These 5 Christmas Coffee Drink Classics are sure to Impress Your Guests this Holiday Season
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to celebrate than by treating yourself to a delicious, decadent, and very festive cup of coffee? It's already December and the holiday season is in full swing (seriously, where has the time gone?). If you’re planning a chill night, hosting friends and family, or just looking for a sweet little pick-me-up, these holiday coffee recipes are perfect for adding something extra to this Christmas season!
While many coffee drinkers stick with straight espresso or simple black coffee (and we salute you), these recipes are made for those who enjoy warming up with yummy holiday-inspired flavors that perfectly match the Christmas season.
All of the recipes involving milk that we're sharing with you today use whole milk by default for a luxurious and creamy base, but these days there are plenty of good substitutions out there to fit your preferences or dietary needs. For example, oat milk lends a smooth, subtly sweet flavor, almond milk offers a light, nutty profile, and coconut milk adds a tropical richness. It’s important to note that each milk has a different texture—known as viscosity—which can affect how creamy or thick the final drink feels. Whole milk will generally result in the creamiest drink, while lighter options like almond milk will create a thinner consistency.
Looking to tweak your drink? Feel free to experiment with different types of garnishes, syrups, and liqueurs, and make note of what enhances the drink to your liking. If you’re experimenting with non-dairy milks, you’ll be able to see how they change the texture and flavor profile. Adjust the sweetness or play around with flavored syrups, such as vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon, and don’t shy away from experimenting with sugar-free versions if that’s your preference. For extra flair, customize toppings like whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or candy canes to wow your friends and family.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to serve these drinks at a holiday party, we'd highly recommend testing them out ahead of time if you have the opportunity! This is your chance to perfect each drink before the big day! Preparing the drinks in advance gives you the chance to hone in on your coffee making techniques and to play with flavors to see what combinations work best. Remember, baristas don't suddenly become super skilled coffee makers overnight. Rome was not built in a day, after all. ;) Don't be too hard on yourself, okay? Play around with the ingredients and find what works best for you—maybe it's adding a little more (or less) sweetness, a dash of spice, or even trying different flavored liqueurs than the ones we shared. You've got this!
And Now For The Magic!
1. Peppermint Mocha Latte 🍫🎄
The Peppermint Mocha Latte is a cozy Christmas favorite that combines the boldness of espresso with the cool, refreshing taste of peppermint and the rich sweetness of chocolate. It’s a delicious drink that really hits the spot.
Ingredients:
- 1–2 shots of espresso (30–60 ml)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) chocolate syrup
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) peppermint syrup or ¼ tsp peppermint extract in 1 tbsp (15 ml) simple syrup
- ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
- Optional: Extra chocolate syrup (for rimming the mug)
- Optional: Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder
- Crushed candy canes (for garnish)
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Syrup: In a mug, combine chocolate syrup and peppermint syrup (or peppermint extract mixed with simple syrup). Stir well to combine.
- Pull Your Espresso: Brew your espresso shots directly into the mug with the syrup mix.
- Steam the Milk: Froth your milk using a steam wand until it reaches a temperature of 150–160°F (65–70°C). The milk should be silky and smooth, but don’t worry if you’re not a barista—just avoid burning the milk.
- Mix the Drink: Pour the steamed milk over the espresso and syrup mixture, stirring gently to combine.
- Garnish: Top the drink with whipped cream and more crushed candy canes to bring it all together.
Garnishing Tips:
- Simple: Top with whipped cream and a few crushed candy canes. Maybe even some crushed chocolate/cocoa powder too.
- Fancier: Rim your mug with chocolate syrup and crushed candy canes for a striking presentation.
Baked Good Pairing: Pair with chocolate chip cookies, chocolate peppermint patties, brownies, or a peppermint bark for a sweet and indulgent treat.
2. Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini 🍸🎄
A fun twist on the classic espresso martini, this cocktail combines the rich flavors of espresso, coffee liqueur, and peppermint for a cool holiday party drink or a fancy lil nightcap.
Ingredients:
- 1–2 shots of espresso (30–60 ml)
- 1 oz (30 ml) coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua)
- 1 oz (30 ml) chocolate liqueur (such as Crème de Cacao)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) peppermint syrup or ¼ tsp peppermint extract mixed in with simple syrup
- 1 oz (30 ml) vodka
- Crushed candy cane to sprinkle on top as garnish
- Optional: Chocolate syrup (for rimming the glass)
- Optional: Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder
Instructions:
- Prepare the Syrup: In a small bowl, mix peppermint syrup (or peppermint extract and simple syrup) together. Set aside. Note: Alternatively, you could use peppermint flavored vodka along with just plain simple syrup (Check out this recipe for simple syrup here: https://www.liquor.com/recipes/simple-syrup/
- Pull Your Espresso: Brew your espresso shots and let them cool slightly.
- Mix the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine espresso, coffee liqueur, chocolate liqueur, vodka, and peppermint syrup mix. Add ice and shake vigorously. Tip: Don't skimp on shaking, or you might end up with too little cocktail to fill your martini glass, and perhaps not enough 'crema' at the top of your espresso martini.
- Strain the cocktail into your martini glass: Using a classic Boston shaker and a julep strainer --or whatever shaker tin you have on hand, and strain the cocktail into your martini glass. We have some cool shaker tins here!
- Rim the Glass: If desired, rim your martini glass with chocolate syrup by dipping it into the syrup and then into crushed candy canes or cocoa powder.
- Serve: Strain the cocktail into the glass, and garnish with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, and even a mini candy cane.
Garnishing Tips:
- Simple: A few chocolate shavings and crushed candy cane on top. Perhaps even a couple of coffee beans on top, like in the classic espresso martini.
