As the festive season draws in, there’s nothing better than celebrating the holidays with drinks that are as local and handcrafted as your Christmas cheer. Nestled just outside Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare Distillery is an independent artisan spirit producer crafting award-winning gin, rum and cocktails right here in the heart of England. 

Whether you’re hosting friends or sharing a quiet moment by the fire, these festive cocktails from Shakespeare Distillery’s local distillery bar and recipe collection bring seasonal joy straight into your glass.

Mince Pie Martini — A Festive Local Twist

This delightfully quirky martini brings all the warm, spicy notes of the classic Christmas bake into a perfectly balanced cocktail

Ingredients

• 50 ml Mulberry Gin Liqueur
• 3 Lemon wedges
• 12.5 ml Ginger & Lemongrass Cordial
• 3 tsp Mincemeat
• 1 Cinnamon stick
• 1 Egg white
• Ground cinnamon (to garnish)

Method

1. Muddle the lemon wedges and ginger-lemongrass cordial in a cocktail tin.
2. Add the mulberry gin liqueur, mincemeat, cinnamon stick and egg white. Add ice and shake thoroughly.
3. Strain into a second tin to discard the ice and shake again.
4. Fine-strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Finish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

This festive cocktail captures the spirit of Christmas and showcases the versatile flavours of Shakespeare Distillery’s gin — perfect for impressing guests or savouring as a seasonal treat.

Mulled Peppermint Punch — Warm, Spiced & Refreshing

Looking for a cocktail that bridges the gap between mulled drink and spritzy serve? The Mulled Peppermint Punch is a beautifully balanced festive drink using local gin from Stratford-upon-Avon with aromatic apple juice, mulled syrup and refreshing mint.

Ingredients

• 50 ml Elderflower & Quince Gin
• 25 ml Cloudy Apple Juice
• 10 ml Mulled Syrup (e.g. Gourmet Mulling Syrup)
• 1 Peppermint teabag
• Soda water (to top)
• Orange peel (optional garnish) 

Method

1. Combine the gin, apple juice and mulled syrup in a shaker and shake well.
2. Pour into a glass filled with crushed ice and add the peppermint teabag.
3. Top with a splash of soda water.
4. Garnish with orange peel for an extra citrus twist.

Refreshing with a hint of warmth, this punch is the perfect drink to toast the season with local flavour and flair.

This Christmas, ditch the generic mixers and raise a glass to local flavour, handcrafted spirits, and festive fun with these two delicious cocktails.