Christmas Cocktails for a Season to Gather
The Ritual of Gathering
The Christmas season is defined by the moments we share. A carefully prepared drink, a beautifully set table, and the simple pleasure of time spent together all help create the atmosphere that makes Christmas memorable. Whether hosting family celebrations or intimate evenings with friends, Christmas cocktails become part of the rituals that bring people together year after year.
Raise a Glass to the Season
Christmas is filled with moments worth savouring—from welcoming guests through the door to lingering conversations long after dinner has ended. As part of A Season to Gather, discover two Christmas cocktails designed to bring warmth, character, and a sense of occasion to seasonal entertaining.
Winter Spritz
Bright, vibrant, and effortlessly Christmas, the Winter Spritz combines cranberry, blood orange, and hazelnut liqueur for a cocktail that feels both refreshing and celebratory. Garnished with fresh cranberries and a dried orange slice, it brings colour and seasonal character to any gathering.
Serve in:
Waterford crystal highball or stemware.
Ingredients
60 mL vodka
15 mL hazelnut liqueur
90 mL cranberry juice
15 mL blood orange juice
15-30 mL hibiscus syrup or grenadine syrup
Club soda, to top
Fresh cranberries, for garnish
1 dried orange slice, for garnish
Method
Fill a wine glass or highball glass with ice.
Add vodka, hazelnut liqueur, cranberry juice, blood orange juice, and hibiscus/grenadine syrup.
Stir gently to combine.
Top with club soda.
Garnish with fresh cranberries and a dried orange slice.
Serve immediately.
Yield:
1 cocktail (approximately 210-225 mL before club soda).
Mole Manhattan
Rich, warming, and full of depth, the Mole Manhattan is inspired by the smoky spices often associated with winter entertaining. Mezcal, sweet vermouth, chilli, cinnamon, and chocolate notes combine to create a sophisticated cocktail made for slower evenings and meaningful conversation.
Serve in: Waterford crystal martini or cocktail glass.
Ingredients
75 mL mezcal
30 mL sweet vermouth
15 mL Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry
1 dried chilli
1 star anise
Small piece cinnamon bark
Freshly grated nutmeg
2 dashes chocolate bitters (optional)
1 Luxardo cherry, for garnish
1 cinnamon stick, for garnish
Method
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add mezcal, sweet vermouth, and PX sherry.
Add the dried chilli, star anise, cinnamon bark, and a small grating of fresh nutmeg.
Add chocolate bitters, if using.
Shake for 10 seconds, then allow to rest for 30-60 seconds to infuse the spices.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a Luxardo cherry and cinnamon stick.
Serve immediately.
Yield:
1 cocktail (approximately 120 mL before dilution).
