Bradleys’ 12 Drinks of Christmas

Bradleys’ 12 Drinks of Christmas

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to spread festive cheer than with Bradleys’ 12 Drinks of Christmas?

We understand the importance of toasting to the holidays with the perfect drink in hand. That’s why we’ve curated a list of delightful Christmas drinks for you to enjoy during the festive season. From classic favourites to innovative twists, our selection promises to liven up your holiday gatherings.

 

Mulled Wine Magic

 

Let’s kick off our 12 Drinks of Christmas journey with a touch of warmth and spice – introducing ‘Mulled Wine Magic.’ This classic concoction, simmered to perfection with aromatic spices, is sure to turn chilly evenings into festive affairs.

To Make Mulled Wine Combine red wine, brandy, honey, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and orange slices in a saucepan. Warm gently, simmer for 15 minutes, strain, adjust sweetness, garnish with orange zest, and serve.

Explore our selection of red wines to find the perfect bottle for this festive favourite. To make a non-alcoholic mulled wine, try our alcohol-free red wine and leave out the liqueur.

 

Festive Champagne Sparkle

As the festive season unfolds, there’s no drink more synonymous with celebration and elegance than champagne. The clinking of glasses filled with effervescent joy sets the tone for Christmas gatherings, adding a touch of sophistication to the merriment.

Among the stars that grace the holiday table, Bollinger Special Cuvée Champagne emerges as a classic, with its rich and complex character, embodying the spirit of indulgence.

For those seeking a Spanish sparkler, the Castillo de Perelada, Stars Brut Reserva Cava, and its organic counterpart, the Castillo de Perelada, Stars Organic Brut Cava Touch of Rosé bring a delightful sparkle to the festivities.

At Bradleys off licence in Cork, we have a range of Champagnes, prosecco and sparkling wines for every budget. As these champagne stars twinkle in glasses around the Christmas table, each sip becomes a festive memory.

 

Irish Cream Delight

 

Indulge in the creamy enchantment of Irish Cream Liqueur this Christmas, a velvety classic, perfect whether over ice, in coffee, or savoured as a sweet treat. Irish Cream Liqueur might well be the ultimate holiday companion.

Blend Two Stacks Double Cream Liqueur, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, chocolate syrup, coffee granules, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract. Adjust to taste, pour over ice or add to coffee.

Shop Two Stacks Double Irish Cream Liqueur

 

A Gin For Every Season

Gin can be a fantastic festive drink! While gin is often associated with refreshing cocktails for warmer seasons, it’s incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways during the festive season. Here are a few reasons why gin can make for a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations:

 

  • Gin serves as a base for a wide range of cocktails. Whether you prefer a classic Gin and Tonic, a festive Negroni, or a spiced-up Gin Fizz, there are numerous cocktail options to suit the holiday mood.
  • Many gins incorporate a diverse array of botanicals in their production. Some gins feature botanicals like juniper, cinnamon, clove, or citrus, which can evoke the flavours of the season.
  • Create large-format gin punches or festive gin cocktails to serve a crowd during holiday gatherings. Consider incorporating seasonal fruits, herbs, and spices for added flair.
  • It’s a great time of year to explore craft and artisanal gins that offer unique and complex flavour profiles, making your gin experience more special and tailored to the occasion.

 

Shop Our Wide Range Of Gins

 

Winter Wonderland White Russian

Step into a realm of frosty enchantment with our Winter Wonderland White Russian. This seasonal twist on the classic brings together the smooth allure of vodka, the richness of coffee liqueur, and a touch of snowy magic, promising to transport you to a serene winter wonderland.

In a lowball glass with crushed ice, layer 1 oz vodka and 1 oz coffee liqueur, and gently pour 1 oz heavy cream over a spoon for a Winter Wonderland White Russian. Stir gently.

Find the perfect vodka blend at Bradleys

 

Warm Spiced Cider

Wrap yourself in the comforting embrace of the season with Warmed Spiced Cider, a soul-warming elixir that marries the aromatic spices of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg with the sweet, apple-infused essence of joy.

To make Warm Spiced Cider, heat apple cider in a saucepan. Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and a few slices of orange. Simmer gently, allowing the spices to infuse, but do not boil. Strain, pour into mugs, and garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice for a comforting, aromatic experience.

