Christmas 2025: 3 Cocktails Crafted By Mixologists

Christmas Eve usually calls for drinks that are simple to pull together and enjoyable to keep making as the evening unfolds, and these cocktails fit right into that mood. They work while food is still on the stove, friends are drifting in, and conversations keep getting interrupted in the best way. There is something warm, something bubbly, and something a little deeper for everyone, which makes it easy to choose what suits the moment without the guesswork. All three recipes come straight from professionals who know what a good drink should taste like. They are quick to assemble, easy to repeat, and comfortable alongside snacks, mains, and dessert. Pick one, or line up all three across the evening, and let the spirits keep flowing.

Apple Cider Hot Toddy By Mr. Nitin, Bar Manager At BeeYoung Brewgarden

Ingredients

• 180 ml (¾ cup) apple cider
• 60 ml whiskey or bourbon
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1–2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2–3 cloves
• 1 slice of fresh apple or lemon (for garnish)

Image credit: Pexels

Method

1. Heat the apple cider in a saucepan until hot but not boiling.
2. Pour the hot cider into a heatproof mug.
3. Add whiskey, honey, and lemon juice.
4. Stir well until the honey dissolves.
5. Add a cinnamon stick and cloves.
6. Garnish with an apple or lemon slice and serve hot.

Also read: Christmas 2025: Chefs Share Goan-Inspired Three-Course Recipe Menu

Sip The Mistletoe by Nishant K Gaurav, Mixologist At Guppy

Ingredients

• 30 ml Orange Juice
• 30 ml Cranberry Juice
• 120 ml Sparkling Wine

Image credit: Guppy

Method

1. Chill a flute glass before preparation.
2. Pour orange juice into the glass followed by cranberry juice.
3. Slowly top with sparkling wine.
4. Finish with edible glitter and serve.

Cold Brew Elixir By Rasika Tulaskar, Coffee Expert & Head Of Coffee Education & Training, Something’s Brewing

Ingredients

• 30 ml Gin
• 30 ml Campari
• 40 ml Cold Brew Coffee (well-chilled)
• 15 ml Red Wine
• Ice cubes

Image credit: Something's Brewing

Method

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add all the ingredients.
3. Stir gently until well chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a rosemary sprig or an orange peel twist.