Christmas cocktails and gift ideas for favourite moments

01. The moment you feel Christmassy

When do the festive vibes hit you? Is it when the mince pies land on the shelves, your fave Christmas tune blasts out on the radio, or maybe it’s the first time you put on your light-up Christmas jumper?

Let the festivities beGIN with everyone’s go-to tipple. We like stepping it up from our usual G&T with an easy-to-make Tom Collins cocktail.

As a nation of Gin lovers, Gin makes the perfect present, and Tanqueray 10 is our absolute favourite. It is the Queen (or King!) of the Gin world. Looking for something a bit different? The range of fruity flavours from Chase are gorgeous and made in Britain!

And if you’re shopping early, don’t forget to pop in a of a Tanqueray No. Ten or Chase gin for all those festive parties you’re off to.

MAKE A TOM COLLINS

02.The first time you say ‘C’mon, it’s Christmas’

Apart from Easter, Christmas is the only occasion where it’s entirely acceptable, encouraged even, to eat chocolate for breakfast. You’ve torn open the advent calendar, and your sweet tooth has been unleashed, why not indulge it with a deliciously decedent Baileys? Try something new with the Limited edition Baileys Eton Mess, or go all out with Baileys Chocolat Luxe, made with real Belgian Chocolate and a golden bottle it makes a beautiful addition to your home bar.

03. Putting up the decks

It’s time to decorate the tree. But you’ve already spent all morning picking it up, untangling the lights, and running to the shops to fetch some AA batteries. You’re knackered! Whisky isn’t just sensational neat or on the rocks, it makes a brilliant base for cocktails. Take time to unwind and enjoy your festive kingdom with the perfect drink. We turn to the classic Bulleit Old Fashioned. Deliciously rich and slightly sweet, even non whisky drinkers will be savouring this one.

MAKE AN OLD FASHIONED

04. Taking the day off

All things in moderation, right? (Apart from the decorations, of course.) Give yourself and your guests the option with a grown up, complex, non alcohol drink to toast the festivities. Choose Seedlip to gift a friend who misses sharing a cocktail with you. Go for Gordons 0.0% or Tanqueray 0.0% if you’re after that unmistakably juniper gin hit. Low is the way to go.

05. When things go sour

Hosting ain’t easy. Making sure everyone is fed, watered, and getting along like a house on fire can be hard work. The new son-in-law puts his foot in it. Hubby gets a bit too competitive with the Christmas board game. Aunty drops a clanger. These are the moments we all remember! What better way to show them you really do care than by making delicious Christmas cocktails you know they’ll love? We’d recommend a Rum Sour, or check out our whisky expert Ervin’s special twist on a Whisky Sour. Now that’s what we call winning at Christmas.

06. For the December toasts

Christmas has a way of stealing thunder from other special occasions in December. Your best mate gets an e-card for landing a new job. Then it’s tumbleweeds for mum and dad’s anniversary. Make it easy on yourself by using our Gift Finder as your one-stop shop to show all of those people you haven’t forgotten them.

07. Finally, Christmas Day has arrived

It’s the big day. The doorbell is chiming like a brass bell on a kid’s bike. The food prep is in full swing. Once that turkey’s been demolished, try making rum espresso martinis to perk everyone up from their food comas. We highly recommend using Ron Zacapa to make that martini extra special. People have described this rum as silky smooth, rich and sweet, and we’re sure that anyone unwrapping this bottle on the big day will be giving you a great big bear hug. Merry Christmas, everyone!

MAKE THE RECIPE