Expert Shares 5 Must-Have Cocktails This Holiday Season
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Cocktails are the most sought-after beverages at parties, especially at Christmas, New Year, and bonfire gatherings. If you landed on this page, it is proof that you were looking for cocktail recipes that are easy to prepare at home for your upcoming gathering. These sure will make your party a hit and reserve your title as the best host.

John Royerr, Founder of Ochre Spirit, shared five cocktail recipes with Slurrp. Whether you like vodka or rum, these recipes will help you create refreshing concoctions leaving bibulous in a happy buzz.

John Royerr said, “From the spark of citrus that dances on your taste buds to the sweet warmth that envelops your senses, these cocktails are sure to elevate your get-together.” For the cocktails below, you should pick flavoured spirits from the wide collection of Ochre, but you can also use the ones you have at home.

Sunset Bliss

Ingredients

  • 50 ml vodka (preferably flavoured)
  • 80 ml fresh orange juice 
  • 20 ml peach nectar (or puree) 
  • 10 ml lime juice 
  • A splash of soda or sparkling water 
  • Orange slice (for garnish) 
  • Ice cubes

Method

  • Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. 
  • Pour vodka, orange juice, peach nectar, and lime juice into the glass. 
  • Stir gently to mix the flavours. 
  • Add a splash of soda or sparkling water for a light, fizzy finish. 
  • Garnish with a fresh orange slice or a cherry on top. 

According to the expert, “This cocktail is a delightful balance of sweet and tangy blending harmoniously with the fresh citrus of orange and lime. The peach nectar adds a rich, fruity depth, while the sparkling water keeps it light and refreshing.”

Sunlit Serenade

Ingredients

  • 50 ml rum 
  • 20 ml fresh lime juice 
  • 15 ml mango puree (fresh or canned) 
  • 10 ml honey syrup 
  • 30 ml soda water (optional, for a lighter version) 
  • A dash of orange bitters (optional for added depth) 
  • Mango slice or citrus zest (for garnish) 
  • Ice cubes 

Method

  • Fill a shaker with ice. 
  • Add rum, lime juice, mango puree, and honey syrup. 
  • Shake well until chilled and combined. 
  • Strain into a chilled margarita glass. 
  • If desired, top with a splash of soda water for a refreshing fizz. 
  • Garnish with a mango slice or citrus zest for a tropical finish. 

John Royerr added, "This cocktail is a vibrant blend of tropical mango and citrusy brightness from the flavoured rum, with a zesty lime kick and a subtle sweetness from honey. Perfectly refreshing with a silky texture, it's ideal for a sunny brunch or a tropical-themed evening."

Plum Breeze

Ingredients

  • 50 ml fruit-flavoured vodka 
  • 20 ml fresh lime juice 
  • 15 ml apricot syrup (or apricot puree) 
  • 100 ml soda water or sparkling water 
  • 2 dashes of orange bitters 
  • Orange wedge or apricot slice (for garnish) 
  • Ice cubes 

Method

  • Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. 
  • Add vodka, lime juice, and apricot syrup to the glass. 
  • Stir gently to combine the ingredients. 
  • Top with soda water or sparkling water to add a light fizz. 
  • Add 2 dashes of orange bitters for complexity (optional). 
  • Garnish with an orange wedge or a fresh apricot slice. 

The expert added, "The cocktail combines the delicate sweetness of apricot with the fruity depth of plum, balanced by the zesty lime and effervescence of soda. This light and refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm evenings or tropical settings."

Green Glow

Ingredients

  • 50 ml gin 
  • 25 ml fresh lime juice 
  • 15 ml green apple syrup (or kiwi puree for a fresh touch) 
  • 10 ml simple syrup (optional for added sweetness) 
  • 1 egg white 
  • Fresh basil leaf (for garnish) 
  • Ice cubes

Method

  • In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lime juice, green apple syrup (or kiwi puree), simple syrup, and egg white if using. 
  • Dry shake (without ice) for 10 seconds to create a frothy texture. 
  • Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled. 
  • Strain into a chilled coupe glass. 
  • Garnish with a fresh basil leaf for an aromatic touch.

Speaking about the flavour, John Royerr said, "This cocktail perfectly balances the fruity notes of kiwi and pear with a zesty lime kick. The green apple or kiwi puree adds a subtle sweetness, while the egg white (optional) creates a smooth, velvety finish. It’s light, refreshing, and visually stunning—ideal for a sophisticated evening."