Christmas is all about indulgence and what better way to treat yourself than some festive cocktails and mocktails to keep spirits high?
There’s no better way to enjoy yourself over the festive period than sharing a cocktail or a mocktail with loved ones. With some classics, modern twists and some that are a little whacky, which of the following festive cocktails will you be trying this year? Go on, it is Christmas after all.
Festive Cocktails
You can’t lose with a little bit of booze at Christmas, and these festive treats will definitely go down nicely with a mince pie or two…
- Classic Mulled Wine
Not technically a cocktail, but it would be a Christmas crime not to include it. It’s a proper winter warm perfect for wrapping your hands around on a cold December night. It also couldn’t be easier to make.
Get a bottle of your favourite red wine (about 750ml will do the trick) and pour it into a pan with a cinnamon stick, a couple of star anise, lemon zest, 4 cloves and 4 tablespoons of caster sugar. Cook for 10 minutes on low heat, before turning off the heat and letting it infuse for another half an hour.
When you want a service (this recipe makes 6) heat it up without boiling and pop in some sloe gin to really make those flavours pop.
- Clementine Margarita
You can’t have Christmas without clementines, and this is the perfect festive twist to make use of the ones left in your stocking.
Pour 100ml of tequila, 50ml of triple sec and 50 ml of cold water into a bottle. Then add 100ml of clementine juice. Shake well and leave in the fridge to chill. It will keep for a month so don’t worry about drinking it all at once.
To add clementine to the glass rim, add some finely chopped clementine zest to a mixture of caster sugar and sea salt flakes. When you’re ready to drink, dampen the rim and dip it into the dry mixture. Delicious.
- Gingerbread Martini
Too old for a gingerbread man, or just want something a little more mature on the side? Then a gingerbread martini is for you.
Purchase some gingerbread syrup, or you can make it yourself if you want to go homemade. Add about 50ml to a bottle with 200ml of vodka and 100ml of cold water. Shake and chill until you are ready to serve. It’s as easy as that.
- Classic Snowball
With a name like Snowball, you can’t go wrong, can you? It’s a Christmas classic, so it has to be included.
This recipe is for each serving. Fill a glass of choice with ice, then add about 15ml lime cordial or lime juice. Add 50ml of advocaat and 50ml of sparkling lemonade and stir gently until the glass feels cold to the touch. Simple, easy and very tasty.
Festive Mocktails
Just because you would rather not have the alcohol doesn’t mean you can’t have something equally as tasty. Here are some delicious alcohol-free options.
- Mulled Not-Wine
It’s such a classic then we have a non-alcoholic version too. Mix a litre of cranberry juice, a litre of apple juice and a litre of sparkling water. Leave to chill. When you’re ready to serve it to guests, add some cranberries, apple slices and top off with some sparkling water. Just as tasty but without the headache.
- Spiced Apple Syrup With Clementine
Warm some apple juice in a pan. Add a tablespoon of whole spice, ginger, clementine zest and sugar. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Leave to cool and then strain. Add some cinnamon sticks to serve.
- Non-Alcoholic Christmas Punch
Grab a large bowl, because this one is to be shared. Pop some pear and lemon slices, as well as sugar and mixed spice into your serving bowl. Chill for an hour to infuse. Add the juice of two sliced lemons, and 400ml of white grape juice and stir until all the sugar has dissolved.
Pour in 275ml of ginger ale and 500ml of sparkling water. Garnish by sprinkling in a handful of pomegranate seeds and some sprigs of rosemary. Very festive, delicious and alcohol-free.
- Irish Cream Liqueur
This one can be made in literal minutes and is definitely a luxurious festive mocktail treat.
Grab yourself a large cocktail shaker or bottle and add plenty of ice. Pour 150ml of double cream, 50ml of evaporated, 2tsp of maple syrup, 25ml of freshly brewed espresso, and a tsp of vanilla extract. Add a pinch of cinnamon and some orange zest for a little pizazz.
Pour over some ice for a chillingly tasty treat.
