The Complete Guide to Christmas Coffee Drinks

Note: This recipe guide includes alcoholic beverages which are not suitable for persons under 21 years of age.

The holidays are nearly upon us, which means it’s time to get festive! You’ve likely got plans to cook up delicious dishes for friends and family when they visit, but what about drinks? As the temperatures fall and the days grow shorter, coffee lovers have a variety of delicious winter beverages to choose from. And it isn’t necessary to visit a local café or coffee bar to enjoy them. We’ve put together a complete guide to Christmas coffee drink recipes to impress your family and friends this holiday season.

1. Candy Cane Latte
2. Gingerbread Latte Recipe
3. Maple Pecan Macchiato Recipe
4. Salted Caramel Mocha Recipe
5. Salted Caramel Espresso Martini Recipe
6. Eggnog Frappe Recipe
7. Winter Spiced Kahlua Recipe
8. Apple Cider Chai Latte Recipe
9. Smores Hot Chocolate Recipe

1. CANDY CANE LATTE RECIPE

Designed to embody a childlike quality but with a kick of caffeine, this is a delightful Christmas drink that brings a holiday staple of candy canes to your Christmas coffee that will take you on a trip to the Land of Sweets!

Ingredients (serves 1)

• 3/4 cups of coffee
• 1/4  cup of half & half (or milk/milk substitute of your choice)
• 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup
• 2 teaspoons of cherry juice or syrup (optional)
• 1-2 drops of peppermint extract 

Method:

Step 1: Use measuring spoons to get the right amount of coffee grinds you need for this recipe. Brew 3/4 of a cup of coffee.

Step 2:  Pour coffee into a mug

Step 3: Warm 1/4 cup of warmed half & half or milk and add to coffee

Step 4: Add 1 tbsp of chocolate syrup

Step 5: Add 2 tsp of cherry juice

Step 6: Add 1-2 drops of peppermint extract

Step 7: Top with whipped cream and garnish with a candy cane

2. GINGERBREAD MAPLE LATTE RECIPE

What captures the smell of Christmas better than gingerbread? Bursting with rich flavor and packed with aromatic spices, a gingerbread maple latte is the type of Christmas coffee that is a must-try for holiday cheer. Best of all, you can make your own cup of this comfortable Christmas coffee with just a few simple ingredients!

Ingredients (serves 1):

• 1 cup of milk (feel free to use any milk substitute you like)
• 1 shot of espresso
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
• A pinch of allspice powder
• A pinch of nutmeg powder
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
• Whipped cream (optional topping)

Method:

Step 1: Brew a shot of espresso. Start by grinding your coffee beans using a burr grinder. Extract your coffee with a coffee machine or Moka Pot for the best result

Step 2: Warm your milk in a pan on medium heat

Step 3: Add in your espresso, ground ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and maple syrup

Step 4: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg

3. MAPLE PECAN MACCHIATO RECIPE

Nothing quite ties together the flavor of holiday sweets and the aroma of Christmas coffee quite like Maple Pecan. This treat harkens memories of pies and country getaways to Grandma’s and can now be experienced wherever through the convenience of your coffee thermos.

Ingredients (serves 1)

• 2 tablespoons of pecan syrup
• 1 shot of espresso
• ½ cup of steamed milk

Method:

Step 1: Steam ½ cup of milk using either your machine’s steaming wand, or by warming the milk and frothing with a handheld frother

Step 2: Pour your milk into a mug or thermos

Step 3: Brew 1 shot of espresso and add to your milk. Be sure to add the shot in within 30 seconds of brewing to prevent the espresso shot from expiring.

Step 4: Mix in 2 tablespoons of pecan syrup

Step 5: Topped with whipped cream and chopped, toasted pecans

4. SALTED CARAMEL MOCHA RECIPE

Combining the sweetness of mocha with the salty kick of caramel, this drink is perfect for those yearning for a satisfied sweet tooth. This holiday warmer is the perfect Christmas coffee drink to cuddle up next to the fire with.

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 1 cup of milk
• 1 cup of hot, strong coffee
• 1 tablespoon of cocoa
• 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sugar

Method:

Step 1: Heat milk in a saucepan on low heat and froth with a handheld frother

Step 2: Brew coffee using an espresso machine, Moka pot, or drip coffee set

Step 3: Combine brewed coffee with 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce, 1 tablespoon of cocoa, and 1 tablespoon into a separate jug or cup

Step 4: Split the mixture between two mugs, pouring half into each.

Step 5: Add half the frothed milk to each mug

Step 6: Top with ⅛ tsp of salt, whipped cream, and drizzle caramel sauce

5. SALTED CARAMEL ESPRESSO MARTINI RECIPE

Looking for a more adult version of your favorite salted caramel Christmas coffee drink? This holiday concoction takes the elegance of a martini and combines it with the alluring combination of caramel and coffee. Sweet, salty, and pure indulgence, this drink will even have Santa climbing down your chimney for more!

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 1 tablespoon of caramel
• 50ml of espresso (cooled)
• 50 ml of coffee liqueur
• 100 ml of vodka

Method:

Step1: Use a burr grinder to grind your favorite coffee beans until they are even and fine in consistency. Add them to your coffee machine and use a tamper to ensure your coffee is packed nice and tight. Extract 50ml of espresso and let it cool.

Step 2: Add caramel, espresso, and a pinch of salt into a cocktail shaker and stir until the caramel and salt have both dissolved.

