Signature Cocktails To Try this Holiday Season

The holiday season is here, bringing with it the perfect excuse to raise a glass and celebrate in style. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a cozy night by the fire, a signature cocktail can add a dash of flair to your celebrations. From bold, spiced blends to refreshing twists on classics, this list of must-try cocktails will elevate your holiday cheer. Ready to shake, stir, and sip your way through the season? Let’s dive in!

Aperol Spiritz by voco Jim Corbett

As the holiday season unfolds, the Aperol Spritz shines as the ultimate festive indulgence and a signature of voco. With its vibrant orange glow and sparkling allure, this Italian classic adds a touch of sophistication and joy to any wedding celebration. Creating the perfect Aperol spritz is delightfully simple.

Method:

• In a large wine glass filled with ice ,combine 
• 150 ml of prosecco
• 60ml of Aperol
• Splash of soda
• Garnish with slices of oranges and serve.

Hot Toddy by Chivas Regal

Ingredients

• Chivas Regal XV -40ml
• Lemon Juice – 10ml
• Honey – 10ml
• Fresh Ginger-2 Slices
• Cinnamon Stick – 1 Stick
• Star Anise-1
• Boiling Water – Topped
• Lemon Slice Garnish

Method:

• Serve: Garnish with a lemon slice and serve
• Assemble: Place ginger, cinnamon, and star anise into a teacup.
• Pour: Add Chivas Regal XV, lemon juice and honey, then top with boiling water and stir together.

Mango Picante by Ilili, Mumbai

Mango picante has a spicy kick of jalapeno peppers and initial sweetness of mango and agave syrup with the smooth crisp finish of tequila. It is served with spicy food pairings.

Ingredients 

• Jalapeno pepper – 1pc
• Mango puree – 45ml
• Agave nectar – 10ml
• Lime juice – 10ml
• Tequila – 60ml 
• Garnish – Chilly Cap

Instructions:

1. Garnish: Top with a chili cap for a bold and fiery presentation.
2. Prepare the glass: Rim the edge of your serving glass with lime juice and dip it into salt or chili powder for an extra kick. Set aside.
3. Muddle: In a shaker, gently muddle a few slices of jalapeño to release their spicy oils. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
4. Mix: Add mango puree, agave nectar, lime juice, and tequila into the shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds.
5. Strain and serve: Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice.

Tokyo Rose by Torii, Bandra Mumbai

Refreshing gin cocktail combines the crisp, botanical essence of gin with the juicy sweetness of blueberry with rosemary giving a subtle earthy aroma

Ingredients:

• Roku Gin: 50 ml
• Fresh blueberries: 8–10 (plus a few extra for garnish)
• Simple syrup: 10 ml (or adjust to taste)
• Fresh lemon juice: 10 ml
• Aromatic bitters: 2–3 dashes
• Fresh rosemary sprig: 1 (plus extra for garnish)
• Ice: For shaking and serving

Instructions:

• Garnish: Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a few fresh blueberries threaded onto a cocktail pick for a refined presentation.
• Muddle the blueberries and rosemary: In a cocktail shaker, muddle the fresh blueberries and rosemary sprig to release their flavors and juices.
• Add the other ingredients: Pour in the Roku Gin, simple syrup, lemon juice, and bitters.
• Shake well: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds to chill and blend the ingredients.
• Double strain and serve: Double strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass to remove the blueberry skins and rosemary bits.

Dragon Bliss by CrayCraft, Andheri Mumbai

A vibrant and flavorful cocktail, Dragon Bliss combines the exotic sweetness of dragon fruit juice, the warmth of spices, and the smoothness of rum, enhanced by aromatic bitters. This drink offers a perfect blend of tropical allure and a spicy kick

Ingredients:

• Fresh dragon fruit juice: 60 ml
• Spice mix: A pinch (suggested mix: ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of chili powder)
• White or dark rum: 50 ml
• Lime juice: 10 ml (freshly squeezed)
• Agave nectar: 10 ml (optional, for added sweetness)
• Aromatic bitters: 2–3 dashes
• Garnish: Dragon fruit slice or edible flower

Instructions:

1. Prepare the spice mix: Combine a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and chili powder in a small bowl. Adjust quantities to your preference for warmth and heat.
2. Rim the glass (optional): If you like an extra layer of flavor, rim your serving glass with lime juice and dip it into the spice mix.
3. Mix the cocktail: In a shaker, combine dragon fruit juice, lime juice, rum, agave nectar (if using), and a pinch of the spice mix. Add ice and shake well for 10–15 seconds to chill and blend the flavors.
4. Add bitters: Add 2–3 dashes of aromatic bitters into the shaker or directly into the glass for a final layer of complexity.
5. Serve: Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass or over fresh ice in a rocks glass.
6. Garnish: Top with a slice of fresh dragon fruit or an edible flower for a beautiful and exotic presentation.

