5 Unique Winter Cocktails to Celebrate Christmas

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Discover 5 delightful winter cocktails perfect for your Christmas celebrations, featuring expert recipes and festive flavors.

Introduction

Winter is the season for cozy gatherings, festive cheer, and delicious cocktails. As the holidays approach, it’s time to explore unique winter cocktails that will warm your spirits and impress your guests. This article presents five exceptional cocktails crafted by renowned mixologists, each with a twist that embodies the essence of Christmas. From warming port drinks to inventive spins on classics, these recipes are sure to elevate your holiday celebrations.

Warm Port Manhattan with Spiced Cherry

A Festive Classic Reimagined

For Zoe Burgess, an esteemed drinks consultant, nothing captures the spirit of Christmas like a glass of port. Her Warm Port Manhattan combines the rich flavors of Tawny Port with bourbon’s sweetness for a delightful cocktail experience. This drink is perfect served warm or cold and can even be pre-batched for convenience.

Ingredients:

• 500ml Bourbon
• 300ml Filtered water
• 150ml Tawny Port
• 100ml Sweet Vermouth
• 25ml Maraschino Liqueur
• 20 dashes Angostura bitters

Method:

1. Combine all liquid ingredients in a suitable pan and heat gently until warm. Avoid boiling to retain alcohol content.
2. For spiced cherries: Infuse bourbon with spices overnight; add drained cherries before serving.
3. Serve warm in glasses, garnished with spiced cherries for added flavor.

This cocktail not only warms the body but also brings a touch of nostalgia to holiday gatherings.

Sloe Bakewell: A Taste of Nostalgia

Seasonal Comfort in a Glass

Inspired by winter days in North Yorkshire, Olly Longbottom presents his Sloe Bakewell cocktail—a blend of preserved fruits and almond paste reminiscent of Bakewell tarts. The use of Sloe Liqueur enhances this drink’s comforting sharpness.

Ingredients:

• 50ml Sloe Liqueur
• Half lemon juice
• Splash sugar syrup
• Dash foaming agent
• Teaspoon almond paste

Method:

1. Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker until well mixed.
2. Strain over a large ice cube in a tumbler.
3. Garnish with a lemon twist and kirsch cherry.

This cocktail encapsulates the warmth of winter while offering an indulgent taste experience that will delight your guests.

Hot Toddy: The Timeless Favorite

Comforting Tradition Meets Innovation

The Hot Toddy is synonymous with winter comfort. Alessandro Palazzi’s bourbon-based version combines classic ingredients with festive spices to create a soothing drink perfect for chilly nights.

Ingredients (Alessandro’s Version):

• 15ml Lemon juice
• 30ml Bourbon
• Splash agave syrup
• Boiling water
• Spices (cloves & cinnamon stick)

Method:

1. Mix all ingredients in a highball glass and stir well.
2. Serve warm with festive garnishes such as cinnamon sticks or lemon peels.

Ewan Nolan’s Hotter Toddy offers an exciting twist by blending different whiskeys with fruit preserves, showcasing how versatile this classic can be during the holiday season.

Hot Margarita: A Bold Twist on Tradition

Unexpected Festive Flavor Explosion

Giulio Guarini introduces the Hot Margarita, transforming this beloved summer drink into a warming winter treat using fresh apple juice and spices while maintaining its traditional essence.

Ingredients:

• 25ml Casamigos tequila
• 100ml fresh apple juice
• Squeeze lime
• Dash agave syrup
• Optional holly grass garnish

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer gently until warm.
   n2. Pour into your choice of glass and garnish as desired.
   n3. Enjoy this unexpected twist at your next holiday gathering!
   n4. Your guests will be intrigued by this creative reimagining of their favorite cocktail!
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Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash