Eggnog and cinnamon. Mulled everything. Baileys and Buck’s Fizz.
Nothing quite says Christmas like a few drinks with those that mean the most to you. Not to mention, this occasion brings out the best flavours of wine, spirits and hot chocolate.
Christmas cocktails this year are set to top any other year previously. At least in our opinion anyway.
Given the cancellation of last Christmas, it seems that the hospitality industry are determined to give us two years worth of yuletide spirit in one and nobody is complaining.
If you’re looking for a glass of something naughty or nice, search no more. We’ve found the best in Leeds for you to choose from.
White Forest Gateau from The Alchemist
A bit of Chambord is an essential to Christmas and this festive cocktail has mixed it into the perfect sweet treat. The White Forest Gateau is a concoction of Ketel One vodka, Briottett Maraschino and Chambord with Giffard chocolate cookie syrup, cranberry juice and topped with white chocolate foam.
Not only does this delicious drink resemble a reverse santa hat that even Father Christmas might be tempted by, but it only makes up one of four delicious dessert-inspired cocktails on offer at The Alchemist.
Snow Star Martini from East 59th
East 59th have partnered with Beluga to create a divine Winter Tales Menu, our favourite of which is the Snow Star Martini. Reimagining the staple cocktail, the sweet drink is made up of Beluga Noble Vodka, silky white cacao and vanilla with pineapple, passion and rose gold glitter.
Grab a glass and take a sip on the newly-designed alpine terrace, complete with all the luxe-winter decor you need to keep cosy and warm, whilst remaining an Instagram-worthy bar.
Grandpa’s Nap from The Watermark Bar
From the people that brought you a charcuterie board, chicken, waffles and crumpets last night Saturday at 4am comes one of our favourite cocktails to date. The Watermark have released Grandpa’s Nap: thyme butter infused bourbon and Watermark bitters, mixed with sugar and garnished with deep fried brie.
No, you didn’t read that wrong. This cocktail actually comes with deep fried brie: it’s a food and drink in one that truly embodies the taste of Christmas. The bar is also on the lookout for a Santa Claus for their blanket fort Christmas party and we imagine plenty of these festive drinks will be available to the man himself come Christmas time.
The Sloegroni at The Botanist
The Botanist wowed us with their Chocolate Orange Cookie Dough and Hanging Turkey Kebabs, but it’s their cocktails that have really got us in the Christmas spirit. The Sloegroni is a festive take on the classic Negroni.
El Bandarra Vermouth mixed with Portobello Road Sloeberry and Blackcurrant gin and topped with a citrus slice for an olfactory Christmas feast for the senses. Available from the Boar Lane venue, this tasty drink is one of five festive favourites you need to try before 2022.
Mint Royale at All Bar One
All Bar One teamed up with Hotel Chocolat to bring a quartet of chocolate-infused cocktails that taste just like December 25th. The Mint Royale is that post-Christmas dinner taste that replaces the After Eights and grandma’s polo mints with a refreshing taste of Hotel Chocolat Mint Chocolate Velvetised™ Cream, Ketel One vodka, salted caramel syrup and oat milk.
Topped with a milk chocolate shard, chocolate flakes and a mint leaf garnish, this one is the only way to end a night of drinking in Leeds. If you like the taste as much as All Bar One you can even learn how to make your own at their cocktail masterclasses too.
Feature image- The Botanist
