A cocktail is a beautiful way to add to the good cheer of Christmas and New Year’s. After all the careful planning, cooking and gift-buying, a well-made drink is a moment of pure indulgence. Hosting a cocktail experience can also make your gathering feel truly special — a way to give your guests something memorable and showcase your flair as a host.
These seven Christmas cocktails are favourites at The Club House when our guests are in festive spirits. Each drink has its own character — warming, bright, smooth or indulgent — perfect for pairing with winter flavours and good company.
1. Ferrero Rocher Martini
Inspired by the beloved chocolate, this cocktail blends nutty sweetness with smooth, rich tones. A favourite among our guests who know about it.
Ingredients
- Hive Vodka – 50ml
- Brizard Cocoa Brun – 25ml
- Frangelico – 25ml
- Hazelnut syrup – 15ml
- Chopped hazelnuts and cocoa powder to garnish
Method
- Mix chopped hazelnuts and cocoa powder on a small plate.
- Brush hazelnut syrup onto one side of a coupe glass.
- Roll the glass in the garnish mixture so it sticks.
- Fill a shaker with ice and add the remaining ingredients.
- Shake well for 20 seconds.
- Fine strain into the prepared glass.
2. In The Orchard
A warming nod to South West heritage. The Dorset Apple Cake Gin Liqueur brings soft orchard tones, reminiscent of baked apple crumble on a winter’s night.
Ingredients
- Shipwreck Brandy or Calvados – 15ml
- Hive’s Dorset Apple Cake Gin – 50ml
- Crème de Cassis – 35ml
- Lemon juice – 30ml
- Cinnamon syrup – 25ml
- Blackberries ×4
- Dehydrated apple slice to garnish
Method
- Fill a Boston shaker with ice.
- Add all ingredients except the apple garnish.
- Shake firmly for 10–15 seconds until the tin feels cold.
- Fine strain into a wine glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with the apple slice and blackberries.
3. The Club House Bloody Mary
A classic with a rich history originally called a ‘Bucket of Blood’. Created in 1922 by Ferdinand Petiot, this drink balances savoury, spicy and bright citrus tones for a perfect brunch or early evening serve.
Ingredients
- Black Cow Vodka – 50ml
- Club Mary Mix – 25ml
- Worcestershire sauce – 350ml
- Sherry – 25ml
- Lemon juice – 50ml
- Tabasco – 25 drops
- Black pepper – 20 grinds
- Horseradish – 2 tsp
- Celery salt – 2 tsp
- Tomato juice – 125ml
- Celery stick ×1
- Lemon slices ×2 to garnish
Method
For the Club Mary Mix:
- Combine all mix ingredients in a large container.
- Decant into a bottle and shake before each use.
For the cocktail:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add the vodka and Club Mary Mix.
- Top with tomato juice.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.
- Garnish with celery and lemon slices.
4. Orange Mocha Martini
A festive twist on the classic espresso martini. The orange and chocolate bring a soft, aromatic sweetness that balances beautifully with rich coffee tones.
Ingredients
- Cointreau – 35ml
- Hive Dibar Coffee Vodka – 35ml
- Monin Chocolate Syrup – 35ml
- Espresso – 2 shots (25ml each)
- Chocolate powder to garnish
- Dehydrated orange slice to garnish
Method
- Chill a martini glass with ice.
- Fill a shaker halfway with ice.
- Add all ingredients and shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
- Discard the ice from the glass.
- Fine strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
- Garnish with the orange slice and a dusting of chocolate powder.
5. Tiramisu Martini
A velvety, dessert-like martini layered with coffee, cocoa and nutty tones — smooth, elegant and wonderfully indulgent.
Ingredients
- Hive Dibar Coffee Vodka – 25ml
- Cocoa Brun – 25ml
- Amaretto – 25ml
- Frangelico – 15ml
- Chocolate dust to garnish
Method
- Chill a martini glass with ice.
- Fill a shaker with ice and add all ingredients.
- Shake well for 20 seconds.
- Discard the ice from the glass.
- Fine strain into the glass.
- Garnish with chocolate dust.
6. Lemon Pie After Dinner Drink
Lemon and Italian meringue are timeless partners. This drink delivers their harmony in a creamy, citrusy dessert cocktail.
