Christmas cocktails, Rocket style

Ah, December, the month of indulgence, and we’re not just talking about delicious rich food. Let’s face it, this year, we all deserve to treat ourselves a little more than usual. Maybe you’ve had your first festive tipple in a bar with friends, or maybe you’ve been toying with the idea of a cocktail night in (just as fun!). Whether you’re in the Christmas spirit or not, we’re sure that a homemade fresh glass of something will get you in the mood.

Get your shakers out, it’s time to up your Christmas cocktail repertoire, Rocket style… 

First up is the Thyme cranberry julep

Ingredients for the thyme simple syrup:

1 cup water

1 cup granulated sugar

Handful large thyme sprigs

2 clementine’s peel

Ingredients for the cocktail:

1 small clementine, quartered

Ice

2 parts London Dry gin

1–2 parts thyme simple syrup, to taste

3 parts 100% unsweetened cranberry juice

Club soda for topping

Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Method

1. Combine all of the simple syrup ingredients in a small saucepan and bring up to a simmer (but do not boil). Once the sugar has completely dissolved, turn off the heat and let steep for at least one hour. Strain, then store in a jar or squeeze bottle and chill until needed.
2. Muddle the clementine in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add ice, gin, simple syrup, and cranberry juice, then give it a good shake. Strain into a glass filled with ice, then top with club soda. Garnish with fresh thyme.

Next up is Champagne Punch

Ingredients:

1 bottle of Champagne

3 cups of ginger beer

3 cups of cranberry juice

2 cups of grapefruit juice

1 cup of spiced rum

Fresh cranberries and cinnamon sticks for garnish

Method

1. Mix all of the ingredients together in a punch bowl
2. To serve, ladle into Champagne coupes and garnish with fresh cranberries and cinnamon sticks.

And last but not least, here’s something a little different to lift anything from mocktails to gin and tonics…

Cranberry ice cubes

1. Simply add little bunches of fresh cranberries into your ice cube trays and freeze, ready for using.

And there you have it, some sweet and simple cocktail recipes to get you in the festive spirit! You never know, Christmas 2020 could be the year you become a self-taught mixologist…