These 10 Epic Christmassy Cocktails are Sleighing It

If these don't put you in the mood for festive fun, nothing will

It's not Christmas until you've drunk cocktails from novelty glassware. 

SanTaRex at the Miracle Pop-up at Henrietta Hotel

Tequila, herbal mint liqueur, Cacao Blanc, Mezcal, serrano, coconut, acid-adjusted pineapple

Is it a toy? Is it an extra from a Pixar movie? Is it a kitsch decoration to hang on your tree? It's actually a cocktail at the wonderfully OTT Miracle pop-up at Henrietta Hotel. Tequila, mezcal, coconut and whatever the f*ck acid-adjusted pineapple is... sounds like it's bringing a dose of smoky tropical vibes to the party. Well, if you can't go extra at Christmas, when can ya?

Henrietta Hotel, 14-15 Henrietta Street, London WC2E 8QH

Madame D at Brasserie of Light

Gin, sugar syrup, lemon juice, orange bitters and Graham Beck Rosé, served on the rocks and garnished with an orange twist

Everyone loves napping to watching a movie after Christmas dinner, and Wes Anderson's Grand Budapest Hotel is just snowy & kooky enough to be classed as prime festive viewing. Brasserie of Light has taken inspo from this epic film & kitted themselves out with flamboyant trees, loads of colour & even a doorman a la the bellboys of the fictional hotel. Their seasonal cocktail menu also pays homage to the movie, with the Madame D inspired by the old dowager who kicks the bucket at the start of the film. A way classier version of a Tom Collins complete with some festive sparkle and orange burst, this is chic-Christmas sipping at its best. 

Selfridges, 400 Oxford St, Duke St, Marylebone, London W1A 1AB

Balthazar Snowflake at Balthazar

Gin, gingerbread liqueur, citrus, cream and bitters garnished with a cinnamon stick, star anise, and edible Christmas glitter

Christmas is a time for a) indulgence and b) sparkles, so when a cocktail contains both cream and edible glitter then you know we're gonna get ordering that baby. Add in the seasonal spice of gingerbread liqueur, cinnamon and star anise and festive fancy has it wrapped up. Balthazar has gone for a 'ye olde toyshop' theme this winter for a bit of a nostalgic walk down memory lane, and we're certainly like a kid in a candy store choosing between their Christmassy cocktails. 

4-6 Russell St, London WC2B 5HZ 

Pining For You at 100 Wardour

Advocat, bourbon, port, vanilla, egg yolk, Champagne

Everyone knows the best part of an Alpine adventure is the Apres-ski, so why journey to the slopes when you can head to Soho instead? 100 Wardour has recreated all the snug lodge vibes you could want, and for added festive fizz they've partnered with Tattinger Champagne. All the cocktails are sure to warm your cocktails and it's this Pining For You we're pining after. Bourbon... vanilla... egg... port... does it sound rich as f**k? It sure does, and that's exactly what the Christmas season was made for. 

100 Wardour St, Soho, London

Spiced 75 at The Ivy Chelsea Garden

Spiced Rum, lime, winter spice syrup and Champagne

Wanna get classy this Christmas? A flute of something fizzy generally does the trick. The Ivy Chelsea Garden is serving up this nicely spiced little number that's pretty as a picture. You know what else is a good picture? The front of the restaurant. They've gone all out & transformed it into Santa's Workshop, complete with reindeer stables, a giant Christmas tree and of course, Santa’s sleigh. Christmas kitsch has come to the King's Road. 

195 -197 King's Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 5EQ

Christmas Pudding Old Fashioned at Lost Alpaca

Rum, maple syrup, cherry syrup, cacao bitters

Christmas pudding... in a glass? Go on then. That's what's happening at hidden bar The Lost Alpaca, tucked underneath Lima Floral in Covent Garden. And hey, who doesn't add booze-soaked raisins to their festive dessert, right? It's got all the plump vine fruits, almonds, cinnamon and nutmeg spices you could want, combined with a hit of rum - just what we need to keep the winter blues away. 

14 Garrick St, Charing Cross, London WC2E 9BJ

Cigar Fashioned at New Street Warehouse Winter Wonderland

Bourbon gently stirred with sugar & bitters smoked with Churchill Romeo Y Julieta cigar

We might have no interest in smoking them, but who doesn't love that woody scent of cigar smoke on the air? Also, the tobacco notes work pretty well with bourbon, dontcha know. That's the inspo behind this cocktail you can find at the heated terrace of the Old Bengal at New Street Warehouse. The terrace will be decked in festive greenery, twinkling lights, lanterns & Christmas trees, so you can indulge in some smokin' cocktails while keeping toasty. 

6 New St, London EC2M 4TR

Clementine Prosecco Slushie at Pastaio

Prosecco, clementine, gin 

Hurrah - no longer shall clementines simply be relegated to the last thing you find squeezed into the toe of your stocking. Finally, these seasonal citrus babies get to shine in their own right. Wanna know how to pimp up a fruit? Add gin and Prosecco, then blend into a slushie. A welcome, cooling relief if you've had too many hot mulled wines and wanna have a Christmas chill.

19 Ganton St, Soho, London W1F 9BN

Little Donkey from Flesh & Buns

Spiced pear, sake and ginger

Wanna enjoy a cocktail named after the little donkey from carol-singing legend? Get your a*s to Flesh & Buns (see what we did there?). This slightly exotic take on your regular Christmas tipple combines warming spiced pear with the refreshing nip of sake and the heat from ginger, to create a festive cocktail we'd certainly travel miles for. 

41 Earlham St, West End, London WC2H 9LX

AND IF YOU'RE STAYING IN:

The Pine Negroni from Scarfes Bar

Gin, 1757 Vermouth di Torino, Campari, Sauterne and Pine.

Can't head out? In tears from the Tiers? That doesn't mean you can't get Christmassy in your casa with some cool cocktail deliveries. One of our fave hotel bars Scarfes Bar has stepped up to the plate & created a trio of awesome bottled cocktails you can enjoy from the cosiness of your crib. The Pine Negroni is the ideal aperitif before all the festive feasting and brings the vibes of a snow-capped Apline-forest to your glass. 

Order yours here.