I’m so excited to start this 12 Drinks of Christmas series! I’m sharing a new drink recipe every Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday from Thanksgiving ’til Christmas. Thursday drinks are family-friendly favorites; the rest of the week is cocktails, mulled wines, sangrias, and all sorts of boozy party goodies to celebrate the season. Cheers!
Just the color of the drink makes a stunning statement on the table, and simple garnishes can take it over the top.
I like to use a mix of whole cranberries and halved cranberries for their pretty clover shapes. Whole rosemary sprigs are the perfect stirrers if the stems are straight-ish enough.
This drink mellows out nicely over time, so don’t be afraid to make it a few hours before the party. If it’s a bit strong for anyone, just pour the drink over seltzer water to tone it down & add some bubbles.
Next up: the richest, creamiest hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows! It might be just the thing to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve.
12 Drinks of Christmas

Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail
Ingredients
For One Drink
- 2 oz. white rum
- 1/2 oz. lime juice
- 1 oz. cranberry rosemary simple syrup recipe below
- 2 T. fresh cranberries for garnish
- rosemary sprig for garnish
For a Pitcher
- 2 cups white rum
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 1 cup cranberry rosemary simple syrup recipe below
- 1 cup fresh cranberries for garnish
- rosemary sprigs for garnish
Cranberry Rosemary Simple Syrup
- 2 cups cranberries
- 2-3 sprigs rosemary
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup sugar
Instructions
For One Drink
- Shake rum, lime juice, and cranberry rosemary simple syrup with ice.
- Strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
For a Pitcher
- Stir rum, lime juice, and cranberry rosemary simple syrup together in a large punch bowl.
- Add 1-2 cups ice to chill. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a few sprigs of rosemary.
Cranberry Rosemary Simple Syrup
- Add all ingredients to a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook until cranberries are soft but haven't burst open, about 10 minutes.
- Let cool, then strain through a fine sieve.
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