- Fancier: Rim the glass with chocolate syrup and crushed candy canes for a holiday touch.
Baked Good Pairing: Serve with a rich chocolate cake, fancy chocolate truffles, or a dark chocolate mousse for the perfect adult dessert pairing.
3. Eggnog Latte 🍶🎄
A smooth, creamy holiday favorite that combines rich eggnog with espresso for the ultimate winter pick-me-up. There isn't anything quite like eggnog, in our most humble opinion.
Ingredients:
- 1–2 shots of espresso (30–60 ml)
- ½ cup (120 ml) eggnog
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
- Optional: 1 pump or 1 tbsp (15 ml) of vanilla syrup (or even just a few drops of vanilla extract
- Ground nutmeg (for garnish)
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Drink: Brew your espresso shots and set aside. If you plan to add a bit of vanilla extract or vanilla syrup to the mix, you can add it now.
- Steam the Milk and Eggnog: In a separate jug, combine egg nog and milk. Steam the mixture until it reaches 150–160°F (65–70°C), frothing until silky and smooth. Note: If you want more eggnog flavor, you can replace the milk with more eggnog, or use more eggnog and less milk. This will make the drink sweeter though, so maybe go half on the vanilla syrup if you're planning to skip the milk.
- Mix the Drink: Pour the steamed milk and eggnog mixture over the espresso shots and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground nutmeg.
Garnishing Tips:
- Simple: Sprinkle nutmeg on top of the whipped cream.
- Fancier: Add a cinnamon stick as a garnish for extra holiday spirit.
Baked Good Pairing: Pair with classic rum balls, almond biscotti, or buttery shortbread cookies for a rich, comforting combination.
Wanting an adult drink? Much like our next recipe for the buttered rum latte, this recipe goes great with a delicious spiced rum.
4. Buttered Rum Latte 🥃🎄
Warm and cozy, this drink is like a perky holiday hug in a cup, combining the richness of butter and rum with the smoothness of espresso. It's hard not feel at least a tiny bit of Christmas magic with this one.
Ingredients:
- 1–2 shots of espresso (30–60 ml)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter (unsalted)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) brown sugar
- 1 tsp (5 ml) rum extract or 1 tbsp (15 ml) dark rum
- ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Syrup: In a small saucepan over low heat (you don't want to burn the butter, haha), Melt butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fully blended. Stir in the rum extract (or dark rum) and remove from heat.
- Pull Your Espresso: Brew your espresso shots and set aside.
- Steam the Milk: Steam the milk until it reaches 150–160°F (65–70°C) and is frothy but smooth.
- Mix the Drink: Add the butter-rum mixture to your mug, followed by the brewed espresso. Stir to combine.
- Garnish: Top with whipped cream for added richness and for an extra creamy aesthetic.
Garnishing Tips:
- Simple: Add a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the whipped cream.
- Fancier: Top with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a sweet finishing touch.
Baked Good Pairing: This pairs beautifully with a slice of pecan pie or cinnamon rolls for a truly indulgent treat. Christmas sugar cookies and shortbread cookies also pair well with this drink!
5. Gingerbread Latte 🍪🎄
Move over Starbs. Nothing says Christmas like the warm, spicy aroma of gingerbread, and this latte is the perfect way to bring this classic 'limited time' holiday latte home.
Ingredients:
- 1–2 shots of espresso (30–60 ml)
- ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) molasses
- 1 tbsp (12 g) brown sugar
- ¼ tsp (1 g) ground ginger
- ¼ tsp (1 g) ground cinnamon
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine molasses, brown sugar, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon. Stir over low heat until fully combined and hot.
- Pull Your Espresso: Brew your espresso shots and set them aside.
- Steam the Milk: Froth your milk using a steam wand until it reaches a temperature of 150–160°F (65–70°C). The milk should be silky and smooth—don't worry if you're not a barista, just ensure the milk isn’t burnt.
- Mix the Drink: Pour the spiced milk over the espresso and syrup mixture, stirring gently to combine.
- Garnish: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a dusting of brown sugar (or all 3) for the perfect finishing touch.
Garnishing Tips:
- Simple: Dust with ground cinnamon on top of the whipped cream.
- Fancier: Do the above, but add a mini gingerbread cookie to the rim of the mug for an extra touch.
Baked Good Pairing: Gingerbread cookies or molasses cookies are the perfect complement to this spicy, sweet drink. Or break into that gingerbread house that you built! Candied ginger is also delicious.
And there you have it, folks—your go-to recipes for making café-worthy drinks at home
From the rich, spiced warmth of an Eggnog Latte to the cool, minty, chocolatey zing of a Peppermint Mocha, we think these classic coffee drinks capture all the nostalgic flavors that make this time of year so special. They're perfect for those quiet moments or lively ones spent with friends and family—each drink brings something extra to the table, and make everything feel a little merrier.
And hey, we all know the right mug makes it even better! Check out our fun picks: one shaped like a gingerbread man and another styled like Santa. They're definitely a fun way to show off your drinks!
✨ Gingerbread Man Mug: Shaped like everyone's favorite holiday cookie, it’s as cute as it is functional.
🎅 Santa Mug: Jolly, iconic, and guaranteed to spread holiday vibes with every pour. Makes a great for everyone on your 'nice' list this year. Next year, we'll try to make a lump of coal shaped mug for everyone on your naughty list.
Want to take things a step further? Check out this Christmas-inspired flatware to make your Christmas set up even more on point! Whether you're serving up treats or stirring your latte, these pieces add a whole bunch sparkle to this holiday season.
