Christmas is almost upon us, and with that comes countless parties, the dreaded Christmas shopping and of course, lots of festive cocktails to be enjoyed all the way through until new year when most of us try (and fail) to do Dry January.
But what is it that makes a cocktail so festive? Whether it be the type of spirit you use, or the way the cocktail is presented, options really are endless when it comes to giving a classic cocktail a festive twist. But one thing all the cocktails featured in this article have in common is the use of Schweppes premium range of tonic waters.
Building on Schweppes' rich heritage and history of delivering superior effervescence and taste, these innovative mixers have been expertly crafted by leading mixologists to perfectly pair with the finest white and dark spirits.
As a staple in most people’s fridges from summer all the way through to the Christmas season, gin and tonics aren’t the only drinks that can be made with Schweppes mixers.
Coming in handy 150ml cans and 200ml bottles with five delicious flavours and variations (including crisp, light cucumber and ginger), now is the time for you to get creative and impress guests at your next festive party.
Here are a four cocktail ideas to get you stuck into festive drink making activities. They all include a different type of Schweppes tonic water and once you have the basis of the cocktail made, the garnish is completely up to you. Whether you want to follow the recipe to the T or make things your own, these cocktails are bound to be a party starter and dazzle your guests this season.
Festive cocktail recipes by Schweppes
Winter Wonder
A G&T with a twist, this cocktail uses rhubarb gin, chamomile tea and Schweppes 1783 Quenching Cucumber Tonic Water to make a sweet and tangy Christmassy drink. Add a redcurrant and cucumber garnish to make it look really festive.
Ingredients:
50ml rhubarb gin
1 Chamomile tea bag
150ml Schweppes 1783 Quenching Cucumber Tonic Water
Garnish (optional): string of redcurrant berries and a ribbon of cucumber
Method:
Infuse the chamomile tea bag in the rhubarb gin in a separate glass for 15 minutes.
Fill a goblet glass three quarters full with cubed ice.
Pour over the chamomile infused rhubarb gin.
Top up with Schweppes 1783 Quenching Cucumber Tonic Water
To garnish: add a string of redcurrant berries and cucumber ribbon.
Festive punch
A slightly different take on classic mulled wine, the Schweppes 1783 Crisp Tonic Water adds a refreshing bitterness to the already sweet mulled wine. A cinnamon stick and orange twist elevates the cocktail giving it a Christmassy look.
Ingredients:
75ml mulled wine
50ml Schweppes 1783 Crisp Tonic Water
Garnish: cinnamon stick and orange twist
Method:
Build in a large goblet glass with cubed ice.
Pour over the chilled mulled wine.
Top up with Schweppes 1783 Crisp Tonic Water.
To garnish: add a cinnamon stick and an orange twist.
Ginger Crackle
Warm up with this fiery festive mix. Lapsang souchong and smoky bourbon is mixed with Schweppes 1783 Golden Ginger Ale. A citrus lemon wedge and aromatic sprig of rosemary finish this lightly spiced favourite.
Ingredients:
50ml bourbon whiskey
1 lapsang souchong teabag
150ml Schweppes 1783 Golden Ginger Ale
Garnish: lemon wedge and sprig of rosemary
Method:
Fill a tumbler glass with the bourbon whiskey
Place a single lapsang souchong teabag in the whiskey for 15 minutes to allow for the aromas to infuse, then remove the tea bag
Fill a rocks glass with cubed ice and add the infused whiskey
Top up with Schweppes 1783 Golden Ginger Ale
To garnish: add a lemon wedge and a sprig of rosemary
Cranberry Spritz
Cranberry sherbet mixed with vodka and fino sherry, and topped up with Schweppes 1783 Light Tonic Water. A scattering of fresh cranberries adds a festive finish.
Ingredients:
25ml vodka
15ml fino sherry
75ml cranberry juice
25ml agave nectar
¼ vanilla pod
75ml Schweppes 1783 Light Tonic Water
Method:
In a small bowl combine the cranberry juice, agave nectar and vanilla pod.
Stir together and leave to one side for 15 minutes to create a cranberry sherbet.
Fill a highball glass with cubed ice.
Pour over vodka and fino sherry and add the cranberry sherbet.
Top up with Schweppes 1783 Light Tonic Water.
To garnish: add a scattering of fresh cranberries.
Want to make the perfect G&T? Check out our list of the best gin brands that would go perfectly with Schweppes 1783 tonic waters.