Christmas Cocktails
12 days of Christmas cocktails with a signature fruity Wiltshire Liqueur twist
The festive season is here again, and it’s time to crack open the festive cheer with a magical mix of yuletide cocktails. So, gather round, cocktail lovers; it’s time to toast the season with 12 days of Christmas cocktails.
12 Days of Christmas Cocktails
Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or a mixing newbie, get ready to add some sparkle to your celebrations with fruity Christmas cocktails to get the party started. From the robust richness of sloe gin to the zesty zing of blood orange, the deep delight of damson, and the sweet serenade of peach liqueur, let’s jingle all the way to a fruity cocktail fiesta.
Follow the cocktails day by day or try them anytime during the festive season—the choice is yours, liqueur lovers.
Day 1: Crimson Eve
Step into a festive wonderland with our Crimson Eve cocktail – a dazzling creation that captures the essence of the holidays in every sip. This delightful concoction blends the tangy magic of blood orange liqueur with the deep, berry notes of sloe gin, balanced perfectly with a zesty splash of lemon juice. Topped with effervescent soda water and adorned with a sprig of rosemary, it’s a celebration in a glass.
Ingredients:
- 40 ml Blood Orange Liqueur
- 20 ml Sloe Gin
- 15 ml Lemon Juice
- Soda Water
- Rosemary Sprig for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine blood orange liqueur, sloe gin, and lemon juice with ice.
- Shake well and strain into an ice-filled glass.
- Top with soda water.
- Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
Tip: For an extra festive touch, add a few pomegranate seeds to the glass before serving. They’ll dance beautifully in the bubbles and add a pop of colour
Day 2: Sloe Gin Winter Delight
Embrace the cosiness of winter with our Sloe Gin Winter Delight, a heartwarming blend that’s like a comforting embrace on a chilly evening. At the heart of this soul-soothing drink is sloe gin, known for its rich, plummy notes that perfectly encapsulate the essence of winter. The tang of fresh lemon juice and the sweetness of honey meld together to create a harmonious balance, while the hot water, cinnamon and lemon, make it a warm winter hug in a mug. Perfect for those frosty nights spent by the crackling fireplace, wrapped in your favourite blanket.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml Sloe Gin
- Juice of Half a Lemon
- 1 tbsp Honey
- Hot Water to Top Up
- Garnish: Cinnamon Stick and Lemon Slice
Instructions:
- In a heat-resistant mug, combine 60 ml of sloe gin with the freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon.
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the mixture.
- Gently pour hot water into the mug, stirring gently to ensure the honey dissolves completely.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a slice of lemon for an extra touch of winter magic.
Tip: For a festive twist, grate a little nutmeg over the top before serving. The spicy aroma of nutmeg pairs beautifully with the sweetness of sloe gin and honey.
Day 3: Damson Dream
Dive into a world of refined elegance with our Damson Dream cocktail, a sophisticated symphony of flavours that’s sure to add a sparkle to any celebration. This cocktail is a charming marriage of the deep, tart notes of damson liqueur and the effervescent lightness of prosecco. The addition of frozen berries not only offers a visually stunning element but also adds a subtle hint of fruity sweetness. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a statement of style and grace, perfect for ringing in the New Year.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Damson Liqueur
- Prosecco to Top Up
- Garnish: A Few Frozen Berries
Instructions:
- Pour 30 ml of damson liqueur into a champagne flute.
- Gently top with chilled prosecco, allowing the damson to blend naturally with the bubbles.
- Add a few frozen berries to the flute for a festive and elegant garnish.
Tip: Use a mix of different frozen berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Their rich colours against the bubbly prosecco create a stunning visual effect, making your Damson Dream a feast for the eyes.
Day 4: Peachy Christmas Sparkler
Raise your glasses to the festive season with our Peachy Christmas Sparkler, a cocktail that’s filled with the joy and sparkle of Christmas. This elegant drink is a harmonious blend of sweet peach liqueur, smooth vodka, and zesty lemon juice, topped with the crisp, bubbly charm of champagne. The fresh mint garnish not only adds a splash of colour but also introduces a refreshing twist It’s a perfect symphony of flavours, capturing the essence of a joyful Christmas in every effervescent bubble. Whether you’re toasting to good times or savouring a quiet evening in, the Peachy Christmas Sparkler is your companion for a truly magical holiday celebration.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Peach Liqueur
- 10 ml Vodka
- 10 ml Lemon Juice
- Champagne to Top Up
- Garnish: Mint Leaves
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine peach liqueur, vodka, and lemon juice with ice.
