The Best Christmas Cocktails
Tis the season to be jolly and, naturally, to overindulge. With Christmas parties, festive fun and family get-togethers a-plenty, now’s the time to enter into the Christmas spirit and partake in a festive cocktail or two.
Traditional cocktails were created from a blend of spirits, water and bitters with a dash of sugar to sweeten things up. The history of mixed drinks goes back to the early 1800s with some of the oldest cocktails being the Sazerac, the Old Fashioned, the Manhattan and the Mint Julep.
Cocktails have evolved and refined over the centuries, taking inspiration from around the world and utilising new ingredients and techniques to create a delectable range of modern classics.
The Best Christmas Cocktails
Whether you’re partial to a Perfect Manhattan, wild about Woo Woos or crazy about Cosmopolitans, we’ve listed 10 of the most decadent and delicious Christmas cocktails to get you merry and bright. Unleash your inner mixologist and create them at home or ask your friendly bartender to whip up one of these wonderfully festive creations.
Snowball
Thought to have originated in Britain in the 1940s, this silky-smooth, classic Christmas cocktail contains a blend of refreshing lime juice, creamy Advocaat and lemonade with a maraschino cherry on the top. Simple, sweet and sour, this kitsch cocktail is one to add to your Christmas list.
White Christmas Mojito
Hailing from Havana and packed with white rum, mint and lime, this Cuban classic was originally used for medicinal purposes. The name ‘mojo’ means talisman or magic charm.
This festive twist on the classic mojito combines coconut rum, coconut cream, sugar syrup, fresh mint leaves, lime juice and soda water, topped with a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds and mint leaves.
Christmapolitan
Although the origins of this favourite cocktail are unclear, with many bartenders claiming to have invented the perfect pink drink, the Cosmo has become one of the most iconic cocktails in the world.
Get your sleigh bells ringing with a festive combination of vodka, spiced cranberry sauce, elderflower liqueur, dry vermouth and freshly squeezed lime juice. A garnish of twisted orange peel and red currants makes the perfect liquid Christmas gift.
Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini
A relative newbie in the cocktail world, the elegant Espresso Martini is famously topped with 3 coffee beans, said to symbolise health, wealth and happiness.
Bring joy to the world with a Christmassy take on this sophisticated cocktail. Containing fresh espresso coffee, vodka (orange or vanilla flavoured), creme de cacao and coffee or chocolate liqueur, this is one of the naughtiest and nicest Christmas cocktails.
The Poinsettia
No Christmas cocktails list would be complete without a fabulously fruity champagne cocktail. This beautifully fresh tipple includes a mix of champagne, Grand Marnier and cranberry juice.
Wassail
Traditionally drunk as part of an ancient Yuletide tradition of the same name to ensure a good apple harvest, the Wassail dates back to the Middle Ages.
The Wassial cocktail is a warm, spiced punch that includes a mixture of apple cider and brandy with an added concoction of festive spices such as nutmeg, star anise and cardamom.
Christmas Spritz
This festive take on the ever-popular Aperol Spritz combines Aperol, sparking wine, bitters and ginger beer topped with orange slices, dried star anise and pomegranate seeds.
The Aperol Spritz originated in Italy in 1919 and was created as an aperitif before becoming one of the world’s most popular cocktails. Described as an Italian sunset in a glass, this zingy cocktail looks as good as it tastes.
Gingerbread Old Fashioned
The quintessential Old Fashioned Whiskey Cocktail is a mix of a spirit, bitters, water and sugar. Several variations have emerged through time but none as festive as the Gingerbread Old Fashioned.
There are many variations of this Christmas cocktail, but essentially it's a comforting mix of whiskey, gingerbread syrups and bitters garnished with a gingerbread man or orange slices.
Eggnog
An essential part of the Christmas holidays, this creamy cocktail is thought to have originated in the 13th Century. A luxurious blend of cream, milk, eggs and sugar, infused with whiskey, rum or brandy, eggnog can also be served without alcohol.
Cranberry Mojito Mocktail
Proving that you can have yourself a Merry Little Christmas without the booze, this gorgeous Christmas mocktail is perfect for the party season. With cranberry juice, fresh lime, crushed ice and mint, this is a drink everyone can enjoy.
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Celebrate the Christmas Season with a sea view and a few Christmas cocktails in hand at Hotel Riviera, one of the most welcoming luxury hotels in England. From relaxing seasonal breaks and unforgettable office parties to fabulous festive dining, we’ve been hosting Christmas events for over 200 years.
Open until midnight, our recently refurbished Regency Cocktail Bar offers a tranquil environment in which to enjoy a wide range of wines and spirits, accompanied by our resident pianist, and of course a few Christmas cocktails.
Book your Christmas break with us and experience our luxurious award-winning accommodation and outstanding food, wine and cocktails. We look forward to welcoming you.