Seven Exciting and New Christmas Cocktails to Brighten Your Christmas Season

As the Christmas season rushes toward us, it's high time to get into the festive spirit with some creative and delicious Christmas cocktails. While classics like mulled wine are always comforting, why not add a dash of excitement to your holiday gatherings with some new and innovative Christmas cocktail recipes? 

In this blog post, we'll explore seven exciting and fresh Christmas cocktails that are sure to dazzle your taste buds and impress your guests.

Christmas Mule

The Moscow Mule gets a festive makeover with the Christmas Mule. Swap the traditional copper mug for a red or green one, and mix vodka, cranberry juice, ginger beer, and a squeeze of lime. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a truly holiday-inspired cocktail.

Candy Cane Martini

Nothing screams Christmas more than candy canes. This Candy Cane Martini is a delightful blend of vanilla vodka, white crème de menthe, and peppermint schnapps. Crushed candy canes rimmed on the glass give it that classic Christmas look and an extra burst of peppermint flavour.

Winter Wonderland Punch

Perfect for large gatherings, the Winter Wonderland Punch is a delightful combination of white rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and a splash of blue curaçao. The result is a beautiful, icy-blue drink that's reminiscent of a snowy Christmas day. Serve it in a punch bowl with floating star-shaped ice cubes.

Spiced Pear Bellini

If you prefer a touch of elegance at your Christmas brunch, the Spiced Pear Bellini is the way to go. Combine pear nectar, a pinch of cinnamon, and a splash of Prosecco for a bubbly and aromatic drink. Garnish with a slice of fresh pear for an extra touch of sophistication.

Cranberry Pomegranate Sangria

Sangria isn't just for summer! The Cranberry Pomegranate Sangria is a winter twist on the classic Spanish beverage. Mix red wine, cranberry juice, pomegranate seeds, and a hint of cinnamon. Let the flavours meld together in the fridge, and serve it over ice for a refreshing, fruity Christmas drink.

Hot Buttered Rum

Warm up your holiday gatherings with a comforting and classic Hot Buttered Rum. Blend dark rum with a spiced, buttery batter made from brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Add hot water, stir, and top with a dollop of whipped cream and a cinnamon stick.

Gingerbread Old Fashioned

Give the Old Fashioned cocktail a gingerbread twist. Muddle sugar, Angostura bitters, and a slice of orange in a glass. Add bourbon, a splash of ginger liqueur, and a dash of cinnamon. The result is a warming, spicy, and nostalgic drink that embodies the essence of the holidays.

This Christmas season, don't limit yourself to the same old holiday drinks. Step out of your comfort zone and explore these exciting and new Christmas cocktails that will make your celebrations even more joyful. Whether you're hosting a festive party or looking for a cosy drink by the fireplace, these creative cocktails are sure to delight your taste buds and create lasting memories with family and friends. Cheers to a joyful and spirited holiday season!

That's Christmas would like to point out that by using alcohol free versions of famous spirt drinks you can create tasty alcohol free versions of these seven utterly delicious cocktails for designated drivers or for those who do not consume alcohol. 

(Image courtesy of Михаил Прокопенко from Pixabay)

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A Taste of Down Under: Exploring the Typical Australian Christmas Meal

When you think of Christmas, you'll probably envision snow, warm, cosy open fires, and hot mulled wine. 

But in the Land Down Under in Australia, where December is the peak of their summer, the Christmas season unfolds quite differently. Australians have adapted their Christmas traditions to the scorching sun and clear blue skies, including their Christmas meals. In this blog post, we'll explore the typical Australian Christmas meal and the unique culinary traditions that make it a memorable and mouth-watering experience.

Fresh Seafood

Christmas in Australia often begins with some fresh seafood. With the country's vast coastline and abundant marine life, it's no wonder prawns, oysters, and crayfish make their way onto the holiday table. Prawns, especially, are an iconic Christmas dish, often served cold with cocktail sauce or simply grilled with a touch of lemon. These delicious crustaceans symbolise the Australian love for outdoor barbecues and beachside gatherings during the festive season.

Roast Meats

While roast turkey or ham is a traditional Christmas centrepiece in many countries, Australians often opt for roast meats that are more suited to their warmer climate. Lamb, beef, or pork roasts are popular choices, often cooked on the barbecue to keep the heat out of the kitchen. These succulent roasts are typically seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and native herbs, giving them a distinctive Australian flavour.

Barbecue Bonanza 

Australians are known for their love of barbecues, and Christmas Day is no exception to this rule. Barbecues are often fired up to grill various meats, sausages, and even seafoods. Also in addition to the roast meats, you might find kangaroo steaks or emu sausages, which add a unique and exotic twist to the festive feasting.

Salads and Sides

Given the heat, a variety of salads and refreshing side dishes really are a must on the Australian Christmas table. Classic salads such as potato salad, coleslaw, and Greek salad are often featured alongside more innovative options such as mango and avocado salads, all designed to cool the palate and complement the grilled and roasted main dishes.

