egg nog on a boho bar cart showing holiday movie themed cocktails to make at home
Cocktail Collections

11 Holiday movie themed cocktails to make at home

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Inside: Shake up your holiday with 11 movie-inspired cocktails, like Home Alone eggnog and Grinch martinis. Festive, easy recipes perfect for parties or cozy nights in.

E ver watch a holiday movie and think, “That drink looks like it could solve all my problems—or at least make my relatives seem funnier at dinner”? Same.

Holiday movies and cocktails go together like gingerbread and icing: festive, nostalgic, and borderline magical.

So, let’s roll up our sweater sleeves and channel your inner mixologist!

These 11 movie-inspired cocktails are perfect for dazzling your friends, wowing your Instagram followers, and making the holidays taste even better.

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mulled wine on a bar cart while love actually holiday movie plays showing holiday movie themed cocktails

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1. The It’s a Wonderful Life Martini

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martini while watching it's a wonderful life movie cocktail pairing

George Bailey vibes, but make it classy. This classic martini is all about simplicity—gin, dry vermouth, and a quiet reminder that life is beautiful. Stir it up (no shaking here, sorry James Bond), and garnish with a rosemary sprig and a lemon peel for that holiday glow.

Or serve your martini with fries for the ultimate food & drink combo.

COCKTAIL RECIPE

2. The Home Alone Eggnog

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eggnog

Kevin McCallister survived burglars, and you can survive your in-laws with this creamy, boozy classic. Whisk up some rum, cognac, sugar, and eggs. (Don’t skimp on the rum. Kevin didn’t hold back on the booby traps.)

Top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Sip slowly while dodging any family drama traps. Bonus points if you enjoy it while watching Home Alone for the millionth time.

COCKTAIL RECIPE

3. The Love Actually Mulled Wine

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mulled wine

Pour your emotions into a pot (literally) with this cozy mulled wine. Red wine, brandy, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, cloves, and star anise simmer together into pure holiday joy.

This drink is as heartwarming and complicated as Love Actually’s web of love stories. Sip it out of your cutest mug while pretending you’re on a snowy London street—confessing your feelings via poorly spelled cue cards is optional.

COCKTAIL RECIPE

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4. Elf-Inspired Cotton Candy Cocktail

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cotton candy cocktail

“Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite cocktail?” Probably this one. It’s vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau and fresh lemon juice with a crown of cotton candy that melts right into the drink like holiday magic.

Serve it with way too many sugary snacks, and don’t forget to sing loud for all to hear while sipping this whimsical creation. Side effects may include excessive cheer and a sudden urge to hug everyone.

COCKTAIL RECIPE

5. The Polar Express (spiked) Hot Chocolate

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spiked mexican hot chocolate cocktail

All aboard! Melt cocoa powder into warm milk, add vanilla extract and either bourbon or rum, and top with marshmallows for a decadent hot chocolate you’ll want to believe in. A peppermint drizzle makes it even more festive.

This one is perfect for snuggling up by the fire, dreaming of snowy train rides, and reminding yourself that holiday magic is very real—especially when marshmallows are involved.

COCKTAIL RECIPE

6. Grinch-Inspired Sour Apple Martini

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sour apple martini

Turn your sour holiday mood into something sweet with this vibrant green martini. Sour apple schnapps, vodka, and apple juice come together for a tart, Grinch-approved delight.

Garnish with a cherry skewer (bonus points for shaping it into a heart) and sip while your own heart grows three sizes. Roast beast optional.

COCKTAIL RECIPE

7. The Nightmare Before Christmas Pumpkin Spice Rum Punch

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pumpkin spice rum punch

Holiday mashup? Say no more. This punch combines dark rum, pumpkin butter, and apple cider for a drink that feels like Jack Skellington planned your party.

Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a star-shaped orange peel. Serve this at your not quite Halloween, not quite Christmas gathering and watch it steal the show—just like Jack.

COCKTAIL RECIPE

8. The Die Hard Yippee-Ki-Yay Whiskey Sour

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whiskey sour cocktail

Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Absolutely. And this whiskey sour is here to prove it. Bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup come together for a drink as bold as John McClane.

Add a pinch of bitters for extra attitude and garnish with a maraschino cherry—because even action heroes need a little garnish glam.

COCKTAIL RECIPE

9. The Christmas Carol Sherry Cobbler

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sherry cobbler cocktail

Channel your inner Scrooge (post-ghost transformations) with this timeless sherry cobbler. Sherry, sugar, and fresh fruit come together for a cocktail that’s sweet, tangy, and surprisingly festive.

Serve it while contemplating holiday generosity—or just toasting to the fact that you’re not being haunted by your past decisions. Cheers to that!

COCKTAIL RECIPE

10. The Muppet Christmas Carol Cranberry gin fizz

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cranberry gin fizz cocktail

This drink is serious with a side of silliness—just like the Muppets. Gin and fresh cranberries meet ginger beer for a festive twist.

Garnish with mint and maybe a string of mini lights for that extra holiday charm. Sip it while enjoying the chaos of the holidays—or the Muppets’ antics on screen.

COCKTAIL RECIPE

11. Christmas Vacation Egg Cream

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spiked egg cream

Clark Griswold would 100% approve of this fizzy, chocolatey creation. Mix seltzer, milk, chocolate syrup and a shot of coffee liqueur (I recommend Mr. Black) for a retro egg cream that’s as sweet as it is fun.

Top with whipped cream and colorful sprinkles for extra Griswold flair. Pair it with your brightest Christmas lights display (just don’t blow a fuse).

COCKTAIL RECIPE

The Holiday Mixology Rule: Have Fun

The best part about these cocktails? You don’t need to be a pro to nail them. Shake, stir, and sip your way through the holidays with recipes inspired by the movies we love.

Put on a holiday playlist, invite some friends over, and toast to the magic of the season—one cinematic sip at a time. Cheers! 🎥🍸

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I'm Stefanie—Founder & Writer for Revel & Delight

I believe the secret to hosting exceptional gatherings, from lively celebrations to cozy get-togethers, is thoughtfulness and a little bit of prep. Craft the right atmosphere, attitude, then then sit back and savor the moment you've made.

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