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Blogs & Inspiration

The 12 Cocktails of Christmas

Don't let the festive season creep up on you! Start early planning with our ultimate list of ‘winter warmers’ and Christmas drinks sure to delight and indulge your guests this festive season.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

The weather outside might be frightful but the fire and cocktails are so delightful.

Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for the hospitality and bar industry. With Christmas parties, staff outings and ‘get togethers’ with friends, bar staff around the world are central to a variety of festive social events.

To ensure you and your bar are well prepared, start your planning now. Choose this busy time of year to drive and encourage sales in some of the key spirit portfolios. Offering new serves, delicious festive drinks and excellent service will not only maximise sales opportunities but also encourage your guests to visit again in the New Year. An inviting cocktail list will also increase opportunities for premiumisation with guests more encouraged to choose a new cocktail rather than their traditional choice of lager or glass of wine.

As a helping hand, here is our ultimate list of ‘winter warmers’ and Christmas drinks sure to delight and indulge your guests this festive season. Each recipe is complete with an exclusive recipe card, available to download and keep behind the bar. These list full ingredients, method and handy tips to perfecting the serve.

From toddys to ‘tinis’ we have it covered. Read on to discover why we really do wish it could be Christmas every day…

SPICED GINGERBREAD

A delicious cocktail using Smirnoff and ginger syrup, served with a gingerbread man biscuit!

BAILEYS FLAT WHITE MARTINI

Jazz up your espresso martini with a creamy kick this season using this recipe, which features a decadent blend of Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur, Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka and a shot of cold espresso.

JOHNNIE GINGER

This is the perfect Scotch long-drink option for the festive season. Johnnie Walker Red Label Blended Scotch Whisky with ginger ale and a lemon twist on the rocks…sweet, smooth and deliciously spicy.

SPICED HOT CHOC

Decadent and delicious, Baileys hot chocolate cocktail. This will surprise your guests by giving their traditional hot chocolate and extra kick.

GORDON'S GIN BRAMBLE

This fresh Gordon's Gin is a perfect alternative to offer guests who are tired up with warm and spicy serves.

EGG NOG

This rich and spicy cocktail is popular during the holiday season in Europe and the USA. Each region has its own version and some use rum or whisky. The egg nog may also be served warm.

Key Takeaways

  • Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for the hospitality and bar industry - start your planning early.
  • Choose this busy time of year to drive and encourage sales in some of the key spirit portfolios.
  • Offer delicious festive drinks to maximise sales opportunities and inspire your guests to visit again in the New Year.

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