Have a holly, jolly Christmas with these holiday-approved cocktail recipes

The holiday season calls for cocktails that feel as celebratory as the moment itself. Christmas entertaining is all about warmth, indulgence, and a little festive flair—think comforting spices, bright citrus notes, and spirits that lend themselves to slow sipping and joyful toasts. Whether you’re hosting a cosy gathering at home, planning an elegant dinner, or simply unwinding by the tree, the right cocktail can instantly set the mood. From classic winter warmers to elevated festive mixes, these Christmas-ready drinks are designed to bring cheer, sparkle, and a sense of occasion to every holiday celebration.

IN HIGH HOLIDAY SPIRITS

1. Holiday Spritz

A Chandon crowd-pleaser with a Christmas twist. This spritz brings together Chandon Brut, grapefruit juice, elderflower syrup, fresh mint, and soda for a crisp, refreshing serve. Light, citrusy, and effortlessly chic—this is your go-to cocktail for sun-soaked brunches and holiday afternoons.

Ingredients:

1. Chandon Brut- 120 ml
2. Grapefruit Juice-  10ml
3. Orange Juice- 50ml
4. Elderflower Syrup - 10ml

Garnish:

1. Grapefruit Slice
2. Orange Slice
3. Fresh Basil

Method: Add to a chilled wine glass: grapefruit juice, orange juice, and elderflower syrup. Add ice and top up with Chandon Brut sparkling wine. Garnish with grapefruit, orange, and fresh basil.

2. The Macallan Rebel

An innovative after-dinner ritual, the blend of the Sherry Seasoned Oak Casks on The Macallan Estate with the playfulness and depth from ginger and dark chocolate stands true to its name. For something more classic yet understated, this holiday season calls for something special that lingers long after the first sip. 

Ingredients:

30 ml Sherry Oak 18 Years Old
Oat milk foam
Fresh ginger to taste
Chocolate to taste

Method:

Pour the whisky into a glass. With a teaspoon/bar spoon, add only the milk foam until the whisky is covered like a coffee macchiato. With a micro planer, grate fresh ginger and chocolate on the top of the milk foam to flavour it. 

3. Idaaya-roni

A bold yet balanced riff on the classic Negroni, this Kingston-inspired take with Idaaya Rum layers rich, bittersweet notes with a subtle tropical warmth. The depth of the spirit is complemented by herbal vermouth and a touch of bitterness, creating a smooth, complex cocktail with a lingering finish. Served over ice and finished with a citrus peel, it’s a refined yet spirited sip that works just as well for pre-dinner aperitifs as for slow, stylish evenings.

Ingredients:

30 ml Idaaya
30 ml aperitif like Campari
30 ml Sweet Vermouth

Garnish:

Orange Peel

Method:

Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube. Garnish with a long, trimmed strip of orange peel

4. Spiced Apricot Highball

A vibrant mix of fruity sweetness and warm spice, the Spiced Apricot Highball blends Chivas Regal XV with a fragrant apricot and chai infusion for a refreshing yet layered sip. Lightened with soda and lifted by a citrusy orange garnish, it’s an elegant highball that pairs beautifully with cosy Christmas flavours.

Ingredients:

1. Chivas Regal XV – 40ml
2. Apricot and Chai – 100ml               
3. Soda Water – 40ml 

Garnish:

Orange Slice

Method: 

To make the apricot chai, boil 500ml of water with 215g of chopped fresh apricots and 5g of chai and infuse for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain off the ingredients and add 20g of sugar until dissolved. Add Chivas Regal XV and cooled apricot and chai into a highball glass, fill to the top with soda and ice, and garnish with an orange slice.

Also Read: Raise a toast to friendship and Thanksgiving with these festive cocktail recipes

5. Celebración

Rich, smooth, and comfortingly festive, Celebración brings together The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve, creamy rompope, and bold cold brew for a warming holiday treat. Served hot or chilled, it’s a versatile cocktail with a cinnamon-dusted finish that adds the perfect spiced aroma, ideal for post-dinner toasts and slow seasonal sipping.

Ingredients:  

1. The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve- 20ML
2. Rompope- 20ML
3. Cold Brew - 80ML
4. Cinnamon (for Garnish)

Method:

Combine ingredients in a mug. Serve hot or chilled. Garnish with cinnamon.

6. Strawberry and Cranberry Mulled Gin

A festive, berry-forward warmer with a gentle spiced glow, this cranberry gin toddy brings together Beefeater Gin and tart cranberry juice infused with fresh strawberries, cranberries, and aromatic cinnamon. Subtly sweet and lightly spiced, it’s gently heated to release deep, comforting flavours without overpowering the gin—an elegant winter sip perfect for cosy Christmas evenings and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

1. 150 ml Beefeater Gin 500 ml
2.  cranberry juice (or cranberry-apple blend)
3. 4–5 fresh strawberries (halved)
4. A handful of fresh or dried cranberries
5. 1 cinnamon stick
6. 1 star anise (optional)
7. 1 tsp sugar (optional, depending on juice sweetness)

Method:

Add cranberry juice, strawberries, cranberries, cinnamon, and star anise to a pot. Warm on low heat, letting the berries gently infuse. Add Beefeater gin and continue warming for 2–3 minutes without boiling. Strain into a mug and garnish with a whole strawberry or a cinnamon stick.

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