Shaken, Stirred and Seriously Fun: Your Guide to Cocktails
Festive cocktails are a delightful way to elevate holiday gatherings, adding flavour, sparkle and a sense of occasion to the season. Whether you enjoy something decadent and creamy, crisp and refreshing, or warm and spiced, there is a festive cocktail to suit every taste. Below are some ideas and recipes that blend seasonal ingredients with holiday magic.
Classic Holiday Elegance: Cranberry Sparkler
This cocktail strikes the perfect balance of tart and sweet, making it a refreshing choice before a holiday feast.
Ingredients:
• 90 ml cranberry juice
• 30 ml vodka
• Sparkling wine or champagne
• Fresh cranberries and rosemary for garnish
Method:
1. Fill a flute with cranberry juice and vodka.
2. Top generously with sparkling wine.
3. Garnish with whole cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a wintery touch.
Cozy Comfort: Spiced Mulled Wine
A festive staple, mulled wine is perfect for warming up on chilly evenings. The combination of citrus and spices instantly fills the air with holiday cheer.
Ingredients:
• 1 bottle of red wine
• 1 orange, sliced
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 star anise
• 3 tbsp honey or sugar
• 60 ml brandy (optional)
Method:
1. Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan.
2. Gently simmer for 20–30 minutes, but do not boil.
3. Strain and serve warm in heatproof glasses or mugs with a cinnamon stick.
Indulgent Treat: Eggnog Martini
Eggnog is a holiday classic, and turning it into a cocktail adds decadence that feels celebratory.
Ingredients:
• 90 ml chilled eggnog
• 30 ml vanilla vodka
• 15 ml amaretto or Irish cream
• Ground nutmeg for garnish
Method:
1. Combine eggnog, vodka, and liqueur in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well until frothy.
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass and sprinkle with nutmeg.
Refreshing Twist: Pomegranate Gin Fizz
This sparkling drink features crisp flavors, perfect for cocktail lovers who want something light and colorful.
Ingredients:
• 45 ml gin
• 30 ml pomegranate juice
• 15 ml fresh lime juice
• 15 ml simple syrup
• Sparkling water
• Pomegranate arils for garnish
Method:
1. Shake gin, pomegranate juice, lime juice and syrup with ice.
2. Strain into an ice-filled glass.
3. Top with sparkling water and garnish with pomegranate seeds.
Sweet and Spicy: Gingerbread White Russian
This playful twist on the classic White Russian delivers rich creaminess with festive spice.
Ingredients:
• 45 ml coffee liqueur
• 30 ml vodka
• 60 ml heavy cream
• 15 ml gingerbread syrup or ginger liqueur
• Crushed gingerbread cookie for rim
Method:
1. Rim a lowball glass with cookie crumbs.
2. Fill with ice, add coffee liqueur, vodka, and gingerbread syrup.
3. Top with cream and stir lightly.
Festive cocktails not only taste delicious but also serve as a centerpiece for holiday entertaining. Whether you craft an elegant sparkling cocktail to impress guests or a warming spiced wine to share with friends, these drinks bring people together. Experiment with different garnishes, glassware and presentation to give your cocktails a personal seasonal touch.
