Hot Christmas drinks to give you the festive warm and fuzzies like nothing else. I’ve gathered the most popular + best hot Christmas drink recipes on the internet, so prepare to get cozy!

I’ve included some with and then without alcohol. You’ll find creamy, fruity, frothy, chocolatey, and milky recipes.
Hot Christmas Drinks
Have an idea what you’re looking for? Here’s a list so you can jump to any hot Christmas drink recipe in the article by clicking a link below.
Non-Alcoholic Recipes:
- Hot Chocolate
- Hot Chocolate Light
- Indian Chai Recipe (Authentic)
- Creamy Chai Coffee
- Non-Alcoholic Slow Cooker Mulled “Wine”
- Gingerbread Latte
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate (Starbucks Copycat)
- Hot Vanilla Steamer
- Caramel Apple Spiced Drink
- Instant Pot Pear Cider
Alcoholic Recipes:
OR, scroll to explore and get cozy!
Hot Christmas Drinks (Alcohol-free)
Looking for family-friendly hot drinks to make, pour, and sip this Christmas? I got ya!
Hot Chocolate

My ultra-indulgent homemade hot chocolate recipe is made from scratch on the stovetop in a saucepan. It uses cocoa, real melted chocolate and milk, creating a velvety and rich drink. No chocolate syrup here!
It’s a cozy, decadent treat perfect for cold winter nights, easily customizable with toppings like whipped cream, chocolate chips, or marshmallows. The balance of sweetness and deep chocolate flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Hot Chocolate Light

This healthier hot chocolate is made with cocoa powder, dates, and your choice of milk (I love it with coconut milk), offering a lighter, healthier version of the classic drink.
It retains the comforting richness of hot cocoa but uses natural sweeteners and low-fat milk for a better-for-you alternative.
Great for those looking to indulge while staying mindful of their health.
Indian Chai Recipe (Authentic)

This authentic Indian chai recipe brings together ingredients like black tea, whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, along with milk and sugar for a beautifully fragrant and spiced drink.
It’s simmered on the stove, allowing the spices to infuse and create a rich, bold flavor. Perfect for warming up on a chilly day with a taste of India’s tea tradition.
Creamy Chai Coffee

Here’s a delicious Chai Coffee that is rich and frothy, brimming with those warm holiday spices that happen to common in Indian drinks all year long.
Non-Alcoholic Slow Cooker Mulled “Wine”

This recipe from Home Cooked Roots is made with cranberry juice instead of red wine. The blend of spices gives you a similar, cozy feel to typical mulled wine.
Gingerbread Latte

This gingerbread latte from Coffee at Three is a festive holiday drink that blends strong espresso with steamed milk, gingerbread syrup, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
You’re going to love this magical little treat. Perfect with a homemade (or store-bought) gingerbread cookie!
Peppermint Hot Chocolate (Starbucks Copycat)

This copycat Starbucks peppermint hot chocolate recipe from Sweet Steep makes the perfect blend of dreamy, creamy hot chocolate with a refreshing hint of peppermint.
It’s a festive holiday favorite, made with cocoa and peppermint syrup and topped with whipped cream. Perfect for recreating the coffeehouse experience at home.
Hot Vanilla Steamer

The hot vanilla steamer from Sweets and Thank You is a warm, comforting drink made with steamed milk, vanilla extract, and a touch of sweetness.
It’s a great caffeine-free alternative to hot chocolate. I love its cozy, creamy flavor that’s perfect for all ages. This simple and soothing drink is ideal for winding down on a chilly evening.
Caramel Apple Spiced Drink

This is a homemade version of the popular Starbucks caramel apple spice from Oh So Delicioso. This luscious warm drink combines warm apple juice with rich homemade salted caramel sauce and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
It’s a perfect blend of tart apple flavor and sweet caramel, making it a delicious, non-caffeinated option for chilly fall or winter days.
Instant Pot Pear Cider

This easy instant pot pear cider from Marisa Moore is made by simmering pear juice with orange, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
The Instant Pot makes it a quick and convenient way to infuse rich spices into the cider. It’s a great alternative to apple cider, with a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor.
Boozy Hot Christmas Drinks
Citrus Mulled Wine

My citrus mulled wine recipe elevates the classic holiday favorite. It includes fresh orange and lemon, adding a bright, zesty twist to the rich red wine base. Yum!
Simmered with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, it’s a fragrant and flavorful drink perfect for winter gatherings.
The balance of citrus and spice makes it a festive go-to for the holiday season.
Coffee Hot Buttered Rum

This twist from Sunday Table on the traditional Hot Buttered Rum, coffee hot buttered rum recipe packs a punch with rich coffee, spiced butter and dark rum. It’s brimming with loads of spices, too.
The creamy texture of butter and the robust coffee flavor create a smooth, comforting drink, perfect for chilly nights by the fire.
It is ideal for coffee lovers looking to add a boozy kick to their favorite winter beverage.
Spiked Eggnog

Try this spiked eggnog recipe from Another Cocktail Blog. It brings holiday cheer with its creamy mixture of milk, cream, eggs, and a generous splash of rum or bourbon.
Not your ordinary eggnog, this sassy recipe is for grown-up sip sipping only! It can be served warm or cold. I love to edge the rim of my mug with cinnamon sugar.
Spiked Hot Chocolate

This recipe from Bitz n Giggles for spiked hot chocolate is a deliciously rich and indulgent drink made with real chocolate and spiked with Kahlua. Bailey’s Irish Cream, bourbon, rum, vanilla vodka, or peppermint schnapps are great, too!
The creamy, smooth texture of the chocolate paired with a boozy kick makes it a perfect winter warmer. Garnish with whipped cream or marshmallows in your favorite mug. Pop on a cinnamon stick. What could be better?
Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee like this one from The Chunky Chef is a simple yet elegant blend of freshly brewed coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, topped with a layer of whipped cream + Bailey’s Irish Cream. SO dreamy!
Hot Toddy

My best hot toddy recipe combines the comforting flavors of lemon, honey, bourbon, and cloves. This makes it a perfect warm drink for the fall and winter months.
It’s soothing, fragrant, and has just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re battling a cold or simply looking to unwind, this drink is a cozy remedy. Serve with mint and an apple or orange slice.
Thanksgiving Spice Sangria

Thanksgiving spice sangria like this one from Snack Seek is a festive and flavorful drink that combines red wine, brandy, cranberry juice, and fall spices like cinnamon and peppercorns.
This make-ahead cocktail is ideal for holiday gatherings, offering a seasonal twist on classic sangria. It’s a delicious and refreshing way to celebrate the flavors of the season.
Peppermint Mocha Christmas Cocktail

You’ve got to try this peppermint mocha Christmas cocktail recipe from Threads and Blooms! It is a delightful holiday twist on the classic coffeehouse favorite.
With its rich chocolate flavor and refreshing peppermint, it’s perfect for any Christmas party or cozy winter evening. Topped with whipped cream and a candy cane, it’s as fun as it is delicious. Make a big batch – it’ll go quick
Other Favorite Christmas Recipe Collections
- Christmas Drinks with Creme De Menthe
- 15+ Easy No-Bake Christmas Treats
- Italian Christmas Desserts you MUST Try!
- Chocolate Christmas Desserts (decadent recipes you’ll swoon for!)
- My Best Christmas Cookies











