Christmas Drinks

fishy fishy

okay, so on Christmas Eve I want to have some people in - I want to do a large jug of some kind of christmas themed cocktail for people when they arrive - any suggestions for a christmas cocktail that will stay tasty while in a large jug with ice.

irish_goat

Any drink sitting in a large jug with ice is going to start to get watered down, you're better having a bowl of ice beside it with some tongs.

Simple recipe would be.

3 parts Cranberry Juice
1 part Vodka
1 Part Cointreau
1 Part Soda Water (or lemonade)
Juice of 1 lemon/lime
0.5 parts sugar syrup

Then buy a load of different fruit and throw them in e.g. raspberries, blackcurrants, cherries, orange slices.

You could change the ingredients about too. Aldi do nice red grape juice that is good in cocktails, or use orange juice. Rum instead of vodka would work too.

If it's for when they arrive though a nice hot mulled wine/cider might go down better.

fishy fishy

that sounds fabulous - thanks. Yes of course, you are right, keeping the jug IN an ice bucket is a lot better than putting ice in the drink. Thank you.

I did think about a hot cocktail but I think a cold one just like the one you suggest would be better. Its just a welcome drink - they are on their own after that.

washiskin

I saw one in Harper's Bazzar about 15 years ago called "Winter Warmer" and as far as I remember it was Southern Comfort, Ginger Ale, Fresh Lime & Ice. It was gorgeous & I'm sure you could tweak it.

I posted one here a few years ago called "Heart Warmer"....hold on I'll get me book....

200ml Red Grape Juice
225g Brown Sugar
350ml Dark Rum
1.5Litres Dry White Wine
450ml Red Wine

Heat the juice & sugar until the latter is dissolved, stir in the rum & set aside.
Heat the wines in a saucepan until hot but not boiling, add the rum & juice mixture, stir together & serve hot. I usually fire in 2 mandarin halves studded with cloves for the aroma.
It serves 12 & has quite a kick. :cool:

Glitter

My current favourite for a winter jug cocktail is called a 'Dark & Stormy'

(Makes approx 1 litre jug)
4-5 parts dark rum
Juice of one lime
Ginger ale
Ice
Lime wedges to garnish

Super easy and the ginger gives it a lovely wintery warmth.

Traditionally made with ginger beer I think but I prefer the ginger ale.

fishy fishy

washiskin wrote: »

I saw one in Harper's Bazzar about 15 years ago called "Winter Warmer" and as far as I remember it was Southern Comfort, Ginger Ale, Fresh Lime & Ice. It was gorgeous & I'm sure you could tweak it.

I posted one here a few years ago called "Heart Warmer"....hold on I'll get me book....

200ml Red Grape Juice
225g Brown Sugar
350ml Dark Rum
1.5Litres Dry White Wine
450ml Red Wine

Heat the juice & sugar until the latter is dissolved, stir in the rum & set aside.
Heat the wines in a saucepan until hot but not boiling, add the rum & juice mixture, stir together & serve hot. I usually fire in 2 mandarin halves studded with cloves for the aroma.
It serves 12 & has quite a kick. :cool:

it sure would have a kick - sounds lovely tho - thank you

baby and crumble

I'd highly recommend reusable ice cubes for things like this. They don't water drinks down and they're less messy than having to have loads if ice and an extra bowl to sit a jug in. I have them for my whiskey (I hate watered down scotch!!!) and they work a treat.

washiskin

baby and crumble wrote: »

I'd highly recommend reusable ice cubes for things like this. They don't water drinks down and they're less messy than having to have loads if ice and an extra bowl to sit a jug in. I have them for my whiskey (I hate watered down scotch!!!) and they work a treat.

Or you could try (as recommended by my c-l-s-i-l) Frozen Grapes Don't water down the libation AND doubles as a little treat at the end of the glass

fishy fishy

thanks guys - great ideas for keeping it cold.

Mince Pie

Glitter wrote: »

My current favourite for a winter jug cocktail is called a 'Dark & Stormy'

(Makes approx 1 litre jug)
4-5 parts dark rum
Juice of one lime
Ginger ale
Ice
Lime wedges to garnish

Super easy and the ginger gives it a lovely wintery warmth.

Traditionally made with ginger beer I think but I prefer the ginger ale.

I prefer it with Ginger Beer. I also splash in a little angostura bitters.

Could get Winter Pimms for cocktails?