Holly Jolly Christmas-tini
Dec 02, 2025
Looking for a festive holiday cocktail that feels fun without being fussy? This one delivers.
The Holly Jolly Christmas-tini is bright, lightly tart, and perfectly balanced with a hint of peppermint from El Guapo™ Candy Cane Syrup. Pomegranate juice and fresh lemon keep it from leaning too sweet, while coconut rum adds just enough warmth to make it feel celebratory.
It’s the kind of cocktail that shows up at a holiday gathering and immediately sets the tone. Easy to batch, easy to serve, and even better when poured into clear ornament glasses for maximum festive impact.
The Secret to a Better Holiday Cocktail
What makes the Holly Jolly Christmas-tini work is balance. Bright fruit, fresh acid, and just enough sweetness to keep things festive without going over the top.
Instead of peppermint schnapps or crushed candy canes, we use El Guapo Candy Cane Syrup to bring a clean, controlled hint of mint that plays well with pomegranate juice, lemon, and coconut rum. Everything blends smoothly, and you can easily adjust the sweetness or peppermint level depending on how you like to drink.
We love a holiday celebration just as much as the next person. You can serve this cocktail in any glassware, but clear ornament glasses are by far the most festive option. We recommend using plastic for safety and ease. You can usually find them at local gift shops, Target, and other holiday retailers.
This is more than just a novelty holiday cocktail. It’s a crowd friendly batch drink that looks great on the table and actually tastes as good as it looks.
Holly Jolly Christmas-tini
x Christa Cotton
📸: Jes Gutierrez-Switaj
This recipe makes approximately eight servings.
Ingredients
- 1¹⁄₂ cups Coconut rum
- ³⁄₄ cup Pomegranate juice
- ¹⁄₂ cup El Guapo™ Candy Cane Syrup
- ¹⁄₂ cup Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Paper straws & shaved ice, for a snowy garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Stir to blend: Stir well until the syrup is fully incorporated and the mixture looks uniform.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate until completely cold, at least 1 hour. Longer is great if you are batching ahead.
- Prep the ornament glasses: When you are ready to serve, separate your clear ornament glasses and set them upright. We recommend plastic for safety.
- Fill the ornaments: Use a small funnel and a ladle to pour the chilled Christmas-tini into each ornament.
- Garnish: Add a festive paper straw. Top with a pinch of shaved ice for a snowy finish if desired.
- Serve: Hang them from the tree if you are feeling extra, or set them out on a tray and let the compliments roll in. Cheers!
Tips & Variations
- Make it alcohol free: Skip the coconut rum and sub coconut water! You’ll still have a bright, festive drink that feels special without the booze. Perfect for designated drivers or anyone pacing themselves.
- Adjust the peppermint: Prefer just a whisper of mint? Start with a little less El Guapo Candy Cane Syrup and add to taste. It’s easy to dial up or down depending on your crowd.
- Lean it sweeter or tarter: Add a splash more pomegranate juice for extra fruitiness or a touch more lemon if you like things crisp and dry.
- Change the presentation: Ornament glasses are festive and fun, but this Christmas-tini works just as well in coupes, rocks glasses, or anything you already have on hand.
Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Christmas-tini ahead of time?
Yes. This cocktail is ideal for batching. You can mix everything up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to serve. Just give it a good stir before pouring.
Can I make this alcohol free?
Absolutely. Simply omit the coconut rum. You will still have a bright, festive drink with pomegranate, citrus, and peppermint that feels intentional and celebratory.
How strong is the peppermint flavor?
The peppermint is subtle and balanced, not overpowering. El Guapo Candy Cane Syrup gives you control, so you can easily adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Do I have to serve it in ornament glasses?
Not at all. Ornament glasses are festive and fun, but this Christmas-tini works just as well in coupe glasses, rocks glasses, or whatever glassware you have on hand.
Can I adjust the sweetness or tartness?
Yes. Add a little more pomegranate juice for extra fruitiness or a touch more lemon juice if you prefer a brighter, more tart finish.
For more FAQ, visit our main FAQ page!
