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Raising a glass to Christmas

With Christmas Day underway, now is perfect time to gather with loved ones, indulge in delicious food, and, of course, sip on festive cocktails that capture the magic of the season.

From warm and spiced to sparkling and citrusy, there’s a cocktail for every celebration. Here are four standout drinks to elevate your holiday cheer.

The Classic Eggnog Martini

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A creamy twist on the traditional holiday favourite, the Eggnog Martini is the epitome of Christmas indulgence. This cocktail combines the nostalgic comfort of eggnog with a sophisticated edge.

Ingredients

2 oz eggnog

1 oz vanilla vodka

1 oz amaretto

A pinch of nutmeg

Cinnamon stick for garnish

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Instructions

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

Add eggnog, vanilla vodka, and amaretto. Shake until well-chilled.

Strain into a martini glass.

Sprinkle with nutmeg and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

This rich, velvety drink is perfect for cozy nights by the fire, adding a dash of nostalgia to your festive celebrations.

The Merry Mule

For a refreshing take on Christmas cocktails, the Merry Mule is a festive spin on the classic Moscow Mule. This drink combines crisp cranberry and ginger flavours for a holiday-appropriate kick.

Ingredients

2 oz vodka

3 oz ginger beer

1 oz cranberry juice

Fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for garnish

Instructions

Fill a copper mug with ice.

Pour vodka, ginger beer, and cranberry juice over the ice. Stir gently.

Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.

The pop of red from the cranberries and the green of the rosemary make this cocktail as beautiful as it is delicious—a sure hit at any holiday party.

The Mulled Wine Sangria

Why choose between mulled wine and sangria when you can have both? This warm, spiced cocktail is a modern blend of two festive favourites, perfect for larger gatherings.

Ingredients

1 bottle of red wine

1 cup apple cider

1/2 cup orange juice

1/4 cup brandy

1/4 cup honey or sugar (to taste)

1 orange, sliced

1 apple, chopped

2 cinnamon sticks

4 cloves

Star anise for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot, combine wine, apple cider, orange juice, brandy, and honey or sugar. Stir well.

Add orange slices, apple pieces, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.

Heat gently on low, stirring occasionally, until warm and fragrant. Do not boil.

Serve in heatproof glasses and garnish with star anise.

The Mulled Wine Sangria is a crowd-pleaser that combines the fruity zest of sangria with the comforting spices of mulled wine.

The Sparkling Pomegranate Prosecco

Nothing says celebration like bubbles, and this cocktail brings a festive twist to classic Prosecco. Pomegranate adds a pop of color and a tangy flavor, making it a light yet indulgent option.

Ingredients

3 oz Prosecco

1 oz pomegranate juice

1/2 oz orange liqueur (like Cointreau)

Pomegranate seeds and orange peel for garnish

Instructions

Pour the pomegranate juice and orange liqueur into a champagne flute. Top with chilled Prosecco.

Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds and a twist of orange peel.

This sparkling cocktail is as elegant as it is easy to make. It’s ideal for toasting to new beginnings as the year winds to a close.

The Perfect Christmas Toast

Each of these cocktails brings its own unique flavour to your festive celebrations. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet night in or hosting a lively party, these drinks are guaranteed to spread Christmas cheer. Cheers to a holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable flavours!

 

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Nothing quite beats a warm drink curled up in front of a roaring fire!

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