One of our favourite things about the time between Christmas and New Year is the celebratory and festive feel that hangs in the air. No one knows what day it is, long walks with friends end gathered round roaring fires and there’s cheese, chocolate and leftovers galore. During this time, when friends and family come and go, it feels extra special to punctuate their presence with a delicious, conversation starting cocktail. Our repertoire is fairly extensive but there were two standout recipes which we couldn’t wait share with you. Both are perfect for 'Twixtmas or New Years Eve and while the White Russian absolutely has to have some booze, the clementine mojito is just as delicious with or without. Get that shaker ready….

 

Salted Caramel White Russian

A word of warning, this is rich and decadent! We serve it on Christmas Eve in place of a dessert.

Ingredients | Makes 2

50ml Salted Caramel Irish Cream
50ml Amaretto
75ml milk
75ml cream
Salted caramel sauce
Ice
Salt flakes

 

1. Drizzle the edges of your glasses with salted caramel sauce before filling it with ice. 

2. Add your Irish cream, amaretto, milk and cream to a cocktail shaker along with ice. Shake well before straining into the glasses. 

3. Garnish with rosemary and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes. 

 

Shown here with our Wiltshire Star and Capel Liberty Fabric Napkins.

 

Clementine Nojito Cocktail

This easily transforms into a mojito with the addition of white rum - just add 25ml per person.

Ingredients | Makes 2

2 Clementines
1 1/2 tsp Demerara sugar
Half a lemon
Ice
Mint
Orange blossom water
Soda water 

 

1. Chop one clementine and the lemon into small chunks and juice the other clementine. Add the juice into a cocktail shaker along with the sugar, chopped fruit and a handful of mint leaves and shake vigorously.

2. Fill your tall glasses with ice before adding half of the shaken base to each glass. 

3. Add a few drops of orange blossom water to each before topping up with soda water. Serve with a slice of clementine and a sprig of mint. 

 

Shown here with our Strawberry Thief and Capel Liberty Fabric Napkins.

What are your favourite drinks to toast the season with? We’d love to know if you try either of the recipes above! 

Header image kindly provided by Skye McAlpine.