Our top 4 cocktails for the festive season
The festive season has arrived and that’s got us excited about parties, celebrations and cocktails! There’s nothing that says Christmas in summer more than enjoying a cocktail at sunset with your friends and family. This Christmas, wow them with the following deliciously festive cocktail recipes. We’ve found the perfect glassware from our homeware stores to match!
Spicy Margarita
This spicy take on the class margarita (one of the most popular cocktails ever) is on high rotation in summer. It’s timeless blend of sweet, sour and salty flavour is a favourite every single time – that’s if you can handle the heat!
Ingredients
- Flaky sea salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Lime wedge
- 3 pieces of picked jalapeno
- 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeno brine
- 50ml blanco tequila
- 30ml Cointreau
- 20ml lime juice
- Ice
Method
Mix the sea salt and brown sugar in a small bowl, then sprinkle onto a flat plate. Run the lime wedge around the rim of the glass and dip the rim into the sugar salt. Chill the glass in the freezer until ready for serving.
Fill the cocktail shaker with pickled jalapeno, jalapeno brine, tequila, Cointreau, lime juice and ice. Shake vigorously.
Take the glass out of the freeze and strain the liquid into the glass. Serve immediately.
Glassware: We recommend the Bombay Glass Pack from Adairs
Cocktail shaker: Keep it stylish with the Davis & Waddell Glass Cocktail Shaker from From Pillow Talk
Alcohol: BWS
Ingredients: Woolworths
Champagne Spritz
Who doesn’t love a Champagne spritz? Refreshingly cool and light, this will be a family favourite on Christmas Day. Make your sugar syrup ahead of time and let the good times flow.
Ingredients
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 ½ cups fresh mint leaves, plus extra mint sprigs for garnishing
- 6 limes cut into wedges
- 2 cups light rum
- Ice
- 3 cups Champagne (or sparkling wine)
Method
In a small saucepan combine the sugar and water and cook over high heat just until the sugar has dissolved. Let the sugar syrup cool to room temperature.
In a large jug combine the sugar syrup, mint leaves and lime wedges. Muddles well with a wooden spoon. Add rum and stir to combine. Strain into another jug.
Fill the glasses approximately ⅓ full. Top with Champagne, garnish with mint sprigs and serve immediately.
Wooden Spoon: Your essential to muddle with! – from House
Alcohol: BWS
Ingredients: Woolworths
Creamy Coconut White Russian
This is the perfect cocktail for all the festive occasions ahead! It has all the comforting ingredients we love about Christmas (hello cinnamon and vanilla) with a summery twist (hello coconut milk and coconut rum).
Ingredients
Ice
3 tablespoons vodka
1 tablespoon coconut rum
3 tablespoons Kaluha
3 tablespoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons full fat coconut cream (make sure to shake the can first!)
Cinnamon
Method
Fill the glass with the vodka, coconut rum, Kahlua, and vanilla extract. Add ice and stir gently. Add the coconut cream and stir to combine. Sprinkle the top lightly with cinnamon. Serve immediately.
Glassware: We recommend the Crystal Highball from House for this creamy goodness!
Alcohol: BWS
Ingredients: Woolworths
Vanilla Espresso Martini
Kick off the festive season with this smooth and creamy martini! The addition of vanilla is a perfect subtle twist that will have your friends and family wondering what your secret ingredient is!
Ingredients:
¼ cup honey
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons vodka
3 tablespoons Kahlua
2 tablespoons black coffee/espresso
Method:
Firstly you need to make the sugar syrup. Bring ¼ cup water, honey and vanilla extract to boil in a medium pot over high heat. Boil for 2 to 3 minutes and remove from the heat. Set aside to cool (the sugar syrup will be enough for 6 drinks).
In a cocktail shaker combine 2 teaspoons of sugar syrup, vodka, Kahlua and black coffee. Add ice and shake vigorously for one minute. Strain into a glass. Serve immediately.
Glassware: These Champagne Saucers from Big W will be perfect to serve up this favourite!
Cocktail shaker: We can’t go past the Cellar Magnum cocktail shaker from House
Alcohol: BWS
Ingredients: Woolworths