Whiskey and Christmas Movies: Pairing the Perfect Sip with a Classic Film

Ready for some movie magic? There is something about dimming the lights, pulling a blanket over your knees, and pressing play on a holiday movie. Pair that with a drink in hand? *chef’s kiss*

Whether you prefer velvety bourbon, floral Scotch, spicy rye, or smooth Irish whiskey, the right pour can amplify that movie watching experience to new heights. This guide pairs the best Christmas movies with your favorite spirits. 

Let’s get this holiday whiskey guide started, shall we?

Holiday Whiskey Guide: Movie Edition

The Nightmare Before Christmas

You’ve heard of pregaming. Well, you can also pregame your Christmas movie watching with The Nightmare Before Christmas! Enjoy this playful blend of Halloween and Christmas with a Speyside or a light, fruity single malt. These whiskies offer orchard fruits, honey, and gentle spice that echo the film’s sweeter, melodic moments while still leaving room for the eerie undercurrent.

• Serving idea: Serve neat in small tulip glasses so guests can appreciate delicate aromatics while the credits roll. A splash of water will coax out fruit and vanilla.
• Cocktail option: A light Rob Roy variant using a Speyside whisky, sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of orange bitters keeps the dram central and adds old-world charm.

The Holiday

A classic! Who doesn’t want a movie with Jack Black, Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, and Jude Law? This Christmas movie has a little bit of that behind-the-scenes look into Tinseltown that we just love - and a fantastic story about love and friendship to boot. That said, bourbon fits the film beautifully. Look for expressions with vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak to support the film’s soft emotional arcs.

• Serving idea: Neat or on a single large ice cube. Garnish with a flamed orange peel to add a citrus perfume that complements vanilla and baking spice.
• Cocktail option: A cranberry old fashioned. Muddle a spoonful of cranberry compote with bitters, add bourbon, stir over ice, and finish with an orange twist for seasonal color and subtle tartness.

The Last Holiday

While it was never specifically marketed as a holiday movie, The Last Holiday is a fantastic watch. Get to live vicariously through Queen Latifah's character. Come on. We’ve all thought about telling off our bosses and going on an expensive holiday at one point… right? Right? For this, choose something balanced and slightly festive, like a well-rounded rye or a smooth blended malt that can hold up to richer courses and celebratory toasts.

• Serving idea: Offer it neat or gently chilled. Set out small tasting notes so guests can spend a few minutes comparing impressions between scenes.
• Cocktail option: A warmed cider and rye mix. Heat apple cider with allspice and a cinnamon stick, then stir in rye to taste for a drink that bridges introspection and celebration.

Elf

Elf... on a shelf? More like top shelf! We just had to add a true comedy to this list. Travel to the Big Apple with Buddy and just let chaos ensue. It’s a classic Will Ferrell film. You know what that means. Irish whiskey suits the movie. Its smooth grain character and light fruitiness keep the tone playful rather than heavy. 

• Serving idea: A whiskey highball with ginger ale or sparkling water keeps things light and sippable, ideal for group viewing.
• Cocktail option: Irish coffee for a cozy after-dinner lift. Brew strong coffee, add a measure of Irish whiskey, sweeten lightly, and crown with whipped cream for a festive, comforting serve.

Die Hard

Yippee Ki‐Yay. Is it a holiday movie or is it not? No matter where you stand on this debate, Die Hard has graced TV screens all over the world during this season. It’s inevitable. For this action flick, go for a smoky, assertive Scotch or a bold rye. These profiles stand up to high tension and snackable, savory bar food.

• Serving idea: Serve small, contemplative pours so guests can sip between action sequences. Offer a smoky Scotch for those who want drama, and a spicy rye for those who prefer kick.
• Cocktail option: A smoked Old Fashioned. Stir whiskey with a sugar cube and bitters, smoke the glass with a small piece of charred wood or a citrus peel, then serve over a large ice cube for theatrical, flavorful impact.

Home Alone

It wouldn’t be Christmas if we didn’t hear “KEVIN!!!”. Mischief, warmth, and huge doses of family energy. Put on Home Alone if you want laughing out loud and sharing snacks with everyone. A lively, approachable bourbon or a friendly, floral single malt works well. You want a pour that is flavorful enough to enjoy but forgiving for group sipping.

• Serving idea: Create a tasting flight with three small pours. Let guests compare and debate their favorites between booby trap scenes.
• Cocktail option: A spiced maple bourbon and soda. Mix bourbon with a touch of maple syrup, a squeeze of lemon, and soda water for a drink that is both familiar and playful.

A Double Shot for a Double Feature

The point of this list is to match the best Christmas movies with proper sips. Country Wine & Spirits is already home to all the best whiskeys for Christmas, either for gifting or for enjoying yourself. Check them out!