I’ll be the first to say, I love Christmas! In Queensland, it’s not quite as I was used to growing up (I am from the UK) but I’ve definitely come to love a hot christmas!

With all their ice, cocktails aren’t as popular at Christmas in the UK, but here in the Tropical North you absolutely need something icy and refreshing and frankly, I always think it’s fun to entertain the fam with something pretty to drink.

These are a few of my go-to’s this year:

Grapefruit Rosemary Sour

Makes 2

90ml Gin

60ml Grapefruit
30ml Rosemary Sugar Syrup
30ml Aquafaba (Chickpea Water) or Egg Whites

To Make the Rosemary Sugar Syrup- Mix 1 cup of white sugar with 1 cup of water and 2 large sprigs of Rosemary, stir and heat until the sugar has all dissolved. This is best done on the stove top.

When this has cooled, add all the ingredients to a shaker with ice, shake it hard! And strain into a pretty cup. Add a sprig of rosemary as a garnish.

Gingerbread Espresso Martini

Makes 2

120ml Vodka

60ml Kahlua
120ml Espresso
30ml Gingerbread Simple Syrup

Garnish with ground Ginger 

To Make the Ginger Sugar Syrup- Mix 1 cup of raw sugar with 1 cup of water and 1 thumb sized piece of ginger chopped. Stir and heat until the sugar has all dissolved and then strain out the ginger. This is best done on the stove top.

When your ginger syrup has cooled, you’re ready to make your Martini! Add all the ingredients to a shaker, shake it hard until a froth has formed, and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with Ground Ginger.

Spiced Mojito

Makes 2

120ml Bacardi

1 lime, cut into 8

12 mint leaves
60ml Bundaberg Ginger Beer

This one is so easy, it’s almost a crime. Guaranteed a winner for the boys!

Place your chopped lime, mint and Bacardi into a shaker, muddle before topping with ice. Give it a good shake, sharing the ingredients between 2 high balls glasses and top with Ginger Beer!

What’s your favourite Christmas Drink?