If you've ever thought your holiday decorations needed a little extra kick, you're going to love christmas ornaments with alcohol. Honestly, it was only a matter of time before someone realized that those hollow plastic baubles were the perfect size for a double shot of gin. Gone are the days when the only "spirit" on the tree was a plastic angel or some dusty tinsel. Nowadays, the tree is becoming the most popular spot in the house for reasons that have nothing to do with what's wrapped underneath it.
Why Boozy Baubles are the New Holiday Staple
Let's be real for a second: the holidays can be a lot. Between the frantic shopping, the endless loop of "Jingle Bells" in every grocery store, and trying to figure out how to cook a turkey without drying it out, we all need a little win. That's where christmas ornaments with alcohol come into play. They're functional, they look great, and they provide a built-in reward for finally getting all those lights untangled.
It's not just about the drink, though. It's the aesthetic. There's something undeniably festive about seeing little amber-colored whiskey bottles or clear, glittery gin baubles catching the light from the tree. It feels like a grown-up version of the advent calendar. Instead of a tiny piece of questionable chocolate, you get a little celebration you can actually enjoy while watching a classic holiday movie.
DIY Christmas Ornaments with Alcohol
If you're the creative type, making your own christmas ornaments with alcohol is actually surprisingly easy. You don't need a craft degree or a hot glue gun that burns your fingers every five minutes. All you really need are some food-grade, fillable plastic ornaments, a small funnel, and your favorite spirits.
Choosing Your Ornaments
First things first: don't use glass if you're planning on drinking the contents. Glass ornaments are beautiful, but they aren't usually meant to hold liquid, and the seals on the top aren't airtight. You want the screw-top plastic versions. They're lightweight, they won't shatter if the cat decides the tree is a climbing frame, and they keep your booze from evaporating or tasting like "Christmas tree scent."
Picking the Liquid
When it comes to filling them, clear spirits like gin or vodka look amazing because they pick up the colors of the tree lights. If you want a warmer vibe, dark rums or whiskies look like liquid gold hanging from the branches. You can even get fancy and add some edible gold leaf or food-grade glitter to the mix. It looks incredible when the tree is lit up at night—it's like having little shimmering potions hanging there.
The Best Spirits for Your Tree
Not all alcohol is created equal when it comes to tree decor. You want something that stays shelf-stable and doesn't get weird if it sits out at room temperature for a couple of weeks.
- Gin: Probably the most popular choice. It's clear, it's classic, and it pairs perfectly with the piney scent of a real tree.
- Whiskey or Bourbon: The amber hue looks very "traditional Christmas." It feels cozy and sophisticated.
- Flavored Vodkas: Think peppermint or cranberry. Not only do they taste like the season, but you can sometimes find ones that are already tinted red or pink, adding a pop of color to your greenery.
- Tequila: For those who want to turn the holiday party up a notch.
Just a quick tip: avoid anything with cream (like Irish cream liqueurs) unless you're planning on drinking them immediately. They don't love sitting in a plastic ball under warm lights for three weeks. Keep it to the hard stuff for the best results.
Gifting Your Boozy Creations
If you're struggling to find a Secret Santa gift that doesn't scream "I bought this at the pharmacy on my way here," christmas ornaments with alcohol are a total lifesaver. You can buy pre-filled ones from many boutique distilleries now, or you can make a personalized set for your friends.
I love the idea of a "Bar-in-a-Box" gift set. Get a nice box, put some shredded paper inside, and nestle four or five different alcohol-filled ornaments. Label them with little handwritten tags like "Open in case of family gathering" or "To be consumed while wrapping gifts." It's thoughtful, it's funny, and let's be honest, it's much better than another scented candle.
Hosting a "Pick Your Poison" Party
If you're hosting a holiday bash this year, you have to try the "interactive tree" trend. Instead of a traditional bar setup where everyone crowds around the kitchen counter, you can hang christmas ornaments with alcohol all over a small tabletop tree.
When guests arrive, they can literally pick their drink off the tree. It's a huge conversation starter and it keeps the party moving. You can have different colors representing different spirits—maybe blue for vodka, gold for whiskey, and green for gin. It turns the decoration into the main event. Just make sure you have some mixers and ice nearby so people aren't just doing straight shots of gin at 7:00 PM (unless that's the kind of party you're throwing, in which case, carry on).
A Few Practical Tips
As fun as this trend is, there are a few things to keep in mind so your holiday doesn't end in a sticky mess.
Mind the Weight
Liquid is surprisingly heavy. If you fill a bunch of large baubles to the brim, your tree branches are going to sag like they've given up on life. Use smaller ornaments or make sure you're hanging them on the sturdier, inner parts of the branch. If you're using a fake tree, you're usually fine, but real needles can be a bit more temperamental.
Label Everything
Unless you want a surprise every time you open one, use some cute stickers or tags to label what's inside. There's a big difference between thinking you're about to have a nice sip of peach vodka and getting a mouthful of silver tequila. Trust me on this one.
Safety First
This should go without saying, but if you have kids or pets, keep the christmas ornaments with alcohol toward the top of the tree. Little ones might think they're juice balls, and dogs have a weird knack for knocking things over. Keep the "adult" ornaments out of reach to ensure everyone stays safe and happy.
The Sentiment Behind the Trend
At the end of the day, the rise of christmas ornaments with alcohol is really just about having a bit of fun. The holidays can feel very rigid with all their traditions and expectations. Injecting a bit of humor and a "cheers" into the decor reminds us not to take it all too seriously.
Whether you're buying a high-end set from a distillery or spending a Sunday afternoon filling plastic balls with your favorite bourbon, it's a way to personalize your space. It's about creating a vibe that says, "Yes, it's Christmas, and yes, we're going to have a great time." So, grab a funnel, pick your favorite bottle, and give your tree the "spirit" it deserves this year. Cheers to that!