The holiday season is the most lucrative time of year for beverage programs. Guests are not just looking for a meal; they are looking for "cheer." They are more willing to splurge on premium spirits, second rounds, and dessert drinks than at any other time of year.

Planning to keep you restaurant open this Christmas? Here's what you need to know.

If you are still running your standard drink menu in December, you are leaving money on the table. A dedicated seasonal menu featuring Christmas cocktails creates urgency, increases check averages, and offers free marketing when guests snap photos of your beautiful creations.

Here are 12 profitable, crowd-pleasing holiday drinks to add to your menu this season to keep spirits, and sales, high.

Also Read: Top 10 Menu Ideas for Cafes to Crush the Holiday Rush

The "Nostalgia" Drivers (Creamy & Sweet)

These drinks appeal to guests looking for comfort. They often replace dessert, allowing you to capture that final $12–$15 add-on at the end of a meal.

1. The Gingerbread Martini

Turn the season’s favorite cookie into a high-margin cocktail.

• The Mix: Vodka, Baileys, and gingerbread syrup.
• The Upsell: Rim the glass with crushed ginger snaps and top with a dollop of whipped cream.
• Why it sells: It sounds like a dessert but drinks like a martini. It’s the perfect "liquid dessert."

2. Peppermint White Russian

A minty twist on "The Dude’s" favorite drink.

• The Mix: Vodka, coffee liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and heavy cream.
• The Presentation: Serve with a mini candy cane hanging off the side.
• Why it sells: It’s visually iconic. The red-and-white candy cane garnish signals "Christmas" immediately to anyone looking around the dining room.

3. House-Made Spiked Eggnog

Store-bought eggnog has a bad reputation, but house-made eggnog is a premium luxury.

• The Mix: Bourbon or dark rum, cream, sugar, eggs, and fresh nutmeg.
• The Twist: Offer a "flight" of eggnogs (e.g., one bourbon, one rum, one tequila-based) to increase ticket size.
• Why it sells: It screams tradition. Marketing it as "made from scratch in-house" justifies a higher price point.

The "Batch-Ready" Profit Makers (Fast & Efficient)

Speed of service is critical during the holiday rush. These holiday drinks can be pre-batched before the shift, allowing your bartenders to pour and serve in seconds.

4. Classic Mulled Wine

The ultimate high-margin winter warmer.

• The Mix: Red wine (use a cost-effective bulk wine), brandy, oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
• The Operation: Keep it warm in a slow cooker or urn behind the bar. The smell alone will sell it to guests walking through the door.
• Why it sells: It’s an impulse buy driven by aroma.

5. Cranberry Mule (The "Yule Mule")

A festive spin on the vodka staple that requires zero new training for staff.

• The Mix: Vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, and a splash of unsweetened cranberry juice.
• The Garnish: Fresh rosemary sprig and frozen cranberries.
• Why it sells: Mules are already best-sellers. The color change (red) and the name change make it feel seasonal without scaring off customers who want something familiar.

6. Winter Sangria

A lighter option for lunch crowds or large groups.

• The Mix: Red wine, pomegranate juice, triple sec, and slices of winter citrus (blood oranges, grapefruits) and pears.
• Why it sells: Pitcher sales. This is the perfect drink to suggest to a table of four, instantly boosting the beverage sale by $40–$50 in one command.

The "Instagram" Sparklers (Elegant & Fizzy)

These Christmas cocktails are designed to look beautiful. They are perfect for toasts, celebrations, and social media shares.

7. Pomegranate Rosemary Royale

A sophisticated upgrade to the Kir Royale.

• The Mix: Prosecco or Champagne topped with a splash of pomegranate liqueur.
• The Garnish: A single sprig of rosemary. The bubbles cling to the rosemary needles, looking like a Christmas tree covered in snow.
• Why it sells: It looks high-end but has a low liquor cost (mostly sparkling wine).

8. The "Grinch" Mimosa

A bright green cocktail that is fun and playful.

• The Mix: Sparkling wine mixed with melon liqueur (Midori) or green juice (for a healthier vibe), topped with a red cherry.
• Why it sells: The color is shocking. It stands out on tables and encourages people to ask, "What is that?"

9. Spiced French 75

• The Mix: Gin, lemon juice, Champagne, and a house-made cinnamon-clove syrup instead of simple syrup.
• Why it sells: It transforms a sophisticated classic into a warm, spiced holiday favorite.

The "Cold Night" Warmers (Hot Drinks)

If your restaurant is in a cold climate, these are mandatory.

10. Hot Buttered Rum

• The Mix: Dark rum, boiling water, and a "batter" of butter, brown sugar, and spices.
• The Secret: Make the butter batter in bulk. All the bartender has to do is add a scoop of batter to rum and water.
• Why it sells: It’s rich, warming, and feels like a hug in a mug.

11. Boozy Mexican Hot Chocolate

• The Mix: Hot chocolate, tequila or mezcal, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• The Rim: Cinnamon sugar and chili powder.
• Why it sells: The spicy kick makes it memorable and distinguishes it from a kid’s drink.

12. The Smoked Maple Old Fashioned

For the serious drinker who doesn't want cream or bubbles.

• The Mix: Bourbon, maple syrup (instead of sugar), walnut bitters, and a smoked glass presentation.
• Why it sells: It’s theatrical. If you smoke the glass at the table or bar, the visual performance justifies a premium price (e.g., $18+).

Quick Tips for Launching Your Holiday Menu

1. Print a Separate Insert: Don't bury these Christmas cocktails in your main menu. evocative descriptions on a small card clipped to the menu work best.
2. Mocktail Options: Ensure at least two of these (like the Mule or the Hot Chocolate) have a "zero-proof" version available. Non-drinkers want to feel festive, too.
3. Use What You Have: You don’t need to buy 20 new spirits. Most of these rely on syrups (gingerbread, cinnamon, peppermint) which are cheap to make or buy, rather than expensive new liquors.

By introducing these holiday drinks, you aren't just selling alcohol; you are selling the holiday spirit. Cheers to a profitable December!

Ready to launch your holiday menu? Ensure your operations are smooth and your inventory is accurate this season with OneHubPOS. Book a free demo today to see how our software helps you manage the holiday rush with ease.