Let's be honest. We've all started our Christmas celebrations a little earlier this year, and who can blame us after the year we've all had!?
Zoom quiz after zoom quiz (after zoom quiz), missing our Friday work drinks and spontaneous trips to the pub, we've been totally deprived of a good time over a well deserved cocktail. So, I've put together a list of my absolute favourite easy to make at home cocktails for you all to enjoy over the festive period. And, don't worry - you don't have to be a mixologist to be able to pull these off...
Rhubarb & Ginger Spritz
Ingredients:
- Ice
- 50ml Whitley Neil Rhubarb & Ginger Gin
- 100ml Ginger Ale
- 100ml Prosecco (or if you're feeling fancy like me, your fave champs!)
- Mint sprig
This cocktail basically involves everything I love in one glass - ginger, mint, champagne and Whitley Neil's Rhubarb & Ginger Gin. This one is 100% a welcome drink/party starter concoction and promises to impress your guests. There's no special shaking or fancy garnishes and it tastes delicioussssss! Ditch the prawn cocktails and homemade soups for starters this year, all you need is a Rhubarb & Ginger Spritz!
2. Sea Breeze
Ingredients:
- Ice
- 50ml Mermaid Sea Salt Vodka (click here to purchase via John Lewis)
- 100ml Cranberry Juice
- Slice of lime
One thing I'm always impressed by with the Isle of Wight Distillery is HOW GORGEOUS their bottles are! (and how great their spirits are too) but wow, if you're looking for a fancy gift for someone this Christmas then this bottle is sure to bring the wow factor. I've previously tried their Mermaid Gin, so trying their new Mermaid Salt Vodka was a first for me - and it did not disappoint. I poured mine in a cocktail for you all but I did have it neat over ice to get the full flavour experience, I've heard this vodka is basically like "the subtle kiss of a mermaid" and I can confirm, it's exactly that! The bottle is also plastic-free, with an all-natural cork and wooden top, complemented with a plant-based, biodegradable seal - what more could you want from a Christmas gift this year!?
3. The B&T
Ingredients:
- 50ml Bobby's Dry Gin
- 150ml Indian Tonic Water
- Clove Studded Orange Slice
Ok, if you love gin and like something a little different then Bobby's gin has to be on your Christmas list (we're still allowed to do this in our 20's FYI). Bobby's Gin is a Dutch-Indonesian spirit and the recipe blends a base of juniper with whole clove, cubeb, pepper, cinnamon, lemongrass, rose hips, fennel and coriander. I know that sounds like ALOT, but...this honestly is the perfect blend of spices with a kick of citrus and pepper, it takes me back to lying horizontal, poolside in Bali!
This has got to be the most Christmassy G&T, or should I say B&T, that every gin lover should try this festive season. I know you'll want the purchase link so I've copied it here - sometimes sending the link to your friends or family is the only hint you need ;)
5. Disco Cocktails
I'm no mixologist (fun fact, I've never worked in a bar), so these were pretty much ideal! Disco cocktails come delivered straight through your letterbox, ready to pour over ice.
With bars & clubs closed (boooo), 'Ladies & Gents' underground bar has launched their line of 70's inspired 'locktails' - perfect for lockdown and Christmas gifts, they do all the mixing and hard work for you, all you have to do is pour it and enjoy :)
They can be enjoyed on their own or if you fancy, I topped mine with a wee bit of soda water, they have an amazing range of cocktails including:
- Disco Cherry Sour
- Disco Pina Colada
- Disco Pornstar Martini
- The Disco G&T
- The Disco Old Fashioned
One thing I'm not really keen on with pre-made cocktails is they're usually made with cheaper alcohol options but Ladies and Gents bar use quality spirits mixed with soft drink syrup mixers - keeping up their rep as one of the top 10 rated bars in London, I'm sure these won't disappoint! You can order them via their website here.
6. The Perfect Partner - Postboxed
Another great letterbox delivery that saves us all time scrolling and filtering websites to find the perfect gifts is Postboxed! (linked here).
All of their presents are sent readily gift wrapped with customisable cards on a day of your choice, straight through letterboxes. One thing I was really impressed by with this gift was the quality of the contents and all round presentation, personally I think these gifts are ideal for sending a friend or relative to put a smile on their face, the packaging alone is gorgeous!
It's really simple to do:
1. Choose a Gift by recipient, brand price or category
2. Add the Gift to your Shopping Cart
3. When you have finished shopping, return to your SHOPPING CART, here you can:
WRITE A GIFT NOTE - Postboxed will print this on their signature gift cards
CHOOSE A DELIVERY DATE - if you leave this blank they ship within one working day
4. Click CHECKOUT and fill in your recipient's delivery address
5. Add your own billing address and card/paypal details to pay
Postboxed will then ship your gift-wrapped item(s) First Class with the Royal Mail!
If there's one thing we don't need this Christmas it's the stress of Christmas shopping and running out of ideas of what to buy, Postboxed basically cover all of that!
Happy drinking (& shopping!) *Please try drink responsibly :)
Louise xoxo