Drinks & Beverages
5 Vanilla Cocktails That Prove It’s the Ultimate Christmas Classic
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.

Drinks & Beverages
Top Festive Rum Cocktails to Elevate Your Christmas Celebrations
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to add a touch of warmth and cheer to your festive gatherings than with a carefully curated selection of rums? From spiced varieties that evoke the flavours of the season to aged treasures that embody the spirit of celebration, the world of rum offers a diverse range of options to suit every palate. In this article, we will introduce you to a few festive rums that are perfect for crafting Christmas drinks.

Top 6 Festive Rum Cocktails to Elevate Your Christmas Celebrations:
1. SPICED RUM PUNCH
What better way to kickstart the Christmas festivities than with a comforting glass of Spiced Rum Punch, a wonderful embodiment of the essence of the season. In a large glass mix together 240 ml dark spiced rum with 480 ml apple cider and 2 cinnamon sticks. Add a few cloves to add warmth to the drink. Serve the punch warm. This serving is ideal for five to six people.
Also Read: 5 Refreshing Peppermint Christmas Mocktails – Non-Alcoholic Holiday Drinks
2. RUM-INFUSED HOT CHOCOLATE
Tired of regular hot chocolate? Infuse it with rum to bring forward a richness that enhances the traditional taste of the beloved drink. Add 30 ml spiced rum or dark rum to your favorite hot chocolate recipe. Top it off with marshmallows or whipped cream. Nothing can be better than enjoying a warm and cozy evening by the fire with this drink in hand.

3. EGGNOG RUM FLIP
When the classic taste of eggnog is blended with rum, the result is a timeless indulgence. To make the Eggnog Rum Flip, combine 90 ml dark rum together with 120 ml homemade eggnog, a sprinkle of nutmeg, and finally a dollop of whipped cream. The result is a concoction that is creamy and flavourful, capturing the essence of Christmas in a glass. This serving is ideal for 2-3 people.
4. MAI TAI UNDER THE MISTLETOE
Transform the tropical essence of Mai Tai by giving it a holiday makeover. Combine 60 ml light rum, 30 ml dark rum, and 15 ml orange liqueur with 30 ml lime juice and a dash of grenadine. Garnish it with a mint sprig and fresh cranberry. This visually vibrant cocktail combines the best of summer and the coolness of winter.
Also Read: 5 Vanilla Cocktails That Prove It’s the Ultimate Christmas Classic
5. CRANBERRY MOJITO
Give this classic drink a festive makeover with the addition of the wintry goodness of cranberry. Muddle fresh cranberries and mint in a glass and add 2 teaspoons lime juice and 1 tablespoon simple syrup to it. Stir the mixture well and top it off with 60 ml white rum and club soda. Serve it with fresh cranberries and a mint sprig, along with a lime wedge. The result is a refreshing and vibrant cocktail that will surely add a sparkle to your Christmas festivities.

6. NAUGHTY ELF COCKTAIL
Elves and Christmas are synonymous with one another. If you have grown up playing the classic Elf on the Shelf game, what is stopping you from creating an intoxicating rum infused drink by the same name? Mix 30 ml each of spiced rum, lime soda, orange liqueur, pomegranate liqeuer, and 60 ml cranberry juice in a glass filled with ice cubes. Stir well and top off the drink with club soda. Serve it with a candy cane in celebration of Christmas.
As you set out to elevate your Christmas drinks with festive rums, remember that the key is to explore and experiment. Each rum brings its own unique character to the table, offering a spectrum of flavors that can be expertly crafted into delightful cocktails. So, gather your ingredients, raise your glasses, and toast to the spirit of the season with these exceptional rum-based Christmas drinks.
Drinks & Beverages
5 Refreshing Peppermint Christmas Mocktails – Non-Alcoholic Holiday Drinks
This season marks the end of the year with merry cheers and festivities, feasts, and drinks. It’s not unusual that, during holidays, one tends to indulge in holiday cocktails. For others, who prefer abstaining from alcoholic drinks, sometimes it gets really challenging to find the perfect drink. This season, let’s ensure everyone gets to toast with glee!

Luckily, in recent years there has been a shift in perspectives for people who are avoiding alcohol or simply sober curious, and it’s led to massive innovations in the space of non-alcoholic spirits which offer the cocktail drinking experience without any of the hangover. For example, Seedlip with its three distinct non-alcoholic spirits have made it possible to craft sophisticated mocktails that are imbued with goodness. Made from pure botanical extracts, they all people to avoid cocktails at Christmas without feeling like they’re missing out.
Naturally, when it comes to holiday drinks, you have to take cues from the flavours of the season. Warm spices, floral notes and of course, the ever-popular peppermint. Peppermint mocktails are a great way to indulge in a drink that’s refreshing and vibrant, which will inspire you to feel the spirit of the season.
For a truly spectacular Christmas tipple, try these 5 mocktails imbued with the power of peppermint.
1. Peppermint Sparkler
Ingredients
- 150ml Peppermint Infused Sparkling Water
- 60 ml Seedlip Grove 42
- 30ml Cranberry Juice
- 10ml Fresh Lime Juice
- Ice Cubes
Method
Combine peppermint-infused sparkling water, Seedlip, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice in a glass over ice. Stir gently and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Also Read: 5 Vanilla Cocktails That Prove It’s the Ultimate Christmas Classic
2. Berry Peppermint Fizz
Ingredients
- 250 ml mixed berry juice (blueberry, raspberry, strawberry)
- 150 ml tonic water
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Ice cubes
- Fresh berries for garnish
Instructions:
Mix mixed berry juice and tonic water in a glass. Add peppermint extract and stir well. Drop in ice cubes and garnish with fresh berries.
3. Frosty Peppermint Delight
Ingredients:
- 250 ml coconut water
- 150 ml pineapple juice
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Chilled coconut milk
- Crushed ice
- Pineapple wedges for garnish
Instructions
Combine coconut water and pineapple juice in a glass. Add peppermint extract and stir gently. Top with chilled coconut milk and add crushed ice. Garnish with pineapple wedges for a tropical twist to your holiday mocktail.
4. Peppermint White Russain Mocktail
Ingredients
- 60 ml of strong coffee
- 30 ml Seedlip Spice 94
- 1-2 drops of of vanilla extract
- 1-2 drops of millilitres of peppermint extract
- Approximately 60 ml of heavy cream (or a bit more to top up the glass)
Instructions
Fill a glass with ice. Pour the chilled brewed coffee over the ice. Add the vanilla and peppermint extracts. “Float” the cream over the coffee. Stir delicately. Optionally, garnish with a peppermint stick.
5. Ginger Mint Fizz
Ingredients
- 160ml Ginger Beer
- 30ml Peppermint Syrup
- 10ml Fresh Lemon Juice
- Ice Cubes
Method
Pour ginger beer, peppermint syrup, and fresh lemon juice into a glass over ice. Stir gently and garnish with a twist of lemon peel.
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