- Shake well to blend the flavours together and then strain into a champagne glass.
- Gently top the mixture with chilled champagne, filling the glass to create a sparkling effect.
- Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves for a festive and refreshing touch.
Tip: For an extra festive twist, rim the champagne glass with sugar before pouring in the cocktail. Simply wet the rim with a lemon wedge and dip it into granulated sugar. This adds a sweet, crystalline touch to each sip and elevates the presentation of your Peachy Christmas Sparkler.
Day 5: Midnight Orchard
Embark on a journey of flavour with the Midnight Orchard, a cocktail that artfully blends the unique and rich flavours of sloe gin and damson liqueur, creating a symphony of taste that’s both refreshing and slightly spicy. This intriguing mix is enhanced by the zesty kick of fresh lime juice, and the drink is brought to a delightful conclusion with the effervescent ginger beer, adding a fizzy twist to the deep, complex flavours. The result is a drink that’s as mysterious and inviting as a midnight stroll through an orchard. It’s an ideal choice for those evenings when you crave something a bit different, something that tantalises the palate with its blend of sweetness, tartness, and spice.
Ingredients:
- 40 ml Sloe Gin
- 20 ml Damson Liqueur
- 10 ml Lime Juice
- Ginger Beer to Top Up
- Garnish: Lime Wheel
Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice to keep your drink cool and refreshing.
- Pour in the sloe gin and damson liqueur, followed by the lime juice, over the ice.
- Top the glass with ginger beer, filling it up to create a perfect balance of flavours.
- Garnish with a lime wheel for a citrusy aroma and a touch of elegance.
Tip: Try using a homemade ginger syrup in addition to the ginger beer. Simply simmer fresh ginger with water and sugar until it thickens into a syrup. Add a teaspoon of this syrup before topping with ginger beer for an extra layer of spicy-sweet ginger flavour that complements the sloe gin and damson liqueur beautifully. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference in enhancing the depth and complexity of your Midnight Orchard
Day 6: Frosted Orange Whisper
Celebrate the holiday season with a glass of The Frosted Orange Whisper, a cocktail that epitomises the spirit of festivity with its light, bubbly charm and sweet, citrusy notes. This elegant drink is a delightful blend of blood orange and peach liqueurs, creating a perfect harmony of flavours that’s both refreshing and tantalising. The addition of a dash of Angostura bitters introduces a subtle complexity, balancing the sweetness with its herbal undertones. Topped with chilled Prosecco, this cocktail sparkles like a festive light, making it an ideal choice for toasting to memories, laughter, and magical moments during the holiday season.
Ingredients:
- 25 ml Blood Orange Liqueur
- 25 ml Peach Liqueur
- 50 ml Prosecco
- A Dash of Angostura Bitters
Instructions:
- Gently pour the blood orange and peach liqueurs into a champagne glass, creating a beautiful base layer of flavour.
- Add a dash of Angostura bitters to introduce a hint of aromatic complexity.
- Top the glass with chilled Prosecco, filling it up to bring the drink to life with its effervescent sparkle.
Tip: For an extra festive touch, garnish with a twist of orange peel. The oils from the peel will add a fragrant aroma and enhance the citrus notes of the blood orange liqueur. Simply twist the peel over the glass to release the oils and then drop it into the drink.
Day 7: Winterberry Delight
Step into a world of winter wonder with the Winterberry Delight, a cocktail that sparkles with festive joy. This delightful concoction is a celebration of deep berry flavours, featuring the rich and lush notes of damson liqueur and sloe gin. The tartness of freshly squeezed lemon juice perfectly balances the sweet depth of the berries, while the sparkling wine adds a bubbly effervescence, making every sip feel like a festive celebration.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Damson Liqueur
- 20 ml Sloe Gin
- 10 ml Lemon Juice
- Sparkling Wine to Top Up
- Garnish: Fresh Berries
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the damson liqueur, sloe gin, and lemon juice with ice.
