This year’s best Christmas cocktails to indulge in over the festive period
Rejoice and be (very) merry!
We don’t care what you say, Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year. Not only do you get to eat endless mounds of Celebrations (because calories obviously don’t count in December), have as many lie ins as you want and catch-up with friends that you haven’t seen in, well - forever, there’s plenty of boozing to go down.
For those of you that are over hanging out in your local, we asked DesignMyNight for the best Christmas cocktails in town, from Christmas Pudding Martinis to tipples dedicated to The Fairytale of New York - you’re in for a cracking Christmas.
Carol Fizz at One Aldwych
One Aldwych introduced the very first Old Fashioned Trolley to the world in 2017, and if that's not good enough reason to visit this December, their range of Christmas cocktails ought to do the trick. The Carol Fizz is made with Plymouth Gin, rhubarb liqueur, framboise liqueur, elderflower cordial, fresh lemon juice and gold leaf, which is then further topped with Perrier-Jouët Brut Champagne.
Christmas Pudding Martini at Searcy's St Pancras
The longest Champagne bar in Europe? You'll find it in London, of course. Searcy's St Pancras Restaurant and Bar have a cracking list of bubbles, but you should try their Christmas Pudding Martini on for size this December. It's a holly jolly mix of cognac, madeira wine and apricot liqueur which has been specially created by Searcys St Pancras. With a hint of spiced syrup and red berries, you'll be ordering round two before your glass is empty.
Mind the Christmas at The Hari
The Hari is a boutique hotel in the heart of Belgravia, and to mark the festive season, the bar team have dreamed up eight Christmas-themed cocktails, all with an Italian twist. Mind the Christmas is an experimental combo of Patron Tequila, blood orange, agave syrup, chai tea and whipped cream. It might sound strange, but one sip will leave you feeling mighty and merry in no time.
Quince and Walnut Old Fashioned at Dirty Martini
When it comes to Christmas cocktails, Dirty Martini know the score. This martini-mad drinking den has conjured up a whole host of festive cocktails for December, but we're pretty besotted with the Quince and Walnut Old Fashioned. It's made with Jim Beam Bourbon, Manzanilla Sherry, Mandarin Napoleon liqueur, quince jelly, muddled walnuts, Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged Bitters and Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters.
Rivers of Gold at Hush Mayfair
'You're a bum, you're a punk, you're an old…' - okay, you know how it goes. 'The Fairytale of New York' is one of the most iconic Christmas songs of all time, and Hush Mayfair have brought this tune to life with their very own festive pop-up. Decorated with Manhattan snow globes, carpets of the white stuff and an actual Statue of Liberty, the cocktails here are just as impressive as the decor. We've got a soft spot for Rivers of Gold, though. It's a punchy mix of The Pogues Irish Whiskey, lemon juice and yellow chartreuse.
Rum Hot Chocolate at Aviary
Yes, it's cold and yes, it's probably not advisable to go drinking on a rooftop bar mid-winter, but Aviary is an exception to the rule this year. They have heated igloos with glorious views of London and they have a silky rum-spiked hot chocolate that's sure to jingle your bells.
Sloeberry Snowsnaps at Aqua Kyoto
Aqua Kyoto is renowned for its views of London and for its handmade sushi, but they've turned their skills to Christmas-themed cocktails this year. The Sloeberry Snowsnaps is built with Sipsmith sloe gin, grenadine that's made from pomegranates and lemon juice, a generous splash of soda, and it comes garnished with dehydrated lemon and seasonal redcurrants for your visual drinking pleasure.
T'was The Night Before Christmas at The Cinnamon Club
If you're a sucker for an Instagram opportunity, you need to get your bobble hat on and make tracks for The Cinnamon Club. They've magicked up a cocktail that Santa himself would approve of. T'was The Night Before Christmas marries Opihr Oriental Spiced Gin, cranberry, fennel, rosemary and tonic for the perfect winter-ready drink. Oh, we almost forgot to mention that it's served in an Christmas bauble. Yup - an actual Christmas bauble.
The Grinch at Piano Works
A drink that will leave your friends green with envy? You'll be wanting The Grinch at The Piano Works. This bright green cocktail musters together gold rum, blue curacao, lime, pineapple and mint for the ultimate guilty pleasure. It comes garnished with a colourful candy cane too.
The Naughty Elf at Ping Pong
The Naughty Elf? This cocktail is like one big, giant cup of festive comfort. You'll find it at Ping Pong, who are more widely known for their baskets of dim sum, but they've done us proud this year with their incredibly smooth tipple of Jameson, Mozart chocolate cream, coffee and homemade spicy-vanilla, which is then topped with swirls of whipped cream and edible Christmas trees.