Christmas is a time to eat, drink and be merry. Whether you're partial to a tipple or not, making a Christmas cocktail menu is an easy way to add some festive spirit into the cold nights. Perfect for sipping as you put the decorations on the tree, or for turning into a little recipe book to go along with a present, the mixologist in your life will love the idea. So why not propose a toast with one of our Christmas cocktails and mocktails? Here are some of our favourites.
#1 Ginger Martini
A sophisticated, warming drink to sip by the fire, this Christmas cocktail is definitely one for the grown-ups.
What you'll need-45ml vodka15ml ginger liqueur7.5ml Bianco Vermouth7.5ml extra dry Vermouth3 drops of ginger bittersTo make the bitters-- Finely chop fresh ginger and submerge in high percentage alcohol. For this recipe, use vodka, but the process can be done with any spirit to match any drink.
- Store in an air-tight sterilised container and let it sit for a couple of days to a week to make the flavour really concentrated.
- Strain out the ginger and transfer your bitters into a new jar.
- Mix together all the ingredients with ice and gently stir.
- Strain into a martini glass, and you’re good to go.
- To sweeten, stir with the candied ginger to let the sugar dissolve.
#2 Hot Cinnamon Rum
Ideal for a festive film night, this drink is the perfect mix of sweet and spicy.
What you'll need-25g butter2 tbsp golden caster sugar2 cinnamon sticks200ml spiced rumTo make the drink-- Heat the butter, sugar and cinnamon sticks in a saucepan until the butter and sugar have dissolved.
- Slowly stir in the spiced rum until combined. Let it simmer for a little while then pour into 4 small heatproof glasses.
#3 Festive Aperol Spritz
A Christmas twist on a summer favourite, you can't go wrong with orange and cranberry.
What you'll need-85ml Aperol85ml prosecco30ml cranberry juicesoda waterOrange wedgeOrange zestRosemary sprigTo make the spritz-- In a large balloon glass, pour the Aperol over ice and top with the prosecco and cranberry juice.
- Add a splash of soda water to fill the glass.
- Take your orange zest and run it around the rim of the glass before dropping it into the drink along with the orange wedge and rosemary.
Mocktails
#4 No-G & T
A real crowd-pleaser, a G&T is perfect for a refreshing post-dinner drink. Easily made alcohol-free, this drink is perfect for fans of botanical, fruity flavours.
What you'll need-5 cardamom pods½ cucumber1 chamomile teabagMint leavesLemon zest5 clovesRosemaryTonic waterTo make the mocktail-- Use a knife to bruise the cardamom pods and slice the cucumber.
- Add them into a big jug with the tea bag, mint, lemon, cloves and rosemary and submerge in cold water.
- Leave this jug in the fridge for a good 2-4 hours.
- Strain the infused water, adding around 50ml into each gin glass and top with tonic water.
- Garnish with more mint and lemon.
#5 Hot Apple Punch
The ultimate winter warmer, this hot apple punch is like dessert in a glass. Perfect for nights on the sofa or for sipping as you settle down for Christmas TV.
What you'll need-1.5 tsp ground cinnamonPinch of ground cloves1tsp nutmeg2l apple juice2 tsp vanilla extract6 scoops of vanilla ice creamTo make the punch-- In a large saucepan, combine the apple juice with the cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and vanilla extract. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- When it’s all heated through, add the vanilla ice cream and whisk. This will combine it all but also make a frothy layer.
- Pour into heatproof glasses or mugs and sprinkle a little cinnamon on top.
#6 Orange and Cranberry Mimosa
No need to miss out, your Christmas morning bucks fizz can be made alcohol-free with ease.
What you'll need-30ml orange juice55ml cranberry juice55ml sparkling non-alcoholic apple ciderPinch of ground cinnamonFresh cranberries, cinnamon stick and rosemary sprigTo make the mimosa-- Sugar the rim of the glass with cinnamon sugar
- Add the orange and cranberry juice along with the apple cider. Gentle mix in a pinch of cinnamon.
- Top with all the garnishes and enjoy.
Written by Lucy Harbron
