Santa Clausmopolitans Are the Boozy Sippers We Need—Here’s How to Make One
Updated: Oct. 21, 2021
Santa Clausmopolitans are too good to leave out for Santa himself.
There are certain drinks that just say happy holidays. You know, like the classic hot buttered rum, brandy-spiked eggnog, punch bowls filled with mulled wine and bottles of bubbly perfect for making toasts.
On the other hand, there are cocktails that we don’t generally associate with Christmas, like grasshoppers and cosmopolitans, despite their festive green and red hues. That’s where a Santa Clausmopolitan comes in—it’s a puts a holiday spin on this iconic cocktail.
What’s in a Clausmopolitan?
If you’re familiar with making cosmos, you know this drink starts with cranberry juice and is enhanced by vodka, lime and triple sec. The Santa Clausmopolitan recipe is similar and comes courtesy of Totally the Bomb. It calls for:
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup white cranberry-peach juice
- 1 ounce Triple Sec
- 1/2 ounce vodka
To start, use lime juice to rim a classic martini glass. Next, it gets an additional rim of corn syrup. That step is important, because now it’s time to dip the glass in flaked coconut for a beautiful snow-kissed effect.
Put the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and mix well. Then, pour into your cheerful Clausmopolitan glass and enjoy!
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The result is a gorgeous drink that will give you something to sip on while you unwrap gifts or enjoy your favorite Christmas movies on Netflix.
Say “Ho, Ho, Ho” to All Kinds of Christmas Spirits
If you need more colorful cocktail inspiration, add this holiday mimosa to your repertoire. This spin on a brunch classic uses ruby red grapefruit juice and raspberry liqueur, plus a bright red sugar rim.
If warm drinks are more your thing, you’ll also want to try our hot spiced berry punch. It uses a slow cooker to coax the best out of mixed berries mulled with cinnamon sticks and star anise, built on a cranberry-raspberry juice foundation. We’re breaking out the serving glasses already!
25 Christmas Drinks to Make in December
Frozen Brandy Old-Fashioneds
Even if the weather outside is frightful, this frozen version of a traditional Wisconsin brandy old-fashioned made will get the festivities rolling. The make-ahead mixture is a perfect Christmas drink for gatherings of family and friends. Simply freeze, scoop, and top with lemon-lime soda and a cherry.
Cranberry-Lime Sangria
Tart, citrusy and light, this party-worthy sangria is a shoo-in for Christmas Eve gatherings or brunch the next day. It can easily be made ahead of time to keep handy for drop-in visitors, too.
Mulled Wine
This classic holiday warmer made with red wine and soothing and satisfying spices will keep your holiday guests cozy. After combining everything together, make sure to refrigerate the mixture overnight to ensure the flavors meld before serving.
Chocolate Martini Recipe
Don’t let the looks of this decadent cocktail fool you. Like many holiday vodka drinks, it’s both pretty and potent. Make sure to rim the glass in grated chocolate for a real holiday treat.
Tom and Jerry
The Tom and Jerry cocktail is much older than the cartoon; in fact, it dates back to the early 1800s, attributed to a British writer. Think of it as a warm version of eggnog, the more popular Christmas drink, and just as delicious.
Cider Wassail
This traditional wassail recipe came from a dear friend in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where we lived for many years. Because it's warm, wonderful and non-alcoholic, we've even served it at church. This wassail drink is also perfect for a holiday open house. —Maryellen Hays, Wolcottville, Indiana
Chocolate Candy Cane Martinis
Peppermint in martini form is the perfect treat for a fun Christmastime gathering of friends. It’s really all about the presentation with this vodka cocktail, from the whipped topping to crushed candy canes that rim the glass for festive flair.
Hot Buttered Rum
Make a batch of this sweet ice cream-based mix and store in the freezer. When guests arrive, simply scoop into a glass, add water and rum for a delicious seasonal treat.
Brandy Eggnog
Store-bought versions can’t compete with homemade brandy eggnog. The secret ingredient here is apricot brandy, which lends a nice fruity aromatic bump. You can even use this as a base for a copycat McDonald’s eggnog shake!
Butterscotch Martinis
Who needs dessert when you can sip this butterscotch-flavored martini after dinner? Pour the blend over a few mini chocolate chips and top with a candy for a delightful nightcap.
