Santa Clausmopolitans Are the Boozy Sippers We Need—Here’s How to Make One
Updated: Oct. 21, 2021
Santa Clausmopolitans are too good to leave out for Santa himself.
There are certain drinks that just say happy holidays. You know, like the classic hot buttered rum, brandy-spiked eggnog, punch bowls filled with mulled wine and bottles of bubbly perfect for making toasts.
On the other hand, there are cocktails that we don’t generally associate with Christmas, like grasshoppers and cosmopolitans, despite their festive green and red hues. That’s where a Santa Clausmopolitan comes in—it’s a puts a holiday spin on this iconic cocktail.
What’s in a Clausmopolitan?
If you’re familiar with making cosmos, you know this drink starts with cranberry juice and is enhanced by vodka, lime and triple sec. The Santa Clausmopolitan recipe is similar and comes courtesy of Totally the Bomb. It calls for:
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup white cranberry-peach juice
- 1 ounce Triple Sec
- 1/2 ounce vodka
To start, use lime juice to rim a classic martini glass. Next, it gets an additional rim of corn syrup. That step is important, because now it’s time to dip the glass in flaked coconut for a beautiful snow-kissed effect.
Put the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and mix well. Then, pour into your cheerful Clausmopolitan glass and enjoy!
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The result is a gorgeous drink that will give you something to sip on while you unwrap gifts or enjoy your favorite Christmas movies on Netflix.
Say “Ho, Ho, Ho” to All Kinds of Christmas Spirits
If you need more colorful cocktail inspiration, add this holiday mimosa to your repertoire. This spin on a brunch classic uses ruby red grapefruit juice and raspberry liqueur, plus a bright red sugar rim.
If warm drinks are more your thing, you’ll also want to try our hot spiced berry punch. It uses a slow cooker to coax the best out of mixed berries mulled with cinnamon sticks and star anise, built on a cranberry-raspberry juice foundation. We’re breaking out the serving glasses already!
Aunt Grace's Eggnog
When I was growing up, I couldn't get enough of the nonalcoholic eggnog my aunt always prepared for us kids. Now I enjoy this adult version. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Hot Buttered Cider Mix
Put the butter base for this beverage in a decorative jar and attach a copy of the recipe for a great gift from your kitchen. You can omit the brandy for a kid-friendly version. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Honey-Bourbon Hot Chocolate
My husband and I like to enjoy this grown-up version of hot chocolate on a cold winter evening. It's even better made with honey-flavored bourbon if you can find that in your local store. —Andrea Harvath, Duncannon, Pennsylvania
Cranberry Sparkler
The flavors of this refreshing cran-raspberry cocktail are great any time of year. In winter, the cranberry is perfect to serve for Christmas or New Year's Eve drinks; on a warm summer's night, the raspberry comes to the fore. It's a favorite for our girls' night! —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
Candy Cane Punch
Peppermint ice cream makes this creamy drink taste—and look—more like a dessert than a punch! I've mixed it many times for ladies' lunches and buffets. For a fun garnish, hang mini candy canes around the punch bowl or on cups. —Neva Schnauber, Ft. Collins, Colorado
Hot Spiced Wine
My friends, family and I enjoy this spiced wine during cold-winter gatherings. This warm drink will be a special treat for anyone who enjoys dry red wines. —Noel Lickenfelt, Bolivar, Pennsylvania
Santa’s Orange-Kissed Cocktail
Refreshing but not overly sweet, this drink is a festive choice for Christmas get-togethers. Serve it during cocktail hour, at dinner or even for brunch in place of mimosas. —Claire Beattie, Toronto, Ontario
Frosty Pumpkin Nog
Once your friends and family taste it, you're sure to receive frequent requests for this creamy delight throughout the holiday season. —Crystal Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Mocha Mint Coffee
This doctored-up coffee benefits from hints of mint, cocoa and cinnamon. The marshmallows on top are a playful addition that brings out the youngster in anyone. —Mindie Hilton, Susanville, California
Hot Spiced Berry Punch
I like to make punch in the slow cooker for parties. Add a splash of bourbon or whisky for an adult crowd. It’s also superb for poaching pears.—Judy Batson, Tampa, FL
Gingerbread Hot Cocoa
Are you in the Christmas spirit yet? If not, this special cocoa will do the trick. It’s like drinking a chocolate gingerbread cookie! —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, AZ
Cranberry Bourbon
The subtle tang of cranberry and the warm winter spices make this bourbon just right for holiday toasts—neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail. A great alternative to holiday drinks with vodka. —James Schend, Deputy Editor, Taste of Home.
Grinch Punch
My family expects to see this frothy green beverage on my buffet each Christmas. It always makes everyone happy. —Janice Hodge, Custer, South Dakota
Mocha Eggnog
This chocolaty twist on traditional eggnog will spread good cheer at your Christmas or New Year's celebration. My family makes a batch each year to sip while opening presents. —Beth Ann Hill, Dayton, Ohio
Warm Christmas Punch
Red Hot candies add rich color and spiciness to this festive punch, and the cranberry juice gives it a little tang. Our children always request it for December brunches. —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky
Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider
Spiced with cinnamon sticks, allspice and caramel, this warm-you-up sipper will chase away winter's chill. Serve brimming mugs alongside a platter of festive cookies at your next holiday gathering. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
My soothing white hot chocolate is a great warm-up after a wintry day spent sledding or ice skating. Or include it as a festive addition to brunch or an afternoon tea party. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Hazelnut Coffee
The blend of flavors—coffee, hazelnut and a bit of chocolate—make this drink absolutely sensational. It is great for breakfast or brunch, but is also wonderful for a quiet moment at the end of the day. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas
Hot Spiced Cherry Cider
This slow cooker cider is so nice to sip after being out in the cold. —Marlene Wiczek, Little Falls, Minnesota
Vanilla Almond Hot Cocoa
Treat your family to this comforting, homemade cocoa as you decorate the tree or open holiday gifts. Vanilla and almond extracts make it taste even more special. —Vicki Holloway, Joelton, Tennessee
Raspberry Truffle Cocktail
This adults-only hot chocolate is a decadent addition to any holiday gathering. It can easily be adapted to dairy lovers' tastes by substituting chocolate milk and heavy cream for the almond products.—Melanie Milhorat, New York, New York
Holiday Peppermint Mocha
Make spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
White Christmas Sangria
This punch has a pleasant fruity flavor. It's not too sweet so everyone will enjoy it! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spiced Mulled Wine
You'll want to heat this traditional beverage before company arrives. Your home will have the scent of Christmas! —Lana Gryga, Glen Flora, Wisconsin
Apricot-Apple Cider
Dried apricots give this comforting cider a marvelous twist. Add cranberries, cinnamon, allspice and cloves for the perfect hot drink to sip on cool nights. —Ginnie Busam, Pewee Valley, Kentucky