Australia also produces a range of interesting and tasty cheeses which find their way onto Australian Christmas cheeseboards. 

Christmas Pudding and Pavlova

Despite the heat, some Australian Christmas traditions align with those of the Northern Hemisphere. Christmas pudding, a rich, fruity, and spiced dessert, is still very much enjoyed, although it may be served with a dollop of ice cream to combat the warmth. But the true star of the Australian Christmas dessert table is the pavlova. This meringue-based dessert is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and traditionally topped with fresh fruits like passionfruit, kiwi, and strawberries.

Tropical Fruits

Australians take full advantage of the seasonal fruits that thrive in their warmer climate. Mangoes, cherries, watermelons, and lychees are commonly served during Christmastime, either as a refreshing snack or incorporated into desserts and fruit salads. These juicy, tropical fruits add a burst of colour and flavour to the festive feasting. 

Drinks

To beat the summer heat, Australians enjoy a variety of beverages during their Christmas celebrations. Iced tea, lemonade, and sparkling wines are some popular choices. Some may even indulge in a classic Aussie beer or a glass of chilled rosé. A non-alcoholic favourite is the "Aussie Punch," which is a fruity concoction made with fruit juices, soda, and a hint of mint.

The typical Australian Christmas meal is a reflection of the country's unique climate, culture, and culinary traditions. From fresh seafood and barbecued meats to tropical fruits and pavlova, the Australian Christmas feast is a true celebration of the nation's diversity and love for the outdoors. So, if you ever find yourself celebrating Christmas Down Under, be prepared for a mouth-watering and memorable culinary adventure that is sure to leave you feeling full and festive.

(Image courtesy of Uwe Jelting from Pixabay)

Sharpham Dairy's Christmas Cheeseboards will delight your Christmas guests

Sharpham Dairy has got the makings of the perfect Christmas cheeseboards for you!

The oozy crowd-pleaser - Sharpham Camembert - £6.50 / 280g

It's a moist, soft, creamy, surface-ripened cows' milk cheese, Camembert is made in individual rounds which makes it perfect for baking. When heated, Sharpham Camembert becomes yielding, oozing and is perfect for dipping.

Sharpham Camembert is a unique combination of traditional Normandy methods and singular South Devon terroir. It's inspired by the much-loved French classic, but it is very much its own cheese.

The talking point cheese - Sharpham Rushmore £5.50 / 230g

Known as 'the mistake cheese', Sharpham Rushmore was serendipitously created when their farmer accidentally poured goat's milk into the same tank as some cow's milk. Determined to avoid any waste of milk, the cheesemakers continued to craft cheese with the mixed milk to see how it would taste. Delighted with their creation, the cheese went on to win the hearts of guests at a food show, before becoming an instant hit.

Rushmore is rich and creamy with a subtle floral sweetness and a lingering finish.

The highly decorated famous cheese - Sharpham Cremet £14.85 / 480g

Cremet was awarded the heralded 3-stars in the Great Taste Awards, putting them in the top 2% of the largest and most trusted food and drink awards on the planet. Handcrafted from goat's milk and cow's double cream, judges said the cheese was 'exquisite' and 'extraordinary' in blind taste tests. 

With nothing else like it produced in the UK, Sharpham's Cremet has a subtle, fresh and creamy flavour, with a mousse like texture when young, deepening to a full, rich flavour with earthy undertones when ripe. 

The new accompaniment - Sharpham Dairy Scotch Bonnet Chilli Jam £4.50 / 230g

Introducing the new Sharpham Dairy Scotch Bonnet Chilli Jam to adds a welcome kick to warming wintery flavours.

Perfectly balanced, it packs a punch with heat and sweetness in one delicious package. It's the perfect accompaniment with Christmas gammon, cold cuts or the all-important festive cheeseboard.

Top Tips from the Big Cheese - Greg Parsons

Greg believes there's no right or wrong way to building the ultimate cheeseboard – it's all about preference. Here are top tips for making cheese selections over Christmas.

How to pair wine and cheese

It's a good rule of thumb to pair cheese and wines with equal intensity. Generally, creamy soft cheeses pair beautifully with sparkling wines. If you're going for a cheese with a delicate character, avoid overpowering it with a full bodied red wine.

As you venture into the realm of complex aged cheeses, look for bold or fortified wines to match them with. It's also true what they say, what grows together, goes together. For example, Sharpham Wine and Cheese are made along the River Dart and the terroir shapes products that pair exceptionally well together.  

How much cheese to serve?

If you plan to serve cheese as part of a meal, a typical recommendation is to provide 80g per person. However, over the Christmas period, guests may wish to savour the cheeseboard with drinks, so consider increasing the amount to 150g per person. 

What cheeses to go for?

Opting for a variety of textures and characters is a guaranteed way to please everyone. A classic choice includes a blue cheese, a soft cheese, a semi-hard cheese, a cheddar and a goat's cheese.

