Impress friends and family this Christmas with an elevated espresso martini courtesy of Mr Black

Did you know that the Espresso Martini is the 4th most popular cocktail in the UK? Or that 21% of consumers are willing to pay more for better-quality cocktails? 

And did you know “Espresso Martini” searches are up +2000% this December?

Are you looking for something special for this Christmas? 

You can stop your searching! For you have found Espresso Martini nirvana with Mr Black.

This Christmas, indulge in the sumptuous delights of an Espresso Martini with Mr Black. Crafted for discerning coffee and spirits lovers worldwide, Mr Black stands out with its exceptional coffee quality and craftsmanship, perfect for Secret Santa gifts, stocking fillers, welcome to the Christmas party drinks and liquid desserts. 

The magic comes into play because Mr Black delivers a consistently smooth taste by pairing cold brew specialty-grade Arabica coffee with premium Australian vodka. 

This meticulous blend brings out a rich, sumptuous coffee flavour without any bitterness or acidity, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable experience in every single sip.

Handcrafted with great attention to detail, Mr Black embodies the essence of premium mixology, making it the ideal choice for those seeking an elevated Espresso Martini experience for this Christmas.  

With the Espresso Martini being the UK’s 4th most popular cocktail, Mr Black makes the ideal gift for a colleague, partner, friend or family member you’re looking to treat this festive season. 

During the colder months, our tastebuds turn to the rich and warming roast of a quality coffee, and that’s no different when it comes to cocktails, with coffee as a taste profile in cocktails increasing and searches for “Espresso Martini” increasing by +2000% in Dec ’23 vs Sept ’23 in the UK. 

The ultimate gift for coffee fanatics is Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liquor. This mixologist favourite can be used in a classic Espresso Martini, a festive cocktail or simply on the rocks. Bottles can be purchased at Waitrose, Amazon, and other good spirits retailers nationwide, for £30 (700ml) or £24 (500ml).  

Once gifts are accounted for, cocktail lovers will no doubt be looking for Christmas recipes to impress at hosting occasions throughout December. For an option that will wow guests and get the party started, the Gingerbread Espresso Martini looks as great as it tastes, with Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, espresso, salted caramel and gingerbread syrup.

 For a Mr Black update on a festive classic, look no further than the Espresso Mint-Tini, which is a cooling delight perfect for after dinner with friends and family. The recipe combines Mr Black Coffee Liqueur with espresso, vodka, simple syrup, peppermint extract and candy canes to garnish for a festive flare. The recipes (and many more) can be found on the Mr Black website https://www.mrblack.co/en-gb/cocktails

New Twists on Classical Christmas Foods and Drinks

Christmas is a time steeped in tradition, especially when it comes to food and drink. From succulent roasted turkey to steaming cups of mulled wine, the festive season brings with it a host of culinary delights that have stood the test of time. 

However, there's no harm in shaking things up a bit. Here are some innovative twists on classical Christmas foods and drinks that will add a touch of excitement to your holiday table.

1. Roasted Turkey with a Citrus Glaze

The centrepiece of many Christmas dinners is the turkey, typically served with cranberry sauce and stuffing. This year, why not give the traditional roast turkey a zesty update? A citrus glaze can add a fresh and vibrant flavour to the bird, cutting through the richness of the meat and bringing a welcome brightness to your plate.

Recipe Idea: Prepare a glaze using a blend of orange, lemon, and lime juice, combined with honey, garlic, and a dash of chilli flakes. Baste the turkey with this mixture during the last hour of roasting for a beautifully caramelised skin and a succulent, flavour-infused meat.

2. Parsnip and Maple Syrup Mash

Mashed potatoes are a staple at Christmas dinner, but this year, try swapping them out for a parsnip and maple syrup mash. Parsnips provide a slightly sweet and earthy flavour, which pairs perfectly with the subtle sweetness of maple syrup.

Recipe Idea: Boil parsnips until tender, then mash with a generous knob of butter, a splash of milk, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a warming, comforting side dish that complements the richness of your main course.

3. Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta and Pomegranate

Brussels sprouts are often met with mixed feelings, but this recipe is sure to win over even the most reluctant diner. By adding crispy pancetta and sweet, tangy pomegranate seeds, you can transform these humble greens into a festive treat.

Recipe Idea: Sauté halved Brussels sprouts in olive oil until they start to brown. Add diced pancetta and cook until crisp. Toss in a handful of pomegranate seeds just before serving. The result is a delightful combination of flavours and textures that will add a pop of colour to your Christmas spread.

4. Gingerbread Espresso Martini

For a festive twist on a classic cocktail, try a Gingerbread Espresso Martini. This drink captures the essence of Christmas with its rich, spicy notes and warming kick.

Recipe Idea: Combine espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, and a homemade gingerbread syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a small gingerbread biscuit on the rim for an extra touch of Christmas cheer.

5. Spiced Apple and Cranberry Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a Christmas classic, but this year, consider adding some apple and cranberry to the mix for a fruity, aromatic twist.

Recipe Idea: In a large saucepan, gently heat red wine with apple juice, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and a slice of orange. Sweeten to taste with brown sugar or honey. Let the mixture simmer gently, allowing the flavours to meld together, then ladle into mugs and serve warm.

6. Chocolate and Cherry Trifle

Trifle is a beloved British dessert that graces many a Christmas table. This year, switch up the traditional recipe by incorporating chocolate and cherries for a decadent, festive treat.

Recipe Idea: Layer chocolate sponge cake, cherry compote, chocolate custard, and whipped cream in a large trifle bowl. Top with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries for a stunning centrepiece that tastes as good as it looks.

These new twists on classical Christmas foods and drinks are sure to impress your guests and bring a fresh flavour to your holiday celebrations. Whether you're a traditionalist at heart or a culinary adventurer, these ideas offer a delicious way to spice up your Christmas menu.