Santa’s Sleigh Cocktail Recipe

When the holidays roll around, I honestly just want to mix up something festive that feels a little extra special. A cozy drink can really set the mood for a night in—or just make a holiday gathering feel more fun, you know?

Santa’s Sleigh Cocktail is a simple recipe that brings together classic seasonal flavors in one smooth drink. It’s the kind of thing that tastes like the holidays, but it’s not so heavy or complicated that you’ll dread making it.

This cocktail checks that box with ingredients you probably already have on hand. It’s easy to put together, but it still feels like a treat worth sharing.

You’ll see how quick the recipe comes together. I’ll also share what to expect in terms of taste and balance.

Santa’s Sleigh Cocktail Recipe

I like this cocktail because it blends warm holiday spices with smooth cream and a touch of sweetness. The flavors come together in a way that’s festive, easy to enjoy, and not too heavy.

Equipment

I keep the tools simple—no need to overthink it. Just a few basic bar items make the process smooth and help the drink come out balanced.

• Cocktail shaker with a tight lid to mix everything evenly
• Measuring jigger for accurate pours
• Strainer to keep ice out of the glass
• Bar spoon for stirring if needed
• Fine grater to add fresh nutmeg or cinnamon on top
• Rocks glass or coupe glass depending on how I want to serve it
• Ice cubes for shaking and chilling

Honestly, using a shaker with plenty of ice gives the drink a creamy texture and keeps it cold without watering it down.

Ingredients

The flavors here depend on a balance of cream, spice, and a little sweetness. I try to measure each ingredient carefully so nothing overpowers the rest.

• 2 oz dark rum
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz heavy cream
• ½ oz simple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
• Dash of ground cinnamon
• Dash of ground nutmeg
• Ice cubes for shaking
• Grated nutmeg or cinnamon stick for garnish

I like to use dark rum for its rich flavor. The cream makes the drink smooth, and the spices add a warm finish that just reminds me of holiday baking.

Instructions

Here’s how I do it—nothing fancy, just straightforward steps. Shaking well is key so the cream blends smoothly with the liquor.

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Pour in the dark rum, coffee liqueur, cream, and simple syrup.
• Add a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Secure the lid and shake hard for about 15 seconds.
• Strain into a chilled glass filled with fresh ice or serve straight up in a coupe.
• Garnish with grated nutmeg or a cinnamon stick.

I always taste before serving. If I want more sweetness, I’ll add a little extra syrup—no shame in that.

Notes

I really prefer freshly grated nutmeg because it gives a stronger aroma than the pre-ground stuff. A small pinch is enough, so I go easy with it.

Cinnamon works best as both a dash in the shaker and as a garnish. The flavor ties the drink to the holiday season without making it too spicy.

If I want a lighter option, I’ll swap heavy cream for half-and-half. The drink still tastes smooth, just a little less rich.

Serving in a chilled glass helps the cocktail stay cold longer. I like to keep a few glasses in the freezer during the holidays so they’re always ready to go.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, there’s this smooth balance of creaminess and spice. The flavors feel warm, but not heavy—it’s honestly easy to keep going back for more.

I catch hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, and they kind of remind me of holiday baking at home. Those spices add a gentle kick, but they’re not overpowering or anything like that.

The sweetness comes through in a pretty soft way. It blends right in with the cream and spirits, so nothing feels like it’s trying too hard.

There’s also this light vanilla note that just ties everything together. It gives the cocktail a cozy finish, and it lingers for a bit—just enough to make you notice.

The texture is silky and rich, honestly. I like how it coats my palate, but it never feels too thick or heavy.

If I let the drink sit for a minute, the flavors kind of open up even more. The spices get clearer, and the sweetness feels a bit rounder, somehow.

I really like serving it slightly chilled—it keeps the cream super smooth and refreshing. At the same time, those warm spice flavors still manage to stand out.