I am laughing at myself but Christmas cocktails!

[cuthbertthecat]

I just got a cocktail making set for my birthday which is ace. I am not a big drinker at all but love a cocktail so thought this year I would pick one or two recipes to see me through.

I have to please literally myself. I can't drink champagne/Prosecco so no 'spritz' types. Otherwise I'm open to most options.

I can make wanky ice cubes and am prepared for minor outlay on liqueurs I will literally only use for this purpose but if they stock them in Lidl/aldi then all the better.

@noooooooo Baileys and coke???? Sounds totally minging. Though I might just try one or two, just to be sociable....probably better it curdles outside than within.

@Saz12 irresistibly mingin, good luck🤣

These are fantastic! Plus I love anything in a martini glass. https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/christmas_martini_77981/amp

I usually make my own up. One year though I made cosmos, the cranberry juice makes it festive, and got my MiL tipsy. It was hilarious.

I came on to suggest this. So Christmassy and delicious

Some excellent suggestions, I am very grateful and will enjoy working down the list.

I've just watched a reel in Insta of freezing cranberries and rosemary into wanky ice cubes - I shall seek out more such total festive tripe!

Christmas vodka topped up with sparkling wine. I have some vodka infusing in the cupboard (then use the fruit as the base for mulled wine or add to ice cream).

@ConstantlyCooking can I have your infused vodka recipe please?

Sloe gin, soda water, lemon juice, sugar syrup. Cranberries to garnish.

Baby Guiness. Tia Maria topped with Baileys so it looks like Guiness but served in a shot glass. Bloody gorgeous but don't drink too many.

Nigella's Lycheenis are lush

My current love is a Paloma. Not that Christmassy, but could wear a Santa hat while make, or drinking. https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/1456/paloma

@imnottoofussed I usually add cinnamon sticks, dried fruit, candied peel and some sugar to vodka in a kilner jar and leave it in a dark cupboard for 2-3 months.

Excellent thanks I might give that a go

Second shout for a Bramble. Christmassy without being the standard cranberry / creamy style. Lovely and refreshing.

Right, I have decided on

The nigella Christmas martini
The sloe gin fizz (my lovely dad used to make sloe gin and it needs using. I found a bottle at the back of the cupboard).
I am going to make a clementine, ginger and bay infused gin and then have that with cranberry juice and topped up with tonic/soda

My wanky ice cubes will have a cranberry, a sprig of rosemary and some a touch of clementine in them.

I am hitting Lidl this afternoon (after the gym as some form of advanced penance)

If you can hear a clunking sound that will be my dhs eyes rolling out of his skull.....

That sounds amazing. I have no idea of food but my Christmas drink menu is planned:

Black velvet
White port with tonic, lemon and mint garnish
French Martinis
Bloody Mary (for when the salad cravings hit around the 28th)