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This crisp Christmas vodka cocktail mixes pomegranate, citrus, and rosemary into a festive drink that’s light without being bland. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or sneaking in a quiet moment while wrapping gifts, this easy holiday vodka cocktail brings bright flavor with almost no effort.
about this christmas vodka cocktail
Holly Jolly Jingle Juice is the kind of Christmas vodka cocktail that makes you want to throw on a playlist, grab some ice, and make a round for the group. It’s crisp, colorful, and refreshing without being too sweet, and it doesn’t take much effort to pull together.
This pomegranate vodka cocktail gets its tart flavor and deep red color from real juice, paired with a little rosemary syrup to give it that cozy, winter feel. Vodka keeps the base clean, orange liqueur brings in a little citrus warmth, and sparkling water on top keeps it light. It checks every box for a winter vodka drink that’s easy to enjoy.
It also works well as an easy holiday cocktail recipe to batch for guests (see below for detailed instructions!). Whether you’re mixing drinks on Christmas Eve or making one for yourself during a late-night wrapping session, this holiday vodka cocktail is the kind of thing you’ll come back to every holiday season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Christmas vodka cocktail is the kind of holiday drink that looks fancy but takes almost no work, making it perfect for both hosting and low-key winter nights.
- Balanced and refreshing, not overly sweet
- Quick to mix and easy to scale up for a holiday party
- Simple ingredients with minimal prep
- Looks festive without needing complicated garnishes
- Customizable for sweetness, citrus, or non-alcoholic versions
ingredients
Vodka. Choose a neutral vodka (like Grey Goose or Absolut Elyx) so the other flavors can come through clearly.
Pomegranate juice. Use 100% juice for the cleanest flavor.
Orange liqueur. A small amount brings in citrus notes and light sweetness, helping to round out the fruit and herbal elements.
Rosemary simple syrup. Make it easily or use regular simple syrup if you are short on time.
Lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice is best!
Sparkling water (club soda). Lightens the drink and adds effervescence. Add this just before serving to keep the bubbles crisp.
this recipe’s must-haves
You’ll need a cocktail shaker to mix and chill the ingredients together. A jigger helps measure everything accurately. Use a highball or rocks glass for serving with plenty of ice.
A fine mesh strainer is optional, but it’s useful if you want a cleaner pour without bits of lemon pulp. Since the cocktail is shaken and served over ice, make sure you have enough on hand for both the shaker and serving glasses.
here’s how to make this Christmas Vodka Cocktail
Add Ingredients
Fill a shaker halfway with ice. Add vodka, pomegranate juice, orange liqueur, rosemary simple syrup, and lemon juice.
Shake
Shake for 10 to 15 seconds until well chilled.
Strain
Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
Top & Garnish
Add sparkling water. Use a sprig of rosemary, dried orange, pomegranate arils, and/or a cinnamon stick for a festive finish.
Tips for Success
- Shake hard so the drink is properly chilled and slightly diluted
- Chill your glass in advance for extra cold sips
- Taste before serving and adjust as needed with lemon, syrup, or soda
- Mix the base ahead of time for parties and top with sparkling water just before serving
Big Batch for 8 Cocktails (Large Pitcher Version)
In a pitcher, combine 16 oz vodka, 16 oz pomegranate juice, 4 oz orange liqueur, 4 oz rosemary simple syrup, and 2 to 4 oz lemon juice. Stir and chill until ready to serve. Pour over ice, top each glass with sparkling water, and garnish as desired.
variations
To make this holiday vodka cocktail more citrusy, add a splash of fresh orange juice to the mix before shaking.
For a spiced version, replace the rosemary syrup with cinnamon simple syrup. The cinnamon brings in a warm, cozy flavor.
If you’re in the mood for something sweeter, increase the syrup slightly or use sweetened pomegranate juice instead of 100% juice.
To turn this into a mocktail, skip the vodka and orange liqueur. Use extra pomegranate juice and a splash of cranberry juice to balance the sweetness and keep it tart and refreshing.
More Christmas Cocktails: Peppermint Martini I Christmas Margarita I Christmas Punch I Christmas Gin Cocktail
faqs
How can I store this drink?
Keep the mixed base (without sparkling water) in the fridge for up to 24 hours in a sealed container.
What if I don’t have rosemary syrup?
Plain simple syrup will work. You’ll lose the herbal flavor, but the drink will still taste balanced and seasonal.
How strong is this cocktail?
It’s moderate in strength. The juice, syrup, and sparkling water keep the alcohol from being overwhelming.
Looking for more drink ideas? Check out my booze section.
what to serve with vodka cocktail
Pair this cocktail with savory bites like baked brie topped with cranberry chutney, rosemary nuts, or prosciutto crostini. It also works well with easy puff pastry appetizers, stuffed bacon-wrapped dates, or a Christmas cheese board loaded with seasonal snacks that are ideal for this time of year.
For holiday mains, the acidity in this drink cuts through rich dishes like glazed ham, prime rib, or roasted chicken. It also complements pasta and meat dishes such as rigatoni al forno, short rib ragu, and cranberry rosemary stuffed pork tenderloin.
On the sweet side, serve it with sugar cookies, gingerbread, or peppermint bark. The citrus and rosemary in the drink help balance all the richness. It’s a great match for Christmas cookies or gingerbread crack candy.
This is an easy pre-dinner cocktail for Christmas Eve or any holiday gathering where you want something festive but not fussy.
More winter drinks to sip on
For something warm and comforting, try this Instant Pot Mulled Wine. It’s full of spices and perfect for cozy nights in.
If you’re looking for something bubbly and light, a Cranberry Mimosa is a great choice. It’s simple, festive, and works for brunch or holiday toasts.
The Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule adds a fresh, citrusy twist to the classic mule, making it a great winter cocktail that’s both refreshing and seasonal.
Finally, if you make this christmas vodka cocktail recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.
Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
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christmas vodka cocktail
equipment
- Highball or rocks glass
- Ice (lots — it’s a shake-then-pour drink)
- Fine mesh strainer (optional for extra-smooth pour)
ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 oz pomegranate juice
- 1/2 oz orange liqueur
- 1/2 oz rosemary simple syrup
- 1/4 to 1/2 oz lemon juice
- Sparkling water
- Garnish: rosemary sprigs pomegranate arils, dried orange slices, cinnamon stick
instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add vodka, pomegranate juice, liqueur, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into an ice-filled cocktail glass.
- Top with soda water.
- Garnish and serve.
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notes
- Always add sparkling water last to keep it fizzy
- Mix the base ahead of time for parties and top with soda per glass
- Garnishes are optional but add color and seasonal flavor
- Use 100% pomegranate juice for the best tart balance
- Chill your glass if you want an extra cold sip
- For a big batch that will make 8 cocktails:
nutrition
about meghan
Meghan Yager is the recipe developer, food photographer, and creative force behind Cake ‘n Knife, where everyday moments are celebrated with bold, flavor-forward recipes. From cozy cocktails to bold appetizers and indulgent desserts, her approachable style brings people together around food worth sharing. Meghan’s work has been featured by Good Housekeeping, Oprah Daily, Today, Woman’s Day, and The Huffington Post. She lives in Denver, where she brings big flavor and a little sass to every bite.
