As the festive season unfolds, the brisk air heightens the celebratory atmosphere. If you’re hosting friends, family, or colleagues for drinks and some mince pies, it’s essential to serve cocktails that are both intriguing and delicious. With creativity at an all-time high, this time of year is perfect for drink brands to showcase inventive concoctions. Looking to give a traditional recipe a twist or surprise guests with something unique? Whether you favor whisky, rum, or tequila, you’ll find a recipe here that’s sure to delight. Here are six exceptional cocktails crafted by renowned brands, perfect for bringing festive cheer this winter—or simply to enjoy yourself.
The Grand Old Fashioned
Regarded by many as the quintessential Old Fashioned, this classic cocktail first appeared in 1806. With few changes since its inception, it has truly stood the test of time. The introduction of Grand Marnier—a Cognac-based orange liqueur—lifts this drink to a festive new level.
How to make it
Making a Grand Old Fashioned is straightforward. Begin with a large tumbler glass, adding three dashes of Angostura bitters, 30ml of Grand Marnier, and 30ml of either bourbon or rye whiskey.
Fill the glass with ice, preferably a single large chunk, though cubes will suffice. Stir gently for about a minute, then garnish with freshly grated orange zest. Enjoy your creation!
The Dalmore & Champagne
While Scotch whisky and Champagne may not seem like natural partners in a cocktail, they can harmonize beautifully. This combination works particularly well with single malts that have a strong ex-sherry cask influence, such as Dalmore. The result is a delightful blend of fruity freshness and effervescence—a perfect welcome or pre-dinner drink for any gathering.
How to make it
Begin by placing a sugar cube at the bottom of a Champagne flute and soak it with four dashes of orange bitters. Pour in 25ml of Dalmore 12-years-old, then top off with chilled Champagne (Prosecco or Cava also work well depending on your preference). Finish with a twist of freshly cut orange zest to spritz the drink with essential oils. Sip and enjoy!
The Havana Club 7 Naranja
This delightful cocktail is perfect for any occasion, offering a warming and vibrant orange flavor. It encapsulates the spirit of a comforting hug in a glass, combining bold citrus notes with festive Cuban rum flavors.
Utilizing Havana Club’s 7 Años (7 years old) rum, this tipple showcases the brand’s depth and character.
How to make it
Start with a tumbler glass filled with ice. Add two dashes of orange bitters, 50ml of Havana Club 7 Años rum, and 15ml of apricot brandy. If you lack apricot brandy, dissolve a spoonful of apricot jam in a splash of boiling water and mix it in.
Stir for about a minute, then garnish with a twist of orange peel and a cherry. Cheers!
Mulled Gin
Rather than the typical mulled wine, why not try this delightful variation featuring gin? You can enjoy the familiar warmth and spice while appreciating the vibrant freshness that gin brings. A citrus-forward option, such as Tanqueray Rangpur, made with Rangpur limes, is particularly suited for this cocktail.
How to make it
Preparation is a breeze: you’ll need 25ml of Tanqueray Rangpur gin and 100ml of apple juice for each serving. Adjust the quantities according to the number of guests.
Combine the gin in a heat-resistant glass and gently heat the apple juice with a mix of spices—think cloves, cardamom pods, a cinnamon stick, juniper berries, and a drizzle of honey.
Pour the warmed juice over the gin, and garnish with a lemon slice and a bay leaf.
The Drambuie Espresso Martini
This cocktail provides a festive twist on the popular Espresso Martini. Featuring Drambuie, a well-known whisky liqueur, this drink shines in the colder months with its sweet, spicy, and smoky undertones. It also makes a fantastic ingredient for a Hot Toddy. Just add Drambuie, a squeeze of lemon, a spoonful of honey, and top with boiling water.
How to make it
Combine 25ml of Drambuie, 25ml of blended Scotch whisky, and 50ml of freshly brewed coffee in a cocktail shaker. If you’d like, add 5ml of vanilla syrup for extra flavor. Shake vigorously, then add ice and give it another shake before straining into a chilled martini glass.
For added flair, rim the glass with sugar and edible glitter, and dust the top with cocoa powder, using a snowflake stencil for decoration.
The Mayan Coffee
This remarkable cocktail features a Mexican flair, utilizing añejo tequila—‘aged’ in Spanish—and celebrating two key ingredients from the ancient Mayan civilization: chocolate and coffee. The fusion of these flavors results in something rich, earthy, and utterly delicious.
How to make it
Grab a mug or cup, along with a cocktail shaker (an old jam jar can work as a substitute). Combine 50ml of Maestro Dobel Añejo tequila, 50ml of freshly brewed coffee, 10ml of coffee liqueur, three dashes of chocolate bitters, two dashes of orange bitters, and 10ml of agave syrup in the shaker.
Shake vigorously for 8-10 seconds with ice and strain into your mug. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg, chocolate shavings, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
