Festive cocktails with the spirit of Christmas

If you’ve spent all summer turning your garden into an after hours haven why not make the most of it during the winter too? Just because Jack Frost is nipping at your toes doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy your outside area, warm things up by inviting friends and family round for an outdoor BBQ.

Create an evening winter wonderland by dotting torches and outdoor fairy lights around your garden or lighting a chimnea on the patio to give a warming glow against a dark evening while you take in the scene with a dram of Grant’s Family Reserve Whisky.

For when you just need a break from the seasonal festivities, wrap up and savour your garden with a Grant’s Traditional Serve. Simply pour Grant’s Whisky over ice and inhale the warming banana and honey aromas and enjoy a break from playing Santa.

Put a twist on Christmas get-togethers and show off your winter garden wonderland. Make your friends and family feel thoroughly spoilt by serving Frosted Grant’s cocktails; stir Grant’s Whisky and Crème de Cacao together and pour over crushed ice garnishing with a fresh vanilla pod. The decadent honey, chocolate and vanilla notes perfectly complement the seasonal flavours making everyone feel truly indulged, while the whisky will warm the coldest cockles.

Finally, add cool, seasonal style to your holiday soirée and take your New Year’s Eve festivities outside to enjoy your after hours haven. The cool air will keep everyone fresh for that big midnight celebration. But don’t forget to keep everyone toasty by serving Grant’s Redfires. Mix together Grant’s Whisky, cherry brandy, a splash of tonic and for a surprising twist garnish with a sage leaf. The whisky gives a warming depth to the drink while the bitter tonic gives this drink a surprising fizz, contrasting well with the sweet cherry brandy.

If you really can’t make it outdoors, bring the spirit of the garden indoors. Indoor flowering bulbs such as paper white narcissus and Hippeastrum are beautiful additions to the table, along with conkers, acorns and cones which create interesting centrepieces. Run strings of fairy lights through cut tree stems or branches from your garden for a magical and soft lighting effect. Sarcococca, also known as the Christmas Box offers a delightful scent to greet guests.

Try a different angle on the festive season this year and take the party outdoors with Grant’s Whisky. For more cocktail ideas, party planners and tips on how to make the most of your garden in winter go to grantswhisky.com/gardenafterhours.

The Grant’s Family Reserve Whisky is priced from £13.84 and is available at all leading supermarkets and off licenses.

Cocktail suggestions:

Grant’s Classic Serve
2 shots* Grant’s Family Reserve Whisky

Fill a tumbler with ice cubes and pour the Grant’s Family Reserve over. Enjoy.

Frosted Grant’s
2 shots* Grant’s Family Reserve Whisky
2 shots* De Kuyper Crème de Cacao
1 whole vanilla pod

Fill a tumbler with crushed ice. Stir the Grant’s Family Reserve and De Kuyper Crème de Cacao together and pour over the ice. Garnish with the fresh vanilla pod.

Redfire
2 shots* Grant’s Family Reserve Whisky
Dash of De Kuyper Cherry Brandy
10ml tonic water
Sage leaf

Fill a highball glass with crushed ice. Add the Grant’s Family Reserve. Top up with tonic water. Drizzle the De Kuyper Cherry Brandy over the top. Garnish with 1 fresh sage leaf (optional).

*1 shot of equals 25ml