12 Very Merry Bourbon Christmas Cocktails

Bourbon Christmas cocktails are festive drinks made with bourbon and holiday flavors like spice, citrus, caramel, and chocolate. From cozy Hot Toddies to rich Eggnogs, these cocktails bring warmth, depth, and cheer to every celebration.  

Whether served hot or cold, on ice or straight, before dinner or after, they land every time with whiskey lovers and novices alike. So when twinkling lights go up, playlists get nostalgic, and you’re winding down with loved ones, these holiday bourbon cocktails pair perfectly with the moment. 

Classic bourbon Christmas cocktails

1. Old Fashioned

Prep time: 5 min | Difficulty: Easy 

If you’re feeling a little nostalgic and yearning for the good old days, serve up an Old Fashioned. This is probably one of the most iconic of all the festive bourbon drinks out there. While there are many variations of this classic American drink, we love the taste of the original, and you will too. To make one, you’ll need good quality bourbon, simple syrup, aromatic bitters, ice, and good company to share it with.  

Learn more: Cocktail Parties: Origins & How to Throw the Perfect One 

2. Apple Butter Old Fashioned

Prep time: 5 min | Difficulty: Easy 

With the warm and inviting spiced flavors of apple pie in every sip, the Apple Butter Old Fashioned cocktail is one of the tastiest winter bourbon cocktails you can serve this holiday season. Made with real apple butter (that you’ll be making from scratch!), this cocktail has vibrant flavors and is a wonderful, sweet sipper to end your Christmas feast.   

Learn more: What to Mix with Bourbon: Easy Bourbon Cocktails to Try at Home 

3. Hot Toddy

Prep time: 5 min | Difficulty: Easy 

After a long day of Christmas festivities (and family politics), a Hot Toddy is exactly what you’ll need on a cold evening to get that fireplace feeling. This warm cocktail is best enjoyed as a nightcap before bedtime. While a traditional Hot Toddy should be bourbon-based, this recipe lends itself to many different spirits and variations with only one firm rule: drink it while it’s hot.  

Cold-weather drinks: Warm Up with These Winter Whiskey Cocktails 

Sweet & creamy holiday sippers

4. Eggnog

Prep time: 60 min | Difficulty: Moderate 

Eggnog is pure Christmas tradition—rich, nostalgic, and practically begging for a good splash of bourbon. A nice smoky pour like Wild Turkey 101 takes it to the next level. This creamy, sweet, spiked version with soft notes of vanilla and nutmeg is about as festive as drinks get.

 Jingle Bells! Christmas Cocktail Party Ideas, Themes & Drinks 

5. Tequila Hot Chocolate

Prep time: 10 min | Difficulty: Easy 

When the weather gets cold, it’s time to make like the Mexicans and whip up this intensely rich, warmly spiced drink. Hot chocolate has been enjoyed for thousands of years (since the Aztecs), and this boozy version is a modern twist on the cocoa bean classic! We’ve got options to make it dairy-free, vegan-friendly, or as a mocktail, so everyone can enjoy this delicious dessert in a mug. 

6. Bourbon Milk Punch

Prep time: 5 min| Difficulty: Easy 

Rich, creamy, and unmistakably Southern, this bourbon recipe brings velvety richness and subtle hint of vanilla to your glass. It’ll remind you of Eggnog and can be enjoyed in many ways: as a dessert-y drink or a comforting nightcap.

Ingredients

• 60 ml Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

• 90 ml Whole milk

• 30 ml Sugar syrup

• 2 dashes Vanilla extract

• Ice

• Garnish: Freshly grated nutmeg

Method

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice

2. Add bourbon, milk, sugar syrup, and vanilla extract

3. Shake until well-chilled

4. Strain into a rocks glass

5. Garnish with grated nutmeg

6. Serve

Fruity & festive bourbon drinks

7. Bourbon Apple Cider

Prep time: 5 min | Difficulty: Easy 

‘Tis the season that begs to be draped in comfort—and a Bourbon Apple Cider is one of those winter bourbon cocktails that will make your cheeks glow. The best part is that you can make this in a big batch, perfect for festive season get-togethers. So, call your friends, and get merry!  

You might also like: Batching Cocktails for a Crowd

8. Bourbon Watermelon

Prep time: 5 min | Difficulty: Easy 

While watermelon feels more like summer than Christmas, the addition of bourbon puts this drink firmly on our list of best Christmas cocktails. You can also level it up to a Murricane (named after the famous actor Bill Murray). The addition of basil, elderflower liqueur, and cracked black pepper elevates the bourbon to something complex, exciting and memorable.   

