Festive drinks to elevate your holiday celebrations
The festive season is upon us, bringing with it the warmth of celebrations, gatherings and joy. As families and friends come together to enjoy the holidays, the spirit of togetherness is best complemented by an array of refreshing beverages.
Whether you’re hosting a party, visiting loved ones or simply indulging in some well-deserved downtime, having a selection of festive drinks can elevate the celebration. Here's a curated list of delightful beverages to sip on that promise to add some sparkle to your festive season.
Classic cocktails with a festive twist
No festive gathering is complete without a refreshing cocktail. And as the cocktail culture continues to evolve, it remains rooted in tradition while boldly embracing innovation.
The future of cocktails in South Africa is vibrant and dynamic, a true reflection of its diverse people and natural bounty.
Whether you’re sipping a classic or a contemporary masterpiece, each drink is a celebration — an invitation to explore, share, and enjoy. Here’s a quick recipe to try at home:
Ingredients
6 oranges, frozen with skin on
100 ml Aperol
100 ml Soda
RW Brut Sparkling
Method
Freeze the oranges with the skin on.
Once frozen, remove and cut off the skin while maintaining the frozen state.
Cut the oranges into smaller blocks, ensuring the icy freshness is preserved.
In a small jar, combine the frozen orange blocks, Aperol, and soda.
With a hand blender, blend the ingredients until smooth, creating a vibrant and velvety orange concoction.
Fill your glasses with this citrusy blend and top it up with the Brut Sparkling.
Garnish each glass with a twist of orange peel, enhancing the aroma and visual appeal.
Whisky premixes are the in thing this summer
The rise of whisky premixes has captured the attention of spirit enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike, creating waves in the beverage landscape.
Once considered a traditional spirit enjoyed neat or on the rocks, whisky has undergone a renaissance, with innovative blends and ready-to-drink offerings leading the charge.
This summer you can try new Samuel Gelston's whiskey premixes, which are the ‘Whiskey & Lime Soda’ and ‘Whiskey & Apple Spritz’.
Appealing to a younger audience looking to diversify from more common choices like beer and cider, these premixes are poised to deliver an authentic and flavour-forward experience and can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime.
It’s like having your mixologist at parties, picnics, festivals, or concerts. Or you can try Jack Daniel's Whiskey & Apple premixes. The bold taste with a hint of apple makes this a distinctly refreshing drink and an unmistakably good whisky to the core.
Non-alcoholic options for all
For those preferring a non-alcoholic option or for family gatherings inclusive of all ages, there are delightful mocktails that embody festive flavours, like a classic mojito.
This non-alcoholic twist on the classic Cuban cocktail provides the same invigorating burst of flavours, making it an ideal choice for social gatherings, picnics, and leisurely afternoons on the patio.
The virgin mojito, a charming combination of muddled mint leaves, zesty lime, and sparkling water, not only tantalises the taste buds but also offers a splash of health benefits. Here’s a quick recipe:
Ingredients
10 fresh mint leaves
2 tbsp simple syrup
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
6 dashes of Angostura cocoa bitters
Ice
125ml soda water, ginger beer, or sparkling lime water
Mint sprig
Lime wedge
Method
In a Collins glass, muddle the mint lightly with simple syrup and lime juice to release the oils. Add in the bitters, then fill the glass with crushed ice. Top with soda water, ginger beer, or sparkling lime water. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wedge.
Specialty wines
This holiday season, take the opportunity to explore local wineries, showcasing the rich variety of South African wines.
From robust reds like Cabernet Sauvignon to crisp whites like Chenin Blanc, pairing these with your festive meals can elevate the dining experience.
For cocktail enthusiasts, a fruity Sangria, filled with sliced seasonal fruits and a wise selection of wine, is perfect for sharing around the table.
Crafting the perfect festive punch
A show-stopping party punch can be a fantastic centrepiece at any gathering.
Consider a cranberry citrus punch, combining cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, and a splash of soda for effervescence, garnished with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary to imbue a touch of elegance.
This beverage not only dazzles the eye but also quenches the thirst of guests throughout the festivities.