Christmas is always ‘festive’ in more ways than one – which means that while you’ve got the positive (lots of delicious Christmas cocktails to enjoy!) there’s also the negative – every bar ends up being packed throughout most of December as people meet up with mates or enjoy their office Christmas parties. Being shoved into the corner of the bar right next to the loos or spending 20 minutes elbowing your way to the bar doesn’t tend to bring out the holiday spirit in most people.
But if you’re willing to shake the dust off your cocktail shaker, none of that will be an issue – if you fancy a cheeky festive tipple or three, you can become chief mixologist in your house, with our easy Christmas cocktail recipes.
Looking for some premium spirits as Christmas gifting inspiration? Check out our range of gifts for your friends, from gin to fine wine, all sent with a cheery thortful Christmas card.
Alcoholic Christmas cocktails and boozy beverages
Step away from the retro Snowballs and classic mulled wine, and get your creative juices flowing with these Christmassy concoctions. Even if you’re no great shakes with a cocktail shaker, these easy Christmas cocktails are a doddle to make.
Image source: BBC Good Food
Clementine Martini
Give this timeless cocktail a festive twist with winter ingredients and a touch of fizz. Mix clementine juice with vodka and Cointreau, then leave to chill for at least one hour.
Serve in a martini glass, filling it up halfway, before topping up with prosecco, champagne or Cava (we won’t judge which your favourite is, but we will recommend a bottle of premium Nyetimber sparkling wine). If you’re feeling extra fancy, garnish your glasses with a thinly sliced clementine. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy your masterpiece.
Get the full recipe here.
Image source: Jamie Oliver
Hot buttered rum
Looking for something to warm your cockles with after a wholesome winter walk? This easy Christmas cocktail recipe will do the trick!
Melt butter, sugar and cloves in a pan, before stirring in the rum (any brand works just fine!). Once you’ve poured it into your mug, add as much – or as little – hot water as you’d like.
For the finishing touch, add a cinnamon stick and some grated nutmeg, then spend an evening curled up in front of the fire (…or by the radiator if you’re not quite that wholesome).
Get the full recipe here.
Image source: Country Living
Pumpkin Spiced White Russian
Calling all coffee lovers! Transform your pumpkin spiced latte into something with a little more oomph, in the form of kahlua and vodka. Pumpkin pie spice and cream will bring all the sweetness of a classic Christmas dessert.
For extra festive feels, crumble up gingersnap biscuits, before lining the rim of your glass in honey, and dipping in the crumbs to coat. You might only want one of these though – they’re pretty filling!
Get the full recipe here.
Image source: Olive Magazine
Slow Sazerac
Looking for a slow sipper? Look no further. Designed to keep you warm during those cold winter months, shake rye whisky, simple syrup, Peychaud bitters, and sloe gin together.
For added punch, swirl a dash of absinthe in your glass, discarding the excess, before pouring the cocktail in.
Get the full recipe here.
Image source: Delish
Peppermintini
The second martini to make it on this list, this drink really is a dessert in a glass. Dip the rim of your glass in melted chocolate and crushed candy canes, before pouring the remainder of the melted chocolate into your glasses, leaving to freeze.
Combine peppermint schnapps, white chocolate liqueur and heavy cream together, and pour over the chocolate. Finish with a simple candy cane garnish, and enjoy!
Get the full recipe here.
Image source: Olive Magazine
Sherry Sour
Nothing says Christmas quite like a carefully poured serving of sherry. It’s time to bring this traditional tipple firmly into the 21st century with a Sherry Sour or two.
Simple to make, all you need for these easy Christmas cocktails is some sherry (obviously!), caster sugar, lemon juice and an egg white. Make sure you give it a good shake before you pour into a chilled coupe glass.
Get the full recipe here.
Image source: Country Living
Cranberry Gin Fizz
Shake up your classic gin and tonic with this cranberry twist. You can make the cranberry syrup yourself (or, let’s be honest, buy it in!), and mix it with your favourite brand of gin, elderflower liqueur and tonic.
Serve with fresh cranberries and a sprig of thyme for a light and refreshing Christmas cocktail that’s distinctly moreish. Looking for more gin ideas? Well, first get yourself a brilliant bottle of gin from the gin geniuses (giniuses?) at Salcombe Gin, and then plan to shake up some of our favourite gin cocktails.
Get the full recipe here.
Image source: Delish
White Christmas Margarita
Is tequila your poison? This is the perfect Christmas cocktail recipe for you. Blend your tequila with coconut milk, lime juice, triple sec and ice; before lining your glass with sugar and a lime wedge.
Garnish with fresh cranberries and enjoy this sweet twist on a classic cocktail.
Get the full recipe here.
Christmas mocktails for the designated driver
Are you stuck with the driving this Christmas? You can still get involved in all the fun and festivities, with these deliciously delightful easy Christmas mocktails.
Image source: BBC Good Food
Pear and Rose Punch
Sumptuous and sophisticated, you can either make a few glasses, or turn it into a batch if you’re having family over.
Cardamom, raw apple cider vinegar and ginger gives it a spicy winter feel, while the rose and vanilla keeps the drink light and fresh. You can be as creative as you want with the garnish – scatter a few frozen redcurrants on the top, or go all out and decorate with sprigs of rosemary and thyme, for a beautiful aroma. It may be alcohol free, but we reckon it’s still one of the best Christmas cocktails out there!
Get the full recipe here.
Image source: Town and Country
Sparkling Cranberry Apple Cider
Enjoy all of the Christmas feels with none of the hangover with this delicious drink. Dip the top of your flute in water, followed by sugar. Then, add apple cider (the American, non-alcoholic kind!) into your flute, followed by cranberry juice, soda water, and a tablespoon of lemon juice.
Garnish with lemon peel and you’ll have a mocktail that looks just as fancy as the alcoholic version!
Get the full recipe here.
If you’ve put a cocktail making kit at the top of your list after reading this, we don’t blame you! Still sorting out presents for your family and friends? We’ve got you covered with our range of Christmas cards, festive gift ideas, and extra inspiration on our blog – you can thank us later.
