It’s the holiday season and what better way to celebrate than to sip on some truly exceptional cocktails? Dive into this list of must-try cocktails to bring in the festivities. Whether you’re throwing a New Year’s party or enjoying a cosy holiday dinner, try your hand at these festive and flavourful concoctions from some of India’s top brands which are bound to bring in the festivities and leave one in great spirits (pun intended)!
Madras Mahura by Six Brothers Small Batch
Elevate your cocktail game with a vibrant and refreshing blend that marries the bold, heritage-rich flavours of Six Brothers Small Batch Mahura with the tangy brightness of cranberry and orange juice. Madras Mahura is the perfect drink to celebrate in style – Six Brothers Mahura’s floral spice notes add depth, while the cranberry juice delivers a crisp, slightly tart kick, perfectly complemented by the sweet and citrusy notes of fresh orange juice.
This holiday season, elevate your celebrations with Six Brothers Small Batch – India’s first global luxury heritage spirit. Made from 100% Mahura flowers, indigenous to India, this exquisitely sophisticated and versatile white spirit is destined to become a global icon. Just as top-tier spirits like Tequila defines Mexico and Scotch represents Scotland, Mahura is set to represent India on the world stage as our global ambassador – a spirit that is uniquely and authentically ours. South Seas brings you the most refined expression to date with a distinct and unforgettable flavour profile. Double distilled in India’s largest copper pot stills, which also distill India’s oldest single malts Crazy Cock Single Malt Whisky, Six Brothers is further platinum filtered for a clean finish.
Ingredients:
- Ice cubes
- 60 ml Six Brothers Mahura
- 90 ml cranberry juice
- 30 ml orange juice
- An orange peel (for garnish)
Method:
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes
- Add Six Brothers Mahura, cranberry juice, and orange juice over the ice
- Stir gently to combine the ingredients
- Twist a strip of orange peel over the drink to release its oils, then place it as a garnish
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The Spice Route Negroni by Monarch Legacy Edition
If you haven’t explored brandy cocktails yet, here’s your cue. Monarch invites you to experience ‘A Royal Welcome’. This brandy stands out as the world’s only 100% pure grape brandy that marries both French grape spirits aged up to eight years with the finest Indian grape spirits from the Sahyadri region.
The Negroni, a timeless classic, is traditionally known for its balance of bitterness and sweetness, usually crafted with gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. However, when crafted with an exquisite brandy like Monarch Legacy Edition, this iconic cocktail takes on a delightful twist that adds depth and warmth to its profile.
This drink carries a smooth, rich texture and subtle hints of dried fruit, caramel, and oak. These nuanced flavours complement the vibrant bitterness of Campari, while the sweet vermouth introduces a gentle sweetness that harmonises perfectly with the brandy’s complexity. The result is a Negroni that’s both familiar and refreshingly new – a warm, rich take on the classic that stands up to the bold, herbal Campari and brings a unique elegance to the drink.
Ingredients:
- Monarch Legacy Edition – 30 ml
- Spiced vermouth infused with nutmeg and star anise – 30ml
- Campari – 30ml
- 2 dashes of orange bitters
- Glass: Old fashioned
- Ice: Block
Method:
Add all ingredients into a mixing glass, stir and serve chilled in an old-fashioned glass over a block of ice. Garnish with star anise.
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Añejo Manhattan by Pistola
A festive twist on a timeless classic, the Añejo Manhattan combines deep amber tones and a smooth, smoky finish that perfectly captures the warmth of the holiday season. Featuring Pistola’s 100% Agavepura Añejo, an additive-free and famously smooth spirit, it pairs beautifully with the sweetness of vermouth and a hint of cinnamon, evoking cosy Christmas vibes. Easy to recreate at home, this cocktail offers a refined drinking experience that’s as guilt-free as it is hangover-free. Cheers to a no-brainer way to toast the season!
