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 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 puts a holiday spin on the 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 with vodka, lime and triple sec. The Santa Clausmopolitan recipe is similar and comes courtesy of Totally the Bomb. The drink itself calls for:

  • 1/2 cup cranberry juice
  • 1/2 cup white cranberry-peach juice
  • 1 ounce triple sec
  • 1/2 ounce vodka

For the rim, you’ll need lime juice, corn syrup and flaked coconut. Use lime juice to rim a martini glass (or a coupe if you have several types of classic cocktail glasses). Next, rim the glass again, this time with corn syrup. Pour the flaked coconut onto a plate and roll the sticky corn syrup rim in the flaked coconut for a beautiful snow-kissed effect.

Put the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, and shake until condensation forms on the outside of the shaker. Then, pour the drink into your cheerful Clausmopolitan glass and enjoy!

The result is a gorgeous drink that will give you something to sip on while you unwrap gifts or enjoy your favorite Christmas movies.

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. To use up more flaked coconut, try the Jack Frost cocktail made with blue curaçao, pineapple juice and rum.

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