- Shake the mixture well to chill and blend the flavours, then strain it into a chilled champagne flute for an elegant presentation.
- Gently top with sparkling wine, adding a layer of light, fizzy delight.
- Garnish with a selection of fresh berries for a burst of colour and a touch of natural sweetness
Tip: To make this cocktail even more special, try freezing the berries before using them as a garnish. Frozen berries will keep your drink cooler for longer and gradually release their flavours as they thaw, enhancing the berry notes of the damson and sloe gin. Plus, they add a beautiful effect that’s sure to impress your guests.
Day 8: Frosty Orchard Martini
Experience the crisp, refreshing taste of orchard fruits with our elegantly crafted cocktail. This delightful drink skillfully combines the deep, rich flavours of sloe gin with the sweet allure of peach liqueur, and a hint of dry vermouth to add a sophisticated edge. The result is a beautifully balanced cocktail that’s both vibrant and refined, perfect for those moments when you want to savour something truly special. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home or hosting a chic gathering, this cocktail is sure to impress with its seamless blend of flavours and elegant presentation.
Ingredients:
- 40 ml Sloe Gin
- 25 ml Peach Liqueur
- 10 ml Dry Vermouth
- Garnish: Apple Slice or a Few Frozen Berries
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the sloe gin, peach liqueur, and dry vermouth with ice, shaking the mixture to chill and marry the flavours.
- Strain the blend into a chilled martini glass, creating a smooth, clear pour.
- For garnish, either float a thin apple slice atop the drink or scatter a few frozen berries in the glass, adding a touch of natural sweetness and an artistic flourish.
Tip: To enhance the orchard fruit theme, consider rimming the glass with a mixture of fine sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. The sugar adds a sweet crispness, while the cinnamon brings a hint of warmth and spice, perfectly complementing the fruit flavours in the cocktail. It’s a simple touch that elevates the drink, making each sip a delightful fusion of taste and aroma.
Day 9: Midnight Berry Fizz
As the clock strikes midnight, raise a glass of Midnight Berry Fizz, a cocktail that’s as bold and elegant as the evening itself. This luxurious concoction is the perfect choice for ringing in the New Year or adding a touch of class to any special occasion. In this drink, the rich, deep flavours of damson liqueur and sloe gin meet the citrusy zing of orange liqueur, creating a symphony of taste. A dash of lime juice adds a refreshing twist, and when topped with chilled champagne or sparkling wine, the cocktail transforms into a bubbly masterpiece. The effervescence of the champagne perfectly lifts the denser berry flavours, resulting in a drink that’s both indulgent and exhilarating.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Damson Liqueur
- 15 ml Sloe Gin
- 15 ml Orange Liqueur
- Dash of Lime Juice
- Champagne or Sparkling Wine to Top Up
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker, mix together the damson liqueur, sloe gin, and orange liqueur.
- Add a dash of lime juice to bring a bright, acidic balance to the mix.
- Shake the ingredients with ice to chill them thoroughly.
- Strain the mixture into a flute, creating a sleek, elegant base.
- Top the cocktail with chilled champagne or sparkling wine, adding a luxurious effervescence.
Tip: For a festive twist, garnish with a twist of orange peel or a few pomegranate seeds. The orange peel adds a fragrant aroma that complements the citrus notes, while the pomegranate seeds offer a pop of colour and a burst of tart sweetness with each sip.
Day 10: Blood Orange Bliss
Step into a world of citrusy delight with the Blood Orange Bliss, a cocktail that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. This vibrant creation is a perfect blend of the tangy and sweet flavours of blood orange liqueur, complemented by the smooth strength of vodka and the tartness of cranberry juice. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds an extra layer of zest, making this cocktail a true sensory experience.
Ingredients:
- 45 ml Blood Orange Liqueur
- 30 ml Vodka
- 60 ml Cranberry Juice
- Squeeze of Lime Juice
- Garnish: Orange Peel Twist
Instructions:
- Combine the blood orange liqueur, vodka, cranberry juice, and a squeeze of lime juice in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well to blend the flavours and chill the mixture.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass, presenting a smooth, colourful drink.