 

Port & Sherry – The Must Haves For Christmas Dinner Guests

 

Are Christmas festivities complete without the regal presence of Port and Sherry? We don’t think so. Port and Sherry are two indispensable companions that add a touch of sophistication to your holiday gatherings.

As the winter air chills, welcome your guests with a glass of Fino or Manzanilla Sherry, served as a crisp aperitif to awaken the palate before the grand feast. These dry Sherries pair exquisitely with an array of appetisers, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience.

Moving to the heartwarming moments around the fireplace, indulge in the velvety richness of Port, a quintessential after-dinner delight. The beauty of Port is that it harmonises seamlessly with the festive sweetness of desserts, chocolates, and artisanal cheeses.

Embrace the season’s traditions with the timeless allure of Port and Sherry.

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How to Pick A Wine To Accompany A Turkey Christmas Dinner

 

Selecting the right wine to accompany a turkey roast dinner involves considering the flavours of both the meat and the accompanying dishes.

White Wines are a versatile choice for turkey, especially if the meat is prepared with lighter flavours such as herbs or citrus. Consider a medium to full-bodied white like Chardonnay or Viognier.

If your turkey is prepared with richer, savoury flavours or a spiced rub, a light to medium-bodied red wine can be a great match. Pinot Noir, Grenache, or a light Zinfandel are excellent choices.

A classic roasted turkey pairs well with a wide range of wines.  If you are serving cranberry sauce, a slightly sweet or off-dry white wine like Riesling can complement the tartness.  Whereas, if your turkey is accompanied by a rich, savoury gravy, a medium to full-bodied red wine like a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon can stand up to the flavours.

Ultimately, choose a wine that you and your guests enjoy. Remember that personal taste plays a significant role, and there’s no strict rule.

Shop Wine For Christmas

 

Classic Whiskey

 

Nothing warms the soul during the festive season quite like the rich, amber glow of classic whiskey. The velvety notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of smokiness encapsulate the essence of winter comfort.

Whether sipped neat by the crackling fire or expertly mixed into a timeless Old Fashioned, classic whiskey becomes a cherished companion during Christmas celebrations.

Its smooth, lingering warmth creates a moment of reprieve, inviting friends and family to gather, share stories, and savour the timeless flavours that make this season truly magical. In every golden drop, the spirit of Christmas is distilled, making classic whiskey an essential tradition. Cheers to the holidays!

Shop For Great Whiskey

 

Sour Cherry Bourbon Smash

 

Add an unexpected party pleaser to your cocktail menu with the Sour Cherry Bourbon Smash. This cocktail combines the tartness of sour cherry syrup with the richness of bourbon for a flavorful and refreshing drink.

To craft a Sour Cherry Bourbon Smash, muddle fresh mint leaves in a shaker. Add 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz sour cherry syrup, 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice, and ice. Shake well, then strain into an ice-filled glass. Optionally top with club soda for fizz, garnish with fresh sour cherries, and a sprig of mint.

 

 Irish Coffee

 

Embrace the festive spirit with a universal favourite – Irish Coffee.  Your guests will love the rich warmth of Irish whiskey with the comforting embrace of freshly brewed coffee.

To make Irish Coffee, brew a cup of your favourite coffee and pour it into a heat-resistant glass. Add brown sugar to taste, stir until dissolved, then pour in 1 to 1.5 oz of Irish whiskey and stir. Float whipped cream on top and garnish with cocoa powder or chocolate syrup. Serve immediately.

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 Ring In The Year With A Celebratory Kir Royale

 

Make it a New Year’s Eve toast to remember with the timeless elegance of Kir Royale. A Kir Royale is a French classic that harmonises the elegance of Champagne with the rich allure of blackcurrant liqueur.

 

Chill a glass, pour 1/2 to 1 oz crème de cassis, and fill with chilled Champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon twist for a delightful Kir Royale.

 

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Get everything you need for your Christmas celebrations on our website www.bradleysofflicence.ie. ““““““  Bradley’s Off Licence is a specialist off licence and food store that has proudly served the people of Cork City since 1850.

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