9 Holiday Coffee Drink Recipes (Festive, Easy & Delicious)
Looking for the perfect holiday coffee drink?
Last Christmas, I found myself on a mission. I wanted to take my love for coffee and mix it with the warmth and nostalgia of the holiday season.
I was tired of the same old drinks and figured, why not get creative? I started experimenting with different flavors, from peppermint to cinnamon, and before I knew it, my kitchen had turned into a mini holiday café.
Some recipes were instant hits, others… well, let’s just say they didn’t make the final cut.
In this guide, I’m sharing the absolute best holiday coffee drink recipes that I’ve discovered. So let’s start brewing!
Top 9 Holiday Coffee Drink Recipes
Okay, it’s time to share my favorite coffee drink recipes. Here they are:
1 – Peppermint Mocha
When the holiday season rolls around, nothing hits quite like a Peppermint Mocha.
It feels like Christmas in a cup. You get a rich espresso, velvety chocolate, and that cool, refreshing hit of peppermint.

If you’ve ever had one from a coffee shop, you know how comforting (and addictive) it can be. But making it at home? Way easier than you think, so here’s what you got to do:
Ingredients:
- 1 shot of espresso (or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (or chocolate syrup for extra richness)
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (a little goes a long way!)
- 1 cup steamed milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Whipped cream (optional but highly recommended)
How to Make It:
- Brew your espresso and mix in the cocoa powder and peppermint extract while it’s hot. Stir well to dissolve everything.
- Steam your milk (or heat it on the stove/microwave and froth it).
- Pour the milk over your espresso mixture and stir gently.
- Top with whipped cream and—this is key—crushed candy canes for that extra festive touch.
Pro Tip
Want to level up your Peppermint Mocha? I recommend drizzling chocolate syrup inside your mug before pouring it into your coffee. It adds a little café-style flair and extra chocolatey goodness.
2 – Gingerbread Latte
If there’s one drink that instantly makes me think of the holidays, it’s a gingerbread latte. I enjoy the warm, spiced, and slightly sweet, with just the right balance of cinnamon and nutmeg.

I suggest trying when it comes to this. For instance, sometimes I go all out with extra cinnamon; other times, I prefer something more subtle.
Ingredients
- 1 shot of espresso (or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee if needed)
- 1 tablespoon gingerbread syrup (store-bought or homemade—I’ll admit, I sometimes cheat with store-bought)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional, but adds that cozy warmth)
- 1 cup steamed milk (oat milk works great for a creamier texture)
- Whipped cream (because it’s the holidays, so why not?)
How to Make It?
- Brew your espresso and mix in the gingerbread syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg while it’s still hot. I suggest adding the spices early to help bring out their flavors.
- Steam your milk (or heat and froth it if you don’t have a steam wand).
- Pour the milk over your spiced espresso mixture and stir gently.
- Top with whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon because presentation matters!
Pro Tip
Pair this latte with an actual gingerbread cookie for the full festive experience. And if you love an extra spicy kick, a tiny bit of ground cloves goes a long way in making this taste even more like a fresh-baked gingerbread house.
3 – Eggnog Latte
I’ll be honest before I made my first one at home, I wasn’t the biggest eggnog fan. I find it too thick and sweet. But then I discovered that mixing it with a shot of espresso transforms into something rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced.

Now, it’s one of my favorite festive drinks to make when I want something that feels fancy but takes zero effort.
Ingredients
- 1 shot of espresso (or strong brewed coffee if needed)
- ½ cup eggnog (full-fat for the creamiest texture, but dairy-free versions work too)
- ½ cup milk (to balance the richness of the eggnog)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus extra for garnish)
- Whipped cream (optional, but highly recommended)
How to Make It?
- Brew your espresso and set it aside.
- In a small saucepan, heat the eggnog and milk together until warm but not boiling. If you have a steam wand, you can steam eggnog even better, making it extra frothy.
- Pour the espresso into your favorite mug and add the steamed eggnog mixture.
- Stir well and top with whipped cream and a generous sprinkle of fresh nutmeg.
Pro Tip
I sometimes enjoy adding a tiny splash of bourbon or spiced rum, which turns this into a next-level holiday treat (for the grown-ups, of course). Also, fresh-grated nutmeg makes a huge difference in flavor compared to the pre-ground stuff.
4 – Cinnamon Roll Coffee
If you love the warm, sweet flavors of a freshly baked cinnamon roll, this coffee is the next best thing. It’s packed with notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar. I find it ideal for a chilly morning or a holiday treat. I like the fact you only need a few simple ingredients.