- Garnish with a twist of orange peel, adding a fragrant and visually appealing touch.
Tip: Flame the orange peel garnish before adding it to the drink. Simply hold a flame close to the peel and gently squeeze it to release the oils over the flame and into the glass. This technique caramelizes the oils, adding a subtle smoky aroma that beautifully complements the citrusy flavours of the cocktail. It’s a simple yet impressive trick that adds a touch of flair to your Blood Orange Bliss.
Day 11: Twilight Damson Sparkler
As the evening sky turns to shades of dusk, indulge in the Twilight Damson Sparkler, a cocktail that mirrors the beauty and depth of twilight with its rich flavours and effervescent charm. This elegant drink is a harmonious blend of the deep, tart notes of damson liqueur with the sweet, citrusy essence of orange liqueur. Topped with prosecco or sparkling wine, it transforms into a bubbly delight, perfect for toasting as the stars begin to twinkle. The garnish of an orange twist adds not only a festive flair but also a hint of aromatic citrus that complements the cocktail’s deep flavours. It’s an ideal choice for evening celebrations, combining the sophistication of the night with the sparkle of the stars.
Ingredients:
- 35 ml Damson Liqueur
- 20 ml Orange Liqueur
- Prosecco or Sparkling Wine to Top Up
- Garnish: Orange Twist
Instructions:
- Pour the damson and orange liqueurs into a champagne flute, creating a luxurious base.
- Gently top the liqueurs with prosecco or sparkling wine, filling the flute to bring the drink to life with bubbles.
- Garnish with an orange twist, adding a curl of citrus zest for a visually stunning and aromatic finishing touch.
Tip: To enhance the orange notes, try rubbing the orange twist around the rim of the flute before adding it as a garnish. This small step releases the essential oils from the orange peel onto the rim, greeting you with a fragrant citrus aroma with every sip. It’s a simple yet effective way to elevate the sensory experience of your Twilight Damson Sparkler.
Day 12: Peach and Gin Fizz
Refresh your senses with the Peach and Gin Fizz, a cocktail that’s a bubbly blend of fun and flavour, perfect for any holiday celebration. This effervescent drink combines the rich, fruity notes of sloe gin with the sweet, delicate taste of peach liqueur. A dash of lemon juice adds a zesty twist, balancing the sweetness with its bright acidity. Topped with soda water, this cocktail becomes a fizzy delight, ideal for sipping as you mingle and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The garnish of a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint introduces a refreshing aroma, making each sip a vibrant and invigorating experience.
Ingredients:
- 25 ml Sloe Gin
- 25 ml Peach Liqueur
- 10 ml Lemon Juice
- Soda Water to Top Up
- Garnish: Lemon Wheel and a Sprig of Mint
Instructions:
- In a highball glass filled with ice, combine the sloe gin, peach liqueur, and lemon juice.
- Top the mixture with soda water, adding a refreshing sparkle to the cocktail.
- Stir gently to mix the flavours while maintaining the fizz.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a fresh mint sprig, enhancing the drink with a burst of citrus and a cool, minty aroma.
Tip: To enhance the peach flavour, try muddling a few fresh peach slices at the bottom of the glass before adding the ice. This releases the fresh peach juices and pulp, infusing the cocktail with an extra layer of natural, fruity sweetness. It also adds a beautiful, rustic look to the drink.
It’s a Wrap
As we wrap up our 12 Days of Christmas Cocktails, we hope you’ve found inspiration in each unique and festive concoction. From the comforting warmth of the Sloe Gin Winter Delight to the sparkling elegance of the Twilight Damson Sparkler, these drinks not only add a splash of flavour to your holiday celebrations but also a touch of magic to your festive gatherings. Whether you’ve followed along day by day, or are planning to revisit these recipes throughout the season, we’re thrilled to have shared this journey of merry mixology with you.
As the holiday season continues to unfold, we encourage you to experiment with these recipes, adding your own twist or sharing them with friends and family. So, here’s to a holiday filled with delightful sips, festive cheers, and cherished memories. May your days be merry, bright, and filled with the sweet serenade of Christmas cocktails. Cheers, liqueur lovers!
For more cocktail inspiration, take a look at our Moonraker Cocktail Collection