If it’s your turn to host the big day and you’re seeking inspiration as to how best impress your guests then get the cocktail mixers at the ready and try out some of these ultimate Christmas day cocktails.
Mulled Wine Cocktail
A twist on classic, this perfect party mulled wine cocktail can be served hot or cold.
Ingredients:
- 100g/4oz light muscovado sugar
- 1 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- 150ml water
- 1 lemon
- 2 clementines
- 150ml Cointreau
- 750ml/ 1¼pint bottle light red wine, such as Beaujolais
- Twist of orange zest and a star anise, to serve
Step 1: Put 100g light muscovado sugar in a pan with 1 star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 cloves and 150ml water. Bring slowly to the boil.
Step 2: Simmer for 2 mins, then pour into a large jug and leave to cool. Add 1 lemon and 2 clementines to the jug along with 150ml Cointreau and a 750ml bottle light red wine. Stir well, then cover and chill for at least 2 hrs.
Step 3: Serve chilled or over ice, with a twist of orange zest and a star anise.
Tip: for traditional mulled wine, simply warm through!
Source: BBC Good Food
Christmas Cosmopolitan
Wow guests with this popular holiday treat, this festive version is accompanied with a sweet tang of pomegranate.
Ingredients:
- 1 c. vodka
- 1 c. pomegranate-cranberry juice blend
- 1/4 c. orange liqueur
- 3 tbsp. fresh lime juice
- Lime twists
Step 1: Put the vodka, pomegranate juice, orange liqueur, and lime juice in a large liquid measuring cup or other pitcher.
Step 2: Add ice and stir 30 seconds or until cold; strain into chilled martini glasses.
Step 3: Garnish with lime twists.
Source: Good Housekeeping
Pomegranate Rosemary Spritzer
If you’re a fizz lover then this deep pink Prosecco cocktail is the one for you.
Ingredients:
- 200ml pomegranate juice
- sprig of rosemary
- prosecco
To garnish
- 4 rosemary sprigs (optional)
- 400ml Disaronno
- 600ml orange juice
- 2 x 75cl bottles sparkling wine
- strips orange zest
- 25ml dark rum
- 2 tsp dulce de leche or thick caramel
- 150ml whole milk
- 50g milk chocolate, chopped
Step 1: Put the pomegranate juice in a small saucepan with a sprig of rosemary. Bring to the boil and reduce for a few mins until syrupy. Leave to cool, then chill until ready to use.
Step 2: Fill four Champagne flutes with 1 part pomegranate syrup and top up with 3 parts Prosecco. Garnish each glass with a rosemary sprig, if you like.
Source: BBC Good Food
Amaretto Fizz
Opt for this recipe if you’re looking for a quick and easy cocktail to bring some sparkle to your Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 400ml Disaronno
- 600ml orange juice
- 2 x 75cl bottles sparkling wine
- strips orange zest
Method: Mix Disaronno, orange juice and sparkling wine in a jug. Add a strip orange zest to each glass, if you like.
Source: BBC Good Food
Salted Caramel Rum Hot Chocolate
One for after Christmas dinner – this alcoholic sweet treat is made with dulce de leche, the ultimate indulgence!
Ingredients
- 25ml dark rum
- 2 tsp dulce de leche or thick caramel
- 150ml whole milk
- 50g milk chocolate, chopped
Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together the rum and the dulce de leche until smooth then set aside.
Step 2: Warm the milk in a saucepan over a medium heat until simmering. Remove from the heat and add the chocolate and stir until melted. Pop the pan back on the heat until warm then add the rum mixture and a pinch of sea salt.
Source: BBC Good Food
