Dirty Santa Cocktail Recipe: A Naughty Yet Nice Holiday Drink
When it comes to holiday cocktails, the Dirty Santa Cocktail stands out as a decadent and bold drink that’s as festive as it is flavorful.
This creamy concoction combines rich bourbon, smooth Baileys, coffee liqueur, and a touch of cinnamon for a drink that feels like a warm, boozy hug on a cold winter’s night.
It’s perfect for impressing guests at a holiday gathering or for sipping by the fire when the presents are wrapped and the stockings are hung.
If you’re ready to embrace your naughty side while staying nice and cozy, let’s dive into how to make this delicious cocktail. It’s easy to whip up, fun to serve, and guaranteed to spread some holiday cheer.
Why You’ll Love the Dirty Santa Cocktail
The Dirty Santa is one of those cocktails that ticks all the holiday boxes. Or atleast it does for me. This is absolutely my kind of Christmas drink and is why I pile on the pounds this time of year:
Indulgent and Comforting: With its creamy texture and warm bourbon kick, this drink feels like a dessert and cocktail rolled into one.
Festive Flavors: Baileys, coffee liqueur, and cinnamon bring together the classic tastes of the season in one glass.
Simple Yet Sophisticated: Despite being easy to make, it’s rich and layered enough to impress your guests.
Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to suit your personal taste, whether you want it sweeter, spicier, or even alcohol-free.
Ingredients for the Dirty Santa Cocktail
Here’s what you’ll need to create your Dirty Santa Cocktail:
2 oz Bourbon: The star of the drink, bourbon adds warmth and a caramel-like richness. Choose a smooth bourbon you enjoy sipping on its own.
1 oz Half and Half: This combination of milk and cream gives the cocktail its luscious texture. If you prefer it richer, you can use heavy cream instead.
½ oz Simple Syrup: For a touch of sweetness to balance the bold flavors. You can make this easily by dissolving equal parts sugar and water.
½ oz Baileys Irish Cream: Adds a creamy, sweet, and slightly boozy element that pairs beautifully with the coffee and bourbon. You can also make your own cream liqueur if you’re up for it, try this gingerbread cream liqueur for starters.
½ oz Coffee Liqueur: Brings a subtle coffee flavor that complements the Baileys and adds depth to the drink.
1 Dash Ground Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon ties everything together with a hint of spice that’s perfect for the holidays.
Optional Garnish:
Whipped Cream
Grated Cinnamon or Nutmeg
Chocolate Shavings or a Cinnamon Stick
How to Make the Dirty Santa Cocktail
Let’s get to the fun part: making this indulgent drink! The steps are simple, and you’ll have your cocktail ready in just a few minutes.
Step 1: Prepare Your Shaker
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. This will chill the drink and ensure it’s perfectly smooth.
Step 2: Add the Ingredients
Pour 2 oz of bourbon, 1 oz of half and half, ½ oz of Baileys, ½ oz of coffee liqueur, and ½ oz of simple syrup into the shaker. Add a dash of ground cinnamon to infuse the cocktail with that warm holiday spice.
Step 3: Shake It Up
Put the lid on the shaker and give it a good shake for about 15–20 seconds. You want the ingredients to mix well and become frothy from the half and half.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
Strain the cocktail into a chilled rocks glass or a festive mug. You can serve it over fresh ice if you prefer it cold, or skip the ice for a creamier texture.
Step 5: Garnish
For the finishing touch, garnish your Dirty Santa. Add a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle with grated cinnamon or nutmeg, or even top with chocolate shavings for an extra indulgent vibe. If you want to be fancy, place a cinnamon stick on the rim for a festive touch.
Personally, I like to go with a dusting of nutmeg, cinnamon and a cinnamon stick to double as a stirrer. But that’s just me, myself, and my own personal preference.
Tips for Making the Perfect Dirty Santa Cocktail
Use High-Quality Bourbon: Since bourbon is the base of this drink, its flavor will shine through. Choose one you enjoy sipping neat for the best results.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you like your drinks sweeter, increase the simple syrup to ¾ oz or add an extra splash of Baileys.
Play with Garnishes: While whipped cream and cinnamon are classic choices, you can also get creative with holiday-themed garnishes like crushed candy canes or edible glitter.
