It’s an unwritten rule that us Brits must spend the majority of Christmas Day – or, indeed, December – happily inebriated. Our love of a good drink reaches new heights during the celebratory season, when festivities, coupled with the impending threat of Dry January, give us an excuse to raise more toasts than we care to count. If you’re hosting this year and want to treat your guests to a tipple with a difference, why not trade traditional mulled wine for festive fusions that mirror the merriment of the season? These easy Christmas cocktails are simple – just pour into your best glassware and serve with a side of Yuletide cheer.

Honey Rum Fizz

A medley of winter flavours, this Honey Rum Fizz cocktail combines the crisp sweetness of apple juice with warming rum, honey and – in the spirit of celebrating – prosecco. Best served in a tumbler glass with a slice of apple and a sprig of mint, this is the perfect drink with which to raise a toast.

An illustration of an orange-coloured cocktail, featuring ice cubes, apple slices and mint leaves

Ingredients

60ml dark rum

40ml cloudy apple juice

60ml prosecco

60ml clear honey

Ice

Apple slice and mint for garnish (optional)

 

Method

1. Combine the honey and 120ml of water in a small bowl and stir until dissolved.

2. Combine the rum, apple juice and half the honey mixture into a cocktail shaker (you can save the rest for your next cocktail). Add ice and shake for 30 seconds, or until cold.

3. Strain into a tumbler glass, top with prosecco and garnish with apple and mint.

Spiced Cherry Spritz

When it comes to festive cocktails, cranberry tends to steal the fruity spotlight, but for a different sugar hit this Christmas let the saccharine cherry shine. With bitter-sweet amaro and the light fizz of lambrusco, this drink gives a grown-up twist on cherry cola – the perfect digestif when there’s no room left for dessert.

Ingredients

40ml amaro

85ml lambrusco

Cherry soda

Ice

1 maraschino cherry (optional)

 

Method

1. Pour the amaro and lambrusco into a tumbler glass, over ice.

2. Top with cherry soda and stir to combine.

3. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

An illustration of a red cocktail, featuring ice cubes, cherrys and holly

Mezcal Sour

An illustration of an orange-coloured cocktail in a striped martini glass, with a lime peel garnish and a lime wedge.

Ingredients

50ml mezcal

1 egg white

40ml lemon juice

1tsp agave syrup

Ice

Lemon peel and splash of bitters, to garnish

 

Method

1. Combine the mezcal, lemon juice, egg white and agave syrup in a cocktail shaker and shake for about 20 seconds, or until the mixture is frothy.

2. Fill the shaker with ice and continue shaking for 30 seconds.

3. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a few dashes of bitters and a strip of lemon peel.

Garnishing Tips

A well-garnished cocktail not only looks great but also enhances the drinking experience. For the Honey Rum Fizz, consider a slice of apple and a sprig of mint. For the Spiced Cherry Spritz, a maraschino cherry adds a pop of colour and flavour. As well as garnish, its important to consider presentation when serving your cocktails – whether that's by using an elegant-yet-practical mirrored tray or a contemporary drinks trolley.

Non-Alcoholic Alternatives

For those who prefer to skip the alcohol, consider offering a festive mocktail. A blend of cranberry juice, ginger ale, and a splash of lime can make for a refreshing and festive non-alcoholic option.

So there you have it, a selection of cocktails to make your festive season more enjoyable. Whether you're a fan of traditional flavours or looking to try something new, these cocktails are sure to make your celebration a hit. If you need any glassware or accessories to help with your festivities, click the button below to check out our Christmas Edit. Cheers!