Delicious Irish Festive Drinks You’ll Love This Holiday Season
Discover 15 Irish festive drinks for the holidays: rich Baileys hot chocolate, Guinness cocktails, hot toddies, and non-alcoholic favourites.
There’s something about the holidays in Ireland: the twinkle lights around town, the fire crackling away, and a warm drink in hand as the wind howls outside.
I have always loved the holiday season here: while the weather is pretty atrocious, the Irish really know how to make up for it and a warm drink as you get dry in front of the fire is very much the ticket to a cozy Christmas!
Today, I want to share with you beautiful and delicious Irish and Irish-inspired holiday drinks to make at home and that will bring a touch of warmth and Irish hospitality to your evening.
This collection brings together Irish-inspired holiday drinks, ranging from creamy Baileys treats to Guinness-based cocktails and comforting hot toddies. I’ve also included a few non-alcoholic favourites so everyone — kids, drivers, or those avoiding alcohol — can join in the cheer.
Sláinte (this is cheers in Irish!), and happy holidays from our Irish home to yours!
Classic Irish Coffee (with a Christmas Twist)
I want to start this list of Irish holiday drinks with an Irish classic: Irish coffee.
Irish coffee is served all year round but its filling, soothing taste is perfect for cold days; it is also easy to make it even more Christmassy by adding a pinch of cinnamon on top (or edible glitter, really pretty on the whipped cream!)
How to make it: Brew a strong cup of coffee and stir in 1 tsp brown sugar and a dash of Irish whiskey (commonly, three parts of coffee for one part of alcohol). Top with lightly whipped cream (not too stiff!) and dust with a touch of cinnamon. Sip slowly and enjoy the warmth spreading through you. You can find the complete Irish coffee recipe here
Baileys Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
Baileys cream drinks are always a crowd pleaser and I love them for the holiday as they are creamy and indulgent, yet have that kick of the alcohol that hits just the right spot and prevents sickly sweetness.
Fow the holidays, Baileys, hot chocolate and cinnamon are a perfect combination: creamy, chocolatey, and utterly indulgent — this one’s perfect for a movie night or after a wintry walk.
How to make it: Heat 250ml milk with 2 tbsp cocoa powder and a spoon of sugar until hot but not boiling. Stir in 40ml Baileys Irish Cream. Top with whipped cream and chocolate flakes.
Tip for non alcohol drinkers: you can present the drink the very same way yet omitting the alcohol. If you add whipped cream, marshmallows and a sprinkle of cinnamon, they’ll have a lovely hot chocolate with the exact same appearance as the full cocktail.
Guinness Black Velvet
A Guinness black velvet is a classy Irish twist on a festive champagne cocktail. The cocktail mixed guinness and champage, so both the irish and holiday drink element is there, and it is really cool looking, the elegant look of the black Guiness always adding a unique touch!
How to make it: Fill half a flute glass with chilled sparkling wine (or prosecco), then slowly top with Guinness Draught so the layers stay separate. It’s simple, striking, and great for a Christmas toast. You can find the original recipe idea on the Guinness website itself.
Irish Hot Toddy (Hot Wiskey)
Hot Whiskey is maybe THE most traditional holiday Irish cockails of all: as the holidays season starts, pubs serve, friends offer it as a warming drink at house parties and many use it to ward off, soothe or tackle the worst symptoms of a cold. If you are looking for something that envolopes you in seasonal vibes, this is the drink!
How to make it: Mix Irish whiskey, a teaspoon of honey, and the juice of half a lemon into a mug. Top up with hot water and stir. Garnish with a clove-studded lemon slice and a cinnamon stick. Comfort in a cup! Find this hot toddy recipe here.
Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Spritz
Cramberries and whiskey are Christmas staples in Ireland and they come beautifullly together in this spritz which is delicious and looks super festivet thanks to the red color of the cranberry juice.
How to make it: You can simply make it by using good quality cranberry juice or go all out and make your own. Make a quick syrup by simmering cranberries, sugar, cinnamon, and ginger for 10 minutes, then strain. Mix Irish whiskey, cranberry syrup, a squeeze of lemon, and top with soda or tonic to taste. Garnish with a fresh cranberries.
