The holiday season is upon us, bringing gatherings with family, friends, and plenty of opportunities to indulge in festive drinks. Australia’s Christmas weather might be warm, but these drinks still embody the cheer and comfort of the season. Here’s a lineup of classic and modern beverages that’ll add some sparkle to your celebrations, with a few mustbuy ingredients you can find at your local or online Aussie bottle shop.
1. Spiked Eggnog
Eggnog is the quintessential Christmas drink, perfect for cozy family gatherings or even a relaxed Christmas movie marathon. Its creamy texture and warm spices pair wonderfully with sweet treats like gingerbread cookies or a slice of rich fruitcake. A glass of spiked eggnog is ideal for winding down after Christmas dinner, adding a comforting and indulgent touch to your evening. The hint of rum or bourbon gives it a holiday kick, balancing the sweetness with a bit of warmth.
Recipe:
4 large egg yolks
1/3 cup caster sugar
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup dark rum or bourbon (optional but recommended)
Instructions:
1. Whisk egg yolks and sugar until creamy.
2. In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg over medium heat, stirring until it reaches a slight simmer.
3. Slowly add the warm milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking continuously.
4. Pour back into the saucepan, heat for a few more minutes, then add vanilla and optional alcohol.
5. Serve warm or chilled with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Standout Ingredient:
For a bold taste, add Bacardi Black Rum (approx. $45). You can find it at Dan Murphy's (https://www.danmurphys.com.au).
2. Aussie Mulled Wine
Although mulled wine is typically a winter favorite, it’s hard to resist during Christmas! This lighter, fruitier version is perfect for sipping at sunset while opening gifts or for an intimate Christmas Eve gathering. The warm spices and fruity aroma create a cozy, festive atmosphere, and it pairs beautifully with charcuterie boards, brie cheese, and fig jam.
Recipe:
1 bottle of Shiraz or Grenache (Australian reds work great here)
1/4 cup honey
1 orange, sliced
4 whole cloves
3 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
Splash of brandy (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, combine wine, honey, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
2. Simmer gently for 1520 minutes, avoiding boiling.
3. Add a splash of brandy if desired, then serve warm in mugs.
Standout Ingredient:
For a festive feel, use Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz (around $20). Available at BWS (https://bws.com.au).
3. Christmas Margarita
Australia’s December heat is ideal for a refreshing cocktail. This Christmas Margarita with cranberry juice and fresh lime is perfect for beachside barbecues or poolside parties. Its tart and vibrant flavor pairs well with seafood dishes like prawns or grilled fish, making it an ideal addition to an Aussie Christmas feast.
Recipe:
60 ml silver tequila
30 ml Cointreau
60 ml cranberry juice
Juice of 1 lime
Fresh cranberries and rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
1. Combine tequila, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and lime juice in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well, then strain into a glass filled with ice.
3. Garnish with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.
Standout Ingredient:
Try Patrón Silver Tequila (around $90), a premium choice that elevates this drink. Available at Liquorland (https://www.liquorland.com.au).
4. Gingerbread Martini
This Gingerbread Martini brings all the flavors of Christmas cookies into a smooth, indulgent drink. Ideal for a fancy Christmas Eve soiree or an afterparty, its sweet, spicy notes pair well with dessert platters, chocolate truffles, or a slice of yule log cake. The creamy texture and gingerbread spices add an indulgent finish to any festive meal.
Recipe:
45 ml vodka
30 ml Kahlua
30 ml Irish cream (like Baileys)
15 ml gingerbread syrup (optional but adds a unique twist)
Instructions:
1. Fill a shaker with ice and add vodka, Kahlua, Irish cream, and gingerbread syrup.
2. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled glass.
3. Garnish with a pinch of ground cinnamon or crushed gingerbread cookies on the rim.
Standout Ingredient:
Baileys Irish Cream ($30 for 700 ml) gives this drink its creamy texture and subtle sweetness. Find it at First Choice Liquor (https://www.firstchoiceliquor.com.au).
5. Festive Aperol Spritz
For a Christmas twist on the classic Aperol Spritz, add pomegranate juice for color and flavor. This bubbly, light drink is perfect for Christmas brunch or lunch, pairing beautifully with seafood or salads. The addition of pomegranate gives it a seasonal touch that’s both refreshing and festive, making it ideal for hot summer celebrations.
Recipe:
60 ml Aperol
90 ml Prosecco
30 ml pomegranate juice
Splash of soda water
Pomegranate seeds and orange slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a wine glass with ice, add Aperol and Prosecco.
2. Top with pomegranate juice and a splash of soda.
3. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and an orange slice.
Standout Ingredient:
Aperol ($35) is a staple for this recipe. Check it out at Dan Murphy's (https://www.danmurphys.com.au).
6. Christmas Pimm’s Punch
Nothing says summer like a pitcher of Pimm’s, and this Christmas version is a guaranteed crowdpleaser. Perfect for big family lunches or casual backyard barbecues, Pimm’s Punch is a light and fruity option that pairs well with mini sandwiches, quiches, or a seasonal pavlova. Its refreshing taste keeps the celebration going all afternoon without being too heavy.
Recipe:
200 ml Pimm’s No. 1
400 ml sparkling lemonade
100 ml soda water
Orange, strawberries, and mint for garnish
Instructions:
1. Combine Pimm’s, lemonade, and soda water in a large pitcher.
2. Add fruit and mint, stir gently, and serve over ice.
Standout Ingredient:
Pimm’s No. 1 ($35 for 700 ml) brings a refreshing flavor to this punch. Available at BWS (https://bws.com.au).
Each of these drinks adds a touch of celebration to your holiday gatherings, whether you’re cozying up in the evening or cooling down by the pool. Enjoy responsibly, and cheers to a merry Christmas!
