Cool off with these festive Christmas in July cocktails. We have very merry ideas for slushes, martinis, sangrias and other chilly holiday sips.
24 Christmas in July Cocktails
Updated on Jun. 25, 2021
Frozen Brandy Old-Fashioneds
Both sides of my family are Midwestern, so our strong brandy tradition is evident in the slush we make for the holidays and in the Wisconsin old-fashioned cocktails we enjoy year-round. I decided to combine those recipes into something completely new. This goes very quickly at gatherings! —Stephanie Vaughan, Madison, Wisconsin
This drink pairs perfectly with Christmas in July cookies.
1/23
2/23
Santa’s Orange-Kissed Cocktail
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Refreshing but not overly sweet, this drink is a festive choice for Christmas get-togethers. Serve it during cocktail hour, at dinner or even for brunch in place of mimosas. —Claire Beattie, Toronto, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 209 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Celebrate Christmas in July with a Hallmark movie marathon.
3/23
Cranberry-Orange Sangria
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Letting this sangria sit in the fridge overnight improves the fruitiness, making it the perfect make-ahead drink for a holiday party. It's also nice with a splash of brandy. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 263 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
4/23
Sparkling Apple Pie on the Rocks
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the perfect fall cocktail. Apple cider mixed with a cinnamon caramel apple simple syrup and topped with bubbly—it's the best holiday drink ever! —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 198 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Craving something savory? These Christmas in July appetizers hit the spot.
5/23
Rubies on Ice
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Ginger and pomegranate are made for each other, and the color of this beverage 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.
6/23
Whiskey-Brandy Slush
Total Time
10 min
Servings
32 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It may be cold outside, but we like to serve this icy citrus drink for Christmas get-togethers at our house. It is fantastic for parties and large gatherings, and it keeps well in the freezer. —Joan Shoebottom, Lexington, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 146 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
7/23
Cranberry Bourbon
Total Time
10 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The subtle tang of cranberry and the warm winter spices make this bourbon just right for holiday toasts—neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 ounce bourbon: 64 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
This is a great drink to serve after your Christmas in July dinner.
8/23
Apple Amaretto Sours
Total Time
5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
An amaretto sour has always been one of my favorite cocktails. This version has a special touch that makes it perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season. —Amber Forbes, Roper, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 191 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 20mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
9/23
Sparkling Cider Sangria
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Adding orange and cranberry juices transforms apple cider into a pretty holiday drink. This quick and easy alcohol-free beverage is absolutely delicious. A friend shared the recipe with me years ago, and I made a few changes. It's a huge hit at holiday brunches! —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 88 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
10/23
Cranberry Sparkler
Total Time
5 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The flavors of this refreshing cran-raspberry cocktail are great any time of year. In winter, the cranberry makes it a good fit for holiday parties; on a warm summer's night, the raspberry comes to the fore. It's a favorite for our girls' night! —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 174 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Get ready to celebrate—we’ll help you plan the perfect Christmas in July party. (Bonus points if you put up some beach Christmas decor, too.)
11/23
Brandy Slush
Total Time
15 min
Servings
21 servings (about 4 quarts slush mix)
From the Recipe Creator:
This citrusy slush is a Midwestern party go-to. Instead of regular brandy, swap in other spirits, like blackberry brandy or berry vodka. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 129 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
12/23
Chocolate Candy Cane Martinis
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 martinis
From the Recipe Creator:
A peppermint martini is perfect for a fun Christmastime 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.
13/23
Pear & Ginger Sparkler
Total Time
30 min
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
14/23
Cranberry-Orange Vodka Slush
Total Time
15 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago, my mother made a rosy and refreshing party drink I’ve never forgotten. The sparkle comes from fruit juices, vodka and lemon-lime soda. —Melinda Strable, Ankeny, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 210 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
15/23
Pumpkin Pie Shots
Total Time
25 min
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 Recipes 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.
16/23
Holiday Mimosa
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Add a splash of color to your brunch table with this rosy holiday mimosa. It has a fantastic sweet-tart taste. —Jessie Sarrazin, Livingston, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 121 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
17/23
Apricot Brandy Slush
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings (6-1/2 cups slush mix)
From the Recipe Creator:
While spending the summer in New Mexico, we tasted this refreshing golden color tea beverage enhanced with something borrowed from the cocktail world: apricot brandy.—Shirley Miller, Williamsport, PA
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 278 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (51g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
18/23
Cranberry-Jalapeno Martini
Total Time
30 min
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 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.
19/23
Champagne Punch
Total Time
10 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This champagne punch, served at my wedding, continues to this day to be the elegant drink we serve at special events. —Anita Geoghagan, Woodstock, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 165 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
20/23
Blackberry Brandy Slush
Total Time
10 min
Servings
28 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
We wanted a fun twist on a slushy made with tea and fruit juice, so we used blackberry brandy. The deep red color makes it very merry. —Lindsey Spinler, Sobieski, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 235 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
21/23
Butterscotch Martinis
Total Time
10 min
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.
22/23
Bourbon Slush
Total Time
10 min
Servings
24 servings (6 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
At our holiday parties, Bourbon Slush is definitely a favorite. Have fun experimenting with different teas when you make it. We like black tea, green tea and orange spice. —Darcene Sigler, Louisville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 196 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 15mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
23/23
Cranberry Mimosa
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mimosas are just so elegant for Sunday brunch. My recipe uses tart cranberries to balance the sweetness of champagne and orange juice. —Shannon Stephens, Lake in the Hills, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 163 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
