The Christmas holiday season is the perfect time to get together with loved ones, share moments of joy and celebrate conviviality . The lights that illuminate the streets, the smell of freshly baked pastries and the warmth of affection create a unique atmosphere , in which the desire to be together becomes stronger. During this period, every detail contributes to making the holiday experience special, from traditional dishes to heart-warming drinks.
Christmas cocktails, enriched with the right botanicals for cocktails , become the protagonists of the festive evening of December 25th. Thanks to botanicals such as star anise , cardamom and juniper berries , it is possible to add a touch of magic and originality to each drink, transforming a simple toast into an unforgettable sensory experience. This Christmas, let the most precious botanicals make your cocktails unique , surprising your guests with unmistakable aromas and flavors that evoke the true spirit of the holidays .
5 Christmas Cocktails with Botanicals
Christmas Gin Tonic
The Christmas Gin Tonic is a variation of the classic gin and tonic, enriched with citrus botanicals that recall the typical scents of the holidays. To prepare it, you will need:
- Ingredients : 50 ml of gin, tonic water, 2 juniper berries, orange peel , a cinnamon stick.
- Preparation : Pour the gin into a glass filled with ice. Add the juniper berries and stir gently to release their aromas. Fill with tonic water and garnish with an orange peel and a cinnamon stick. The scent of juniper berries and cinnamon makes this drink perfect for Christmas evenings, evoking the warmth and atmosphere of the holidays.
Holiday Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is a Christmas classic, ideal for warming up on cold winter evenings. With wine spices, this drink becomes even more aromatic.
- Ingredients : 1 L of red wine, 100 g of sugar, 1 orange (cut into slices), 1 packet of mulled wine spices .
- Preparation : Pour 1 liter of red wine into a saucepan and add the entire contents of the jar. Bring slowly to the boil, turn off the heat and let stand for 15 minutes. Filter and serve hot, garnishing with a slice of orange and a star anise. This spiced mulled wine is perfect for spreading a warm and welcoming atmosphere during the holidays.
Christmas Negroni
The Christmas Negroni is a reinterpretation of the classic Negroni, made warmer and more enveloping thanks to the addition of Christmas botanicals.
- Ingredients : 30 ml of gin, 30 ml of red vermouth, 30 ml of Campari, 1 cinnamon stick , 2 cardamom pods.
- Preparation : In a mixing glass, pour the gin, red vermouth and Campari. Add the cardamom pods and stir gently. Pour the contents into a glass with ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick. The cardamom and cinnamon add a warm and spicy note that makes this cocktail perfect for the holiday season.
New Year's Eve Prosecco Sorbet
A fresh and surprising cocktail, perfect as an aperitif or to conclude a fish-based meal with a light note, the Christmas sorbet with prosecco lemon juice is enriched with spicy aromas to evoke the Christmas spirit.
- Ingredients : 100ml of prosecco, 1 scoop of lemon sorbet, 1 cardamom seed, 1 sprig of fresh rosemary.
- Preparation : Place a scoop of lemon sorbet in a flute glass, then pour the chilled prosecco over the sorbet. Add a lightly crushed cardamom pod and a sprig of rosemary. This cocktail is perfect for adding a touch of freshness and a delicate scent of spices to your holiday table.
Christmas Spiced Apple Punch
Apple Punch is a classic that can be reinterpreted with a mix of botanicals to offer a warm and fragrant Christmas version, ideal for evenings with friends.
- Ingredients : 500ml apple juice, 100ml dark rum, 2 star anise, 3 cloves , 1 cinnamon stick, 1 apple cut into slices.
- Preparation : In a saucepan, heat the apple juice with the star anise, cloves and cinnamon stick over medium heat, without boiling. Once hot, add the rum and stir well. Serve hot in mugs and garnish with a slice of apple and a star anise. This punch is ideal for warming up the atmosphere and surprising your guests with a mix of sweet and spicy flavors.