Christmas can be measured as much in glasses as in days: mead recalling wintry medieval banquets, hot chocolate for children and the young at heart, Guinness poured after the shops close, and champagne at midnight. Each drink marks a moment in time; one a toast to the past, another a cheer for the present, and a final glass of sparkle for the days ahead.
Pre-party sparkle
Sardinian Citrus Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin Negroni
Christmas begins in Leitrim, where head mixologist Cian Wrynne of The Shed Distillery dresses the Negroni in a Drumshanbo twist. “The Negroni is the black dress of cocktails; timeless, elegant and adaptable. For Christmas, we build it on Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with Sardinian Citrus,” he says. Bright citrus and tea botanicals stand firm against Campari and vermouth, while ruby port adds spice, dried fruit and warmth. Stir 25ml gin, 25ml Campari, 20ml vermouth, and 10ml port over ice, strain into a rocks glass, and garnish with a clove-studded orange. A glowing festive opener.
After the Christmas shop
Black velvet
“The Shelbourne’s signature Black Velvet is a timeless classic,” says Niall Morgan, director of food and beverage at the Dublin hotel. Rich, creamy Guinness stout meets the crisp elegance of Laurent-Perrier champagne in a striking contrast of depth and effervescence – a symbol of understated sophistication. For Christmas, they add a splash of creme de cacao and a twist of orange zest, a playful nod to Terry’s Chocolate Orange. Slip into the Horseshoe Bar after shopping: decadent, Dublin, and unmistakably festive.
A cozy Christmas evening
Warm Cinnamon Apple Juice
Gently warm apple juice with a cinnamon stick, a star anise, and a strip of orange peel. Sweeten lightly with honey or maple syrup if you like, then serve in mugs with a twist of orange or floating cranberries. The scent of spice and citrus fills the room to go with Christmas movie nights, The Late Late Toy Show, pyjamas and warmth.
RM Block
Snack and storytelling
Bunratty mead
Honey wine older than Christmas itself, Bunratty Mead is sweet, golden and nostalgic. Once it warmed folk in draughty castles and farm cottages through long winters; today it’s poured with fruitcake, cheese, or roasted nuts, passed between generations in a toast to memories old and new.
Friends dropping by
An Cailleach
Dromoland Castle’s winter cocktail blends vodka, peppermint liqueur, Mozart White Chocolate Liqueur, and coconut milk, shaken and strained, garnished with rosemary and raspberry. Rich, creamy and aromatic, it’s an elegant welcome for neighbours or friends, offering festive generosity in a glass.
Adare Christmas flair
Irish Coffee
Born in Foynes in the 1940s to warm early transatlantic passengers, Irish Coffee receives a festive polish at nearby Adare Manor: 35.5ml Powers whiskey, two teaspoons of dark muscovado sugar, 150ml fresh coffee, topped with cream. Sometimes prepared tableside in a siphon, it’s history and Christmas in a glass. Best enjoyed before a frosty walk in the gardens or while planning the feast by the fire.
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Last orders, please
Christmas Eve
In the early evening before Christmas, there’s time for a quiet call; hot chocolate, stout, lager, or just a half. The ritual closes the day as the pub’s fireplace dims, the barman turns the key to start his own Christmas, and lights fade behind on the walk home through cold air; and later, as the Guinness commercial says, “Don’t forget to turn the lights off.”
’Twas the night before Christmas
Hot Chocolate with Peppermint
Not every night ends with spirits. Sometimes it’s just cocoa, thick and steaming, stirred with peppermint syrup, topped with cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy cane. It’s a comforting pause before the house falls silent, waiting for that special visitor. It’s a gentle prelude to Christmas morning.
For turkey and ham
Christmas Day wines
Mike O’Mara of The Wine Buff, Limerick, suggests fruit-forward wines to flatter the feast. His picks: Salice Salentino Apollonio 2019 (€19.99, negroamaro/malvasia nera) and Novi Chardonnay 2022 (€28.99). Supermarket standbys include primitivo, negroamaro, or a full-bodied chardonnay from Chile or France. Bright fruit and subtle spice knit with turkey, ham, stuffing and cranberry, making the dinner sing.
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After Christmas dinner
Eggnog
Our eggnog recipe comes from my mother, first tasted at New York’s 21 Club. Every Christmas Day, my parents arrived with a jug. Cognac, bourbon and rum mingle with cream, eggs and sugar, finished with nutmeg. Each sip is creamy and indulgent, a tradition poured into a glass, as much a part of the day as pudding or the charcuterie board.
A toast for everyone
Apple cinnamon fizz
Sparkling apple juice, cinnamon syrup, and lemon served in flutes. Crisp apple brightens the sweet spice, offering a celebratory fizz for those not drinking. Children and drivers alike can clink glasses, join in the cheer, bid adieu to the old year and welcome the new.
Midnight on New Year’s Eve
Champagne
O’Mara recommends Cuvée Privilege Blanc de Blancs, 100 per cent chardonnay, toasty, creamy, and biscuity, crowned by Le Guide Hachette des Vins. Another fine choice is Pierre Ginglinger Crémant d’Alsace (€31.99, organic). For value, supermarkets carry Tesco Finest Premier Cru Champagne, Dunnes Grower Champagne, or crisp cava and prosecco. A favourite is Baccichetto Prosecco Frizzante (€15.99) from Friuli, pale straw with notes of pear and melon. Chill well, pop at midnight, and let the bubbles carry you into the year ahead.
