7 of the best cocktails from around the world to try this holiday season

 If you are planning a merry tipple (or two) to get you in the festive mood this Christmas and New Year, we have got you covered.

Journey around the world and get into the joyous spirit this season with our rundown of the top festive cocktail recipes!

Thailand – Coconut Ice

Inspired by tropical south-east Asia, this winter white Christmas cocktail is thick and creamy, featuring flecks of coconut and a warming dose of Lost Years Four Island rum.

How to make it:

1. Fill a shaker with ice and add 50ml golden rum, 125ml pineapple juice, 50ml coconut puree, 10ml coconut milk and 15ml of sugar syrup.
2. Shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass.
3. Finish with shavings of coconut and a dusting of chocolate powder.

Croatia – Lavender Mojito

A classic cocktail with a Croatian twist! The stunning island of Hvar is world famous for its lavender, which is of the highest quality in the world, thanks to the blissful Mediterranean climate and excellent quality soil.

How to make it:

1. Lightly mash (you can use a muddler if you have one. You want to crush enough to release the oils but try to keep it intact, as otherwise you will have lots of bits in your drink!) a handful of mint leaves and pinch of lavender flowers and place them in glass.
2. Add a dash of lemon juice and one-to-two tablespoons of brown sugar. Add ice, filling the glass just below the top.
3. Pour 40ml of Lost Years Navy Strength white rum in and top with soda water. Stir and garnish with a lemon wedge.

British Virgin Islands – Painkiller

You can’t travel to the sun soaked BVIs without sipping a famous Pankiller cocktail. It was first created at Jost Van Dyke’s Soggy Dollar beach bar and has certainly eased the pain of many who have tried it.

How to make it:

1. Combine 50ml Lost Years Arribada Cask Aged rum, 100ml pineapple juice, 25ml orange juice and 25ml of cream of coconut in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and give it a gentle shake.
2. Pour over a tall glass filled with ice.
3. Top with a dusting of grated nutmeg or ground nutmeg spice.
4. Garnish with a pineapple slice.

Italy – Bellini

Who doesn’t love a festive fizz cocktail? Named after artist Giovanni Bellini, a Bellini is a timeless Italian combination. The traditional version should be made with Italian white peach puree spooned into a chilled flute glass, topped with Prosecco and lightly stirred.

How to make it:

1. Mix two parts Prosecco to one part peach puree.
2. If you want to get extra fancy, garnish with fresh a raspberry or two.                    

Tahiti – Tahitian Treat Cocktail

Transport yourself to the exotics with this zesty cocktail inspired by mythical French Polynesia.

 How to make it:                           

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add 50ml of Lost Years Navy Strength white rum, 50ml of amaretto liqueur, 120ml of cranberry juice to the glass.
3. Top with a lemon-lime carbonated beverage and garnish with maraschino cherries.

Greece – Roaring Greek Tiger

A simple, tangy cocktail to celebrate Ouzo, the national drink of Greece! With a distinct liquorice flavour, this strong liquor is undeniably one of the most famous Greek drinks.

How to make it:

1. Combine one part Ouzo to four parts orange juice.
2. Add the combination to a shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
3. Strain into a glass and finish with a dash of lime juice.                   

St. Martin – Guava Cosmopolitan

Guavaberry rum is a typical drink on the beautiful island of St. Martin. This earthy yet tangy cocktail is a Christmas classic with a Caribbean twist. One sip and you will feel like you are on holiday in this exotic and cosmopolitan destination!

How to make it:

1. Add ice, 50ml Guava juice, 50ml of vodka, 25ml of lime juice and 25ml of Triple Sec to a shaker and shake vigorously.
2. Strain and serve in a martini glass.
3. Garnish with a wedge of lime

We hope you enjoy making these festive cocktails with your loved ones this holiday season. If you make them be sure to tag us in your pictures @themoorings_uk on Instagram.

Wishing you a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

With love, The Moorings x

These cocktails are to be consumed by over 18s ONLY. Enjoy responsibly.

Contributor

Selina Bessey

See All Selina’s Articles

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