Shinrin Yoku by Megumi, Bandra Mumbai

Japanese term Shinrin ( forest) Yoku ( bath). It refers to the practice of immersing oneself in a natural forest environment to promote relaxation, mindfulness, and overall well-being. Crafted with tequila as its base, the drink gains a vibrant energy and depth.Guava juice introduces a tropical sweetness that mirrors lush forests and yuzu kosho (a Japanese condiment made from yuzu citrus and chill) adds a zesty, spicy complexity. This unique combination creates a harmonious balance between bold and refreshing elements.

Ingredients:

• Tequila: 50 ml
• Guava juice: 60 ml (freshly pressed or high-quality bottled)
• Yuzukosho: 1/4 teaspoon (adjust for spice level)
• Lime juice: 15 ml (freshly squeezed)
• Agave nectar or simple syrup: 5 ml (optional, for sweetness balance)
• Garnish: Lime wheel or guava slice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the shaker: In a cocktail shaker, add the tequila, guava juice, lime juice, and yuzukosho. If you prefer a slightly sweeter cocktail, add agave nectar or simple syrup.
2. Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds to chill and combine the flavors.
3. Strain and serve: Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass or over fresh ice in a rocks glass.
4. Garnish: Finish with a lime wheel or a slice of fresh guava for an elegant touch.

Bourbon Blaze by Tattva, Andheri Mumbai

The Bourbon Blaze is not just a cocktail; it’s a celebration of holiday flavors andwarmth. Its core is a rich and smooth bourbon, aged to perfection, providing the base for a symphony of taste. This is balanced by the tartness of cranberry juice and the sweetness of honey and maple syrup, creating a delightful harmony.

Ingredients:

• Bourbon (Woodford Reserve or Maker’s Mark recommended)- 60 ml
• Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice- 15 ml
• Honey Syrup (or agave syrup for a vegan option)- 15 ml
• Cranberry Juice- 10 ml
• Maple Syrup- 5 ml
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• 3 drops Stillabunt (vegan foaming agent)
• Smoldering Cinnamon Stick (for garnish)
• Star Anise and Lightly Toasted Rosemary Sprig (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glass: Chill a coupe glass.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine:Bourbon,Lemon juice,Honey syrup (or agave syrup),Cranberry juice, Maple syrup, Angostura bitters.
3. Shake with Ice : Shake the mixture with ice to chill and dilute.
4. Strain and Add Stillabunt : Add 3 drops of Stillabunt, and dry shake the mixture vigorously for 15-20 seconds to create a thick and stable foam
5. Double Strain: Strain into the chilled glass to ensure a silky smooth texture.
6. Garnish: Light one end of a cinnamon stick until it smokes gently and place it upright in the foam layer.
7. Optionally, add a star anise or a lightly toasted rosemary sprig for extra festive flair.

Kokum Sour by GOH JIA TING

A tangy yet sophisticated mix of Bourbon Whiskey, Kokum Cordial, Lemon Juice, Angostura Bitters, and Egg White—great for those who enjoy a flavorful twist on a classic sour.  

Ingredients:

• 60ml Bourbon Whiskey
• 30ml Kokum Cordial
• 20ml Lemon Juice
• 5ml Rich Syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• 1 Egg White

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients into a shaker.
2. Dry shake (shake without ice) to emulsify the egg white.
3. Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
4. Strain into a glass and garnish as desired.

Pink Gia by GOH JIA TING

A beautiful, balanced cocktail made with White Rum, Grapefruit Juice, Campari, and Sugar Syrup—offering the perfect mix of tart and sweet.  

Ingredients:

• 50ml White Rum
• 30ml Grapefruit Juice
• 10ml Campari
• 10ml Sugar Syrup
• Crushed Ice

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients into a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
3. Garnish as desired and serve.

Hot & Sexy by CHINA GATE RESTAURANT

A bold combination of Tequila, Pomela, Spice Infuse, and Sweet & Sour that offers a refreshing and spicy kick.  

Ingredients:

• 50ml Tequila
• 50ml Pomela
• 20ml Spice Infuse (x2)
• 20ml Sweet & Sour

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a glass.
3. Garnish as desired.

Si-Si by GLOBAL FUSION

A vibrant, fruity blend of Vodka, Peach Puree, Orgeat Syrup, Lime Juice, and Cranberry Juice, perfect for those looking for a fresh holiday drink.

Ingredients:

• 50ml Vodka
• 30ml Peach Puree
• 20ml Orgeat Syrup
• 20ml Lime Juice
• 30ml Cranberry Juice

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake until well chilled.
3. Strain into a glass and serve.

