6 Christmas Cocktails for the festive season

Our favourite Christmas cocktails for festive cheer
 

Poinsettia

Named after the popular festive plant, this is an all-rounder - perfect for an evening party or festive brunch.

Like a seasonal take on a Buck’s Fizz (itself a part of Christmas tradition for many UK families), cranberry is the lead flavour in this elegant yet highly quaffable cocktail. The short ingredient list is part of the charm - a simple combination of prosecco, Cointreau and cranberry juice makes for a refreshing classic.

Recipe: (for 8-9 glasses)
1 bottle prosecco (or other fizzy dry wine, chilled)
125 millilitres Cointreau
500 millilitres cranberry juice (chilled)

Mix the Prosecco or other fizzy wine with the Cointreau and cranberry juice in a large pitcher. Pour into wine glasses or champagne flutes.

(Recipe credit: nigella.com)

 

White Christmas Dream

Christmas cocktails don’t get more festive than this rich and decadent classic.

While eggnog may not be a crowd-pleaser, knock up a round of White Christmas Dreams and you’ll be onto a winner. Vodka and amaretto are always a brilliant combination, pulled together with double cream and a sprinkling of nutmeg will truly bring the spirit of the season.

Recipe (for one):
1 part vodka
1 part amaretto liqueur
1 part double cream

Grated nutmeg, for garnish

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, pour in the vodka, amaretto, and heavy cream. Shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg on top. Serve immediately.

(Recipe credit: Spruce Eats)

 

 

Grinch

The only Grinch you’ll want to see over Christmas is this cocktail variety.

Many green-hued cocktails take on the Grinch name over the festive season. Recalling Dr. Suess’ infamous character, it’s usually made with a melon liqueur that provides the key flavour and eye-catching colour. To complete the theme, the garnish of a maraschino cherry is said to represent the Grinch’s heart.

There are several variations of this fruity martini, we’ve picked out one with rum for a tropical twist.

Recipe (for one):
1 part rum
1 part melon liqueur
5 parts lemon-lime soda
A maraschino cherry to garnish
Ice

Fill a glass with ice, add the melon liqueur and rum, top with the lemon-lime soda, and stir gently to combine.

(Recipe Credit: The Mixer)

 

 

La Vie en Rouge

French for ‘life in red’, this cocktail celebrates the most Christmassy of colours.

Taking a refreshing combination of cranberry, Grand Marnier and rosemary, La Vie en Rouge is a twist on the classic French cocktail La Vie en Rose. It’s a fragrant and fruity drink that is both refreshing and delicious. It’s easy to mix up by the pitcher too.

Recipe (for one):
10 rosemary needles
1 part  simple syrup
3 parts brandy-based orange liqueur
3 parts cranberry juice
1 part freshly squeezed lemon juice
Rosemary sprig, for garnish

In a cocktail shaker, add 10 to 12 rosemary needles and the simple syrup. Muddle lightly. Add the orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and lemon juice. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

(Recipe credit: Spruce Eats)

 

 

Christmas Sangria

Sangria may be a Summer essential but that won’t stop us from turning it into one of our favourite Christmas cocktails.

Bright cranberry and zingy orange bring a festive twist - and adding a splash of brandy doesn’t go amiss either. This Sangria benefits from a night in the fridge so make it ahead of time for a fruity favourite.

Recipe
1 medium orange, halved and thinly sliced
1 medium apple, quartered and thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 bottle (32 ounces) cranberry juice
1 bottle (750 ml) zinfandel or other fruity red wine
1 cup simple syrup
1/2 cup orange liqueur
Ice cubes

Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher. Serve over ice with a garnish or orange slices and cranberries.

(Recipe credit: Taste of Home)

 

 

Shirley Temple

Last but certainly not least, if you’re looking for Christmas cocktails without alcohol, you can’t go wrong with the original mocktail.

This drink dates all the way back to the 1930s and is named after the famous child actress. It was as popular among children then as it is now and, even better, the pretty pink colour roughly matches the Poinsettia - so no one needs to feel like they are missing out on special festive drinks.

Recipe (for one):
100ml ginger ale 
100ml/3½fl oz lemon and lime drink
Splash grenadine
1 maraschino cherry
Wedge of lime, to garnish (optional)

Pour the ginger ale into a highball glass and pour in the grenadine. Add a maraschino cherry and lime wedge. Serve.

(Recipe credit: BBC Food)

Enjoy Christmas and New Year at The Horn of Plenty

Imagine cosying up by the roaring fire, Christmas cocktail in hand, safe in the knowledge that Christmas planning and organising has all been taken care of. Welcome to Christmas at The Horn of Plenty. Our luxury manor house hotel has a 2 AA Rosette restaurant and plenty of cosy nooks to enjoy the festive season with everything taken care of. Whether for Christmas or New Year enjoy stunning countryside views and fantastic service all set in the beautiful Tamar Valley.