No Christmas dinner party is complete without an assortment of drinks to complement the food. Instead of reaching for the usual bottle of wine or champagne this year, why not make your own this year and impress your guests? Here are some easy recipes to try out, along with non-alcoholic substitutes!
White Sangria Spritzer
Traditionally made of red wine and fruits, this recipe calls for white wine, brandy and sparkling water instead that makes for a much lighter and refreshing drink. For a non-alcoholic option, drop the brandy and wine and replace it with sparkling white grape juice instead.
Ingredients:
- 4 strips orange rind
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise
- 8 cloves
- ¼ cup caster sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 white nectarines
- 2 cups chilled sparkling water
- ⅓ cup brandy
- 750 ml bottle-chilled sparkling white wine or moscato
- Fresh lemon balm or mint leaves
Directions:
- Place orange rind, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, caster sugar and water in a small saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 5 mins or until mixture thickens slightly.
- Transfer to a heatproof jug and refrigerate for 1 hour or until cold. Strain mixture into a large jug.
- Add brandy, white nectarines, chilled sparkling mineral water and sparkling white wine (or moscato for a sweeter version). Top with fresh lemon balm or mint leaves. Serve and enjoy!
Cranberry & Ginger Punch
This Cranberry & Ginger cocktail recipe is so simple you could make it with your eyes closed, and it’s also great for before, during and after meals! For a non-alcoholic option, simply replace the vodka with more cranberry juice.
Ingredients:
- 750 ml chilled ginger beer
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 1 cup vodka
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 3 limes
- Raspberries, as desired
- Pear slices, as desired
- Mint sprigs
Directions:
- Combine ginger beer, vodka and cranberry juice in a large jug.
- Squeeze lime juice into the jug, making sure that seeds are left out.
- Serve topped with ice cubes, fresh raspberries, mint sprigs and thinly sliced pear.
Elderflower Mimosa
For something more floral and ~classy~, serve up this elderflower-infused concoction in tall champagne glasses. Light and refreshing, it makes for a great drink to chat over after a hearty feast! For a non-alcoholic option, swap out the wine for non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
Ingredients:
- 2 bottles of 750ml chilled sparkling dry white wine
- 1 cup elderflower cordial
- 2 tsps angostura bitters
- 1 cup crushed ice
- Orange rind
Directions:
- Pour chilled sparkling dry white wine into a large serving jug. Add elderflower cordial and angostura bitters and stir to combine.
- Serve with twists of orange rind and crushed ice.
Apple Cider Punch
Have a tropical Christmas with this cool apple cider punch. Refreshing and crisp, this drink is bound to be a crowd pleaser. For a family-friendly version, ditch the vodka and replace it with sparkling apple juice.
Ingredients:
- 1⅓ cup apple vodka or normal vodka
- 2 bottles of 750 ml chilled sparkling apple cider
- 2 cups water
- 3 cups crushed ice
- ¾ cup caster sugar
- 3 sprigs fresh lemon thyme, plus extra to serve
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 green apple, thinly sliced
Directions:
- Stir ⅓ cup apple vodka (or vodka), caster sugar, water, cinnamon stick and fresh lemon thyme sprigs in a medium saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 mins. Let cool and refrigerate until cold.
- Pour chilled syrup and remaining 1 cup vodka into a large jug.
- Add green apple, chilled sparkling apple cider, crushed ice and extra lemon thyme sprigs. Stir to combine and serve.