Santa Bourbon Bomb is not just a drink — it’s a whole holiday mood. This festive cocktail combines the rich warmth of bourbon with the sweet, creamy decadence of chocolate and cherry, making it the ultimate Christmas party indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a full-blown Christmas bash or just cozying up by the fire, the Santa Bourbon Bomb sets the perfect tone for holiday cheer.
Holiday cocktails should do more than taste good — they should spark conversation, bring joy, and look stunning in your hand. That’s where this boozy treat shines. With its velvety texture, bold flavor, and eye-catching garnish (think chocolate rim, whipped cream, and a cherry on top), the Santa Bourbon Bomb is like dessert in a glass — with a kick.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this drink a new holiday tradition — including variations, prep tips, common mistakes, and even how to serve it in party settings.
📋 Ingredients (Serves 2)
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3 oz bourbon
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2 oz chocolate liqueur (e.g., Godiva or Mozart)
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1 oz cherry liqueur or grenadine
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2 oz heavy cream or half-and-half
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Ice cubes
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Whipped cream (for garnish)
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Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
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Chocolate shavings or crushed candy canes (optional)
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Chocolate syrup (to rim the glass)
🍸 How to Make Santa Bourbon Bomb
Step 1: Prepare the Glass
Start by rimming your martini or cocktail glass with chocolate syrup. You can also dip the rim in crushed candy canes for an extra holiday sparkle. Set the glass aside in the freezer while you mix the drink.
Step 2: Shake the Ingredients
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the bourbon, chocolate liqueur, cherry liqueur, and cream. Shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds until chilled and slightly frothy.
Step 3: Strain & Serve
Strain into your prepared glass. Top with whipped cream and garnish with a cherry and chocolate shavings or crushed candy canes.
Optional: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a warm, spicy finish.
🎄 Variations
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Spiced Bourbon Bomb: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg into the shaker for a cozy, spiced twist.
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Iced Santa Bomb: Serve it over ice in a lowball glass for a more relaxed, bourbon-on-the-rocks feel.
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Frozen Version: Blend all ingredients with crushed ice for a boozy holiday milkshake.
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Mocha Bomb: Use coffee liqueur instead of cherry liqueur for a mocha-flavored experience.
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Mocktail: Swap bourbon and liqueurs with chocolate milk + cherry syrup for a festive kid-friendly version.
🍫 Cooking Notes
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Bourbon Choice: Choose a smooth, mid-range bourbon like Bulleit, Four Roses, or Maker’s Mark. The flavor profile should be rich but not too smoky.
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Creaminess: Heavy cream will give you a richer texture than half-and-half, but both work well.
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Shaking is key: A good shake helps emulsify the cream and creates a silky texture.
🥂 Serving Suggestions
Serve the Santa Bourbon Bomb in chilled martini or coupe glasses to keep the drink elegant and festive. Add a colorful cocktail pick with a cherry and a peppermint stick for extra flair.
Pair it with:
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Chocolate truffles
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Christmas cookies
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Mini cheesecake bites
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A holiday charcuterie board
It’s a great after-dinner drink that doubles as dessert!
🎉 Party Serving Ideas
Hosting a crowd? Try these fun serving ideas:
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Holiday Cocktail Bar: Set up a DIY cocktail bar with all the ingredients and toppings so guests can customize their Santa Bourbon Bombs.
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Mini Bomb Shots: Serve in mini dessert shot glasses with tiny whipped cream peaks.
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Batch it: Multiply the ingredients by 5–6 and serve in a pitcher over ice. Just add garnishes individually.
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
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You can mix the liquids ahead of time and store in a sealed pitcher in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
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Add the cream and shake just before serving for the best texture.
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Avoid freezing — cream-based cocktails don’t thaw well.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Too much ice = watered down drink: Don’t let the drink sit too long after shaking. Strain and serve quickly.
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Using the wrong bourbon: Avoid overly smoky or high-proof bourbons that overpower the chocolate/cherry balance.
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Skipping the rim: The chocolate rim makes a huge visual and flavor difference. Don’t skip it!
✅ Tips for Success
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Chill your glasses ahead of time for a smoother, colder drink.
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Use a high-quality chocolate liqueur to avoid a syrupy texture.
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Shake until the shaker feels very cold — it ensures proper dilution and texture.
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Don’t be shy with the garnish — presentation is key!
⏱️ Prep & Chill Time
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Chill Time: 5–10 minutes (for the glasses)
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Total Time: 10–15 minutes
🔢 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approx. Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285–320 |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 18mg |
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use Irish cream instead of chocolate liqueur?
A: Yes, though it will add a coffee-caramel note rather than pure chocolate.
Q: What’s a good non-dairy substitute for cream?
A: Use coconut cream or oat milk creamer for a vegan-friendly version.
Q: Can I make it hot like a boozy hot chocolate?
A: Yes! Warm the cream and chocolate liqueur, then stir in bourbon. Skip the shaker.
🍂 More Fall & Holiday Drinks You’ll Love
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🎁 Conclusion: Your Holiday Just Got Boozier
The Santa Bourbon Bomb is more than a cocktail — it’s a celebration in a glass. With its luxurious mix of chocolate, cream, bourbon, and cherry, it’s a drink that feels festive, indulgent, and joyful all at once. Whether you’re toasting with friends or just winding down after a long holiday week, this drink is your new go-to.
Make it, share it, and let the holiday spirit flow. 🎅
