Colourful table with food and cocktails.

Summer and Christmas Cocktails Inspiration

Stuck for menu ideas for summer and Christmas cocktails? Discover 5 amazing seasonal recipes that guests will love.

Estimate reading time: 3 minutes

The silly season is upon us as last. Generally, that means our venues are getting busy and it’s a key trading time to capitalise on guests being out more. Having a great seasonal cocktail menu or special can be a great way to boost spend per head.  

The question is, do you lean into bright summery vibes or offer “traditional” Christmassy nostalgia? The answer will depend on your venue along with your guest’s preference. The choice is yours, and remember, you don’t necessarily need to choose between the two.  

With that in mind, we spoke to our Brand Ambassador team to get some ideas for crowd-pleasing serves that are sure to end up on your venue’s best-seller list, be it something bright and summery or rich delicious and Christmassy.

5 Summer and Christmas Cocktails to try

Strawberry Piña

Strawberry Pina is a cocktail that embodies the season’s vibrant spirit, and the taste of sun kissed fruits. The blend of Don Julio Blanco, pineapple, ripe strawberries, and freshly squeezed lime with a touch of agave creates an incredibly bright zippy and flavourful cocktail.

Hibiscus Spritz

This Don Julio Blanco spritz is a fun, modernised serve that reminds us of Southern California.  Beautifully floral and lightly tart, the hibiscus adds a vibrant red hue and a delicate tangy sweetness.

London Calling

A citrusy and sherry-forward riff on a gin sour, for zesty and complex aperitif vibes. The London Calling is sophisticated, balanced, and really lets the Tanqueray botanicals shine through alongside the dry, nutty notes of Fino sherry.

Clover Custard 

Johnnie Walker Black Ruby makes the perfect base for this Christmas toast. Mix it with fresh lemon juice for brightness, a touch of raspberry syrup for that sweet, berry like note, and just a hint of simple syrup to tie it all together. The true magic, though, comes when you whisk in a tablespoon of lemon curd and add fresh raspberries for a burst of tartness. A silky layer of egg white then gives the drink its signature velvety texture.

Eggnog Flip

The rum brings tropical and dried fruit notes, while the white cacao and banana liqueur provide sweetness and spice. This recipe uses a whole egg to provide body and creaminess, creating a fluffy cocktail that’s basically Christmas in a glass.

Key Takeaways 

  • Capitalising on your busiest trading times is one of the easiest ways to drive profitability in your venue.
  • Seasonal menus and specials are a great way to increase spend per head.
  • Experiment with summer and Christmas-inspired serves.