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
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Chocolate Candy Cane Martinis
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
Scotch Old-Fashioned
This classic scotch old-fashioned cocktail has satisfied the Scotch drinkers for many generations—it's a real classic.—Test of Home Test Kitchen
Mulled Merlot
This mulled wine recipe is sure to warm up your holiday guests! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Brandy Eggnog
Store-bought versions just can't compete with my homemade brandy eggnog. Apricot brandy is my "secret" ingredient!—Shelia Weimer, Bluefield, West Virginia Don't bother checking the drive-thru menu. You can make a holiday McDonald's Eggnog Shake at home!
Tom and Jerry
It just wouldn't be Christmas without sipping a warm Tom & Jerry drink. I was surprised to find out that not everyone knows about this beverage treat. One sip and I'm sure you'll be hooked. It's a like a warm version of eggnog, only better. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor, Culinary What Is Eggnog—and Why Do We Drink It at Christmas?
Butterscotch Martinis
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
Irish Coffee
This Irish coffee lives up to its reputation as a relaxing after-dinner drink. Creme de menthe adds a colorful touch to the cream. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
This pumpkin spice White Russian is a quick and easy twist on the classic drink. The pumpkin mixes well with vodka and Kahlua. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor Still thirsty? Check out these 20 vodka drinks that will help get you through the holidays with your family.
Pomgaritas
Pomegranate juice gives a tart and tasty twist to the traditional margarita. The ruby color is great for Christmas, but we enjoy the refreshing beverage all year long.—Bernice Knutson, Danbury, Iowa
Chilean Monkey Tail Punch
Stories vary surrounding the origins of this punch's unique name. Some say it was initially served in a bottle depicting a monkey with a long tail, but others suggest it was named after a funny incident with a Chilean president in the early 1900s. Whatever the origin, coffee and spirits will make this sweet chilled drink warm you right up this Christmas. It also goes by "cola de mono." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
French 75
The original French 75 drink was created at Harry's New York Bar in Paris, France during WWI. The original version had a powerful kick, like a French 75 mm artillery gun. The version here uses less gin. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Finnish Mulled Wine
I found this recipe stuck in the pages of my Finnish grandmother's Bible. It takes 24 hours to make. Store tightly bottled in the fridge for up to two weeks. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Sweet Kahlua Coffee
I have this beverage brewing in my slow cooker at my annual Christmas open house. I set out the whipped cream and grated chocolate in festive dishes so guests can help themselves to as much Kahlua-flavored coffee as they'd like.—Ruth Gruchow, Yorba Linda, California
Sparkling Apple Pie on the Rocks
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
Amaretto Margarita
With this amaretto margarita, add a touch of Italian flair to the classic lime drink. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Butterscotch Mulled Cider
Five minutes of preparation result in this dynamite slow-cooked drink. You’ll love the sweet taste of butterscotch and cinnamon in this hot apple cider. —Karen Mack, Webster, New York
White Russian
This creamy coffee-flavored drink is a star at any occasion and perfect for any season. A White Russian is equally appropriate before or after dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Homemade Limoncello
This limoncello recipe makes a drink better than any store-bought version. It's perfect as an after-dinner treat on its own, or whipped up in a cocktail. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pomegranate Cosmo
Every soiree needs a signature drink. Sugar dresses up this simple cosmo that lets you enjoy a cozy evening with friends and still shake things up. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chocolate-Caramel Rum Coffee
This decadent coffee drink can stand alone as a final course or as a delightful complement to any chocolate or caramel dessert. Our family loves it after a special dinner or just for sipping in front of the fireplace. —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio
Cranberry-Lime Sangria
Tart, light and fruity, this party-worthy sangria is a hit any time of the year. —Katy Joosten, Little Chute, Wisconsin
Double Chocolate Martini
Is it a beverage or a dessert? Don't let its looks fool you: This chocolate martini is potent but good! —Deb Williams, Peoria, Arizona
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
Cider Wassail Punch
Cinnamon, cloves, apple cider and cranberry juice blend together to create a wonderful drink with an aroma to match. If you don’t have a percolator, simmer this drink on the stove and strain well before serving. —Sharon Tipton, Orlando, Florida
Sparkling Cider Sangria
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
Gibson
A traditional Gibson recipe is a dry gin martini served with a cocktail onion. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Black Russian
Here are no-fuss black Russians that are smooth as silk. Perfect for those who aren't sure what they want. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Vanilla Bean Fizz
A homemade vanilla bean syrup from our home economists fabulously flavors Champagne. The bubbly beverage is ideal for holidays throughout the year.
Manhattan
This Manhattan on the Rocks recipe makes a substantial drink. It can be served straight up in a chilled cocktail glass or over ice in a rocks glass. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Apple Brandy
I spend a lot of time developing recipes for the many fruits and vegetables we grow on our farm. In this creation, apple liquor is enhanced with spices for a delightful drink.—Deanna Seippel, Lancaster, Wisconsin
Hot Buttered Cider Mix
Put the butter base for this beverage in a decorative jar and attach a copy of the recipe for a great gift from your kitchen. You can omit the brandy for a kid-friendly version. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cranberry Orange Mimosas
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
Apple Amaretto Sours
An amaretto sour had 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
Cranberry Sparkler
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
Honey-Bourbon Hot Chocolate
My husband and I like to enjoy this grown-up version of hot chocolate on a cold winter evening. It's even better made with honey-flavored bourbon if you can find that in your local store. —Andrea Harvath, Duncannon, Pennsylvania
Cranberry Bourbon
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, Deputy Editor, Taste of Home.
Brandy Old-Fashioned Sweet
The concept of an old-fashioned dates back to the early 1800s and includes whiskey, bitters, cherry juice, sugar and water. This old-fashioned recipe, which is extremely popular in Wisconsin, uses brandy in place of whiskey and lemon-lime soda instead of water for a milder cocktail. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Easy Irish Cream
Stir up this fast and easy recipe for a potluck brunch. There's plenty of coffee flavor in every cozy cup.—Anna Hansen, Park City, Utah
Mulled Wine
This mulled wine is soothing and satisfying with a delightful blend of spices warmed to perfection. Refrigerating the wine mixture overnight allows the flavors to blend, so don't omit this essential step. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pear & Ginger Sparkler
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 Originally Published: December 15, 2020