Ingredients:
- 22 ml – Sweet Vermouth
- 45 ml – Pistola Añejo
- 5 ml – Cinnamon Syrup
Method:
- Assemble all ingredients along with ice, in a beaker and stir
- Pour into a Nick & Nora glass
- Garnish with a Maraschino cherry
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Down The Chimney by Geist Brewing Co.
Rich, bold, and brimming with festive cheer, Down the Chimney strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and citrusy zest. The warming notes of whisky are elevated with orange bitters and chocolate liqueur. Topped with a gold coin garnish, it’s a sip of holiday magic.
Ingredients:
- Whisky – 30 ml
- Orange Bitters – 3 dashes
- Chocolate Liqueur – 45 ml
- Chocolate Coin as garnish
Method:
- Add the ingredients into a mixing glass
- Stir together with ice
- Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a chocolate coin
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Gold Rush with D’yavol Vortex
Gold is the colour that exudes royalty and sophistication. Take your festive gatherings to the next level with Gold Rush, a cocktail that radiates charm. With D’yavol Vortex as its star, this drink is pure liquid luxury – a toast to the rebels, the dreamers, and the ones who dare to stand out.
Ingredients:
- D’yavol Vortex Blended Scotch Whisky – 60 ml
- Lime juice (clear) – 20 ml
- Sugar syrup – 20 ml
- Blue pea tea – 200 ml
- Rhubarb bitters – 3 drops
- Lecithin powder – 1 gram
Method:
- Shake D’yavol Vortex, lime juice, and sugar syrup together
- Strain the mixture over ice in an Old-Fashioned glass
- Prepare the blue pea and rhubarb foam by blending both with lecithin powder with a hand blender until foamy
- Spoon the foam over the cocktail
- Garnish with a touch of sweetness for a festive and striking presentation
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Brandy Alexander by Tulleeho
Decorated homes, parties by a fireplace, a huge spread of food and the best of baked desserts, Christmas is a gastronomic delight! Rest assured no matter how cold it gets, they will warm you up, here are some easy-to-whip cocktails for the season, perfect for your Christmas table.
Ingredients:
- Brandy – 60 ml
- Fresh cream – 30 ml
- Chocolate syrup –15 ml
- Nutmeg powder – a sprinkling
- Ice cubes – to fill shaker
Method:
- Fill a shaker with ice, pour in all the liquid ingredients
- Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass
- Sprinkle the powdered nutmeg on top and serve
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Godawan Espresso Martini by Godawan Artisanal Indian Single Malt
Elevate your holiday celebrations with the Godawan Espresso Martini, a rich and indulgent drink that balances festive warmth and sophistication. The fruity spice of Godawan 02 pairs beautifully with the robust intensity of espresso and the creamy sweetness of almond syrup, creating a luscious blend of flavours. Finished with a sprinkle of nutmeg, this is sure to be a show-stopping addition to any holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
- Godawan 02 – 50 ml
- Espresso – one shot
- Orgeat or almond syrup – 10 ml
- Nutmeg for garnish
Method: Shake everything together and fine strain it out into a cocktail glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg.
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Not So Dirty by Mossant Fermentary
Move over, martinis – this holiday season, it’s time to embrace the vodka-forward sophistication of “Not So Dirty”.
Mossant’s clean-label Rosemary Tonic adds a festive, herby twist, elevating this cocktail to holiday showstopper status. This cocktail blends herbaceous and savoury notes with a hint of floral sweetness. It’s also incredibly simple to make!
Ingredients:
- 50ml Grey Goose Vodka
- 5ml Elderflower Syrup
- 30ml Olive Brine
- Mossant Rosemary Tonic
- Rosemary Sprig (for garnish)
- Brined Olive
Method:
- Fill a glass with a block of fresh ice
- Pour in 50ml Grey Goose vodka
- Add 5ml elderflower syrup and 30ml olive brine
- Top up with Mossant Rosemary Tonic for that aromatic, botanical punch
- Stir gently to mix
- Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and a brined olive
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