Ingredients
- Black Cow Vodka – 30ml
- Frangelico – 30ml
- Limoncello – 20ml
- Lemon juice – 20ml
- Vanilla syrup – 25ml
For the Italian meringue:
- Caster sugar – 120g
- Glucose – 1 tbsp
- Water – 2 tbsp
- Egg white – 60g
Method
For the meringue:
- Whisk egg whites until frothy (a stand mixer works best).
- Heat sugar, glucose and water in a saucepan until 121 °C.
- With the mixer on low, slowly pour the hot syrup into the egg whites.
- Increase speed and whisk until stiff peaks form.
- Transfer to a piping bag.
For the cocktail:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add all liquid ingredients and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds.
- Fine strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Pipe meringue gently on top.
- Torch the meringue lightly for a golden finish.
7. Amaretti Biscuit with Chocolate Cremeux
Not a cocktail, but the perfect sweet bite to pair with any of the drinks above. Almond, chocolate and amaretto create a luxuriously soft finish to a festive evening.
Ingredients — Biscuit
- Ground almonds – 170g
- Caster sugar – 170g
- Egg white – 60g
- Amaretto – 15g
Method — Biscuit
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until fully combined.
- Roll into 30g balls and place on a lined baking tray.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
Ingredients — Chocolate Crèmeux
- Dark chocolate – 185g
- Custard – 335g
- Amaretto – 67g
- Butter – 37g
Method — Crèmeux
- Melt the dark chocolate gently.
- Heat the custard, then pour it over the melted chocolate.
- Stir until smooth.
- Add amaretto and butter, mixing until glossy.
- Cool until thickened, then pipe onto the cooled biscuits.
Conclusion
These seven recipes will make your Christmas cocktail party truly unforgettable. Each drink offers a balance of tones and textures that pair beautifully with festive flavours.
Many of the spirits featured are part of our Hive Spirit Collection, and over 50 more recipes can be found in our St Dunstan Cocktail Book and Club House Collection Cocktail Book.
Raise a glass, share the joy, and toast to the season.
What is the most famous Christmas drink?
The most famous Christmas drink is undoubtedly mulled wine, which dates back to 2nd-century Rome. Romans would gently warm red wine with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and star anise to protect against the winter chill and preserve their wine. Over the centuries, this fragrant and comforting drink became synonymous with Christmas. Today, the sweet, spiced aroma of mulled wine is a true hallmark of the festive season.
What is a classic Christmas cocktail?
There isn’t one definitive Christmas cocktail, but certain serves have become seasonal staples. Dessert-inspired martinis, like the Tiramisu Martini, are particularly popular, offering familiar, velvety tones that feel indulgent. Winter fruit and spice-forward drinks, like In The Orchard, capture nostalgic flavours reminiscent of apple cake and warm puddings — perfect for cold evenings.
What is the cocktail attire for a Christmas party?
Cocktail attire for a Christmas party is all about understated elegance with a festive touch.
For women, this often means a knee-length or midi dress, paired with heels or elegant sandals.
For men, a smart lounge suit or a velvet jacket with loafers or polished shoes is ideal. Adding subtle seasonal accents, such as a silk pocket square or statement jewellery, elevates the look without feeling overdone.
What is the 2:1 rule for cocktails?
The 2:1 (or 2:1:1) rule is a classic cocktail formula:
- 2 parts base spirit
- 1 part sweet element
- 1 part sour element
This simple ratio is the foundation of many well-balanced cocktails. Adjusting it slightly allows you to refine the flavour profile to suit your palate, but it’s a reliable starting point for consistent, elegant drinks.
What is a good gift to bring to a cocktail party?
A thoughtful gift can elevate the festive mood. Excellent options include:
- A bottle of artisan gin liqueur or another distinctive spirit
- Beautiful glassware for stylish serving
- Essential bar tools, such as a Boston shaker
- Quality snacks or nibbles, like amaretti biscuits, to pair with cocktails
- Or, for a touch of old-world charm, a small box of cigars for those who enjoy them.
A well-chosen gift shows appreciation for the host — and often becomes part of the evening itself.
