Twelfth Night – January 6th – marks the end of the traditional Christmas holiday period. Today, we most commonly see this as an opportunity to take down the decorations and stow them away for another year. In centuries past, however, this date would have been an occasion for further celebrations – often with a topsy-turvy approach to feasting and revelry, where normal rules were suspended for the night.
Warm spiced wine, like Gluhwein, or mulled/spiced punches, would have been commonly served at Twelfth Night celebrations. If you’re thinking of extending your festivities for an extra day, here are some of our cocktail recommendations.
Gingerbread Espresso Martini
It’s still officially Christmas, remember, so anything with a gingerbread vibe is a perfectly legitimate choice. This alterna-tini is a twist on the classic Espresso Martini, thanks to the addition of a glug of warming gingerbread syrup. Use good quality vodka (we use Sapling) and shake with cooled, freshly brewed espresso and coffee liqueur before serving in a Martini glass and topping with a trio of coffee beans. You can make life simpler by buying Edmunds’ limited-edition, ready-to-serve Gingerbread Espresso Martini.
Bloody Mary
We’ll wager that most Bloody Marys are consumed at brunch but there’s nothing to stop you from enjoying this beverage at an evening gathering – especially if you’re pairing it with something spicy like charcuterie. Shake one part vodka with five parts tomato juice, a dash of lemon juice and a few shakes each of Worcestershire and tabasco sauces, adding a pinch of celery salt and black pepper to the mix. Serve over ice with a celery stick. Save yourself time and effort with Edmunds’ award-winning Bloody Mary.
Amaretto Sour
Classic Christmassy flavours in a time-honoured ‘sour’ cocktail combo. You’ll need a good-quality amaretto liqueur – we use peerless Disaronno Originale which, although has the characteristic almond taste, is actually made from an infusion of apricot kernel oil with spirit, sugar and a special selection of herbs and fruits. You only need to add sugar syrup and fresh lemon juice to create an authentic Amaretto Sour that’s a smooth match for a generously marzipanned Twelfth Night cake.
Spiced Mojito
Where a long, cool drink is preferred, a Mojito
is always a sound choice. For a winter gathering, though, consider swapping out the white rum for a measure of spiced rum instead. Start by muddling mint leaves in a highball glass with lime and sugar syrup. Add crushed ice, spiced rum and top with soda water, stirring thoroughly with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients. Garnish with a mint sprig.
