Watching Christmas movies and specials with friends and family is one of our favorite holiday activities. These movies have touched our hearts, taught us light lessons, and helped us believe in the magic of the season. When you sit down to watch your favorites this year, make it a holly jolly experience with 11 cocktail recipes inspired by the films and tv programs, including a Grinch drink and Christmas mocktails. You can even get the kids involved with simple non-alcoholic options that are fun for the whole family.
Buddy’s Breakfast (Elf)
Streaming on Hulu and Max
Unlike Buddy’s “unusual” breakfast in Elf, you won’t find spaghetti in our Buddy’s Breakfast cocktail. But since Santa’s helpers really do have a culinary passion for maple syrup, what you will find is a lovely sense of elf culture in what we think is the world’s best cup of… rum and coke. Pure maple syrup and a touch of vanilla take the otherwise basic cocktail to another level.
Melted Snowman (Frosty the Snowman)
Airing December 16 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS and during Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas
Frosty the Snowman warms the hearts of viewers everywhere, just as the sun melts Frosty towards the end of the movie. It’s a traditional animated holiday film and chances are you’ve seen it play on the television since you were little. Bring your own little Frosty right into your home with the Melted Snowman cocktail. The detailed, edible touches make this drink come to life.
Clarence’s Mulled Wine (It’s A Wonderful Life)
Streaming on Amazon Prime Video, FuboTV, The Roku Channel, Plex, and Sling TV
Our version of Clarence’s Mulled Wine is just as the guardian angel in It’s a Wonderful Life ordered, “heavy on the cinnamon and light on the cloves.” You may not earn your wings, but you definitely feel a little lighter while sipping on this mulled wine.
Mean and Green (How the Grinch Stole Christmas)
Streaming on Peacock and airing November 30 and December 25 on NBC
Mean and green. Grumpy and greedy. Sour as a pickle. He’s a mean one, that Mr. Grinch. He’s also painfully relatable for those of us who have a grumpy person we’re trying to lure into the spirit of the season. Our Mean and Green cocktail is here to help. Brighten that grinchy someone’s day with this unexpected, delightfully delicious drink.
Rudolph’s Red-Nose Punch (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer)
Airing November 27 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and during Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer had a very shiny nose! Now it can be the sippable centerpiece of your holiday. Rudolph’s Red-Nose Punch takes the winter cranberry flavor you love and turns it into a deliciously cute cocktail for all party guests. It’s also easy to make this a non-alcoholic drink by leaving out the vodka and using a pump of raspberry syrup instead.
Hot, Hot, Hot, Hot Chocolate (The Polar Express)
Streaming on Hulu, Max, and Sling TV
When it comes to Christmas special inspired cocktails, “Yo we got it!” Hot, Hot, Hot, Hot Chocolate is a must for your viewing of The Polar Express. We take hot seriously in this recipe, but not so serious that your mouth can’t handle the heat. This fun drink gives you a warmth in temperature, as well as a little heat on the palate.
Happy Christmas Boozy Root Beer Float (A Charlie Brown Christmas)
Streaming on Apple TV
When you’re scrolling through listings of annual holiday specials to watch, surely this classic favorite A Charlie Brown Christmas will come to mind. Set aside time to stream this seasonal favorite with our Happy Christmas Boozy Root Beer Float, inspired by the time-honored cartoon, in hand. It’s a wintry spin on a spiked float with a hint of minty flavor. Modify the recipe for the kids by eliminating the alcohol and adding 2 tsp of 1883 Maison Routin Peppermint Syrup.
Cousin Eddie’s Trailer Fuel (National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation)
Streaming on Hulu, Max, and Sling TV and airing on November 26 and 27 on TNT and December 4 on AMC
Cousin Eddie, with his rusty trailer and his goofy love for his family, stands out in this comedy. His jokes and his grin have inspired a goofy drink that only he would make. We call it Cousin Eddie’s Trailer Fuel. Give a trial run to this sort-of-fancy (by Eddie’s standards, at least) “Beer-garita” that uses margarita ingredients you probably have in your kitchen.
Ginger Snap Cocktail (Santa Claus Is Coming to Town)
Airing December 4 and 5 on Freeform
The classic Christmas special Santa Claus Is Coming to Town portrays Kris Kringle as a ginger. His memorably red mop of hair inspired us to create this Ginger Snap Cocktail, a brew that warms you with its temperature as well as its delicious blend of spices. If the little ones want to join in, match a batch without the rum. It’s perfectly lovely without the spirits.
Stroopwafel Flip (Miracle on 34th Street)
Streaming on Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Sling TV and airing November 27 at 7 p.m. ET on AMC
This Dutch-influenced quaff came to us because of the Sinterklaasje song Kris Kringle chants to a little Dutch girl early on in Miracle on 34th Street. This holiday classic makes our watch list every year, perhaps because of its heartwarming message that reminds us, goodness exists in the world if you simply…believe.
Red Ryder Punch (A Christmas Story)
Streaming on Max, TBS, and TruTV and airing December 2, 3, 24, and 25 on TBS
Red Ryder Punch is a gin based cocktail with the flavor of tangy-tart hibiscus, and a hint of blueberry sweetness. Inspired by Ralphie’s iconic “official Red Ryder, carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle, with a compass in the stock, and this thing that tells time,” from A Christmas Story, it is a refreshing cocktail that packs a nice punch of flavor.
Story by Kylie Thomas
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