- Avarna Jain,
Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media
Festive Christmas Cocktails To Elevate Your Dinner Party
‘Tis the season to be jolly, indeed!
The season to sip, savour, and revel in the joyful company of our loved ones is here, and what better way to celebrate than with Christmas cocktails that bring the holiday magic to your glass? Whether you’re planning a classic Christmas affair with indulgent and rich drinks or craving a pop of brightness with a boozy punch, there’s a festive mix for every mood. Perfect for cosy nights in with your partner or lively holiday gatherings, these drinks are sure to add warmth, sparkle, and cheer to your celebrations.
Christmas Cocktail Recipes
If you want to add more Christmas cheer to your holiday dinner party, try these cocktail recipes created by some of the best bartenders from around the country. Take a look…
Whiskey Blazer By Krishna, Head Bartender at Bastian, Mumbai
Image Credit: The Bastian, Worli, Mumbai
This recipe is a must-try this Christmas for all whiskey lovers. Infused with homemade gingerbread tea syrup, coupled with spiced apple strudel tea and a molasses base, this cocktail can add a nostalgic touch to cosy winter evenings. Krishna, the head bartender at Bastian Mumbai calls the Whiskey Blazer a "theatrical celebration of flavour, aroma, and artistry that perfectly aligns with the spirit and cosiness of winter.”
DISCLAIMER: Be extremely careful and keep your hands dry while trying out the recipe at home.
Ingredients
Ingredients
(For the cocktail)
30ml red wine
40ml whiskey
30ml homemade gingerbread tea syrup
20ml amaro liqueur
(For the gingerbread syrup)
300 ml water
5 gm apple strudel tea
60 gm brown sugar
2 tablespoon molasses
1 tablespoon fresh ginger
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
(To make the gingerbread syrup )
In a saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, and molasses over medium heat.
Stir until sugar dissolves, then add grated ginger, apple strudel tea, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool.
Strain the syrup into a bottle or jar.
Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
(To make the cocktail)
1. Pour the whiskey into one of the metal pan and gently heat it (without boiling) over a flame.
2. Once heated, carefully ignite the whiskey with a lighter. The flame will create a beautiful blue glow.
3. With both metal pans, pour the flaming whiskey back and forth between them
4. Add 90ml of pre-batched gingerbread syrup into a pan
5. After a few pours, insert a small funnel into the mouth of the glass bulb service piece, and pour in the warm cocktail mix.
6. Carefully drop 2-3 small pieces of dry ice into the bulb or skull glass. Now, gently tilt the bulb sideways to allow aromatic vapour to flow onto the table.
7. When the vapour has completely dissipated, add a metal straw to the bulb and offer it to guests to eliminate the risk of ingestion of dry ice.
8. Do not pour or consume the drink while the vapour is still bubbling.
9. Add a twist of lemon peel for a fragrant finish.
Smokey Rum and Raisins, by Cedrik Rodrigues, Beverage Manager at Bayroute
Image Credit: Bayroute, Mumbai
Mixologist Cedrik Rodrigues calls this drink an “unmatched combination to try during the winter holidays”. “The coupling of rum and raisins brings out a distinctive sweet and sour flavour that enhances the Christmas celebration.”
Ingredients
60 ml raisin-infused dark rum
40 ml vanilla chai syrup
10 ml lime juice
1 pinch salt
100 gms ice
Method
Shake all the ingredients together in a traditional shaker.
Add a pinch of salt.
Strain all the ingredients to obtain a clear liquid.
Serve it in an old-fashioned glass.
Añejo Manhattan by Kimberly Pereira, Chief Operating Officer, Maya Pistola
Image Credi: Maya Pistola
“This cocktail offers a refined drinking experience that is guilt and hangover-free” says Kimberly Pereira,. “The Anejo offers a smooth, smoky finish to the drink and the cinnamon syrup gives it a natural sweetness which gives it a balance of all flavours.”
Ingredients
22 ml sweet vermouth
45 ml añejo tequila
5 ml cinnamon syrup
Method
Assemble all ingredients along with ice, in a beaker and stir.
Pour into a Nick & Nora glass and garnish with a Maraschino cherry.
Irish Coffee by Razvan Zamfirescu, Beverage Head, HyLo, Mumbai
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Image Credit: Hylo Bar, Mumbai
Created with Irish whiskey, infused with rich coffee, premium whiskey, and garnished with a layer of cream, this cocktail achieves the perfect balance of warmth and indulgence. Razvan Zamfirescu, the brains behind the recipe, calls this a “harmonious interplay of bold coffee, smooth whiskey, and luscious cream in its purest form.”
Ingredients
• 50ml Irish Whiskey
• 240ml freshly brewed espresso or hot coffee
• 2 Teaspoons Brown Sugar
• lightly whipped cream (as topping)
• grated nutmeg or cinnamon.
Method
Use a heat-resistant glass or an Irish Coffee glass.
Pre-warm the glass with hot water, then discard the water.
Add the brown sugar to the glass and pour in the hot, freshly brewed coffee and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Add the Irish Whiskey and stir to combine.
Carefully pour lightly whipped cream over the back of a spoon to create a distinct layer on top of the coffee.
Garnish with a few coffee beans and a light sprinkle of grated nutmeg or cinnamon.
Gingerbread Hot Toddy by Guneet Singh, Food and Beverage Manager at Hyatt Centric, Mumbai
Image Credit: Hyatt Centric, Mumbai
If you’ve been struggling with a sore throat this winter then this recipe by Guneet Singh is a must try. The making of the Gingerbread Hot Toddy is a breeze and the presence of spices and fruits in the fusion makes the cocktail sweet and spicy both at once.
Ingredients
30 ml bourbon whiskey
5 gm Ginger
1 slice of fresh orange
1 tea bag
2 cloves
2 star anise
2 cinnamon stick
Method
Set a kettle of water to boil on the stove.
Add a few slices of fresh ginger to a mug and gently muddle.
Add a satchel of tea consisting of gingerbread spice– and whole spices you like, star anise, clove, or cinnamon.
Add orange juice to get some citrus.
Pour hot water over, add a shot of bourbon whiskey, stir in a little fresh orange slice and muddle it and finish with a squeeze of lemon.
Muddled ginger in hot water along with clove, star anise and cinnamon stick, infused tea in hot water 30 ml mixed it well with orange slices and then added the bourbon whiskey.
Christmas Punch by Vikrant Nagaonkar, Assistant Bar Manager at Dome, Intercontinental Marine Drive, Mumbai
Image Credit: Inter Continental, Marine Drive, Mumbai
According to Vikrant Nagaonkar, the creator of this recipe “If you are a lover of fruity flavours then you should try the Christmas Punch, this winter”. Why? “Because, the perfect blending of orange, cranberry, lime, lemonade, scotch whiskey and wine makes this a delectable treat.
Ingredients
60 ml gin
60 ml scotch whiskey
120 ml Lillet aperitif
120ml orange juice
120 ml cranberry juice
40 ml lime juice
90 ml sparkling wine
120 ml lemonade
Method
1. Take a punch bowl and put all the ingredients together.
2. Add ice and mix well.
3. Add fresh cranberries, orange slices and rosemary.
4. Take a big wine glass or small bowl and serve with good food.
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