If you're looking for a comforting, warm Christmas cocktail then you've found your recipe! This delicious Christmas cocktail pairs coconut milk and bourbon for something really festive yet very easy to make! It's the ultimate warm holiday drink.
The winter holidays are great for trying new things, and for revisiting old favorites. Thanksgiving and Christmas both have their share of holiday-themed mixed drinks, and eggnog is at the top of the list for many.
But I find that this Warm Christmas Cocktail recipe has some big advantages over the good old eggnog option; some prefer the velvety texture of the coconut milk in recipes like the one below over the texture of eggnog.
Not for everyone, mind you, but for those who are converted, this holiday cocktail can be made with or without alcohol just like "the nog".
And there's the added bonus of not worrying people who get concerned about a bit of raw egg in their cocktail glass from a homemade eggnog recipe-there's at least one at every party who may be a bit squeamish on that front. This recipe is a GREAT alternative!
White Christmas Cocktail With Coconut Milk & Bourbon
Enjoy this one next to a warm fire with some holiday music playing, or gather the family around the kitchen table for cards or board games. This is a great sipping drink, and if your cup gets lukewarm you can always reheat it in the microwave.
Adding the bourbon at the very end, in each individual cup to taste is a great way to go, but if you need to travel with a batch of these cocktails pre-mixed, it may be good to err on the side of "just enough" bourbon with a bottle handy for those who might want theirs a bit stronger.
And finally, If you make two batches of this, one with bourbon and one without for the kids, it's handy to clearly identify each container and to keep the bourbon next to or in the same bag as the adult version separate from the rest of the kid-friendly drinks or food you pack up or place on the table.
Selecting a Bourbon
There is no need to splurge on "the good stuff." The rich, complex flavors of vanilla extract, brown sugar and nutmeg will overwhelm even the best bourbon.
Feel free to substitute the bourbon with any dark, amber colored spirit such as Irish, Scotch or Tennessee whiskey, brandy, cognac, rye or dark rum.
For a mocktail or non-alcoholic version simply don't add bourbon and it's still a great drink. Add a little extract vanilla extract or maple syrup, if you like.
Keep in mind there is alcohol in vanilla extract (approximately 70 proof!) so unless you're using alcohol-free vanilla extract this isn't a strict non-alcoholic drink, even without the bourbon. However, the small amounts of vanilla extract combined with the heating process will leave only trace amounts of alcohol, as with adding vanilla extract to most recipes.
Non-alcoholic almond extract and ginger beer will work as alcohol-free bourbon substitutes as well.
Christmas Cocktail Substitutions & Hacks
- Maple Syrup: Add real maple syrup for a flavorful spin.
- Brown Sugar: If you try to adjust the brown sugar to taste to keep the sweetness just right. You may not have time to finesse this, so it might be smart to make a batch and try adding a bit to a cup of the cocktail in small amounts to see how you like it.
- Non-Dairy Variation: For a non-dairy cocktail substitute the whole milk for oat milk, almond milk, soy milk or any other non-dairy milk. Coconut milk can also be substituted but the recipe already calls for this milk and the taste might be too overwhelming.
- Warm-Weather Variation: Try a fun warm-weather variation of this drink simply by putting it on ice; brown sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg are all ingredients that can be found in iced pumpkin lattes in the fall, why not try this one cold after you've enjoyed it warm over the winter holidays?
- If you're looking for a non-alcoholic drink to serve alongside this cocktail, try this Italian Blood Orange Soda - it's delicious and perfect for the holidays!
Cheers! {clink}
Bourbon Coconut Milk Cocktail
This cocktail combines coconut milk and the smokey caramel flavor of bourbon into one delicious cocktail. With a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg, this drink is perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 can coconut milk
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 - 6 oz. bourbon, or to taste
- freshly grated nutmeg, to garnish
Instructions
- Heat all ingredients (except nutmeg) in large saucepan over medium-high heat until steaming.
- Whisk until frothy.
- Heat mugs in microwave.
- Add bourbon (start with 1 oz. per mug and let others add more if desired).
