Your Christmas Cocktail Day, Play by Play
Celebrating a special day, such as Christmas Day, is often an excuse and reason for indulgences and treats, and one that can become even more memorable when complimented with a cocktail or two throughout
We've put together the ultimate Christmas Day cocktail timeline, pairing cocktails with the time of the day and the relative occasions that classically happen throughout the day.
Whether the light refreshing morning welcome drinks, to the late night pick-me-up's and revivers, we've carefully crafted a cocktail experience to elevate your Christmas Day.
We definitely wouldn't recommend you drink all of these cocktails in one day (theres a bit too much for any one person), but we've put together a selection of cocktails that you can choose from to make your Christmas Day that little bit more special.
So let's get this day started and see what we've got in store for you.
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Morning wake-up shake-up
Father Christmas has deliered his presents, you excitedly run down the stairs like your 5 years old again and get welcomed with a beautiful refreshing Bucks Fizz or Mimosa.
Both of these options are simple cocktails that give a nod to the orange juice of morning routines. A light, refreshing way to start the day without kicking in anything too heavy.
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Present opening time
For us present opening always happens after breakfast, which means ... it's time! What has the big man himself brought you, and what have loved ones and friends alike left under the tree.
You don't want anything too heavy, but a nice warming mulled wine goes a long way to help raise the atmosphere and get everyone in the festive spirit.
Warm Bourbon CiderCider basedHot4.5/5Warm Bourbon Cider
- 3 teaspoons Ginger
- 3 teaspoons Nutmeg
- 300ml Bourbon
- 6 teaspoons Cinnamon
- 2000ml Cider
Mulled WineRed Wine basedHot4.8/5Mulled Wine
- Pinch Nutmeg
- 5 Cloves
- 45ml Red Wine
- Pinch Cinnamon
- Wedge Orange
- 15ml Lemon Juice
- 2 teaspoons Honey
- 15ml Orange liqueur
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Mid-morning festivities
Let's play! You've got a new game, a new gadget, maybe it's time for some family sing-songs. Whatever your families traditions a little cocktail goes a long way to help with the spirit.
We've chosen another light refreshing number that keeps everyones energy levels high, yet doesn't give the wake-up kick you'll need later. Which is why we've opted for the Billini or Kir Royale. Both preosecco based again, but this time with a bit more class.
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Savory lunch accompaniments
Lunch is being served! Maybe there's wine on the table, maybe a beer or cider is being poured. But as you're heading to the crafted lunchtime let's throw a curve ball in there and spice up the experience.
Shake-up and mix up a Bloody Mary or Michelada before heading to the table. The Bloody mary offers a savory spiced option that pairs well with a hearty lunch, or the Michelada offers an alternative for those who prefer the beer route with dinner.
Bloody MaryVodka basedClassic4.75/5Bloody Mary
- 45ml Vodka
- 15ml Lemon Juice
- Sprinkle Pepper
- Dash Tabasco Sauce
- 90ml Tomato Juice
- 2 dashes Worcestershire Sauce
- Sprinkle Salt
MicheladaLager basedClassic4.3/5Michelada
- 2 dashes Tabasco Sauce
- 12.5ml Lime juice
- Top up with Lager
- 5ml Worcestershire Sauce
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Afternoon refreshments
A food coma may or may not be hitting you hard, depending on how much of that chocolate yule log you ate. You didn't have seconds did you? Well, you'll need something light and refreshing to sip on whilst figuring out how to gear up the rest of the afternoon.
And what better way to slowly bring you back round than the classic Aperol Spritz, or the equally delightful French 75. Light, bittersweet, and both great for post-lunch socialising, they promise to slowly revive you ready for the next step.
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Mid-afternoon warming drinks
So you're feeling good; the food has slowly migrated and you don't feel as full anymore. But energy levels can wane, it's cold outside and it's time for a small warming caffeine kick. Nothing too intense (yet), but just a little energy pucker-up.
At this point in the afternoon we recommend a nice Irish Coffee or, if you're more of a tea aficionado, then immerse yourself with a Hot Toddy. Both offer you that caffeine kick that you might need, whilst making you feel as though you're not just drinking your way through the day.
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Cheeky aperitif
Food is being spread (again) on the table. Maybe it's a buffet style with leftovers, maybe its just something simple and light. Cheese and crackers anyone? For the crazy's out there maybe you're going all in again on a hearty meal (where do you put it?).
But as the preparation is happening find yourself a 10 minute window to prepare some cheeky aperitif's to add an edge and a new flavour profile to the day. A couple of classic we love at this time of the night is a Negorni or the Camari forward Boulevardier. Delicious.
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Post dinner indulgence
It's time to think about the more serious drink contenders, as the darkness envelopes outside and the fire is crackling away. No more time for the prosecco based refreshments, but lets bring on some of the more heavy hitters, whilst saving something special for the nightcaps.
Grab yourself a mixing glass and stir your way through a Manhattan or Rusty Nail. Both offer rich, warming experiences, with hints of sweetness that pairs beautifully with post dinner conversations and talks of the year just gone.
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Late night reviver
Sleep. Must. Sleep. This day is wearing me out. STOP! Theres more fun and festivities to be had, but before the final nightcap as you see of the wonderful day, lets pour ourselves a little sugary or caffeine forward reviver.
Of course its the Espresso Martini, a staple of all great late night party and weddings - but if pure coffee at this hour isn't your thing then the equally delightful Black Russian is a good alternative. Both coffee forward and just the thing your body needs to see you through to the late night.
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Nightcap
Ok it really is time to say goodnight now, but there's always time for a little nightcap as you sit down in the comfiest chair and mull over, ponder, and chat about deep and meaningful life decisions.
Where would be in the cocktail world with the Old Fashioned for such an occasion, or for an equally sophisticated touch you can't for wrong with a Sazerac. Both speak of serious talk and round off this beautiful day nicely. Cheers.
