By Cocktail and Mocktail Society

Classic favourites with a festive twist, perfect for cosy nights and Christmas parties.

It’s December, which can only mean one thing: time to swap study notes for cocktail shakers. Whether you’re hosting a flat party, wrapping presents, or simply embracing your inner mixologist, these twelve festive cocktails are guaranteed to spread some Christmas cheer.

If you need a pick-me-up before the party starts, the Gingerbread Espresso Martini is your perfect study-break companion. This festive twist on the modern classic is caffeine and Christmas spirit in equal measure.

Ingredients: 50ml vodka, 25ml coffee liqueur, 25ml espresso, 10ml gingerbread syrup.
Method: Shake with ice, strain into a martini glass, and dust with cinnamon.

For something with a bit more bite, the Cranberry Negroni brings a festive twist to the classic Italian aperitif, with its bittersweet taste and ruby red colour.

Ingredients: 25ml gin, 25ml Campari, 25ml sweet vermouth, 25ml cranberry juice.
Method: Stir over ice, strain into a rocks glass, and garnish with orange and cranberries.

Not a fan of strong spirits? Try a Mulled Wine Spritz… It’s a lighter, fizzier take on the classic, and perfect for toasting around the table.

Ingredients: 75ml cooled mulled wine, 75ml prosecco, a splash of soda.
Method: Build in a wine glass with ice, garnish with orange and star anise.

Or, for something minty and playful, the Candy Cane Mojito turns a summer staple into a winter crowd-pleaser with peppermint syrup and a mini candy cane garnish.

Ingredients: 50ml white rum, 25ml lime juice, 15ml peppermint syrup, mint leaves, soda water.
Method: Muddle mint, syrup and lime juice, add rum, top with soda, and garnish with a candy cane.

As the nights get colder, swap the shaker for a mug and warm up with a Hot Buttered Rum; rich, soothing and dangerously comforting.

Ingredients: 50ml dark rum, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp butter, a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg, and top off with a splash of hot water.
Method: Stir everything in a mug until the butter melts and the aromas fill the air.

Apple & Cinnamon Old Fashioned delivers similar warmth, mixing bourbon with apple syrup and a dash of cinnamon bitters for that fireside feeling.

Ingredients: 50ml bourbon, 10ml apple syrup or juice, a dash of cinnamon bitters.
Method: Stir with ice, strain into a rocks glass, and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

When it’s time to pop something sparkling, the Poinsettia is the easiest way to impress without any effort; simple, sparkling, and effortlessly festive.

Ingredients: 25ml triple sec, 50ml cranberry juice, and prosecco to top.
Method: Pour juice and triple sec into a flute, top with bubbles.

For those who think dessert should come in liquid form, a Baileys White Russian is as creamy and indulgent as it gets.

Ingredients: 50ml vodka, 25ml coffee liqueur, 25ml Baileys, a splash of milk or cream.
Method: Build over ice and stir gently.

Seasonal fruit takes the spotlight next: the Spiced Pear Sour balances sweet pear purée with lemon and gin for a tangy, foamy finish.

Ingredients: 50ml gin, 25ml pear purée, 20ml lemon juice, 10ml spiced syrup, egg white (optional).
Method: Shake without ice, then with ice, strain into a coupe, and sprinkle with nutmeg.

The Nutcracker (an amaretto sour) is a sweet, nutty classic that never fails to please.

Ingredients: 50ml amaretto, 25ml lemon juice, 10ml sugar syrup, egg white.
Method: Shake hard, strain into a rocks glass with ice, garnish with a cherry.

The Fig & Rosemary Gin Fizz keeps things light again, blending fig syrup and lemon juice with gin and soda for a fragrant, botanical hit.

Ingredients: 50ml gin, 25ml fig syrup, 15ml lemon juice, soda water.
Method: Shake all but soda, strain into a tall glass, top with soda, and garnish with rosemary.

Finally, no festive drinks list would be complete without something sweet, nostalgic, and just a little over the top. Enter the Butterscotch Blizzard; it’s dessert, nostalgia, and Christmas magic all at once.

Ingredients: 30ml spiced rum, 15ml butterscotch schnapps or caramel syrup, 10ml vanilla syrup, 75ml cream soda, whipped cream, and a pinch of cinnamon.
Method: Shake the rum and syrups with ice, strain into a chilled glass, top with cream soda, and crown with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.

So, whether you’re stirring, shaking, or simply sipping, may your Christmas be merry, your ice cubes plentiful, and your hangovers merciful. Here’s to a season of good spirits… literally!