- Top with milk mixture and garnish with grated nutmeg.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 433Total Fat: 34gSaturated Fat: 28gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 92mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 0gSugar: 24gProtein: 8g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
Try the tasty Holiday Cocktail Recipes:
- 30 Champagne Cocktail Recipes
- 31 Festive Holiday Cocktails
- Christmas Sangria
- Pomegranate Mojito
- Pomegranate Margarita
- Poinsettia Drink (Cranberry Champagne Cocktail)
- Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake (A Make-Ahead Holiday Favorite) - September 29, 2025
- Cucumber and Pineapple Salad with Hot Honey - July 23, 2025
- The Best Smoked Baked Beans with Bacon & Chipotle - July 9, 2025
Catie says
I just made this for a Friendsgiving and it was a huge hit! I was afraid it would be too sweet but it was perfect! I followed the directions exactly and it made 5 cocktails with 1 ounce of bourbon in each serving. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe! It's definitely a keeper!
Kristy Bernardo says
I'm so glad, Catie! This recipe doesn't get as much love as I think it should so I love it when someone tries it and loves it as much as I do. I hope you had a great Friendsgiving!
Mary Frances says
Such a welcoming drink! Love it 🙂
Kristy Bernardo says
Thanks so much, Mary Frances!
Sally A. says
I just pinned this and sent it to my sister who is the cocktail lady in the family. I rarely drink, but this one sounds fabulous!
Kristy Bernardo says
It is SO good, Sally! I've been making it for a few years now and I always look forward to it as the weather gets colder. I love that the booze can be added after, too, so everyone can enjoy it! Thanks for pinning, it's much appreciate!
Kristi Rimkus says
The guys in the family with love this!
the wicked noodle says
Awesome - thanks, Kristi!
Lynna says
Oh, yum! I love decorating christmas trees. Wish I had me a cup of this while decorating one.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, Lynna!
Valerie says
Bourbon and coconut...Yes. With full shot, please!! 😉
the wicked noodle says
LOL!! Thanks Valerie 🙂
Jodi@garlicgirl says
This really looks delicious! I'm a hound for coconut and love that it's so holiday-ish! : )
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, Jodi!!
Jenn and Seth says
this sounds like a wonderful drink! can't wait to try!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks!!
kitchenriffs says
Great cocktail! I don't believe I've ever had coconut milk in a cocktail - sounds terrific. And anything with bourbon get my vote! Good stuff - thanks.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, KR!
Cathy @ Noble Pig says
I love, I love, I love. Becuz....I adore coconut things like this...making it!!
the wicked noodle says
yay!! You'll love it, Cath!
Amy says
We haven't busted out the Christmas decorations yet...hopefully this coming weekend. Paul refuses to get a fake tree, but last year we bought the tree way too early and then I had pine needles to contend with for weeks. I vote for fake tree! Can I get a second?
the wicked noodle says
I second!! C'mon Paul - fake is the new real! 🙂
Nik@ABrownTable says
I love this, it looks so comforting and delicious!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, Nik!
Jen @ Savory Simple says
Where has this been all my life?
the wicked noodle says
LOL, Jen 🙂
Andrea Meyers says
I love Christmas cocktails and look forward to them every year. The coconut milk sounds wonderful to me.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, Andrea!
Jenny @ BAKE says
I can't wait to put up our tree next weekend! I am going to have to whip up a batch of these!
the wicked noodle says
You'll love them, Jenny!
Carlene RD says
This is such an easy one. What a way to warm up!
the wicked noodle says
Yes, love the easy ones!
Magic of Spice says
Wow, you are way ahead of me with your Christmas preparations...I will probably be starting in a few weeks or so, lol. And when I do, this drink needs to be in my hand 🙂
the wicked noodle says
Not really! I just wanted the booze and calling it "Christmas" made it okay 😉
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
The coconut and bourbon sound divine together - one of these is appropriate for a Sunday afternoon too, right?! 😉
the wicked noodle says
It's not only appropriate but encouraged 😉
Susan says
Looks delicious -- I think I'm going to have to give this recipe a whirl!
the wicked noodle says
Let me know how you like it, Susan!
Frieda says
We love this season too! Just unpacked our Christmas bins and we were all laughing because we have a full week left in November. At least snow arrived in the mountains...the ski area in our area opened 2 days before Thanksgiving-yipeee!
Thanks for a new beverage recipe...adding bourbon to the shopping list.
the wicked noodle says
It does seem strange that we have so much extra time this year! I could easily wait until next weekend but our 6-yr-old keeps asking, "when? when? when?" and it's hard to say no when it's such a fun thing to do. Hope all is great with you, Frieda! xoxo