A good Christmas cocktail for 6 people - but Ive got issues!

[Sidebeforeself]

Im looking to make a cocktail for a pre dinner drink on Xmas day but I have a few obstacles to over come!
I cant seem to find a recipe that is more than 2 servings at a time ( i.e. a normal cocktail shaker volume). I’d rather do it in one go
I dont have a cocktail shaker and would rather not have to buy one ( cost , plus its another thing to pack)
I want something seasonal ish ( ie not a summery one) but want to avoid making/hunting down a syrup ( so many Xmas themed ones seem to involve a syrup)

Basically I want a simple cocktail that will impress people but without too much faff! All ideas appreciated!

Does it have to be a martini type involving the shaker? Because a kir royale is super easy for a large group and festive looking. You can sub the champagne for a decent cremant to save some ££, I don’t think I can tell the difference when it’s mixed anyway!

The Waitrose mag had a winter berry Bellini that looked nice and quite easy to make - I can dig out the recipe if that sounds interesting?

Oh I saw a lovely (and easy) idea the other day, it's a Christmas aperol spritz

In a large ice cube tray/silicone cupcake wrapper/yoghurt pot etc put a few fresh cranberries, a slice of orange, a sprig of rosemary and 1 part cranberry juice. Freeze. Make 6 of these

Then when you want them, pop the frozen cube in your glass and pour over 1 part aperol and 2 parts prosecco. Serve

I was going to suggest kir royale as well InTheRainOnATrain.

@JassyRadlett ooh yes please!
@InTheRainOnATrain no it doesn’t have to be - its just that most of the ones Ive seen so far involve a shaker.

Ah here is the Bellini recipe - we're definitely going to give it a go!

I was going to to suggest exactly this. I saw it on Instagram.

@DaisyCottonClock Love the idea of those cubes. Any thoughts about whether I could substitute the Aperol with anything ( 2 people not Aperol fans)..

Forgot to say another issue is finding something we all like!

@JassyRadlett Oh I think we have a winner! That sounds scrumptious thankyou! 🍾

Chambord would work well, or a gin liquor. Any flavour you like.

There's some wintery sounding recipes hete:
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/jug-cocktail-recipes

Try searching for 'jug cocktails'

my go to when I have a christmas open house.. juice jug, big bottle baileys and equal amount frangelico. I would take my martini glasses and dip the rims in melted chocolate then in crushed nuts and into the freezer. Then as guests arrived I would take a glass out and drop an icecube in and top with the baileys mixture ( in canada this drink was called a nutty irishman )

What about a Bakewell Fizz?
amaretto, cherry brandy topped off with Prosecco. My all time favourite! Add a cherry soaked on kirsch and it’s a real winner.

I think limoncelo would be lovely instead

Nigella has a recipe called Santa's little helper which I think is prosecco, Cointreau and cranberry juice. Delicious, light, very easy to drink and seasonal flavours.

@WeightyWidow That sounds nice too!

Beginning to regret starting this when it’s too early to have a drink!

I'd love this jug cocktail
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/festive-rum-ginger-punch

Nigella's Christmas Cup!

750ml Prosecco
125 ml cherry brandy
500 ml dry ginger ale

Mix in a jug! It's a winner in our house 😊

My DiL makes Margaritas by the jug. She has an ice machine, so loads of ice in each glass, dips the rim in chilli mixed with salt, and then just pours in the cocktail. They are better than any I have had in a cocktail bar!

How about a simple champagne cocktail? Very easy and I don't know anyone who doesn't like it. (Obviously you can use cremant, prosecco, etc instead of champagne if you want.)

Nigella Poinsettia?

Or similar to above I like amaretto, cranberry and prosecco.

Really impressive looking but can be made in a jug at first - pineapple juice, amaretto, coconut rum plus vodka if you want more alcohol. Mix in a jug, pour into glasses then pour some grenadine into the top and it streaks downwards.

More seasonal colour wise is a basic cosmopolitan: cranberry, vodka, Cointreau and lime juice, easy to make in a jug.

@Sidebeforeself

I'm really fancying a cocktail now - and it's Monday

Apologies if Ive caused any of you to indulge on a school night!

You can't beat a Snowball at Christmas:
Advocate, lemonade, a wee dash of lime juice and ice.