Hassle-Free Holiday Hosting: 3 Simple Christmas Cocktail Recipes for Your Party

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and gathering with loved ones. However, planning a Christmas party can quickly become overwhelming, especially when it comes to creating the perfect drink menu. Amidst the hustle and bustle of festive preparations, the last thing you want is to spend hours mixing complicated cocktails. That’s where these three simple Christmas cocktail recipes come in to save the day.

Designed with minimal ingredients, these simple Christmas cocktails are perfect for hosting a Christmas party without the hassle. Each recipe is easy to follow, allowing you to whip up delicious and festive beverages with ease. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a beginner, these cocktails will impress your guests while keeping your stress levels at bay.

From the zesty Orange and Rosemary Tom Collins to the refreshing Cranberry Fizz, and the classic Marmalade Gin & Tonic, each simple Christmas cocktail offers a unique twist on traditional favorites. These recipes not only save time but also add a touch of elegance and cheer to your holiday gathering. So, raise a glass and toast to a merry and memorable Christmas with these stress-free cocktail creations!

Shopping List

When it comes to the ingredients, we wanted to make sure they were minimal and uncomplicated. To make six of each cocktail (that’s eighteen cocktails in total), you will need the following:

• A bottle of Gin

When choosing the right gin for cocktails, opt for one with bright, citrus notes to complement and enhance the flavors without overpowering the other ingredients. A well-balanced gin will harmonize with the mixers, ensuring each cocktail is both refreshing and festive for your holiday gathering. We would recommend the Copeland Classic Irish Gin, as it is infused with 12 carefully selected botanicals, including pine needles, cubeb berries, orange peel, lemon peel and some locally sourced flora from the local islands. These flavours are ideal for these simple Christmas cocktails.

• Jar of Good Quality Marmalade

Choosing a good quality marmalade is essential for these cocktails, as it should offer a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus tang to enhance the flavors of the gin. Look for marmalade with a smooth texture and vibrant zest made from fresh, natural ingredients to ensure your drinks are both flavorful and elegant. We recommend using an Irish marmalade such as Follain, or a high quality jar such as Bonne Maman

The remaining ingredients for these delightful cocktails are not only simple and affordable but also commonly found in many households during the holiday season. With these ingredients, you can create elegant and delicious cocktails without breaking the bank or making an extra trip to the store, allowing you to focus on enjoying the warmth and joy of the season with your loved ones.

• 6 Fresh Lemons
• Cranberry Juice
• 1 Litre Bottle of Soda Water
• 1 Litre Bottle of Tonic Water
• Bottle of Prosecco
• Punnet of Cranberries
• Fresh Rosemary

Simple Christmas Cocktail #1: Orange and Rosemary Tom Collins

Introducing the Orange and Rosemary Tom Collins, a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail that beautifully marries the zesty brightness of citrus with the aromatic essence of rosemary. This invigorating simple Christmas cocktail features a harmonious blend of gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a touch of marmalade, creating a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. Topped with bubbly soda water and garnished with a sprig of rosemary and a few cranberries, this cocktail not only tantalizes the taste buds but also adds a visually stunning touch to any gathering.

For one cocktail, you will need

• 50ml of Gin
• Juice of One Lemon
• A heaped teaspoon of Marmalade
• Soda Water
• A sprig of Rosemary

Method

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the gin, marmalade and the juice of one lemon.
2. Shake hard for 20 seconds, then strain into highball glass filled with ice.
3. Top up with soda water and give a gentle stir to not lose any bubbles.
4. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and few cranberries, serve and enjoy!

Simple Christmas Cocktail #2: Cranberry Fizz

Next on our Festive Menu of simple Christmas cocktails is the Cranberry Fizz. This delightful cocktail effortlessly combines the crispness of gin with the tartness of cranberry juice, creating a refreshing experience for any occasion. This vibrant drink is elegantly topped with bubbly Prosecco, adding a touch of sophistication and effervescence. Perfectly garnished with fresh cranberries, the Cranberry Fizz not only tantalizes the taste buds but also pleases the eye, making it an ideal choice for festive gatherings.

For one cocktail, you will need

• 25ml of Gin
• 5oml of Cranberry Juice
• Prosecco to top
• Fresh Cranberries

Method

1. Stir the gin and cranberry juice with lots of ice.
2. Strain into a chilled Coupe glass.
3. Top with prosecco.
4. Garnish with cranberries, serve and enjoy.

Simple Christmas Cocktail #3: Marmalade Gin & Tonic

Finally, indulge in a refreshing twist on the classic gin and tonic with our delightful Marmalade Gin & Tonic. This vibrant but simple Christmas cocktail combines the botanical notes of gin with the sweet, tangy flavor of marmalade, creating a uniquely satisfying drink that dances on the palate. With the effervescence of tonic water and a pop of color from garnished cranberries and aromatic rosemary, it’s a perfect companion for any gathering.

For one cocktail you will need

• 35ml of Gin.
• 100ml of Tonic Water
• A heaped teaspoon of marmalade
• Cranberries and Rosemary to Garnish

Method

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the gin and the marmalade.
2. Shake hard for 20 seconds, then strain into a glass filled with ice.
3. Top up with tonic water
4. Garnish with cranberries and enjoy!

Serve and Enjoy!

In conclusion, hosting a Christmas party doesn’t have to be a stressful endeavor, especially when it comes to crafting the perfect cocktail menu. With these three elegant yet simple Christmas cocktail recipes—Orange and Rosemary Tom Collins, Cranberry Fizz, and Marmalade Gin & Tonic—you can impress your guests and enhance the festive atmosphere without the hassle of complicated preparations. Each cocktail is designed to be easy to make with minimal ingredients, allowing you to focus on what truly matters during the holiday season: spending quality time with loved ones. So, as you gather around the table this Christmas, raise a glass filled with these delightful creations and toast to a joyful holiday filled with laughter, warmth, and cherished memories.

Cheers to a hassle-free and memorable celebration!