Five of our favourite Christmas cocktails

The festive season is finally upon us and particularly after the year we have just had, it’s time to kick back, relax and enjoy the holidays. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas soirée, or just want something to sip on whilst watching your favourite Christmas movie, get into the festive spirit and unleash your inner bartender by trying some of these fun (and delicious) Christmas cocktails. Choose just one, or try all five! 

Classic mulled wine

We just had to include mulled wine first! Christmas simply wouldn’t be Christmas without cozying up to the simmering aromas of fresh orange, spices and cinnamon. It’s guaranteed to make your home smell incredible! Don’t stress too much about which red wine you choose as it will be taking on a lot of additional flavours, your safest bet is to go with whichever is your favourite!

Ingredients (serves five)

• 1 large orange
• 1 bottle of red wine
• 60ml brandy (optional)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup to taste
• 2 whole cinnamon sticks
• 3 star anise
• 4 whole cloves

Optional garnishes: Fresh whole cranberries, cinnamon sticks, additional orange rounds or half moons

Method

1. Cut your orange in half, then slice one of the halves into rounds and add them into a large saucepan. Squeeze the juice of the other half into the saucepan
2. Add the wine, brandy, cinnamon sticks, star anise, honey and cloves into the pan and warm over a medium heat until steaming and fragrant
3. As soon as you see bubbles, reduce the heat and continue cooking on low for 5 minutes
4. Serve in mugs with your chosen garnish

Spice 75

This aromatic twist on the classic French 75 is absolutely gorgeous. We recommend using this CUT Spiced Rum, infused with aniseed, nutmeg, ginger and black peppercorn and this Champagne Moutard Grande Cuveee Brut NV for a sophisticated and elegant drink – perfect if you’re planning on hosting a Christmas drinks party.

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 55g golden caster sugar
• 2 tsp allspice
• 200ml Cut Spiced Rum
• 90ml lime juice
• 600ml Champagne Moutard Grande Cuvee Brut NV

Method

1. Make a simple sugar syrup by warming the sugar with 30 ml water mixed with the all spice. Leave mixture to cool and strain with a double layer of kitchen towel or a coffee strainer
2. Pour the sugar syrup into a cocktail shaker along with the rum and lime juice. Shake it up with ice and strain between six champagne flutes
3. Top each flute with champagne and enjoy!

Warm winter snowball

Bailey’s Irish Cream is another Christmas staple, and it’s a delicious addition to this indulgent cocktail. It’s up to you to decide if you want this one as a drink or as dessert – it’s so creamy you almost need a spoon to drink it!   

Ingredients (makes one serving)

• 1 tablespoon white chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon caramel sauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 100ml milk
• 60ml Baileys Irish Cream
• optional: whipped cream and cinnamon for topping

Method

1. Heat the chocolate, caramel, vanilla, milk and Baileys together in a heatproof bowl in the microwave for 60-90 seconds, until the chocolate has melted.
2. Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream and cinnamon

Spiced orange hot toddy

A twist on the classic, this one uses Lakes The One Orange Cask Whisky. It has notes of country marmalade, butterscotch and candied oranges, giving the cocktail an extra zesty depth. This recipe is sure to keep you toasty whilst sipping it by the fire on a chilly Christmas eve.  It’s also a great one if you are suffering with the winter sniffles, the hot whisky will certainly clear away those cobwebs!

Ingredients (serves two)

• 120ml water
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 2 tbsp honey
• 90ml Lakes The One Orange Cask Whisky
• 1 slice of charred orange
• Cinnamon sticks, optional, for serving

Method

1. To make the charred orange slices, place the slices down on a grill pan, and sear for about two-three minutes each side or until the surface is evenly charred.
2. For the hot toddy, bring the water to a boil in a saucepan, then stir in the orange juice, honey and whisky.
3. Divide the mixture between glasses and garnish with the charred orange and/or a cinnamon stick.

White Christmas margaritas

We couldn’t write a list of cocktails and miss out a margarita, could we!? These would be perfect served at a Christmas drinks party – add a couple of cranberries and a sprig of rosemary and you’ve basically got Christmas in a cup! Make sure to use a blanco tequila like this Cazcabel Honey Tequila as the gold or aged variety has a stronger taste and will turn the margarita golden rather than a crisp snowy white colour.

Ingredients (makes 2)

• 100ml Cazcabel Honey Tequila
• 80ml triple sec
• 80ml lime juice
• 100ml coconut milk
• 100ml coconut cream
• 60ml simple syrup
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract, if desired
• For garnish: sprigs of rosemary and fresh cranberries

Method

1. To make the simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan over a low heat until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from the heat and allow to cool
2. For the margaritas, combine all the ingredients into a blender and whizz until smooth
3. Pour into glasses and garnish with a sprig of rosemary, fresh cranberries and a sprinkle of coconut extract.