- 1 cup brewed coffee (strong for a bold flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon syrup (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Caramel sauce (optional, for extra indulgence)
How to Make It?
- Brew a fresh cup of coffee and pour it into a mug.
- Stir in the cinnamon syrup, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until fully dissolved.
- Top with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce for the ultimate dessert-like finish.
- Enjoy immediately, preferably with an actual cinnamon roll on the side!
Pro Tip:
For an extra cinnamon kick, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top of the whipped cream before serving. Want it even creamier? You can swap half the brewed coffee for steamed milk to turn it into a cinnamon roll latte.
5 – Irish Coffee (Holiday Edition)
There’s something special about Irish coffee; I enjoy sipping it in front of the fireplace or after a big holiday meal.

This version sticks to the classic Irish coffee recipe. However, it adds a festive touch with fresh whipped cream for a smooth finish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee (a strong dark roast works best)
- 1 ½ oz Irish whiskey (Jameson, Tullamore D.E.W., or your favorite)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (or more, to taste)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (lightly whipped)
How to Make It?
- Brew a fresh cup of hot coffee and pour it into a heatproof glass or mug.
- Stir in the brown sugar until fully dissolved.
- Add the Irish whiskey and gently mix.
- Carefully float the whipped cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
- Enjoy as-is or give it a slight stir for a creamy, smooth sip.
Pro Tip
I suggest skipping the canned whipped cream. Instead, use freshly whipped heavy cream. You’ll notice a big difference.
Just lightly whip it until it thickens slightly so it sits beautifully on top of your coffee without sinking. And if you’re feeling extra festive, a sprinkle of grated nutmeg or cinnamon adds a warm touch.
6 – White Chocolate Peppermint Coffee
If a peppermint mocha is the bold and chocolatey holiday favorite, then white chocolate peppermint coffee is its smooth and creamy sibling.

This drink doesn’t have the same intensity as dark chocolate. Instead, it replaces it with rich and sweet white chocolate.
The peppermint adds a refreshing kick, making every sip feel like the holidays in a cup.
Ingredients
- 1 shot of espresso (or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee)
- 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips or white chocolate syrup
- ½ teaspoon peppermint syrup (adjust to taste)
- ¾ cup steamed milk (whole milk or a creamy alternative like oat milk)
- Whipped cream for topping
How to Make It?
- Brew a shot of espresso or make strong coffee.
- In a mug, melt the white chocolate chips by stirring them into the hot espresso. If using syrup, just mix it in.
- Add the peppermint syrup and stir well.
- Pour in the steamed milk, giving everything a good mix.
- Top with whipped cream and drizzle with white chocolate sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Pro Tip
If you want to level up the peppermint flavor, crush a candy cane and sprinkle it over the whipped cream. It adds a little crunch that makes everything better.
7 – Caramel Brûlée Latte
If you’re all about sweet, toasty caramel flavors, the Caramel Brûlée Latte is quite similar. This fancy caramel latte with a slightly burnt sugar twist is rich, creamy, and topped with an enjoyable crunch.

It also brings together bold espresso, smooth caramel, and a caramelized sugar topping that melts into your coffee as you sip. You can think of it as the coffee version of your favorite crème brûlée dessert. But in this case, it’s a warm and cozy cup.
Ingredients
- 1 shot of espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
- ¾ cup steamed milk (whole milk or your preferred alternative)
- Whipped cream for topping
- Caramelized sugar topping (or crushed caramel candies)
How to Make It?
- Brew a shot of espresso or make a strong coffee base.
- Stir in the caramel sauce until fully dissolved.
- Pour in the steamed milk, mixing gently to blend the flavors.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with caramelized sugar or crushed caramel candies for a bit of crunch.
Pro Tip
For an extra brûlée effect, lightly torch the sugar topping with a kitchen torch, just like you would with crème brûlée. It gives the drink a slightly smoky depth and an irresistible caramelized finish!
8 – Toasted Marshmallow Mocha
If you’ve ever sat by a campfire, toasting marshmallows to golden perfection, this drink brings that nostalgic warmth straight into your coffee cup.

