Discover delicious warm Christmas cocktails to savor. Sip responsibly and celebrate the season with festive cheer!
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In Australia, Christmas is a unique blend of traditions. While we embrace summer barbecues and beachside picnics, the evenings can still call for something warm and comforting. A great way to combine the best of both worlds is with warm Christmas cocktails. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet night under the stars, these 19 recipes will bring festive cheer to your celebrations. Packed with detailed steps, each recipe is designed to warm your heart and tastebuds.
1. Classic Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is the quintessential winter warmer, but it’s equally delightful on a breezy Australian evening.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of dry red wine (Shiraz works beautifully)
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 star anise
- 5 whole cloves
- 3 tbsp honey or caster sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- ½ cup brandy (optional, for a boozy kick)
Method
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the wine, orange slices, cinnamon, star anise, and cloves.
- Heat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the honey. Do not let the mixture boil, as it will evaporate the alcohol.
- After 15–20 minutes, taste the wine and adjust the sweetness if needed.
- Strain into mugs, ensuring the spices and orange slices are removed. Garnish with a fresh slice of orange or a cinnamon stick.
2. Hot Buttered Rum
Rich, decadent, and buttery, this cocktail feels like a warm hug in a mug.
Ingredients
- 60ml dark rum
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- Pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg
- 150ml hot water
Method
- In a heatproof mug, add the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the dark rum, followed by hot water, and mix well until the butter melts.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.
3. Warm Spiced Apple Cider
This non-alcoholic classic can easily be adapted with a splash of your favourite spirit.
Ingredients
- 1L apple cider (cloudy or clear)
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 star anise
- 5 whole cloves
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
Method
- Pour the apple cider into a saucepan and add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse.
- Stir in the maple syrup, adjust for sweetness, and serve in mugs. Add a splash of rum or whiskey for an alcoholic twist.
4. Eggnog Latte
Eggnog and coffee? Say no more! This delightful pairing is the ultimate festive morning or evening treat.
Ingredients
- 150ml eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
- 100ml milk
- 1 shot of espresso
- Pinch of nutmeg
Method
- Warm the eggnog and milk together in a saucepan, whisking lightly until frothy.
- Pour the espresso shot into a heatproof glass, then top with the warm eggnog mixture.
- Sprinkle nutmeg on top before serving.
5. Gingerbread Hot Toddy
Packed with the comforting spices of gingerbread, this cocktail will warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients
- 60ml bourbon
- 1 tbsp gingerbread syrup (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 slice of fresh ginger
- 200ml hot water
Method
- In a heatproof glass, add bourbon, gingerbread syrup, and fresh ginger.
- Pour in hot water and stir using the cinnamon stick. Let sit for 1 minute to allow the ginger to infuse.
- Garnish with a thin slice of fresh ginger or a dash of cinnamon.
6. Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
This luxurious treat is perfect for anyone who loves a bit of minty freshness.
Ingredients
- 200ml milk
- 50g white chocolate, chopped
- 30ml peppermint schnapps
- Whipped cream (optional)
Method
- Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the white chocolate. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the peppermint schnapps.
- Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream if desired. Garnish with crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings.
7. Chai Tea Hot Toddy
A warming blend of tea and spices combined with a touch of bourbon.
Ingredients
- 1 chai tea bag
- 200ml boiling water
- 1 tsp honey
- 60ml bourbon
- Splash of milk
Method
- Brew the chai tea in boiling water for 3–5 minutes. Remove the tea bag.
- Stir in honey and bourbon, then add a splash of milk for creaminess.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or star anise.
8. Hot Sangria
A fruity, spiced take on the summer favourite.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- ½ cup brandy
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
Method
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot and gently heat over medium-low heat.
- Stir occasionally until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 10 minutes, but do not boil.
- Serve warm in mugs with a slice of citrus for garnish.
9. Warm Irish Coffee
The classic combination of coffee and whiskey with a velvety cream top.
Ingredients
- 1 shot of Irish whiskey
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 150ml freshly brewed coffee
- 50ml lightly whipped cream
Method
- Add whiskey and brown sugar to a glass, then pour in hot coffee.
- Stir well, then gently float the whipped cream on top using the back of a spoon.
10. Hot Chocolate Martini
An indulgent twist on a dessert favourite.
Ingredients
- 100ml hot chocolate
- 50ml vodka
- 30ml coffee liqueur
- Whipped cream (optional)
Method
- Mix the hot chocolate with vodka and coffee liqueur in a mug.
- Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for extra flair.
This expanded guide will ensure your Christmas celebrations are not only warm and delicious but also loaded with variety. Each cocktail is a story of its own, filled with festive flavours to suit every palate. Why not mix and match to find your favourites? Cheers to a toasty Aussie Christmas!
Thanks for joining us behind the bar! Whether you’re crafting for yourself or shaking things up for friends, remember: it’s not just about the drink, but the memories we make while we sip. Keep experimenting, keep pouring with love, and don’t forget to check back at Shake, Sip, Serve for more inspiration. Cheers to the next round!
Your Favourite Bartender KAD xo
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