Christmas is a time for family, togetherness and merriment, so as you settle in for the season, now is the perfect time to consider your festive menu. Although you might not be able to host a lively cocktail party this year, there’s no need to miss out on the special drinks that often go along with it. Here, we’ve rounded up our favourite festive cocktails, to help you and your family get into the holiday spirit.

Gingerbread Espresso Martini

If you’re a fan of the classic Espresso Martini, then this gingerbread-infused option by Olive Magazine is sure to tick all the right boxes. Enough to keep you going through all the preparations of Christmas Eve, this decadent cocktail is velvety smooth and blends rich espresso with warming spices.

Ingredients

50ml vodka
25ml espresso coffee
15ml gingerbread syrup
3 coffee beans (optional)

Method

• Rim a chilled martini glass with cinnamon and sugar. Shake all the liquid ingredients together with ice and strain into the glass. Add the coffee beans and serve.

Christmas Morning Bellini

While many like to see in Christmas morning with a classic Buck’s Fizz, there are plenty of other options for those looking for something a little different. Give your Christmas Day a delicious kick start, with this Nini Bellini from Jamie Oliver – an Italian classic with juicy peaches and prosecco.

Ingredients

2 ripe peaches
750ml prosecco (chilled)

Method

• Halve the peaches, remove their stones, then pop them into a liquidizer and blitz until smooth. Add a splash of water if needed and put the purée into a jug. Pour your prosecco into the jug and mix together. Divide between six glasses and top up with a little more prosecco. You can also use nectarines or berries in this easy peasy cocktail.

Spiced Mulled Wine

The ultimate festive beverage, Mulled Wine is sure to get anyone in the mood for the season – even the Grinch himself! While there are plenty of ready-made options available, nothing beats a warm and spicy homemade batch. This recipe from Delicious Magazine’s drinks editor, Susy Atkins, is perfect every time.

Ingredients

1 bottle of fruity, medium-bodied red wine
3-4 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2cm fresh ginger
1 large orange, sliced
75g caster sugar
2tbsp brandy

Method

• In a pan, slowly warm the wine with the cloves, cinnamon, ginger and orange slices. As the mixture heats up, add the caster sugar and brandy. Heat until warmed through, but don’t let it boil. Ladle into glasses and enjoy.

Non-Alcoholic Orange & Rosemary Fizz

If you’re teetotal or want to whip up something special for the kids, then this beverage could be the ideal option. This orange and rosemary mocktail from Olive Magazine consists of only five ingredients, and takes mere minutes to make. What could be easier than that?

Ingredients

2 orange wedges
1 rosemary sprig
Soda water
1tsp pomegranate seeds
1 cinnamon stick

Method

• Put the oranges and half the rosemary into a glass. Muddle well then fill with ice. Top with soda water, stir to mix, and garnish with pomegranate, cinnamon and the remaining rosemary.

Slow-Cooker Hot Chocolate

If you’re not really into your festive cocktails, or you want something a little more indulgent, then this Slow-Cooker Hot Chocolate by Miriam Nice is sure to leave you satisfied. Perfect for those cosy evenings by the fire, or after a long chilly walk in the countryside, this is suitable for the whole family – unless you decide to add a splash of your favourite tipple, that is!

Ingredients

1 litre milk
300ml double cream
200g dark chocolate, chopped
100g milk chocolate, chopped
25ml of your favourite tipple
Marshmallows and whipped cream (optional)

Method

• Place the milk, cream and chocolate into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring halfway through.
• Remove the lid and stir again, then continue to cook for a further 15-20 minutes. Ladle into mugs and top with marshmallows and whipped cream. Add 25ml of your favourite liqueur for a warming kick.

Classic Christmas Eggnog

Is there anything more iconic than a glass of eggnog at Christmas? In fact, America’s inaugural president, George Washington, is said to have made his own batch each year. If you’ve never tried it before, give it a go – the decadent mix of rum, cream and nutmeg is sure to hit the spot! This recipe, from BBC Food is a showstopper; just remember to make it in advance, to let the flavours mellow.

Ingredients

6 medium free-range eggs, separated
150g golden caster sugar
500ml whole milk
400ml double cream
350ml rum or bourbon
Grated nutmeg, to taste

Method

• Whisk the egg yolks in a bowl with 100g of sugar, until the mixture is pale and thick. Stir in the milk, cream and rum. Add a little grated nutmeg, if you like.
• Pour the mixture into a sealed container and store in the fridge for up to two weeks. Place the egg whites in the freezer until the eggnog is ready to be served.
• When ready, defrost the egg whites and use an electric mixer to whisk them until foamy and opaque. Add the remaining 50g of sugar and whisk to soft peaks.
• Pour the eggnog into a large bowl and fold in the egg whites. Ladle the eggnog into glasses and serve with freshly grated nutmeg.