Top 5 Christmas Themed Cocktails

Picture it; some good company (or a book) a log burning in the fire, your most comfortable socks (perhaps pre-warmed and specially reserved for this time of year) and a well-concocted drink in your hand… Here is our guide to the Christmas drinks that we think you should be making for your loved ones!

By George Maguire | Updated Mar 20 2024

A clear, intricately designed glass filled with an amber-colored cocktail, garnished with a twist of orange peel and ice cubes, is placed on a dark, polished surface, with a blurred background featuring copper details.

A hand holding a glass filled with a dark liquid, ice cubes, and a twist of orange peel garnish. The glass casts a shadow on the light grey surface below. The scene is brightly lit, emphasizing the clarity of the liquid and the details of the glass.

Classic Negroni

First up is the classic negroni which as many of you will know is all-kinds-of-delicious. A balanced marriage of gin, sweet vermouth and Campari, this is a drink that tastes complex and rich - yet is very simple to make. Make sure to add the twisted orange peel (or experiment with other citrus peels) or a sprig of lightly bashed rosemary to get the essential oils diffusing into the air and liquid. Yum.

A close-up of a glass of mulled wine garnished with a whole star anise and a cinnamon stick. The drink is dark red and appears warm. In the background, there is a blurred piece of orange peel, suggesting the use of citrus in the recipe.

You may be familiar with mulled wine or mulled cider, but what about a chilled mulled port? The fortified Portuguese wine is delicious when mulled with spices and makes for an ideal festive drink when combined with a zap of citrus.

A glass mug filled with a frothy coffee beverage sits on a leather coaster. Beside the mug is a small silver spoon holding a chocolate truffle. In the background, there's a blurred wooden surface and part of a metal container. The setting appears rustic and cozy. — rondiplomatico.com/cocktails/signature-cocktails/rum-macchiato/

Rum Macchiato

Next up is a rum macchiato which involves a white rum (such as the aged Diplomático Planas), coconut milk, a dash of walnut syrup and freshly brewed coffee. Try this recipe if you are feeling the winter chill and need something warm in your hands!

A close-up of a cocktail in a clear glass, garnished with a lemon wedge and a dark cherry on a cocktail pick. Beside the glass is a halved lemon and bottles of Angostura bitters, Disaronno, and Luxardo cherries in the background. — dobbernationloves.com/food-drink/amaretto-disaronno-sour-recipe/

Amaretto Disaronno Sour

A favourite of many mixologists and a staple on bar menus all around the world, the Amaretto Disaronno Sour has wonderful notes of almond (via the Disaronno - which actually contains no almonds!), lemon, bitters and sweet cherry. This is a decadent Italian treasure that is perfect for the Christmas season!

Close-up of a glass of red sangria filled with ice cubes, garnished with a slice of orange, a sprig of rosemary, and a cinnamon stick. Other glasses of the same beverage and a pear are in the background. — joyfulhealthyeats.com/the-ultimate-winter-sangria-recipe/

Seasonal Sangria

Ah, Sangra. Not just fit for a Spanish beach, this excellent Holiday Sangria recipe involves pomegranate, pear, citrus, cinnamon and dry red wine. Perfect for rehydrating after too much time in front of an open fire... Make a big batch because it will go down quickly!