Peach Please by Luuma House, Juhu Mumbai

The “Peach Please” is a sophisticated and whimsical cocktail that balances the fruity sweetness of peach, the floral undertones of chamomile, and the playful twist of bubble gum syrup, all harmonized through a milk-washing technique for a silky smooth finish. Ingredients:

• Gin: 50 ml
• Peach liqueur: 20 ml
• Bubble gum syrup: 10 ml
• Chamomile tea: 30 ml (brewed and cooled)
• Lemon juice: 15 ml (freshly squeezed)
• Whole milk: 100 ml (for milk-washing process)
• Garnish: Dried chamomile flowers or a peach slice

Instructions:

• Milk-Washing Process: Milk-washing adds a luxurious texture to the cocktail while softening the flavors.
• Strain the mixture: Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to an hour, then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve lined with a coffee filter or cheesecloth to remove the milk solids. This will leave you with a clear, silky liquid.
• Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing container, combine gin, peach liqueur, bubble gum syrup, chamomile tea, and lemon juice. Stir well to mix.
• Add the milk: Slowly pour the whole milk into the mixture while stirring gently. The milk will curdle slightly, which is a natural part of the process.

Cocktail Assembly:

1. Chill your glass: Place a coupe or rocks glass in the freezer while you prepare the cocktail.
2. Serve: Pour the milk-washed cocktail into the chilled glass over a large ice cube (if desired).
3. Garnish: Add a touch of elegance with a garnish of dried chamomile flowers or a thin peach slice.

The Gozen’s J&T by Nouba, Jaipur

Inspired by the elegance and balance of Japanese craftsmanship, The Gozen’s G&T is a sophisticated take on the classic gin and tonic, infused with the herbaceous notes of rosemary and thyme, the zest of orange, and the tropical brightness of passionfruit.

Ingredients:

• Gin: 50 ml
• Fresh orange juice: 15 ml
• Passionfruit pulp: 1 whole passionfruit (or 15 ml of passionfruit puree)
• Tonic water: 120 ml (premium tonic recommended)
• Fresh rosemary sprig: 1
• Fresh thyme sprig: 1
• Orange zest or wheel: For garnish
• Ice: For serving

Instructions:

• Garnish: Add a sprig of rosemary and thyme to the glass for aroma. Garnish with a twist of orange zest or a wheel of fresh orange for a vibrant, elegant finish.
• Infuse the gin (optional for deeper flavor): If time allows, infuse the gin with rosemary and thyme by placing the herbs in the gin and letting it steep for 1–2 hours, then straining. This step is optional but enhances the herbal notes.
• Prepare the glass: Fill a large balloon or highball glass with ice cubes.
• Build the cocktail:Add the gin, fresh orange juice, and passionfruit pulp directly to the glass. Stir gently to mix the flavors.
• Top with tonic water: Slowly pour in the tonic water, giving it a gentle stir to preserve the bubbles.

Talli Babu by TAT, Vikroli Mumbai

Inspired by the soulful lives of India’s coastal communities, Talli Babu pays homage to their resilience and celebrates the joy of indulgence with a playful twist. The cocktail’s name evokes a cheeky nod to life’s little luxuries and the comfort of a well-crafted drink. A bold and unconventional cocktail that marries the fresh, herbal notes of betel-infused gin with the creamy undertones of coconut-washed Campari. Amaro Abano and Maraschino Cherry Syrup add layers of complexity, resulting in a drink that’s as indulgent as it is memorable—perfect for the holiday season.

Recipe & Ingredients:

• Betel-Infused Gin- 50 ml
• Coconut-Washed Campari- 20 ml 
• Amaro Abano- 10 ml
• Maraschino Cherry Syrup- 10 ml 

Method:

1. Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well until chilled.
3. Strain into a coupe or rocks glass over fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry or a betel leaf for a festive finish.

Absolut Mistletoe

Ingredients

• 45 ml Absolut Vodka
• 90 ml Cranberry Juice (sweetened)
• 10 ml Lime Juice
• Lemon-Lime Soda
• 1 Sprig Red Currant
• Ice Cubes

Recipe

1. Fill a rock glass with ice cubes. 
2. Add Absolut Vodka, cranberry juice and lime juice. Top up with lemon-lime soda. 
3. Garnish with red currant and red currant.

Swarna

Inspired by the first rays breaking through a chilly, windy winter morning. This vibrant cocktail captures the essence of that refreshing transition from cold to warmth. each sip is a celebration of winter’s crispness melting into the sun’s inviting glow, offering a delightful balance of zesty and nutty notes to start your day on a bright note.

INGREDIENTS

• Camikara 3-yr old
• Lime Juice
• Orgeat
• Orange Juice
• Aromatic Bitters
• Soda
• A slice of orange

RECIPE

• Add 1½ ounces of Camikara 3-yr old
• Add ½ ounce of lime juice 
• Add 1-ounce Orgeat
• Add 1-ounce Orange juice+ 
• Add 2 dash aromatic Bitters and a dash of soda
• For garnishing, use a dehydrated orange slice
• Use Glassware:- Lucaris Martin globe to make the best out of this cocktail

As the holidays unfold, let your signature cocktail be the centerpiece of every toast and every memory made. Whether you go for a rich, indulgent mix or a crisp and tangy concoction, these drinks are sure to impress and delight. So, gather your loved ones, set the mood, and pour yourself a glass of holiday magic. Cheers to good times, great company, and unforgettable flavors this season!