Make It a Dessert Drink: Pair the Dirty Santa with holiday desserts like gingerbread cookies, fruitcake, or chocolate truffles for a match made in heaven.
Turn It Into a Mocktail: For a non-alcoholic version, swap the bourbon, Baileys, and coffee liqueur for coffee or hot chocolate, and adjust the cream and syrup to taste.
Why the Dirty Santa Cocktail is a Holiday Favorite
The Dirty Santa Cocktail is more than just a drink, it’s an experience. From its creamy texture to its rich, layered flavors, this cocktail captures the essence of the holidays in every sip.
The warmth of the bourbon, the sweetness of Baileys and simple syrup, and the spice of cinnamon come together to create a drink that feels indulgent and festive.
It’s also a versatile cocktail that can be served at any holiday occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a formal Christmas dinner, throwing a casual holiday party, or enjoying a quiet evening at home, the Dirty Santa is the perfect way to toast to the season.
Variations on the Dirty Santa Cocktail
Here are a few ways to tweak the recipe to suit different tastes or occasions:
1. Spiced Rum Version
Swap bourbon for spiced rum for a sweeter, more tropical flavor that still feels festive.
2. Peppermint Dirty Santa
Add ½ oz of peppermint schnapps to the mix and garnish with crushed candy canes for a minty twist.
3. Chocolate Lover’s Santa
Replace coffee liqueur with chocolate liqueur for a drink that’s like sipping on dessert. Garnish with cocoa powder or chocolate curls.
4. Non-Alcoholic Version
Omit the bourbon, Baileys, and coffee liqueur. Replace them with a mix of cold brew coffee, milk, and vanilla syrup for a delicious mocktail that everyone can enjoy.
5. Extra Cinnamon Spice
For cinnamon lovers, use cinnamon whiskey instead of bourbon and add a cinnamon sugar rim to the glass.
6. Hot Dirty Santa
Turn this into a warm cocktail by heating the half and half with the simple syrup, Baileys, and coffee liqueur on the stovetop before adding bourbon. Serve in a mug for a cozy treat.
Making the Dirty Santa for a Christmas Party
Hosting a crowd? The Dirty Santa Cocktail can be made in batches or turned into a fun self-serve station!
Batch Recipe for 8-10 Cocktails
Here’s how to make a batch so you can mingle with your guests:
16 oz Bourbon
8 oz Half and Half
4 oz Baileys
4 oz Coffee Liqueur
4 oz Simple Syrup
1–2 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
Mix everything in a large pitcher or punch bowl and chill in the fridge for at least an hour. Stir well before serving. Guests can ladle the cocktail into their glasses and garnish as they like.
Self-Serve Station
Set up a DIY bar with these essentials:
Pre-mixed Dirty Santa cocktail in a chilled dispenser or punch bowl
Garnishes like whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, chocolate shavings, and crushed candy canes
A tray of chilled glasses or mugs
A festive sign with instructions for guests to customize their drinks
Pairing Tips
Serve the Dirty Santa alongside holiday desserts like gingerbread cookies, pecan pie, or chocolate truffles. The creamy, spiced drink pairs beautifully with rich, sweet treats.
Similar Recipes
Finally, if you enjoy this recipe, I’d recommend taking a look at these festive recipes;
As for Christmas drink resources, we recommend checking out;
Dirty Santa Cocktail
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add everything to a cocktail shaker and shake well with ice.
- Strain over cubed ice and garnish with your favorite Christmas cookie.
Notes
To make in bulk. Triple the ingredients and add to a bottle with a tight fitting lid. Shake well (in the bottle) and keep refrigerated. When it comes to serving, pour over ice and enjoy. Just keep in mind it'll be a tad stronger as we haven't diluted it by shaking with ice. If it's too strong, simply pour the required amount into a cocktail shaker and shake with ice to dilute. It'll last around 3-4 days in the fridge.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
257Fat
3 gSat. Fat
2 gCarbs
19 gFiber
1 gNet carbs
18 gSugar
18 gProtein
1 gSodium
27 mgCholesterol
10 mgThe nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a little “naughty and nice” flair to your holiday cocktail repertoire, the Dirty Santa Cocktail is a must-try.
It’s rich, creamy, and full of festive flavor, with just enough of a bourbon kick to keep things interesting. Plus, it’s easy to make, so you don’t have to spend all night behind the bar.
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