Step 3: Combine the coffee liqueur, caramel coffee, and vodka, add ice, and shake until you have a frothy consistency.

Step 4: Strain the mixture and split it between two chilled martini glasses. Top with shaved chocolate or any other garnish of your choice before serving. 

6. EGGNOG FRAPPE RECIPE

This Christmas coffee drink is a twist on your Dad's favorite classic to escape from the family in the sitting room with. The Eggnog frappe combines the sweet and milky flavors of the time-honored holiday beverage with a frappe twist.

Ingredients (serving size: 1)

• ½ cup of eggnog
• ¼ cup of milk
• ½ teaspoon of stevia
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• ½ cup of brewed espresso or another type of strong coffee
• 100ml of spiced rum
• 5 ice cubes 

Method:

Step 1: Brew 1/2 cup of strong coffee or espresso

Step 2: in a blender, combine your coffee or espresso with 1/2 cup of eggnog, 1/4 cup of milk, 1/2 tsp of stevia, 1 tbsp of sugar, 100ml of spiced rum, and 5 ice cubes

Step 3: Blend ingredients until smooth

Step 4: Serve in a tall glass with whipped cream and sprinkled nutmeg

7. WINTER-SPICED KAHLUA RECIPE

Mele Kalikimaka might be the thing to say on a bright, Hawai'ian Christmas day, but Winter-spiced Kalhua the thing to drink! This unique Christmas coffee drink combines the warmness of the holidays to the sweet and tropical notes of Kahlua, giving you an island getaway from the convenience of your couch!

Ingredients (serves 6):

• 6 shots of Kahlua
• ¼ cup of coffee beans
• ½ cup of heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon of sweetened cocoa
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• 10 crushed cardamom pods
• 2 teaspoons of star anise
• 1/3 cup of powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup of brown sugar
• ½ quart of water

Method:

Step 1: Mix the coffee beans, cardamom, star anise, and water in a one-quart pot and simmer on a stovetop until they have been reduced by approximately half.

Step 2: Beat the cream using an electric mixer or frother for approximately 90 seconds on medium intensity until soft. Add sugar, then beat another 2 to 3 min

Step 3: Combine the pot mixture and cream into 6 cups

Step 4: Add 1 shot of Kahlua to each cup

Step 5: garnish with cream, cocoa powder, and cinnamon 

8. APPLE CIDER CHAI LATTE RECIPE

If you’re looking for a little holiday getaway while staying close to home, join us on an adventure to Southeast Asia with this Christmas coffee drink. The Apple Cider Chai Latte combines the fruity sweetness of apple cider with the smooth spice of traditional tea, or chai. For this drink, you’ll need to craft the Apple Cider, Chai latte, and chai spice separately before combining them.

Ingredients (serves 2):

APPLE CIDER

• 4 apples (peeled and sliced)
• 4 cups of water
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon of cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice

CHAI LATTE

• 2 cups of milk (you can also use any milk substitute you like)
• 2-3 black tea bags
• 2 tablespoons of agave (or honey)
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla
• 1 shot espresso

CHAI SPICE MIX (for garnish)

• 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon 
• 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon of allspice
• 1 teaspoon of cardamon 
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

APPLE CIDER

Method:

Step 1: Add your apples, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and water into a medium-sized saucepan. Let the mixture simmer until the apples become soft and the flavors have combined. This should take 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Use a ladle to scoop the ingredients and strain them, making sure to squeeze the excess juice out of your apples. Discard the apples, cinnamon sticks, and cloves, and set your apple cider aside for later.

CHAI LATTE

Method:

Step 1: Extract a high-quality shot of espresso. Make sure to measure out your beans and grind them evenly before extraction. 

Step 2: In a medium saucepan, add the milk and let it boil for 1-2 minutes over medium-high heat. 

Step 3: Remove the milk from the heat and add the tea bags, letting them steep in the milk for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Remove the tea bags and whisk in 1 tablespoon of your chai tea spice mix, 1/2 a cup of cider, vanilla, shot of espresso, and agave (or honey).

Step 5: pour your apple cider chai latte into mugs and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra chai spice mix if desired!

9. S’MORES HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPE

As far as festive holiday drinks go, just about everyone loves hot chocolate. This drink amps things up even further by evoking memories of campfires and delicious s’mores into a delicious Christmas coffee drink!

Ingredients (serves 1)

• 1 cup of milk
• Half a tablespoon of granulated sugar
• 2/3 of an ounce (19grams) of bittersweet chocolate chips
• 2/3 of a tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of graham cracker crumbs
• 2 marshmallows 
• 1 small skewer
• 1/2 shot espresso (optional)

Method:

Step 1: Extract half a shot of espresso if you wish for this whimsical holiday drink to pack a little more of a punch.

Step 2: In a medium-sized saucepan, add in your milk and sugar over medium heat. Let the milk and sugar simmer for about 10 minutes before removing the heat and whisking in your chocolate chips.

Step 3: Place some honey on a small plate or saucer and turn your mug over so that you can coat the rim in honey. Then, dip the rim into your graham cracker crumbs until it’s evenly coated.

Step 4: Skewer two marshmallows and lightly toast them over your stove or by using a kitchen blowtorch.

Step 5: Add your hot chocolate into your mug and then add in your optional shot of espresso. Stir and garnish with your marshmallow skewers.