Host a cocktail party for friends with festively flavoured drinks, including non-alcoholic options
Christmas martini
If you could drink a Christmas cake, this is how it would taste.
SERVES 1 (with leftover syrup) PREP 5 mins plus cooling COOK 3 mins EASY VE
50ml bourbon 25ml cherry brandy ice 50g dark brown soft sugar 50g mixed dried fruit ½ cinnamon stick
1 First, make the syrup. Tip the ingredients into a pan with 50ml water and simmer over a medium heat for 1 min to soften the fruit. Remove from the heat and leave to infuse until it has cooled to room temperature. Strain, and discard the fruit and cinnamon stick. You’ll make more than you need – leftovers will keep chilled for three days.
2 Pour the bourbon, brandy and 15ml of the syrup into a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice. Shake until the outside of the shaker feels very cold, then strain into a coupe or martini glass to serve.
PER SERVING 221 kcals • carbs 14g • sugars 14g • fibre 0.1g • protein 0.1g • salt 0.01g
Peppermint martini
All the fun of a candy cane, distilled into a vodka martini.
SERVES 1 (with leftover syrup) PREP 5 mins plus cooling COOK 5 mins EASY VE
mini peppermint candy cane, crushed, for the rim 50ml vodka ice
For the mint syrup
100g caster sugar ½ tsp peppermint extract
1 First, make the syrup. Heat the sugar and 100ml water in a saucepan over a medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat, stir in the peppermint extract and leave to cool completely. You’ll make more than you need – any leftovers will keep chilled for three days.
2 Tip the crushed candy cane into a shallow dish. Dip the rim of a martini glass in water, then the candy cane. (If the pieces aren’t sticking to the rim, mix the water with a little icing sugar.) Set aside.
3 Pour 15ml of the peppermint syrup into a jug or cocktail shaker. Add the vodka and a handful of ice, and stir until the outside of the shaker feels very cold. Strain into the prepared glass to serve.
PER SERVING 141 kcals • carbs 7g • sugars 7g • fibre 0g • protein 0g • salt 0.0g
Lemon drop martini mocktail
Sharp, sweet and fresh, this lemon drop-flavoured drink is ideal for designated drivers, as it still feels celebratory.
SERVES 1 PREP 5 mins EASY
½ lemon, zested, plus 15ml lemon juice 1 tbsp golden caster sugar 50ml alcohol-free gin (or use water) 1 tsp white wine vinegar 1 tbsp marmalade ice
1 Combine the lemon zest and sugar on a small plate. Dip the
