It’s that time of year when the Christmas markets have started popping up, the big firework bonanza and light switch on has happened and gift guides are in abundance. And while all this is very magical, nothing quite beats the Christmas cocktails that start gracing the menus of our favourite bars and restaurants around Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds.
We’ve rounded up the most festive, cinnamon sprinkled, mistletoe adorned cocktails that you’re guaranteed to want to try out in the lead up to the big day.
MANCHESTER - A FESTIVE CRUISE
The ‘Christmas Cracker Cocktail Cruise’ combines your favourite Christmas food and some deliciously creative festive cocktails while taking you on a gentle cruise down Manchester’s canal. With seven cocktails, including a Mince Pie Mojito and a Champagne Punch, plus bacon wrapped Bratwurst, baked camembert with rosemary and garlic as well as mince pies served with spiced Chantilly cream – you really couldn’t ask for much more! There are 10 three-hour cruises available in December so book your tickets now.
After all, ‘tis the season for celebrations!
LIVERPOOL - MIRACLE ON SEEL STREET
The city’s favourite Christmas haunt is back this year and with even more festive wonder than ever. The secret bar has had a wintery make over for the last couple of years and returned again on the 16thNovember as a short-term pop-up ‘Miracle on Seel Street.’ Think leather armchairs, log fires, cosy rugs and blankets, festive snacks, including mince pies and pigs in blankets, and an exclusive Christmas cocktail menu too. And if that wasn’t enough, each ticket holder gets a goody bag, complimentary glass of homemade Irish cream or mulled wine and a mini mince pie.
To get in the spirit of things, reserve your space now.
COCKTAILS AVAILABLE IN EACH CITY - ASK ITALIAN
Ask Italian has released a list of glittering cocktails to add a little glitz to your spritz, including a Merry Berry G&T! You can even upgrade your cocktail for £2 so it’s served in festive disco sippers that you get to keep too!
You can find your local Ask Italian here:
• Leeds – Lands Lane
• Manchester – Piccadilly Garden
• Liverpool – Queen Square
M&S
While neither bar nor restaurant, supermarket chain M&S has secured a deserved spot on our list of top Christmas cocktails with its pre-mixed Jaffa Cake cocktail, it’s the perfect sweetener for any evening in. Just a quick mix in a cocktail shaker, poured over ice with a slice of orange and voila, you have the cocktail of dreams. But they haven’t just stopped there, with a spiced apple martini, white Christmas cocktail and mince pie martini - you can have your very own Christmas cocktail bar from the comfort of your own home.
Pop in store to one of the city centre food halls to pick up one of your own.
