The holiday season isn’t just about watching your favorite Christmas movies — it’s about the whole experience! Get ready to make your movie nights even more memorable with festive drinks, and delicious snacks! Check out our list of classic Christmas films paired with the perfect drinks and snacks, complete with easy recipes to bring your holiday cheer to life!
1. Home Alone
Drink Pairing: Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows
Recipe:
- Heat 2 cups of milk on the stove, stirring in 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- Once it’s warm and mixed well, pour into a double wall glass mug.
- Top with a few marshmallows or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Snack Pairing: Classic Buttery Popcorn. Bonus, serve your popcorn in a set of nesting bowls, perfect for sharing with loved ones!
2. Elf
Drink Pairing: Peppermint Mocha
Recipe:
- Brew a shot of espresso or decaf coffee if preferred.
- In a separate saucepan, heat 1 cup of milk and stir in 1 tablespoon of peppermint syrup.
- Pour the espresso into a double wall glass mug and top with the peppermint milk, adding whipped cream and crushed peppermint for extra flair.
Snack Pairing: Sugar Cookies
3. How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Drink Pairing: Green Tea or Matcha Latte
Recipe:
- Whisk 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into a small amount of hot water to make a paste.
- Heat 1 cup of milk and whisk it into the matcha paste.
- Pour into a double wall glass mug and serve hot with a sprinkle of matcha powder on top.
Snack Pairing: Christmas Tree-Shaped Shortbread Cookies
4. Love Actually
Drink Pairing: Mulled Wine
Recipe:
- Heat 1 bottle of red wine in a saucepan, adding 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 cloves, 1 orange (sliced), and 2 tablespoons of sugar.
- Simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, then strain and pour into a stemless wine glass.
Snack Pairing: Brie Cheese with Cranberry Sauce served with your favorite crackers.
5. The Polar Express
Drink Pairing: Eggnog
Recipe:
- Whisk together 4 egg yolks and ½ cup of sugar until thick.
- Stir in 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of cream, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Heat the mixture over low heat until thickened, then cool and add a shot of bourbon if desired.
- Pour into a double wall glass mug and serve with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Snack Pairing: Cinnamon Buns and Candy Canes
6. A Christmas Story
Drink Pairing: Classic Christmas Punch
Recipe:
- In a large pitcher, combine 2 cups of cranberry juice, 1 cup of orange juice, 1 cup of lemon-lime soda, and 2 cups of ginger ale.
- Add 1 cup of rum or vodka (optional) and stir well.
- Serve chilled in a glass pitcher with stemless glasses.
Snack Pairing: Chocolate Fudge and Roasted Chestnuts
7. The Nightmare Before Christmas
Drink Pairing: Black Coffee or Dark Hot Chocolate
Recipe:
- Brew your favorite coffee or hot chocolate using 2 cups of milk and 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder.
- Serve in a double wall glass mug, topped with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Snack Pairing: Pumpkin Pie (to have a bit of Halloween too!)
8. The Santa Clause
Drink Pairing: Spiked Apple Cider
Recipe:
- Heat 4 cups of apple cider in a saucepan and stir in 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 cloves, and 2 tablespoons of honey.
- Add 1 cup of rum or bourbon (optional).
- Serve in a glass tumbler, garnished with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
Snack Pairing: Hot Apple Cider Donuts or Caramel Popcorn. Bonus, serve your popcorn in a set of stainless steel bowls, perfect for sharing!
9. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Drink Pairing: Whiskey Sour
Recipe:
- In a shaker, combine 2 oz of bourbon, ¾ oz of lemon juice, ½ oz of simple syrup, and ice.
- Shake vigorously and strain into a glass tumbler, garnishing with a cherry or lemon slice.
Snack Pairing: Cheese Platter with Crackers
10. Scrooged
Drink Pairing: Irish Coffee
Recipe:
- Brew a strong cup of coffee, and add 1 oz of Irish whiskey and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and serve in an Irish coffee mug.
Snack Pairing: Irish Soda Bread
This holiday season, elevate your Christmas movie marathons with snacks and sides, making your movie nights extra cozy and festive. With perfect drink and snack pairings for each film, you’ll be creating holiday magic in every sip and bite. Cheers to the season of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories!
