With the festive season just around the corner, SLTN asked our Mixologist of the Year finalists for their favourite festive tipples. Here’s how they replied…
Kim Toft, Daddy Marmalades – Dirty Martini
“My favourite cocktails to have at Christmas are always the classics. There’s something magical about sitting in a bar with friends at Christmas, catching up and drinking martinis.
“The images that come to mind when you think of martinis are so similar to the glitz of the holiday season, while being so simple to make and stick in the freezer for stress free cocktails at Christmas.
“I just love pre-batched Christmas shenanigans.”
Ari Smith, The Absent Ear – Negroni twist
“My favourite cocktail to make at Christmas time is a twist on the classic negroni, using a sweet vermouth infused with panettone.
“Panettone was always a Christmas staple in my house growing up and my favourite festive treat.
“Despite our best efforts we always ended up with leftovers, so this was the perfect way to put these to use. Just pop the panettone into any sweet vermouth, my favourite is Cocchi di Torino, leave it for a day in the fridge and then strain it out.
“You can even use sherry such as PX instead of vermouth if you want a sweeter flavour.
“Then just mix in equal parts with gin and Campari, the result is smooth, rich and fruity while still keeping the bitter notes of the classic negroni. It’s the perfect digestif for after Christmas dinner when you’ve eaten your body weight in food but are craving something boozy and indulgent.”
Mari Chierchia, Daddy Marmalades – Irish Coffee
“I have a decaf coffee every day – but on Christmas morning, I break out one of my favourite liqueurs, Five Farms Irish Cream, and I add it to an Irish coffee.
Christmas is the one time of year that I think everyone’s a little bit cheeky, and there’s not much that’s cheekier than an Irish coffee for breakfast.
“Irish coffees are the cosiest Christmas drink, in the house, in a bar, at a festive market – they work everywhere and they’re the perfect thing to keep you in the holiday spirit with nice warm hands. Who needs gloves when you can have an Irish coffee, eh?