Read next: Watermelon Cocktail Recipes to Impress at Any Gathering 

9. Big Apple Manhattan

Prep time: 5 min | Difficulty: Easy 

This Christmas cocktail party drink is pure New York winter in a glass. It’s a spinoff of the timeless bourbon-based Manhattan, with a fruity apple twist. Delicious but pretty potent, it’s best to proceed with caution! 

Ingredients 

• 2 oz Wild Turkey 101 Rye 

• 1 oz Apple brandy 

• 2 dashes Bitters 

• Ice 

• Apple slice or brandied cherry, for garnish  

Method 

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice 
2. Add rye whiskey, apple brandy, and bitters 
3. Stir until well chilled 
4. Strain into a chilled Martini glass 
5. Garnish with an apple slice or a brandied cherry 
6. Serve 

Go pro: Bold Smoked Bourbon Cocktails for Beginners and Pros 

Bold & spiced holiday twists

10. Cinnamon Maple Bourbon Sour

Prep time: 5 min | Difficulty: Easy 

A spin-off of the original Whiskey Sour, this cocktail brings together a kiss of maple syrup and a sprinkling of cinnamon for a delicious Christmas twist. Lemon counteracts the sweetness, and the bourbon will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. A definite Christmas cocktail party winner. 

Ingredients 

• 2 oz Bourbon 

• 1 oz Fresh lemon juice 

• 0.75 oz Maple syrup 

• Pinch of ground cinnamon 

• Ice 

• Lemon wheel or cinnamon stick, for garnish 

Method 

1. Add bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup, and a pinch of ground cinnamon to a cocktail shaker with ice 
2. Shake until well chilled 
3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice 
4. Garnish with a lemon wheel or cinnamon stick 
5. Serve 

You might also like: Cozy Bourbon Cocktails to Warm You Up This Winter 

11. Brown Sugar Old Fashioned

Prep time: 5 min | Difficulty: Easy 

The addition of brown sugar gives the original Old Fashioned cocktail a richer, more profound taste, with hints of caramel. It’s smooth, warm, and perfect for when you want a sip with a little more depth without the fuss. 

Ingredients 

• 2 oz Bourbon 

• 1 tsp Brown sugar 

• 1 tsp Water 

• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters 

• Ice 

• Orange peel and cinnamon stick, for garnish 

Method 

1. Add brown sugar, water, and bitters to a rocks glass 
2. Muddle until the sugar has dissolved 
3. Add bourbon and ice 
4. Stir until chilled and combined 
5. Garnish with an orange peel and a cinnamon stick 
6. Serve 

Read next: Whiskey Cocktails To Drink All Winter 

12. Pickle Juice Whiskey Sour

Prep time: 5 min | Difficulty: Easy 

If you’ve ever had a Pickleback (a shot of bourbon followed by a shot of pickle juice), you’ll really enjoy this delicious Pickle Juice Whiskey Sour. It’s a delicious and tangy cocktail best served before dinner.   

How to choose the right bourbon for different cocktails

Picking the perfect bourbon can elevate your cocktail game, ensuring every sip feels just right for the occasion. Whether you’re drawn to sweet, sour, or spiced flavors, or debating between a cozy, warm drink or a chilled, cool one, here’s how to pair your bourbon wisely with your favorite festive cocktails. 

Sweet cocktails

The best bourbon for sweet cocktails like the Cinnamon Maple Bourbon Sour or the Brown Sugar Old Fashioned is one with rich caramel and vanilla notes. These natural flavors complement sugary ingredients like maple syrup, brown sugar, or honey, creating a balanced, dessert-like drink. Look for a smooth bourbon that adds depth without overshadowing the sweetness. 

Sour cocktails

Tangy cocktails such as the Amaretto Sour or the Christmas Kentucky Buck benefit from a bourbon with a lighter, fruitier profile. These pairings highlight the bright citrus flavors of lemon or lime, creating a vibrant and well-rounded drink. Choose a bourbon with subtle spice notes to keep the tanginess balanced. 

Spiced cocktails

Bourbon for spiced cocktails like the Apple Butter Old Fashioned or the Bourbon Chai Toddy should have a bold, peppery character. This spiced complexity pairs beautifully with warming ingredients like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, enhancing the cozy, festive feel of these cocktails. A bourbon with a strong backbone ensures the spices shine without overpowering the drink. 

