The smell of vanilla, especially from freshly harvested pods, is a flavour of Christmastime that everyone around the globe enjoys thoroughly. Vanilla essence found in bottles also captures the spirit of this ingredient perfectly just so that everyone can enjoy vanilla-flavoured delights from ice creams and cakes to meringues and sauces. And yet, if you haven’t tried any vanilla cocktails during Christmas, you are truly missing out.

Vanilla cocktails during Christmas evoke a sense of comfort and tradition, mirroring the season’s warmth and festivity—so they simply shouldn’t be missed. Vanilla has a subtle sweetness that intertwines with the festive spirit perfectly and infusing them into spirits of all sorts creates an indulgent set of elixirs that can really elevate your holiday experience. Vanilla-infused cocktails therefore symbolise more than just impeccable flavours in a glass. They represent luxury, nostalgia and the spirit of Christmas to perfection.

So, this Christmas, indulge in the classic and delicious flavours of vanilla cocktails with the following.

1. Vanilla White Russian

Creamy, smooth and utterly delicious, Vanilla White Russian is a cocktail that grasps the fun yet luxurious side of Christmas celebrations. Choose a good quality vodka, like Ciroc, Ketel One or Smirnoff for the best experience. All you need to do to make this twist on the classic cocktail is 50ml vodka blended with 25ml coffee liqueur, 25ml vanilla syrup, 50ml single cream and shake them well with ice until chilled. Serve up the drink with a vanilla pod as a garnish.

2. Vanilla Eggnog Martini

Who doesn’t love a good eggnog on Christmas eve? If you do and want to give it a vanilla-flavoured boozy twist, then here’s what you need to do. First, rim a chilled martini glass with ground nutmeg for that oomphy Christmas feel. Then fill a shaker with ice, 50ml vodka, 25ml amaretto liqueur, 50ml eggnog, 2ml vanilla essence and shake it vigorously until well mixed. Pour into the martini glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick before serving up.

3. Vanilla Cranberry Cooler

To say that cranberry and vanilla together capture the essence of a fruit-packed Christmas wouldn’t be wrong, and this cocktail allows you to enjoy both flavours along with your favourite Captain Morgan rum like no other drink can. To make this Vanilla Cranberry Cooler, just fill up a highball glass with ice cubes then pour in vanilla essence, 50ml rum, 100ml cranberry juice, 25ml lime juice and soda water. Stir the cocktail gently, add some cranberries and a lime wedge for garnish, then sip into the fruity goodness of this cooler.

4. Vanilla Bean Hot Chocolate

A great hot chocolate is always in demand during Christmas, but what if you could make yours even more special with a little vanilla infusion? Just place 200ml milk, 50g dark chocolate, one vanilla pod and 25ml vanilla syrup in a saucepan. Whisk it continuously on a low heat until everything combines and turns hot (but not boiling). Now add in 10ml of your favourite single malt whisky, like Talisker or The Singleton, stir it in and pour into a heatproof mug. Garnish with whipped cream and grated chocolate before serving this one up.

5. Vanilla Tequila Sunrise

If you love the stunning colours of a classic Tequila Sunrise, then this one will make you fall in love all over again. All you need to do is fill up a highball glass with ice cubes and pour in 50ml Don Julio tequila, 100ml orange juice and 15ml vanilla syrup. Stir these gently to combine, then add in the grenadine slowly to get that sunrise effect. Garnish this Vanilla Tequila Sunrise with an orange slice and maraschino cherry for a festive finish.