Ultimate winter cocktails from around the world

03 December 2020 2 min

Boozy, heart-warming and indulgent, what more could you want from a classic Christmas cocktail?

The festive season is celebrated across many diverse cultures, each with their own traditions and practices – so why restrict yourself to the same festive beverages year on year? We have pulled together some of the world’s tastiest creations that can easily be prepared at home, so you can sip in style whilst you wrap your presents this year.

Hot buttered rum: The spirit of the BVI with a festive twist.

2 oz. rum
2 sugar cubes
1 part butter

In a mug, dissolve the sugar in a little hot water, then add rum and unsalted butter. Fill the mug with hot water and sprinkle a little nutmeg on top.

Amaretto sour: The taste of Italy with a kick.

7 oz. amaretto
3-4 lemons, juiced (you will need 120ml)
1 egg white
small jar or can of cherries in syrup ice

Put the amaretto, lemon juice, egg white and 4 tsp of the cherry syrup into a blender or cocktail shaker. Whizz up the mixture at a high speed, pour into glasses and garnish with cherries to serve.

Coquito: a traditional Christmas coconut punch from Puerto Rico

1 can cream of coconut
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 can evaporated milk
12 oz. white rum (or to taste)
1 teaspoon coconut extract (or vanilla extract)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Ground nutmeg or cinnamon or cinnamon sticks

Mix cream of coconut, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, rum, coconut or vanilla extract, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a blender. Refrigerate for about an hour before serving with the nutmeg or cinnamon.

Spiced Sangria: A Spanish classic with some added warmth

1.5 cups apple cider or substitute non-pasteurized apple juice or hard apple cider
Rind of one lemon cut into strips
1 green apple sliced thin
1/4 cup honey
1 bottle light red wine
2 cinnamon sticks
5 cloves
1 star anise
1/4 cup brandy or vermouth

Infuse the cider with the spices and lemon rind and let simmer (covered) for 30 minutes on low. Prepare serving glasses with green apple slices. Take cider off the heat and let cool until it is no longer scalding. Add the honey, and hard alcohol. Stir well and fill each serving glass 1/3 of the way, then top off with red wine.