The festive season is the perfect time to shake up your cocktail game and impress your guests with something a little special. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, enjoying a cosy night in, or looking for the perfect New Year’s Eve tipple, these three gorgeous cocktails will add a touch of magic to your celebrations.
I’ve created three show-stopping recipes featuring some beautiful premium spirits – each one is easy to make at home and absolutely delicious. Let’s dive in!
1. Mermaid’s Winter Sparkle
Featuring: Mermaid Winter Gin
This enchanting cocktail captures the magic of the season with the beautiful botanical notes of Mermaid Winter Gin. It’s elegant, refreshing, and has that gorgeous shimmer that makes it perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Mermaid Winter Gin
- 25ml elderflower liqueur
- 20ml fresh lemon juice
- 15ml cranberry juice
- Prosecco or champagne to top
- Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprig for garnish
- Edible shimmer (optional)
Method:
- Add the Mermaid Winter Gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and cranberry juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled
- Strain into a chilled champagne flute or coupe glass
- Top with prosecco or champagne
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary
- Add a pinch of edible shimmer for that magical mermaid effect
Why it works: The delicate botanicals in any Mermaid Gin pair beautifully with elderflower and cranberry, creating a sophisticated drink that’s both festive and refreshing. The bubbles make it feel extra celebratory!
2. Banoffee Old Fashioned
Featuring: Four Roses Whiskey
This is a proper showstopper – a decadent twist on the classic Old Fashioned that tastes like your favourite dessert in a glass. The smooth, mellow character of Four Roses Whiskey is perfect for this indulgent creation.
Ingredients:
- 60ml Four Roses Whiskey
- 10ml banana liqueur
- 5ml caramel syrup
- 2 dashes chocolate bitters
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- Banana chip and grated chocolate for garnish
Method:
- Add the caramel syrup and both bitters to an Old Fashioned glass
- Add a large ice cube or sphere
- Pour in the Four Roses Whiskey and banana liqueur
- Stir gently for 20-30 seconds to combine and chill
- Garnish with a dried banana chip and a sprinkle of grated dark chocolate on top
Why it works: The rich, smooth bourbon notes of Four Roses complement the sweet banana and caramel flavours perfectly, while the bitters add depth and balance. It’s like banoffee pie met a classic cocktail – and they fell in love!
3. Winter Berry Rose Martini
Featuring: Finlandia Botanical Vodka Wildberry & Rose
This stunning cocktail is all about showcasing the beautiful berry and floral notes of Finlandia Botanical Vodka. It’s elegant, aromatic, and tastes like winter in a glass.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Finlandia Botanical Vodka Wildberry & Rose
- 25ml cranberry juice
- 15ml rose syrup
- 10ml fresh lime juice
- Fresh raspberries and rose petals for garnish
- Sugared cranberries (optional)
Method:
- Rim a chilled martini glass with sugar (optional – dip rim in rose syrup then caster sugar)
- Add all liquid ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice
- Shake hard for 15 seconds until ice cold
- Double strain into your prepared martini glass
- Garnish with fresh raspberries, a few rose petals, and sugared cranberries if using
Why it works: The wildberry and rose botanicals in the vodka shine through beautifully, enhanced by the cranberry and rose syrup. The lime juice adds just enough tartness to balance the sweetness, making this a perfectly balanced festive sip.
Tips for Perfect Festive Cocktails
- Chill your glasses: Pop them in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving for that professional touch
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh citrus juice makes all the difference
- Don’t skip the garnish: It’s not just pretty – it adds aroma and enhances the drinking experience
- Prep ahead: Make syrups and prep garnishes in advance so you can enjoy your party too
Final Thoughts
These three cocktails offer something for everyone – whether you prefer gin, whiskey, or vodka, there’s a festive favourite here for you. The Mermaid’s Winter Sparkle is perfect for starting the evening, the Winter Berry Rose Martini is elegant and sophisticated, and the Banoffee Old Fashioned is the ultimate indulgent nightcap.
Which one will you try first? I’d love to hear how you get on – and if you create your own festive twists on these recipes, do share them with me!
Here’s to a delicious and merry festive season!