Irish Coffee
Whip up a batch of Irish coffees for your guests at the end of a meal. Add a float of creme de menthe whipped cream for a fun and delicious touch.
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Turn an ordinary White Russian into your new favorite Christmas drink simply by adding a bit of pumpkin and cinnamon to the mix. The rich flavors go perfectly with vodka and Kahlua. Still thirsty? Check out these 20 vodka drinks that will help get you through the holidays with your family.
Pomgaritas
Not only does pomegranate juice give a tart twist to the traditional margarita, the ruby color is fitting for a Christmas cocktail. Double up the recipe to make a batch for a festive gathering.
Chilean Monkey Tail Punch
The best part of this punch isn’t just the name. Made with coffee, milk, cinnamon and cloves, it’s like an iced coffee Christmas drink that actually warms you up. Well, thanks to the addition of brandy, pisco or grappa, of course.
Sweet Kahlua Coffee
Coffee, Kahlua and creme de cacao simmering in a slow cooker is an ideal way to welcome guests for a holiday open house. Make sure to set out whipped cream and grated chocolate as DIY toppers.
Butterscotch Mulled Cider
It takes five minutes to pull this sweet mulled cider together in a crock pot, but you can serve it all day long on Christmas eve or day. Make sure to have some apple slices on hand for garnish.
Pomegranate Cosmo
The classic cosmo doesn’t always have to be made with cranberry juice. For a signature Christmas drink, up the beautiful red color with pomegranate juice, and make it sparkle with a red sugar rim.
Chocolate-Caramel Rum Coffee
Topped with coffee-flavored whipped cream, this warm and decadent drink is a delightful complement to chocolate desserts. Or just sip it on its own in front of the fireplace.
Apple Brandy
With a little advanced planning, make this fruit brandy with fresh apples, cinnamon and cloves to sip during the holidays. Put it in decorative bottles with handwritten tags for lovely homemade gifts.
Hot Buttered Cider Mix
Another great gift from your kitchen: Put the butter base for this cider mix in pretty jars with the recipe for how to serve it attached. Omit the brandy for a kid-friendly version.
Cranberry Orange Mimosas
Tart cranberries balance the sweetness of orange juice in this classic mimosa recipe. The beautiful color and sparkling wine makes it even more zippy.
Sparkling Apple Pie on the Rocks
Apple cider mixed with a cinnamon caramel apple simple syrup and topped with bubbly is a perfect drink for the holidays. Gold sprinkles on the rim and cinnamon-stick swizzles make it even more festive.
Sparkling Cider Sangria
A non-alcoholic sipper made with apple cider and cranberry and orange juices is a hit at holiday brunches. For a garnish, skewered apple pieces and cranberries almost look like Christmas tree garland.
Apple Amaretto Sours
Amp up an amaretto sour with apple cider and lemon for a delicious twist on an old standard. Add a cinnamon stick for an extra dose of warmth for the holiday season.
Cranberry Sparkler
Make the base of this sparkling rum-based drink in advance, and top it off with ginger ale when guests arrive. Serve with a fresh cranberry garnish for a pretty seasonal twist.
Slow-Cooker Mulled Wine
Red wine, warm spices, citrus and bourbon simmering in a slow cooker gives the entire house a wonderful aroma. Want to serve it as a Christmas drink? Make it up to three days ahead, cool completely, and warm over gentle heat on the stovetop the day of your gathering.
Cranberry Bourbon
After adding dried cranberries, cinnamon and orange zest to bourbon, store the mixture in an airtight container for two to four weeks. Strain and serve the cranberry-infused spirit on the rocks or use in a cocktail (it makes great manhattans and old-fashioneds).
Brandy Old-Fashioned Sweet
This version of an old-fashioned, which uses brandy instead of whiskey, plus cherry juice, sugar, bitters and water, is popular in Wisconsin. Topped with lemon-lime soda, it’s an easy-drinking cocktail for all holiday festivities.
Easy Irish Cream
While Irish whiskey is a go-to for this creamy concoction, you can swap in hazelnut liqueur, peppermint schnapps or amaretto for different variations. Have the mix ready for guests and simply add coffee later.
Originally Published: December 15, 2020
