London’s Top Bars Unveil Festive Cocktail Recipes

London has officially embraced the winter spirit, with Christmas lights twinkling and top cocktail bars unveiling their seasonal favorites. From a Roasted Chestnut Old Fashioned to a Nutcracker flip cocktail, these festive after-dinner drinks are sure to inspire your holiday cocktail menu.

Roasted Chestnut Old Fashioned

Archive & Myth’s hidden speakeasy has put a twist on the traditional Old Fashioned with their Roasted Chestnut version. Swap out the sugar for chestnut liqueur and standard bitters for walnut bitters for that extra nutty kick. Consultant Jack Sotti recommends pairing this drink with a cheese board for the perfect dessert combination.

Ingredients:
– 50ml (1.7oz) Compass Box Nectarosity
– 20ml (0.7oz) roasted chestnut liqueur
– 2 dashes aromatic bitters
– 1 pinch of salt

Directions:
Stir with ice, strain into a rock glass with a clove-studded orange peel.

The Nutcracker

Swift Borough’s Nutcracker is a modern take on the flip cocktail, featuring vintage port, hazelnut liqueur, cognac, and a whole egg for that creamy Christmas feel. Bartender Rebecca Pink-Swann suggests grating fresh nutmeg for that extra seasonal touch and chilling the glass beforehand for the perfect pour.

Ingredients:
– 1 whole egg
– 20ml (0.7oz) chestnut liqueur
– 30ml (1oz) port
– 50ml (1.7oz) Hennessy/cognac

Directions:
Dry shake, then shake with ice. Strain into a frozen glass, garnish with nutmeg.

Nougat & Vodka

Twice Shy’s Nougat & Vodka cocktail, reminiscent of eggnog, is a light and honey-based drink perfect for post-dinner enjoyment. Co-founder Elon Soddu suggests pairing it with cheese and emphasizes the simplicity and joy of this cocktail.

Ingredients:
– 50ml (1.7oz) nougat-infused vodka
– 5ml (0.18oz) Disaronno amaretto liqueur
– 15ml (0.5oz) lemon juice
– 10ml (0.25oz) honey

Directions:
Build in a shaker, then shake and strain over ice, garnish with nutmeg.

Suzette

Sofitel London St James presents the Suzette cocktail, inspired by French crepes and whiskey sours. Bartender Mikey Chaplin highlights the orange notes perfect for the holidays and recommends sipping this drink slowly for maximum enjoyment.

Ingredients:
– 30 ml (1oz) Singleton of Dufftown 12 year old whisky
– 15 m (0.5oz) Grand Marnier Cuvee Alexandre
– 10 ml (0.25oz) Aperol
– 5ml (0.18oz) Discarded Sweet Cascara Vermouth

Directions:
Shake well, strain over ice, finish with orange peel.

Ho, Ho, Hot Chocolate

End your evening with a warm and decadent Ho, Ho, Hot Chocolate from Side Hustle at NoMad London. Bar director Liana Oster recommends thinking big when making cocktails and suggests using shop-bought marshmallows for garnish to save time.

Ingredients:
– 15ml (0.5 oz) Green Chartreuse
– 22ml (0.75 oz) Fernet-Branca
– 150ml (5 oz) hot chocolate base

Directions:
Mix all ingredients, strain, and serve in a glass teacup or coffee mug.

Enjoy these festive after-dinner cocktails at home or visit London’s top bars for a taste of the holiday spirit!