Take the edge off of spending the holidays with extended family with one of these Christmas cocktails. Vodka really is the best way to get in the holiday spirit!
26 Vodka Drinks That Will Help Get You Through the Holidays with Your Family
Updated on Sep. 26, 2024
Cranberry-Orange Vodka Slush
Years ago, my mother made a rosy and refreshing Christmas cocktail with vodka that I’ve never forgotten. The sparkle comes from fruit juices and lemon lime soda. —Melinda Strable, Ankeny, Iowa
Pour these vodka Christmas cocktails into one of these cocktail glasses.
1/26
2/26
Double Chocolate Martini
Total Time
5 mins
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Is it a beverage or a dessert? Don't let its looks fool you: This chocolate martini recipe is potent but good! —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 569 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 45mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (46g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
3/26
Rubies on Ice
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Ginger and pomegranate are made for each other, and the color of this Christmas cocktail with vodka is tantalizing. If you’re looking for a nonalcoholic option, you can easily leave out the vodka for a delicious and festive drink! —Tara Deshpande, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 148 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
These are the most festive Christmas drinks to make this holiday season.
4/26
Irish Creme Drink
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We top off holiday celebrations with this creamy beverage. With sweetened condensed milk and ice cream, it's like a liquid dessert!—Fred Schneider, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 218 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
5/26
Peppermint Martini
Total Time
5 mins
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
We put a minty spin on the classic martini with peppermint schnapps and sweetened it up with vanilla vodka. We like to dress it up for the holidays with peppermint around the rim. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 296 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 17mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
6/26
Pomegranate Martini
Total Time
5 mins
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Tart and slightly sweet, this martini combines pomegranate juice, lemon juice and Cointreau for a vibrant flavor that blends well with the subtle and inviting vodka base. Make a glass the next time you enjoy a cheese board for a harmonious pair. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 218 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
7/26
Butterscotch Martinis
Total Time
10 mins
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The rich flavors of butterscotch and chocolate pair up for a nightcap that will satisfy any sweet tooth. —Clara M. Coulson Minney, Washington Court House, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 322 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
8/26
Finnish Mulled Wine
Total Time
45 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this recipe stuck in the pages of my Finnish grandmother's Bible. It takes 24 hours to make. Store tightly bottled in the fridge for up to two weeks. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 339 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Treat your loved ones this season to one of these Christmas punch recipes. You just might start a new tradition!
9/26
Sugar Cookie Martini
Total Time
5 mins
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
What’s for dessert? How about a creamy, sugary martini to cap the night off. This sweet twist on the classic strong martini uses vanilla vodka, Irish cream liqueur and half-and-half cream to create a cookie flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 419 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
White Russian
This creamy, coffee-flavored vodka Christmas cocktail is a star at holiday gatherings. A White Russian is equally appropriate before or after dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
10/26
11/26
Chocolate Candy Cane Martinis
Servings
12 martinis
From the Recipe Creator:
This peppermint martini is the perfect vodka Christmas cocktail for a festive gathering of friends. Crushed candy canes on the rim add festive flair. —Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 martini: 673 calories, 29g fat (18g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 104mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
12/26
Pear & Ginger Sparkler
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this twist on a Bellini when a friend gave me some Asian pears she grew in her backyard. If you like ginger and want more of a kick, try substituting ginger liqueur for the vodka. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California
13/26
Pistachio Martini
Total Time
5 mins
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
A spin on the classic vodka cocktail, only four ingredients are needed to create this pistachio martini. Pistachio liqueur brings a salty earthiness flavor, heavy cream brings a smooth texture and a splash of simple syrup is added to the mix to balance out the strength of the alcohol. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 401 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 13mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
14/26
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Total Time
5 mins
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Your favorite cocktail just got a pumpkin spice makeover—a quick and easy twist on the classic. The pumpkin mixes well with vodka and Kahlua. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 588 calories, 33g fat (21g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
15/26
Spiced Apple Cider Jelly Shots
Total Time
20 mins
Servings
64 squares
From the Recipe Creator:
These spiced, spiked gelatin squares are sure to get the party started at fall get-togethers. If you’re going for the more traditional shot-style look, pour the mixture into 2-ounce plastic cups and refrigerate until set. — Rachel Seis, Senior Editor, Taste of Home
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 28 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
16/26
Black Russian
Total Time
5 mins
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Here are no-fuss black Russians that are smooth as silk. Perfect for those who aren't sure what they want. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 170 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
17/26
Homemade Limoncello
Total Time
40 mins
Servings
1-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
This limoncello recipe makes a drink better than any store-bought version. It’s perfect as an after-dinner treat on its own, or whipped up into a vodka Christmas cocktail. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 ounces: 87 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 9g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
18/26
Pumpkin Pie Shots
Total Time
25 mins
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grown-up treats that feature canned pumpkin and butterscotch schnapps will lure guests back for more. The gelatin shots are made ahead, so they're a great party starter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 shot: 39 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
19/26
Cotton Candy Champagne Cocktails
Total Time
5 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll love these whimsical champagne cocktails. The cotton candy melts away, leaving behind its pretty pink color.
—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cocktail: 125 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
20/26
Frozen Espresso Martini
Total Time
10 mins
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
The viral drink just got better. Take everything you love about an espresso martini and make it slushy! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 martini: 246 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
21/26
Cranberry-Jalapeno Martini
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I describe this cocktail as slightly tart, a little sassy and completely delicious. I make a big batch of this Christmas cocktail with vodka when I’m hosting a party because it tends to disappear quickly. Garnish with fresh mint and cranberries for an extra-special touch. —Kelli Haetinger, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without garnishes): 252 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
22/26
Pumpkin Pie Martinis
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends start requesting this cocktail in the fall and continue to ask for it throughout the holidays. Every delectable sip is like a taste of pumpkin pie! —Cathleen Bushman, Geneva, IL
Nutrition Facts:
1 martini: 301 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 25mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
23/26
Pear Martini
Total Time
5 mins
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
This martini is simple, elegant and potently pear flavored, thanks to pear-infused vodka. Fresh lemon juice and simple syrup provide the perfect balance. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 224 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
24/26
Vodka Gimlet
Total Time
5 mins
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
For those who like their cocktails simple, straightforward and strong, the vodka gimlet hits all the marks. A lime slice is all the adornment it needs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 156 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
25/26
Orange & Coffee Martini
Total Time
5 mins
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
With its pretty jeweled color and complementary orange-coffee flavor, this impressive martini lends an elegant, upscale feel to any party.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 172 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
26/26
Apple Martini
Total Time
5 mins
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
This icy-cold appletini recipe is very refreshing with a nice hint of sour. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 285 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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