Naughty Elf Cocktail - Delicious Christmas Beverage
This Naughty Elf Cocktail is a delicious fruity adult beverage made with rum and a delicious assortment of fruit juices and liquors. This is a super fun and adorable name that fits the drink. You and your guests will love this delicious combination of flavors.

Why You'll Love This Naughty Elf Cocktail
What a perfect time for this Naughty Elf Cocktail with the holidays right around the corner and so many parents playing along with the children's Elf on the Shelf, why not have a cocktail for the adults?! That is where this amazing and delicious holidays drink, Naughty Elf Cocktail comes in!
This fruity cocktail is inspired by that naughty elf that gets into so much trouble while the children are sleeping. It is the perfect cocktail for entertaining, Christmas parties or just when you are unwinding from your busy day.

The Naughty Elf Drink is easy to make (takes about 5 minutes), with just a few ingredients, perfect for Christmas parties and holiday dinners. It's festive, a bit sweet, and not overly strong.
This Christmas-time Cocktail is the perfect adult beverage to sip in front of the fire while listening to your favorite Holiday music. It's is the perfect ending to a busy day! And if you enjoy drinks ideas like this, try my Grinch Cocktail Recipe next - another Holidays inspired drink.
Ingredients that you need
Here is a list of ingredients we used to make this delicious cocktail:
- White Rum (Spiced Rum can also be used).
- Cranberry Juice - I used this one from 365 by Whole Foods Market which is 100% Juice but any other type works.
- Red Grapefruit Juice - for that festive taste.
- Pomegranate Liquor
- Orange Liquor - I like Cointreau, but you can use other brands if you'd like.
- Sprite or Ginger Ale (anything similar to that works as well).
- Candy Cane, Granulated Sugar and Pomegranate arils for garnish.
Ingredient Swaps
- Swap the Rum with Vodka if preferred
- Use sparkling water instead of soda for a lighter drink.
- Add a splash of Orange Juice for extra citrus flavor.
How To Make Naughty Elf Cocktail

This Naughty Elf Cocktail is simply one of the fruitiest drinks you can make. Check out the printable for the full ingredient list and instructions below!
Step 1. Moisten the glass rim with a citrus wedge, syrup or water, then dip it upside-down into granulated sugar to coat it evenly, twisting a bit and tapping off the excess so that it doesn't fall into the drink.
Step 2. Fill the glass with ice.
Step 3. In a beverage shaker pour all the liquid ingredients except the soda and shake it slightly, then pour the contents in the glass over the ice.
Step 4. Top it with the Sprite (or any other soda) to and make it fizzy.
Step 5. Stir gently.
Step 6. Garnish with candy cane and pomegranate arils.
Kitchen Tools You May Need
Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links for products or services we think you'll like. This means if you make a purchase from one of these links, Sprinkle of Flavor may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend items we use and love.
Tips and Common Mistakes to avoid
- Chill ingredients before mixing for the best flavor so that the drink stays crisp without watering down. Warm juice or soda kills the refreshing holiday vibe fast.
- Cranberry juice vary in sweetness. Taste and adjust with more soda or a squeeze of citrus if needed.
- Large or clear ice melts slower and keeps the cocktail from getting diluted too quickly.
- Add garnishes right before serving so they stay fresh.
- Do not add soda too early. Mixing soda ahead of time leads to flat drinks, especially if making a batch.
- Use ice when shacking together the ingredients for best taste.
- Chill your glasses ahead of time.
- To make this cocktail into a mocktail, replace the rum and liquors with juice.
How To Mix Cocktails
A mixed drink is either shaken or stirred to dilute the drink. You can use a shaker or any container with a tight lid. It is important to know how to shake or stir the drink. Each should be done in a circular motion. When shaking, hold the tumbler so that the contents move in a circular motion. For stirred drinks, keep the spoon from touching the glass so that the contents create a vortex that starts the dilution.

What Appetizers Go Well With Cocktails
If you are planning a get-together, here is a list of a few appetizers that pair well with cocktails.
- Cheese
- Oysters
- Bacon-Wrapped Figs
- Goat Cheese Bites
- Shrimp Cocktail
- Marinated Goat Cheese
- Southern Style Crab Cakes
Here is the printable to make this cocktail.

Naughty Elf Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz White Rum
- 2 oz Cranberry juice
- 2 oz Sprite
- 1 oz Red grapefruit juice
- 1 oz Pomegranate Liquor
- 1 oz Orange Liquor
- Ice cubes
- Granulated sugar for glass rim optional
- Candy Cane optional
- Pomegranate arils optional
Instructions
- Add a few ice cubes to the glass.
- Mix liquors, cranberry juice and grapefruit juice and pour into the glass.
- Top with sprite
- Garnish with candy cane and pomegranate arils





This sounds like something I'd be enjoying
Sounds wonderful!
Thank you.
Cannot wait to make this for the holidays
I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
This sounds amazing!! How can I make it for 12 people??
Hi Jes,
To serve 12 people you would basically just need to 24 oz of cranberry juice amd 12 ozs each of the following red grapefruit juice, Sprite, Pomegranate Liquor and Spiced rum.
I make a signature drink every holiday and this is the one I chose for this Christmas. Can't wait to try and report back!
I can't wait to hear your thoughts.
Hi Kelly!
I'm a little confused on the ingredients! In the list of ingredients, it is a little different than that on the instructions. Can you look over each and clarify for me which one is correct? Thank you!! Going to make this soon for a get together! Can't wait to try it!!
Thank you so much!!
Hi Annette, I am sorry about that. It is Pomegranate Liquor. I went in and fixed it.