Baileys & Praline Martini
Some flavors combinations seem made in heaven and Baileys cream and hazelnuts is one of them! These two ingredients come together in many irish drink ideas and they make a beautiful, elegant martini type cocktails for holiday gatherings too.
Like dessert in a glass! Perfect for when you want something sweet and elegant.
How to make it: Shake 50ml Baileys, 20ml hazelnut syrup, and 40ml cream. Strain into a chilled martini glass and sprinkle with crushed praline or a few chocolate shavings.
Irish Spiced Apple Cider
Spiced cider is a wonderuful festive cocktails perfct for fall and Thanksgiving especially. This warm drink captures the flavours of Irish orchards in winter and it’s super easy to make.
How to make it: Heat apple cider with a dash of Irish whiskey to taste. Serve hot with a slice of apple, cinnamon stick, and star anise as garnish. Depending on the cider you are using, you may need to add brown sugar or honey. A slice of orange in the mug also adds a lovely touch and can make it ever more seasona, if making it for Christmas
Baby Guinness Shots
A Baby Guinness is a fun take on the idea of a shot, where a shot glass is made to look by a small pint of Guiness! It is not, however, what not the name suggests: to make a baby Guinness you do not Guinness in a shot glass! Instead, you layer dark coffee liqueur with Baileys cream. Absolutely delicious, fun and a crowd pleaser for holiday gatherings.
They look like tiny pints of stout but taste like creamy coffee heaven — great for parties or after dinner.
How to make it: Pour coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) two-thirds up a shot glass, then slowly layer Baileys on top so it floats. A fun nod to the real thing!
Guinness Chocolate Milkshake (Non-Alcoholic Option Too!)
If you like a drink which also doubles up as a dessert, this can just be the ticket! easy to make with or without alcohol, it’s a playful and rich dessert drink.
How to make it: Blend a scoop of vanilla ice cream, 100ml Guinness (or chocolate milk for the non-alcoholic version), 1 tbsp chocolate syrup, and a splash of milk. Top with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles or even edible glitter for a festive touch.
Warm Spiced Orange Punch (Non-Alcoholic)
Oranges are a lovely seasonal treat for the holidays and make for wonderful cocktails and mocktails, since they pair brilliantly with spices such as clobes and star anise. This non alcoholic punch is citrusy, fragrant, and perfect for serving in a big pot at family gatherings.
How to make it: Simmer orange juice, a splash of apple juice, a few cloves, star anise, and a cinnamon stick for 10 minutes. Sweeten to taste and serve warm with orange slices.
Irish Market Mulled Wine
While mulled wine first became popular across Europe, it’s now a firm favourite in Ireland during the festive season — especially at Christmas markets and cosy winter get-togethers. To give it a local touch, we use Irish honey for sweetness.
How to make it:
In a pot, gently heat one bottle of red wine with a cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, half an orange (sliced), and Irish honey. Don’t let it boil. Stir, and serve hot with an orange slice and cinnamon stick for presentation. You can find the full mulled wine recipe here.
Irish Cream Eggnog
Eggnog has ancident origins and while it doesn’t seem to have been born in Ireland, it has very much become a festive favourite in Ireland too: especially when given an Irish twist!
Rich, creamy, and gently spiced, it’s a lovely drink to enjoy after dinner or by the fire on Christmas Eve.
How to make it:
In a saucepan, gently heat 250ml milk and 100ml cream with a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon (don’t boil). In a bowl, whisk 2 egg yolks with 2 tablespoons of Irish honey or soft brown sugar until pale.
Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the eggs while whisking, then return to the pan and heat gently until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in 40ml Baileys or Irish whiskey. Serve warm or chilled, topped with a little whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Sparkling Apple & Ginger Fizz (Non-Alcoholic)
Crisp, refreshing, and still festive — perfect for drivers or younger guests.
How to make it: Mix equal parts sparkling apple juice and ginger ale over ice. Add a squeeze of lime and garnish with an apple slice
These drinks capture the spirit of an Irish Christmas: cosy, generous, and full of warmth and are easy to make at home, so you can add a touch of Ireland to your holiday gatherings!
Sláinte!
Irish festive drinks – pin this!
