3 Festive Winter Cocktails

With the cool weather finally settling in, lights strung up in the trees and the holiday festivities in full swing, it truly feels like the holiday season. The only thing left to do? Kick back and celebrate with a cocktail!

To help you do just that, we scouted our favourite neighbourhood bars to bring you three festive cocktails worth trying this December. Cheers!

Try a… Turkish Martini at FRANCIS

‘Cardamom was an everyday spice for me growing up in Nepal. For centuries across the Middle East, coffee has been made with finely ground coffee, boiling water, sugar and cardamom. Combining something so nostalgic with caffeine in an alcoholic twist seemed the perfect marriage.’

— Niraj, bartender

To make it: Combine ice cubes, cardamom-infused vodka, an espresso shot, coffee liqueur and vanilla syrup. Shake well, then strain the ice and pour. Dust with pistachio powder.

Try a… Santa Cacao at Salisterra

‘This combination is inspired by the familiar flavours and scents of Christmas — the cognac, dark cacao and port wine together create a rich and nutty flavour.’

— Ronald, bartender

To make it: Combine Hennessy VSOP cognac, dark cacao liqueur, port wine, chocolate bitters and Angostura bitters. Add ice and stir well. Strain and pour over ice, then rim with an orange peel and garnish with sage.

Try a… Snowbe at The Continental

‘Using a traditional ingredient like Jujube, which is warming, we add a Japanese element with some mirin, which brings out the festive vibe in an Eastern way.’

— Wesley, bartender

To make it: Combine Tanqueray gin, Dolin Rouge vermouth, jujube extract, lemon juice and simple syrup. Add ice and shake well. Strain and pour over ice, top with whipped cream and garnish with a maraschino cherry.