Hot cocktails

Bourbon for hot drinks like the Hot Toddy or Bourbon Milk Punch needs to hold up to the heat. A robust bourbon with toasted oak and smoky notes works best here, as the warmth amplifies these deeper flavors. This style of bourbon pairs particularly well with rich ingredients like caramel or cream, adding a touch of indulgence. 

Cold cocktails

When it comes to chilled favorites like the Mint Julep or the Big Apple Manhattan, a bourbon with a crisp, clean finish is ideal. This style complements cool mixers and allows bright flavors like mint or apple to shine. The bourbon adds complexity while keeping the cocktail approachable. 

PRO TIP! By matching the bourbon to the style of cocktail you’re making, you can ensure each sip feels perfectly tailored to your holiday celebrations. And if in doubt, a bottle of Wild Turkey Bourbon always delivers the rich, versatile flavor you need for a wide range of festive cocktails! 

9 Tips for Hosting a Christmas Party at Home

Throwing a Christmas party at home can be as joyful as it is memorable with a little planning and creativity. Here’s how to make your festive gathering stress-free and full of holiday cheer.

1. Plan ahead

Start by drawing up a guest list and sending out your invitations nice and early. Once you know how many people are attending, craft a menu and shopping list to avoid last-minute chaos. Having a theme, such as “cozy winter nights” or “sparkling elegance,” can help to guide your décor and food choices. Prepare as much as possible in advance — set the table the day before and pre-mix cocktails for easy serving if the recipe allows. 

2. Keep food simple yet festive

Choose dishes that are easy to prepare or can be made ahead. A mix of hot and cold options works well, and it’s always a good idea to include vegetarian choices. Finger foods like mini quiches, cheese platters, or festive appetizers will keep guests mingling, while cute, seasonal touches, such as cranberry chutney or spiced nuts, bring a touch of holiday flair to your spread. 

Much YUM! Holiday Food & Cocktail Pairings to Impress Your Guests

3. Set up a DIY cocktail bar

A self-serve cocktail station adds fun and convenience to your party. Provide everything your guests need, including garnishes like sugared cranberries, citrus twists, and fresh herbs to inspire creativity. Include a recipe card for signature drinks, such as a Cinnamon Maple Bourbon Sour or a Mint Julep, to make mixing drinks simple and enjoyable.

4. Create a festive atmosphere

Décor sets the mood for your party, so focus on elements that bring warmth and joy. Fairy lights, candles, and garlands create an inviting glow, while a carefully curated playlist with classic and contemporary holiday tunes is sure to enhance the festive spirit.

5. Offer a warm welcome

Greet guests with a signature drink or festive snack to make them feel special right from the start. A Hot Toddy or a glass of Prosecco can set the tone for an evening filled with warmth and celebration. 

Read next: Best Vodka Christmas Cocktails to Enjoy with Family & Friends

6. Keep things flowing

Arrange separate zones for food, drinks, and mingling to avoid crowding in one area. Smaller tables or sideboards can keep everything accessible, and seating arranged in cozy clusters encourages conversation and connection.

7. Consider kids and non-drinkers

If families are attending, plan activities for kids and non-alcoholic drinks for those who are not drinking alcohol. A craft station with simple holiday projects, like decorating cookies or making ornaments, is a great way to keep children entertained. Serve ginger beer, mocktails, mulled cider, or sparkling water with festive garnishes to ensure non-drinkers feel included. 

Learn more: Zero-Proof Christmas Drinks for Full-On Festive Fun

8. Be ready for surprises

It’s always smart to prepare for the unexpected. Stock up on extra ice, mixers, and snacks for any surprises. Have takeaway containers handy for leftovers so you can send guests home with a thoughtful treat.

9. Stay relaxed

Above all, enjoy yourself! The best parties are those where the host is genuinely part of the festivities. Once your preparations are done, let go of perfection and focus on spending quality time with loved ones. Remember, it’s the joy and connection that make the season truly special. 

There you have it, bestie! 12 amazing bourbon Christmas cocktails, and some hosting inspiration to help you deck the halls this year. Stock your bar for the holidays with Wild Turkey (opens in new window) and explore more of our bourbon cocktails to keep the festive spirit flowing. Remember to sign up for our newsletter (opens in new window) for sparkly holiday inspiration delivered to your inbox.