Let’s get the festive party started with our drinks expert Olly Smith’s sublime mixes and food editor Eleanor Maidment’s classy canapés.
Poinsettia
This is so simple to make and is an easy recipe to customise to your own taste – add a little more fizz for a lighter flourish, or a little less if it’s richness you’re after.
Blue cheese, candied pecan and fig bites
The candied pecans really elevate these, but can be swapped for simply roasted pecans to speed things up.
Amaretto sour
During a particularly ferocious winter living in Edinburgh, amaretto was my drink of choice. My curiosity with cocktails led me to this, and I realised just how sublime the Italian liqueur can be.
Mulled white wine
A cosying drink to turn your kitchen-table gathering into an intimate chorus.
Rosemary polenta chips
These are perfect for preparing in advance and utterly moreish.
Espresso martini
Fair warning: Espresso Martinis may make your leg jiggle and you will sometimes find yourself irrepressibly enhanced on the dancefloor. Is it worth making the freshly brewed espresso? It sure is.
Smoked trout pâté on charcoal crackers
Either hot smoked trout or salmon works well in this very simple pâté.
Steak, beetroot and horseradish Yorkshire puddings
A canapé classic. Vegetarians might like a slice of griddled portobello mushroom instead of steak.
Bramble
A divine drink elevating the blackberry to its brambly zenith.
Raspberry Watkins
‘Raspberry Watkins’ would be an excellent pen-name, to be signed with a flourish of a luxurious fountain pen. It’s also the name of this drink, which stands for two of the greatest things in life: refreshment and all things pink.
Scorpion
You don’t need to be terrified of this drink, just feel its thrill. It is really easy to make, and that judicious addition of orgeat makes it even more delicious than you can imagine – and there’s no sting in the tail.
Frozen Margarita
As well as the classic frozen Margarita, the flavoured varieties are also sublime. You can try this at home – just add 60ml (2oz) of your favourite fruit purée to the recipe. Kapow!
Chicken, tarragon and brioche sandwiches
These Christmassy little sandwiches make a filling option when the cocktails are flowing.
Now buy Olly’s cocktail book
Our drinks recipes are taken from Home Cocktail Bible by Olly Smith, to be published by Quadrille on 2 December, price £20. To pre-order a copy for £16 until 28 November, go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3308 9193. Free UK delivery on orders over £20.
Food styling: Loic Parisot. Styling: Max Robinson.
