The Best Cocktails to Serve at Christmas

The season of pigs in blankets and stockings is well and truly upon us! But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t a few last-minute items to check off your to-do list - late-night Christmas shopping, anyone? If you’re still planning your Christmas parties, don’t miss out on these deliciously festive cocktails, perfect for serving to guests or sipping by a warm fireplace with your cosiest socks on.

Snowballs

Snowballs are one of the quintessential Christmas cocktails. They’re also super quick to fix, making them ideal for unexpected gatherings or busy parties. Simply mix together lime juice and Advocat before stirring in a good splash of lemonade, popping a Maraschino cherry on top for a festive garnish. For a spicy winter warmer, add ginger syrup and replace lemonade with Babycham.

Gingerbread Espresso Martinis

Flavoured syrups are the biggest thing in the coffee world right now, and why should your Espresso Martini miss out? Give your Christmas party a kick with these sweetly spiced Gingerbread cocktails. Simply make your Espresso Martini as you normally would, but add a splash of Gingerbread liquor before you shake it for a little holiday twist.

Festive Manhattans

If you love a Manhattan, give this festive take a try over the holidays. Sip it on Christmas day as everybody opens Christmas presents or as a sweet after-dinner drink at your festive parties. Simply add 15 ml of maraschino cherry juice (or Cherry and Vanilla Syrup), cranberry juice, and vermouth or your favourite whisky, along with a dash or two of bitters and sugared cranberries to serve. Warm and fruity, it’s a definite crowd-pleaser during the colder months.

Mulled Wine Cocktails

You can’t drink mulled wine every day of the year, so make the most of it at Christmas with this delicious, spiced cocktail. This is a perfect Christmas party drink, although we suggest making it in advance as it does take a little work. Start by bringing to a boil:

- 100g muscovado sugar
- 1 to 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 star anise
- 4 cloves
- 150ml water

Cool the mixture in a large jug, before adding sliced clementines and lemons, along with 150ml of Cointreau and 750ml of red wine. Chill and serve over ice with a twist of orange. 

Winter Whisky Sours

Sophisticated and with plenty of Christmas spirit, we can’t get enough of Winter Whisky Sours. A twist on the traditional Whisky Sour, a small amount of honey is brushed onto the inside of your Whisky Tumbler, which is then sprinkled with edible gold glitter for a festive touch. Into a cocktail shaker, add Borboun Whisky, orange juice, lemon juice, and a little dash of sugar syrup. Shake well before pouring into your glasses over a strainer and garnish with a slice of orange. 

Try Our Ready to Drink Cocktails

Christmas is meant to be a time for relaxing, and if making drinks isn’t really your thing then our Ready to Drink Cocktails are the perfect solution, giving you more time to enjoy yourself this festive season. Serve them at dinner parties or keep in the cupboard for a quick, delicious tipple! However you drink yours, we hope you have a wonderfully boozy Christmas and a happy New Year!

Image: Fattyplace / Shutterstock.com