Visiting London this month? Then you’ll probably need a Christmas tipple to warm you up. Look no further…
There's nothing like a rich, festive cocktail to get you in the party mood. Here’s our round-up of the best Christmas drinks and where to get them over the winter season. Bottoms up! Bar Soho, 23-25 Old Compton Street The buzzing Bar Soho is ideal for a sinful cocktail, or four. Serving up: Espresso and Gingerbread Martini Festive heaven in a glass, this rich and flavoursome mix of gingerbread syrup, Kahlua and vodka is complimented with a shot of espresso. Now that’s our kind of coffee.
Grace, 42-44 Great Windmill Street Nestled right in the centre of London, the elegant Grace Bar serves up a bevy of creative cocktails and has a fantastic happy hour to match. Serving up: The Snowflake A seriously more-ish cocktail - the snowflake combines malibu, pistachio syrup and coco lopez with milk to give you the perfect white Christmas in a glass.
Forge, 24 Cornhill With its edgy and industrial decor, Forge brings some urban cool to your Christmas celebrations. Serving up: Merry Monkey With monkey shoulder, black cherry and vanilla jam, butterscotch schnapps and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, this drink is sure to awaken the senses after a day out in the cold.
Foundation Bar, 5 Langley Street Foundation Bar has become renowned for its artistic interiors and quirky design, so come on down to this underground haven and unwind, we insist. Serving up: Rockin’ Robin One for the health conscious, this delicious blend of Absolut Berri Acai, redcurrant jam syrup, crème de mure, cranberry juice and lime juice is a dieter's best friend.
Basement Sate, 8 Broadwick Street A decadent dessert bar in the heart of Soho - and what better accompaniment to a spot of pudding? A cocktail of course! We’re sold. Serving up: Beet Me Up Beetroot is combined with fiery ginger, vodka and moscato d’asti for a refreshingly different winter drink.
Pisco Embassy, 176 Upper Street London's first late night Pisco bar boasts a cracking cocktail menu, bespoke creations and homemade infusions - this new drinking spot certainly ticks all the boxes! Serving up: Piscoffee Creamy, sweet and packing a caffeine kick - this milky delight is infused with cinnamon for a festive flavour that’s hard to resist.
Reverend JW Simpson, 32 Goodge Street This Fitzrovia hotspot is situated in the basement of a historic building, making it the ideal cosy drinking den to escape from the biting cold. Serving up: Espresso Kopi Susu Rich, decadent, everything a Christmas drink should be - aged rum shaken with espresso and coffee liqueur, served on the rocks with a creamy foam.
Crib de Rib, 1 Gloucester Road Much more than your standard rib shack, this new upscale gem situated in the heart of Kensington boasts a contemporary menu crafted to perfection, plus signature cocktails designed by top mixologists. Serving up: Kisses From Santa A tantalising mix of vodka, chambord and lime juice - sweetened with gomme syrup, pomegranate and pink grapefruit juice with a fiery kick of chilli bitters.
The Sun Tavern, 441 Bethnal Green Road This cosy drinking den is reminiscent of an old New York dive bar with its old-school mixing decks and easy-going atmosphere. The tankard cocktails are hard to beat and the service is spectacular. Serving up: The Bogcutter A warming, rich combination of poitín, apricot brandy, amontillado sherry, lemon, honey water and ginger – the perfect tipple for a little winter boost!
Salmoniti Le Resto, 1 Pont Street This beautiful new Belgravia hotspot provides an elegant dining experience that's not to be missed. Exceptional seafood and sushi, outstanding service and fantastic cocktails - this place is something special. Serving up: The Naughty Dwarf Served hot with a cinnamon stick, The Naughty Dwarf literally tastes like apple crumble. Enough said.
Oskar’s bar at Dabbous, 39 Whitfield Street A bar with a truly innovative vibe, that extends not only to the striking interior but also to the drinks menu. Serving up: The Flipside An indulgent festive combo of bourbon, pistachio, egg yolk and cream, this is a truly decadent eggnog.
The Riding House Café, 43-51 Great Titchfield Street This stylish all day brasserie is bright, beautiful and brunch friendly, time for something sweet! Serving up: In a Pear Tree A mouth-watering combination of sloe gin, spiced pear syrup, lime and ginger ale, all garnished with cinnamon and dusted pear wedge.
Simmons Fitzrovia, 28 Maple Street Newly opened, this quirky two-storey bar has cocktails in teacups, eccentric yet elegant decor and a marathon happy hour. It's got our vote! Serving up: Gingerbread Old Fashioned Delicious gingery goodness that will bring a little festive warmth to those long, dark evenings.
Christopher’s Covent Garden, 18 Wellington Street With its elegant atmosphere and view that overlooks the glittering Waterloo Bridge - Christopher’s is the ultimate luxe spot for some post-work tipples. Serving up: Winter Buzz A frosty blend of stolichnaya honey vodka, lillet blanc, limoncello, fresh lime juice & ginger, lemon grass & orange bitters, served with an almond madeleine - cheers!
Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings, 42 Northampton Road Enter a nature infused haven at Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings, whose elegant decor and mouth-watering drinks will whisk you away from the Christmas shopping madness. Serving up: Winter Punch Fancy a dose of brandy before the Christmas pudding arrives? Look no further - this yuletide sip is shaken with brandy, orange, spices and a touch of violet liqueur.
