(updated November 2024)

If you’re looking to wow your guests this holiday season with a cocktail that’s as festive as it is delicious, look no further. This easy Christmas cocktail served in clear, fillable Christmas ornaments is the perfect blend of holiday cheer and creative presentation. Not only does it add a whimsical touch to your holiday gathering, but it’s also customizable to suit any flavor profile or theme.

Hey, hey, hey!!!

Halloween is over so, guess what?

We are ready for the holidays!!

I know what you’re thinking…”Suzie, you can’t be serious…already?????”.

But, hear me out.

I am the “person” who does the “holiday stuff” in our house…

You know what I’m talking about… make the lists, buy the gifts, put up the decor, check all the lights, buy new lights, change the lights, plan the parties, cook the holiday meals, make and send the cookies via post to family, write the cards, plan visits…

Of course, I love to do all of this, but there are only so many hours in a day.

So, that being said, for all the work that goes into holiday planning, I would really like to enjoy it for more than say, 35 seconds.

Sometimes, that’s seriously what it feels like.

It seems like you just finish putting it all up and, boom, now you have to take it all down.

So, my feeling is, the sooner the better!

This year, my gift to all of you is some serious holiday hacking that will make your life #1 easier and #2 waaaay more fun!!

So, let’s start with the all important holiday essential: the Christmas cocktail.

Why just serve wine when you can serve a holiday inspired cocktail (and I’m a wine girl but there’s a time and place for everything…and the time for wine is only AFTER you have enjoyed a funky holiday inspired cocktail)?

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cocktail Recipe:

1. Interactive and Fun: Guests will love sipping their cocktails straight from a festive ornament. It’s a conversation starter and a unique way to serve drinks.
2. Visually Stunning: The vibrant cocktail colors inside the clear ornaments add a pop of holiday magic to your table or bar cart.
3. Customizable: From classic flavors like cranberry and orange to modern twists with tropical or spicy infusions, you can tailor the recipe to suit your preferences.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly: These Christmas cocktails can be prepped in advance, so you can focus on entertaining your guests.
5. Eco-Friendly: Using reusable ornaments eliminates the need for extra glassware, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients and Their Role:

Cranberry Juice:
The base of the cocktail, cranberry juice provides a festive red hue and a tart, refreshing flavor.

Vodka or Gin:
A clear spirit like vodka or gin adds the kick while allowing the other flavors to shine. Gin adds a hint of botanical complexity.

Orange Liqueur (e.g., Cointreau):
Orange liqueur balances the tartness of the cranberry juice with a touch of citrus sweetness.

Lime Juice:
Fresh lime juice adds a zesty kick and brightens the overall flavor.

Simple Syrup (Optional)
For those who prefer a sweeter cocktail, a splash of simple syrup can balance the tartness.

Garnishes (Optional)
Mini rosemary sprigs, sugared cranberries, or edible gold flakes can be added for an extra festive touch.

Clear, Fillable Ornaments
These reusable ornaments are the star of the presentation. Ensure they’re food-safe and clean before use. You can get ornaments like this online!

How to Change This Recipe:

1. Swap the Base Spirit: Replace vodka or gin with rum, tequila, or even sparkling wine for a completely different flavor profile.
2. Experiment with Juices: Use pomegranate juice, apple cider, or pineapple juice for unique twists.
3. Add Sparkle: Top the cocktail with soda water, tonic, or Prosecco for a bubbly finish.
4. Infuse with Flavor: Infuse the vodka with holiday spices like cinnamon and cloves for a warm, seasonal kick.
5. Make it Non-Alcoholic: Replace the vodka with a non-alcoholic spirit or more juice for a kid-friendly or sober-friendly version.
6. Color Variations: Create a cocktail flight with different-colored juices to match holiday themes—think green for a Grinch-inspired cocktail or white for a snow-themed drink.

How to Make This Easy Christmas Cocktail

cranberry juice

vodka or gin

orange liqueur

fresh lime juice

simple syrup (optional)

Ice

Garnishes: rosemary sprigs, sugared cranberries, or edible glitter

6 clear, fillable ornaments

Instructions:

Prepare the Ornaments
Wash and dry the fillable ornaments thoroughly. Ensure they’re food-safe and free of any residue.

Mix the Cocktail
In a large pitcher, combine cranberry juice, vodka or gin, orange liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup if using. Stir well to blend the flavors.

Fill the Ornaments
Using a small funnel, carefully pour the cocktail into each ornament, filling about three-quarters of the way to avoid spills.

Add Garnishes
Drop in a rosemary sprig or a few sugared cranberries for a festive touch.

Seal and Serve
Close the ornaments securely, attach a decorative ribbon or tag, and serve them in glasses or hanging from a festive display.

Storing and Make-Ahead Instructions

• Storing: Once filled, the ornaments can be stored upright in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Avoid storing them on their sides to prevent leaks.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the cocktail mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in a covered pitcher in the fridge. Fill the ornaments just before your event.
• Refreshing Garnishes: If using fresh garnishes like rosemary or cranberries, add them shortly before serving to keep them vibrant and fresh-looking.

Similar Entertaining Recipes to Try:

1. Easy Christmas Tree Cheese Ball: This easy recipe will be such a great way to spruce up your charcuterie!
2. Stuffed Bread Christmas Tree (with a twist!): I love this one!! Easily adaptable to all of your guests need’s and, if you read the post, you’ll see it’s not just for christmas! 😉
3. Getting Crafty at Christmas: DIY Easy Cinnamon Ornaments: These cute ornaments will make any gift extra special!
4. How to Make a Bread Wreath: With a simple store bought pizza dough, you can make this beautiful bread wreath for your table.

With its eye-catching presentation, customizable flavors, and make-ahead convenience, this easy Christmas cocktail using Christmas ornaments is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. It’s a creative way to serve up some holiday cheer and add a touch of magic to your festivities.

So grab your favorite holiday playlist, mix up a batch of these festive Christmas cocktails, and let the celebrations begin! Cheers! 🎄🍸

Christmas Cocktails in Glass Ornaments

This is the best way to serve a fancy cocktail this Christmas!!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1 cup vodka or gin
• ½ cup orange liqueur
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons simple syrup optional
• Ice
• Garnishes rosemary sprigs, sugared cranberries, or edible glitter
• 6 clear, fillable ornaments

Instructions

 

• Wash and dry the fillable ornaments thoroughly. Ensure they’re food-safe and free of any residue.I like these food grade ornaments!!
• In a large pitcher, combine cranberry juice, vodka or gin, orange liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup if using. Stir well to blend the flavors.
• Using a small funnel, carefully pour the cocktail into each ornament, filling about three-quarters of the way to avoid spills.
• Drop in a rosemary sprig or a few sugared cranberries for a festive touch.
• Close the ornaments securely, attach a decorative ribbon or tag, and serve them in glasses or hanging from a festive display.

Keyword cocktails