Sharpham Dairy has gathered up some of the most popular cheeses in the 'Essential Devon Cheese Board' - £30. Includes the Devon classics; Sharpham Brie, Sharpham Rustic, Sharpham Ticklemore Goat, Quicke's Mature Cheddar and Ticklemore Devon Blue.

Top pairings for the Christmas season

Greg says, “I love the delicate floral notes of our Sharpham Rushmore paired with a light-bodied, aromatic white such as a sauvignon blanc.

“Christmas is a time for popping open the bubbly, which I would pair with one of my favourites – our brie. A good brie is a Christmas cheeseboard essential. I'd also pair our Sharpham Brie with something with a little acidity like apple or plums.”

Final tips:

Once cheese has been cut into, it's best eaten within a couple of weeks. (That's Christmas notes that the life of our cheeses once open is often measured in days or even hours rather than weeks!)

Don't forget to take cheese out of the fridge an hour or two before serving to come up to room temperature.

Do chat to your cheesemonger - they're often a font of knowledge and eager to introduce you to new cheeses, offer tasters and help build the perfect cheeseboard.

To learn more or to buy cheeses and gift vouchers please visit https://sharphamcheese.co.uk.

Cosy Christmas Décor for Compact Spaces: Designing a Festive Apartment or flat

The Christmas seasons is galloping toward us, and it's getting to be the time to deck the halls with boughs of holly, or in this case, transform your small apartment or flat into a winter wonderland. Limited space doesn't mean you have to compromise on the Festive cheer. With a little ingenuity some creativity and a dash of festive spirit, you can create a cosy and enchanting Christmas theme that perfectly suits your compact living space. 

In this blog post, we'll share some practical tips on designing a Christmas theme for your small apartment or flat.

Plan Your Space

Before you dive into the decorations, take a moment to assess your space. Measure the areas you want to decorate, including your living room, dining area, kitchen (if you have a separate kitchen) and any nooks or corners you'd like to accentuate. This will help you avoid overloading the space and ensure your decorations fit comfortably.

Opt for a Minimalistic Approach

In a small apartment, less is often more. Choose a colour scheme that complements your existing décor to create a cohesive look. Classic Christmas colours like red, green, gold, and silver can be incorporated in small details, such as with throw pillows, table runners, and small ornaments. Consider a neutral base, like white or silver, to make your space feel more open and airy.

Choose Space-Saving Decorations

Small apartments require a creative approach to decorations. Go for slimline Christmas trees, wall-mounted or tabletop options, instead of large, floor-standing trees. Hang wreaths and garlands to make use of vertical space, and select decorations that don't take up much room, such as mini ornaments or fairy lights.

Embrace the Power of Lights

Christmas lights add a warm and magical touch to any space. Use fairy lights, string lights, and LED candles to create a cosy ambiance. Hang them along your windows, drape them on your walls, or place them in glass jars for a subtle, yet charming, effect.

DIY Ornaments and Décor

Get creative with DIY ornaments and décor. Craft your own paper snowflakes, garlands, or personalised ornaments. Not only will this add a unique and personal touch to your decorations, but it's also a fun and budget-friendly way to get into the holiday spirit. (That's Christmas has covered personalised ornaments and we'll refer back to the blogpost at the end of this post.)

Space-Conscious Tree Decorations

If you have a small tree, be selective with your ornaments. Use lightweight and smaller decorations to avoid weighing down the branches. Consider using a tree topper that won't overwhelm your tree, like a delicate star or a mini angel.

Multi-Purpose Furniture

Select furniture that serves a dual purpose. A foldable dining table can be a fantastic addition to your apartment, allowing you to host festive gatherings when it's required. Also, consider furniture with built-in storage for stashing away your decorations after the Christmas and New Year period is oved.

Festive Table Setting

Create a festive table setting with holiday-themed dinnerware, napkins, and placemats. Utilise candles (real or electric)  small centrepieces, and personalised name cards to make your dining area feel extra special.

Incorporate Seasonal Scents

Enhance the holiday ambiance by introducing seasonal scents. Scented candles, essential oil diffusers, or potpourri with cinnamon, pine, or gingerbread fragrances will make your apartment feel even more festive. But do be cautious as some guests might be allergic to some scents.

Personal Touch

Lastly, add your personal touch to your Christmas theme. Display cherished family ornaments or mementos, and don't forget to hang stockings for Santa's visit!

Designing a Christmas theme for a small apartment or flat can be a delightful and creative endeavour. By planning your space, embracing a minimalistic approach, utilizing space-saving decorations, and adding your personal touch, you can create a coy and festive atmosphere that makes your compact living space feel like a winter wonderland. 

With the right mix of creativity and holiday spirit, you'll be ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in style, no matter how small your space may be.

We feel that you will find these links to previous blogposts on That's Christmas to help you make your apartment or flat feel really Christmassy:-

https://thatschristmas.blogspot.com/2023/10/11-unique-and-budget-friendly-christmas.html

https://thatschristmas.blogspot.com/2023/08/why-not-try-crafting-for-christmas.html

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