Whether you’re a book lover, cocktail connoisseur, or just someone looking for a bit of festive inspiration, here’s a collection of literary cocktails that will bring a bit of magic and mischief to your Christmas celebrations.
1. The Gatsby Sparkler – Inspired by The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
No literary cocktail list would be complete without a tip of the hat to Gatsby, the ultimate host of opulent parties. Capture the essence of Jazz Age glamour with a sparkling cocktail that’s as vibrant as Gatsby’s legendary gatherings.
Ingredients:
120ml Champagne or sparkling wine
30ml elderflower liqueur
Fresh raspberries or edible glitter for garnish
Instructions:
In a champagne flute, pour the elderflower liqueur and top with chilled Champagne. Garnish with raspberries or a touch of edible glitter for that shimmering “green light” touch. Perfect for welcoming the New Year or adding sparkle to a holiday toast.
2. The Snow Queen – Inspired by The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Embrace the icy allure of Narnia with a drink that’s as cool as the White Witch herself. This cocktail brings a bit of winter wonderland magic with peppermint and creamy vodka, perfect for Christmas Eve.
Ingredients:
45ml peppermint vodka
15ml white chocolate liqueur
60ml cream
Crushed peppermint candy for garnish
Instructions:
Shake the vodka, white chocolate liqueur, and cream with ice and strain into a martini glass rimmed with crushed peppermint candy. This chilly delight will make you feel as though you’re in the heart of a winter wonderland.
3. Jane’s English Garden – Inspired by Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Transport yourself to the gardens of Regency-era England with this refreshing and floral gin-based cocktail. Delightfully delicate, it’s a perfect match for Austen’s most famous heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, and an ideal drink for sophisticated Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients:
50ml gin
20ml elderflower cordial
15ml lemon juice
Soda water
Cucumber and mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
In a highball glass filled with ice, combine the gin, elderflower cordial, and lemon juice. Top with soda water and garnish with thin slices of cucumber and mint. It’s as refreshing as a stroll through the English countryside and a lovely start to a holiday soirée.
4. Scrooge’s Mulled Cider – Inspired by A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
For a warm and comforting choice, look no further than this traditional spiced cider inspired by Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by sipping on a drink that would warm even the iciest hearts.
Ingredients:
1 litre of apple cider
1 cinnamon stick
4 cloves
2 star anise
1 orange, sliced
Honey to taste
Instructions:
Simmer the apple cider with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and orange slices for about 20 minutes. Sweeten with honey as desired, and serve warm in a mug. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice. This comforting brew is the perfect choice for a cosy night by the fire.
5. The Boo Radley – Inspired by To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
An unexpected twist on the classic Old Fashioned, this cocktail captures the mysterious and misunderstood character of Boo Radley. With notes of bourbon and a hint of sweetness, it’s a timeless drink that pairs beautifully with festive evenings.
Ingredients:
60ml bourbon
1 sugar cube
2 dashes of bitters
Orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
Muddle the sugar and bitters together in an Old Fashioned glass, add a large ice cube, and pour in the bourbon. Stir well and garnish with an orange peel twist. Smooth and smoky, this cocktail is both classic and memorable.
6. Wuthering Heights Hot Chocolate – Inspired by Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, look no further than this dark, brooding hot chocolate inspired by the stormy romance of Wuthering Heights. Rich, dark chocolate captures the wild, untamed essence of the Yorkshire moors.
Ingredients:
240ml milk
60g dark chocolate, chopped
1 tbsp sugar
Pinch of salt
Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions:
Warm the milk in a saucepan, add the chocolate, sugar, and salt, and stir until smooth and creamy. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream and a sprinkling of chocolate shavings. It’s a warming, bittersweet treat for curling up by the fire on a chilly evening.
Bringing Literary Cocktails to Your Christmas Gathering
From Gatsby’s glitz to Scrooge’s warmth, these literary-inspired cocktails bring a world of character and charm to any holiday gathering. Serve them with a bit of backstory, and they’ll be a festive talking point. Cheers to a literary Christmas, where every sip tells a story!