are such a treat because they taste just like a holiday cookie in a glass. The creamy mix of Bailey’s, vanilla vodka, milk, and amaretto is so smooth and cozy, and the sprinkle-rimmed glasses make them look extra festive. I love how easy they are to put together, yet they feel so fun and special, like a little dessert shot that doubles as party decor. These always get big smiles when I bring them out at Christmas gatherings!

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3. Skittles Vodka

Skittles Vodka is such a fun and colorful way to bring a little candy magic to the holidays. I love that you can make each jar a different color, so the bottles themselves end up looking just as festive as the drinks. The process is simple, just let the vodka soak up all that fruity sweetness, and the result is a bright, playful spirit that tastes exactly like the candy. It’s always a conversation starter at parties, and I think it makes a really fun homemade gift, too!

Servings: Makes 16 ounces

Ingredients:

• 16 Ounces Vodka (per jar)
• ½ Cup Skittles (per color, only one color per jar)

Items Needed:

• 16-Ounce Mason Jar with Lid (one for each color of Skittles, if desired)
• Dry Measuring Cup
• Cheesecloth or Similar, for straining

Instructions:

1. This recipe makes one jar of Skittles vodka. For best results, separate the candies by color, as combining them will produce an unappealing hue. If you would like a jar of each color, repeat the process for each individual color.

2. Place the Skittles into a clean jar and pour the vodka over the top.

3. Secure the lid tightly and refrigerate for approximately 5 days. Invert the jar halfway through the infusion process, then return it to an upright position the day before completion.

4. Once infused, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth (or similar fine strainer) to remove any remaining candy residue. Your Skittles vodka is now ready to enjoy.

4. Three Wise Men Shots

Three Wise Men Shots are definitely on the stronger side, but they’re such a fun addition to a Christmas party. With Jim Beam, Johnny Walker, and Jack Daniels all in one glass, you know this shot means business! I like to add a little garnish, maybe an orange slice or a cherry, just to give it a festive touch. It’s bold, smooth, and definitely warms you up fast, making it a holiday favorite for those who like their drinks with a little extra kick.

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5. Eggnog Shot

Eggnog Shots are one of my favorite little holiday indulgences because they pack all the cozy, creamy flavor of traditional eggnog into a fun party-size sip. The spiced rum gives it just the right kick, while the eggnog keeps it rich and festive. I like to sprinkle a little nutmeg on top or pop in a cinnamon stick to make it look extra special. They’re quick to make, taste like Christmas in a glass, and always bring a bit of cheer to any holiday gathering!

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6. Jello Shot Christmas Tree

The Jello Shot Christmas Tree is such a showstopper at holiday parties, and I can’t get enough of how cute it turns out. Bright green Jello shots form the tree, with a single brown one at the bottom for the trunk, and then I top it all off with a golden sprinkle star and little red sugar “ornaments.” It’s festive, playful, and such a fun way to serve shots to a crowd. I love how guests light up when they see it, it’s like the centerpiece and the party treat all in one!

Servings: 20 shots

Ingredients:

• 1 6-Ounce Box Lime Jello
• 2 ½ Cups Boiling Water
• 1 ½ cups Vodka
• 1 Drop Brown Gel Food Dye
• Gold Star Sprinkles
• Red Sanding Sugar

Items Needed:

• 20 2-Ounce Jello Shot Cups
• Pourable Container (I use a pourable glass measuring cup)

Instructions:

1. In a medium or large mixing bowl, combine the Jell-O and boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.

2. Add the vodka and stir again to blend.

3. Remove 2 ounces of the mixture and place it in a small bowl or glass. Stir in one drop of brown food coloring (add more only if needed).

4. Pour the brown Jell-O mixture into one shot cup.

5. Divide the remaining green Jell-O mixture evenly among the other 19 shot cups.

6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.

7. Arrange the shots in the shape of a Christmas tree: one cup at the top, one in the second row, two in the third, three in the fourth, four each in rows five through seven, and finish with the single brown cup centered at the bottom as the tree trunk.

8. Add star sprinkles to the top cup, then decorate five random green cups with red sanding sugar to mimic ornaments.

9. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Christmas Cocktails

7. Cranberry Mimosa

Cranberry Mimosas are one of my favorite holiday cocktails because they’re simple, elegant, and full of festive flavor. The tart cranberry juice paired with bubbly champagne feels so refreshing, and the deep red color looks gorgeous on the table. I like to add a little lime slice on the rim for a pop of brightness, and it instantly feels like a Christmas morning or holiday brunch drink. It’s light, cheerful, and always a hit with guests!

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Read more about this recipe here.

8. Fireball Apple Cider

Fireball Apple Cider is one of those drinks that just feels like Christmas in a glass. The cinnamon spice from the Fireball mixes perfectly with the sweet apple cider, and it’s delicious served warm and cozy or chilled over ice. I love dressing it up with a cinnamon stick or a sprig of rosemary to make it look extra festive. It’s simple, comforting, and always gets me in the holiday spirit with that little fiery kick!

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

• 7 Ounces Apple Cider, hot or chilled
• 3 Ounces Fireball Whiskey
• Red Apple Slices (optional garnish)
• Cinnamon Sticks (optional garnish)
• Whole Star Anise (optional garnish)
• Fresh Rosemary Sprigs (optional garnish)

Instructions:

1. For a chilled drink, place a few ice cubes in your glass. If you’d prefer it warm, heat the apple cider until nicely warmed through.

2. Pour the Fireball into the glass, then fill the rest with apple cider.

3. Add a garnish of red apple slices, a cinnamon stick, whole star anise, and a sprig of fresh rosemary, if you like, and serve!

9. Eggnog White Russian

Eggnog White Russians are such a cozy twist on a classic cocktail, and I love making them around the holidays. The creamy eggnog blends so perfectly with the coffee liqueur and vodka, creating a smooth, indulgent drink that feels like a grown-up holiday treat. I usually add a little sprinkle of nutmeg on top and sometimes a cinnamon stick for that extra festive touch. It’s rich, comforting, and the kind of cocktail that makes you want to curl up by the Christmas tree with a smile.

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10. Apple Cider Mimosa

Apple Cider Mimosas are one of my go-to holiday cocktails because they’re so easy but feel instantly festive. The crisp apple cider paired with bubbly champagne is refreshing, a little sweet, and perfect for toasting during Christmas brunch or a cozy holiday gathering. I love how the golden color looks in a flute, it just sparkles on the table and makes any moment feel extra special.

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11. Moscow Mule

A Moscow Mule is such a classic cocktail, and I love how refreshing it tastes during the holidays. The zingy ginger beer with that splash of lime gives it the perfect balance of spicy and tangy, while the vodka keeps it smooth and crisp. I usually serve mine in a festive glass or even a copper mug to keep it extra chilled, and the lime garnish makes it look so bright and cheerful. It’s simple, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser at Christmas parties!

 

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