I’m always on the hunt for fun, unexpected ways to bring something unique to a gathering, whether it’s food, drinks, or those little details that make guests stop and say, “Okay, this is genius.” This holiday season, I found the perfect way to do just that… festive ornament drinks! Not only are they adorable, but they double as décor and a conversation starter. Styled on a beautiful tray, these ornament cocktails are guaranteed to steal the show at your Christmas or New Year’s celebration. Here’s an outline of what you’ll find in this post:
- Supplies You’ll Need
- How to Make Ornament Cocktails (Step-by-Step)
- Styling & Display Ideas
- Tips to Make This DIY Extra Special
Supplies You’ll Need
- Clear plastic ornament balls (food-safe, with removable tops) - I learned the hard way that glass ones aren’t the best idea!
- Small funnel (or steady hands)
- Wine, champagne or other fancy see-through glass
- Your favorite cocktail, mocktail, juice or sparkling drink
- Garnishes (think cranberries, rosemary sprigs, citrus slices, edible glitter, or pomegranate seeds)
- Ribbon, twine, or decorative string (optional, for hanging or tagging)
- Tags (optional, for labeling drinks)
- Decorative serving tray or bar tray (like these!)
How to Make Ornament Cocktails
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Prep the Ornaments: Gently remove the top from the ornament and wash the ornaments thoroughly. Let them dry completely before filling.
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Add Ice and Garnishes: In a wine, champagne or other fancy glass, drop in your ice and any garnishes before the liquid. This helps them stay visible and creates that “wow” factor. I chose to add cranberries and a sprig of rosemary, so it looked a bit like a winter wonderland scene.
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Fill Your Ornament: Using a funnel, carefully pour your cocktail or mocktail into the ornament, leaving a little space at the top.
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Close Them Up: Secure the ornament top back in place. Give it the ornament a gentle wipe to remove fingerprints or drips and place it on top of your glass.
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Display with Style: Arrange the filled ornament drinks on a beautiful tray, tiered stand, or bar cart. Grouping them together makes a big visual impact!
Styling & Display Ideas
- Use a marble, wood, or gold-accented tray for an elevated look
- Add edible glitter to the ornament drinks to give them a little extra sparkle
- Label drinks with small tags tied to the ornament tops
Tips to Make It Extra Special
- Offer variety: Make a few different drink options so guests can choose
- Mocktail-friendly: These work just as well with juice, soda, or sparkling water
- Make-ahead: Prep ornaments in advance and refrigerate
- Keep it safe: Always use food-safe ornaments meant for drinks
- New Year’s twist: Add champagne or prosecco just before serving for bubbles
Whether you’re hosting a big holiday party or an intimate get-together, these ornament drinks are such a simple way to bring creativity and charm to the table. They’re festive, fun, and just unexpected enough to make your guests remember the night long after the last sip.
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