Winter has arrived in London, bringing with it festive cheer and a fresh array of seasonal cocktails at cocktail bars throughout the city. As Christmas lights shimmer, establishments are unveiling their creative concoctions for holiday gatherings.

Here are five cocktail recipes shared by notable bars to inspire your after-dinner drinks:

Roasted Chestnut Old-Fashioned from Archive & Myth

This modern twist on the classic Old-Fashioned uses roasted chestnut liqueur instead of sugar and incorporates walnut bitters for a unique flavor. The addition of a pinch of salt enhances its complexity.

Ingredients:

• 50ml (1.7oz) Compass Box Nectarosity (blended Scotch whiskey)
• 20ml (0.7oz) roasted chestnut liqueur
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters (black walnut preferred)
• 1 pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Stir with ice until chilled.
2. Strain into a rocks glass with a clove-studded orange peel.

The Nutcracker from Swift Borough

A luxurious flip cocktail featuring vintage port, hazelnut liqueur, cognac, and a whole egg for a creamy texture, finished with grated nutmeg.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole egg
• 20ml (0.7oz) chestnut liqueur
• 30ml (1oz) port
• 50ml (1.7oz) Hennessy or cognac

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
2. Dry shake first, then shake with ice.
3. Strain into a frozen glass and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.

Nougat & Vodka from Twice Shy

Reminiscent of eggnog, this light and enjoyable drink combines homemade nougat vodka with Disaronno, lemon juice, honey, and egg white for a fluffy texture.

Ingredients:

• 50ml (1.7oz) nougat-infused vodka
• 5ml (0.18oz) Disaronno amaretto liqueur
• 15ml (0.5oz) lemon juice
• 10ml (0.25oz) honey
• 15ml (0.5oz) egg white

Directions:

1. Build the cocktail in a shaker then dry shake.
2. Add ice and shake again.
3. Double strain into a rocks glass over ice, garnished with grated nutmeg.

Suzette from Sofitel London St James

Inspired by a classic French crepe, this cocktail mimics a whiskey sour with a beautiful orange-flavored finish.

Ingredients:

• 30ml (1oz) Singleton of Dufftown 12-year-old whisky
• 15ml (0.5oz) Grand Marnier Cuvee Alexandre
• 10ml (0.25oz) Aperol
• 5ml (0.18oz) Discarded Sweet Cascara Vermouth
• 25ml (0.75oz) lemon juice
• 15ml (0.5oz) orange syrup

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients with ice in a shaker.
2. Shake well and strain over large ice cubes in a rocks glass.
3. Finish with an orange peel garnish.

Ho, Ho, Hot Chocolate from Side Hustle, NoMad London

A rich and indulgent hot cocktail combining chocolatey goodness with Green Chartreuse and Fernet-Branca for a unique flavor blend.

Ingredients:

• 15ml (0.5 oz) Green Chartreuse
• 22ml (0.75 oz) Fernet-Branca
• 150ml (5 oz) hot chocolate base

Directions:

1. Mix hot chocolate with Green Chartreuse and Fernet-Branca.
2. Serve in a teacup or coffee mug.

These festive cocktails promise to add warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations. Enjoy responsibly!