The Toasted Marshmallow Mocha is rich, chocolatey, and infused with the sweet, slightly smoky essence of roasted marshmallows.
It’s the perfect mix of hot cocoa, espresso, and creamy steamed milk, topped with a torched marshmallow. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or just looking for a fun twist on a mocha, this one’s a winner.
Ingredients
- 1 shot of espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
- 2 tablespoons hot cocoa mix (or melted dark chocolate)
- ¾ cup steamed milk (whole milk, oat milk, or your favorite)
- 1 tablespoon toasted marshmallow syrup
- Whipped cream and toasted marshmallows for topping
How to Make It?
- Brew a shot of espresso and mix it with the hot cocoa powder until fully combined.
- Stir in the toasted marshmallow syrup for that signature campfire flavor.
- Pour in the steamed milk, mixing until smooth and frothy.
- Top with whipped cream and place a toasted marshmallow on top for the ultimate finish.
Pro Tip
Use a kitchen torch to lightly caramelize the marshmallow before adding it to your drink. You get a crispy and smoky layer that makes every sip even better!
9 – Spiced Mexican Mocha
The Spiced Mexican Mocha is the perfect blend of bold espresso, rich chocolate, and warming spices. Inspired by traditional Mexican hot chocolate, this mocha combines the deep flavors of cocoa with cinnamon and a touch of cayenne pepper for subtle heat.

As a result, you get a drink that’s sweet, spicy, and irresistibly cozy. You’ll love it, especially for chilly mornings or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
- 1 shot of espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ¾ cup steamed milk (whole, oat, or almond milk work great)
- 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Whipped cream & a cinnamon stick for garnish
How to Make It?
- Brew your espresso and mix it with the cocoa powder, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
- Add the steamed milk, stirring well to combine the flavors.
- Sweeten with honey or brown sugar, if desired.
- Top with whipped cream and place a cinnamon stick on top for a festive touch.
Pro Tip
You can add more spices and include a small piece of dark chocolate in your cup before pouring it into the hot espresso. It melts into the drink, and you get a smooth texture with an even deeper chocolate flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Holiday Coffee Drinks
A well-crafted cup of coffee depends on the right ingredients, milk choices, and festive garnishes. So here are some recommendations:

1 – Use High-Quality Coffee
No matter how many holiday flavors you add, bad coffee will always taste bad. If you want the best results, start with freshly roasted beans and grind them just before brewing.
I’ve experimented with a ton of coffee over the years but for holiday drinks, I love using:
- Lavazza Super Crema for its smooth and slightly sweet notes.
- Intelligentsia Black Cat Espresso for a balanced and chocolatey depth.
- Stumptown Hair Bender for a bold, complex flavor that stands up well to milk and syrups.
A medium-dark roast works best for most festive drinks, bringing out rich, chocolatey, and nutty notes that pair beautifully with seasonal spices.
2 – Experiment With Milk Options
Holiday coffee is all about comfort, and the type of milk you use can totally change the experience.
Steamed whole milk gives the creamiest and richest texture. However, alternatives like oat milk add a slight sweetness that complements gingerbread and caramel flavors. I also enjoy almond milk for its light and nutty twist to drinks.
3 – Garnish Extra for the Holidays
The holidays are not the time to hold back on toppings. A little whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon makes a huge difference.
One of my favorites is to crush peppermint candy on top of a peppermint mocha. It melts slightly into the whipped cream and adds the perfect festive crunch.
If you really want to impress, toast a marshmallow and pop it right on top of your cup for a cozy, fireside touch.
Last Thoughts
Do you have a favorite holiday coffee trick or a recipe? Drop it in the comments. I’d love to hear how you make your coffee extra special this season!
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