4 Festive Cocktail Recipes For The Holidays

What could be better than a special experience to savour in the run-up to the holidays? This December, in London, American Express® Gold Cardmembers were given exclusive access to four Festive Spirits events, as part of our exclusive Eat Life programme. Each one offered guests the chance to connect with new faces and enjoy stunning flavours.

This incredible line-up included a special Casamigos Tequila tasting, cocktail making and Indian barbecue experience held at the buzzing Brigadiers restaurant. Gold Cardmembers could also learn about Seedlip’s non-alcoholic ‘gin’ and taste plant-based dishes at the edgy Untitled Bar, or try out Ramsbury Estate Vodka and sample creative yet elegant British fare at the classic Brunswick House. The final event was an opportunity to taste Johnnie Walker whiskies while enjoying British fine dining at the sophisticated London Stock restaurant.

The following selection of festive cocktail recipes allows Cardmembers to either recreate the magic they experienced at the events… or if you couldn’t make it, why sample a small taste of what you missed out on?

CASA PALOMA (with Casamigos Tequila)

The Paloma brings a fizz of peachy pink grapefruit and looks stunning. It’s a perfect match for an accompaniment of crispy chicken skins, as it’s refreshing and thirst-quenching, and the freshness of the Paloma cuts beautifully through the saltiness of the skins. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

45ml Casamigos Blanco Tequila or Casamigos Reposado Tequila
30ml fresh grapefruit juice
20ml fresh lime juice
15ml agave nectar
2 dashes orange bitters
1 pinch sea salt
Splash of Sparkling Pink Grapefruit soda by Fever Tree
Half-moon slice of grapefruit to garnish

Method:

Combine all the ingredients, except the grapefruit soda, into a tin shaker. Add ice, shake vigorously and strain into a Collins glass. Add fresh ice, top off with grapefruit soda and garnish.

NOTE: for a delicious, smoky variation, replace Casamigos Blanco Tequila or Casamigos Reposado Tequila with Casamigos Mezcal Joven.

GROVE & TONIC (non-alcoholic, with Seedlip Grove 42)

This is a classic non-alcoholic serve, bringing the gorgeous citrus notes from Seedlip Grove 42. It is quick to create and goes beautifully with a wild mushroom parfait, made with sour cherry and served on toasted wafers. Mushroom parfait is known for being smooth and rich. The citrus notes of the Grove & Tonic cut through the richness, creating an ideal combination. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

50ml Seedlip Grove 42
125ml Indian Tonic
Orange peel to garnish

Method:

Add ice cubes into a Highball glass, then add the Grove 42 and tonic over it. Add the garnish.

BLUE LABEL TWINKLE (with Johnnie Walker Blue Label)

This is a whisky twist on the champagne and vodka cocktail, and it’s great to make on Christmas day. As the whisky has a remarkable depth of flavour, it pairs well with smoked salmon blini, as the saltiness of the smoked salmon complements the acidity and smoked flavours from the cocktail. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

25ml Johnnie Walker Blue Label
15ml elderflower cordial
65ml champagne
Lemon peel to garnish

Method:

Add all ingredients, except the champagne and garnish, to a cocktail shaker and shake for a couple of seconds. Pour everything into a champagne flute, top with champagne and serve.

RAMSBURY ESPRESSO MARTINI (with Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka)

This cocktail is exciting to sip during December and New Year’s Eve festivities. Its ideal pairing is a Cru Virunga Chocolate Pot, which consists of layered-up caramelised white chocolate, lightly moussed dark chocolate and good quality cream. The rich flavours perfectly complement each other, making it the perfect ending to any dinner party. Tip: remember to chill your glasses in advance. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

50ml Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka
30ml espresso
15ml Ramsbury Estate runny honey (or good quality honey)
Pinch of sea salt
Grated nutmeg to garnish

Method:

Add all of the ingredients and some ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake for a few seconds and double-strain the cocktail into a chilled glass. Grate some nutmeg over it to finish.

Look out for an exciting programme of Eat Life events in 2023 and get yourself to the front of the line to join in by downloading the Amex Experiences app from your app store and turning on notifications.