It's nearly time to have yourself a very Merry Christmas, and as the end of the year approaches, it is also time to enjoy a merry little tipple too! Creating Christmas cocktails for you and your loved ones will have you feeling festive in no time. Sip on something fruity alongside party canapes, design an after-dinner night cap or a refreshing spritz during a long summer lunch; we have a holiday drink for every occasion.
What better way to celebrate than with a delicious crisp bottle of sparkling? Well, Chandon has gone one step further with their one-of-a-kind Garden Spritz. This new creation is a beautiful blend of their well-loved sparkling wine and citrus and spiced bitters mix. We love the festive orange labelling; it feels luxurious and puts everyone in the Christmas spirit! Serve over ice alongside an orange wedge and a generous helping of fresh mint for your own twist on a contemporary classic. The best part is that it is ready to go straight from the bottle, a party saviour if you are hosting multiple guests; you won’t be stuck bartending all day and night!
You can’t beat the Signature Single Malt from Cape Byron Distillery for a whiskey-based cocktail. This gourmet blend is aged in ex-bourbon American oak barrels, giving it its deep vanilla notes met with sweet biscotti and tart pear. This whiskey is superb for making a Citrus and Rosemary Highball, especially if you find yourself overrun with leftover rosemary after your Christmas Day roast lamb. Mix 40ml of Cape Byron’s Original Single Malt Whiskey with three dashes of orange bitters, lemon slices, and a sprig of rosemary, then top it off with a splash of cold soda water. Shake well before pouring it into a tall glass with plenty of ice - elegant and effortless.
If gin is your go-to, then Brookies is the answer. Their delicious range is made with local botanicals and produce, including Davisonia Plums, Lemon Myrtle and native raspberries, giving it a distinctive and delightful flavour. Their Slow Gin is a true favourite, with hints of sweet rose and plum, which you can turn into a fabulous Watermelon Martini! Mix 60ml of Brookies Slow Gin with 60ml of watermelon juice and 5ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice, stir over ice, and strain into a martini glass; decorate with a basil leaf for a little extra fun. If its good enough for James Bond… Or, for something even more colourful, try the Ink Gin from Husk Distillers. This drop's potent purple is inspiring and an excellent base for various stunning cocktails; for us, a post-dinner Grapefruit Negroni is our Christmas choice. This gin is the perfect balance of sweet, bitter, floral and citrus that subtly cleanses your palette. Mix 30ml of Ink Gin with 20ml Lillet Blanc, 20ml Pampelle Aperitif and a generous piece of grapefruit peel to garnish, stir well together and pour over a large portion of ice in a short tumbler, twist the grapefruit peel around the rim for an added tangy zest with every sip.
For a really festive-feeling concoction, the familiar flavours from Lord Byron’s Spiced Rum fit an array of yummy beverages! Whether you want a minty Moscow Mule, a classic Old Fashioned, or a Dark and Stormy, this rum is a great all-rounder. With a rich aroma of oak, chocolate and sweet vanilla, you will feel like a true pirate in no time! Try something different and use Spiced Rum as a substitute for vodka in a spicy Bloody Mary. Mix one part rum with two parts tomato juice, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a splash of Worchester sauce, tabasco and salt and pepper to finish. Get creative with the garnishes, cucumber, celery, pickles, and even bacon if you have some leftovers from your pigs and blankets!
Check out our wide range of Hampers and Gift Boxes that carry a variety of alcoholic drinks ideal for a cocktail-making session this Christmas - cheers!