The holidays are around the corner, and that means a time of relaxation for us all. We can kick back and take a period to ourselves to simply enjoy life as it comes for Christmas, indulging in the lively festivities that the season brings.
What better way to do this, then loosening up with some quality alcohol? That’s where the delightful blend of flavours that make up cocktails come in. Here are six places to go for special Christmas cocktails that are sure to get your holiday spirit going.
1. Troika Sky Dining
With not one, but two special Christmas cocktails, Troika Sky Dining brings us “The Santa Claus” and “Winter on the Mountain”. While they both share Hendrick’s gin in common as an ingredient, both Christmas specials are unique, sharing the festivity in their own way.
“The Santa Claus” is infused with a cinnamon flavour, containing mixed berries, lime Creole bitters and egg white. All these blend together to present a refreshing cocktail, perfect for beginning the Christmas season. “Winter on the Mountain” features lemon, basil, cassis and calvados. This drink, though it contains simpler ingredients, is just as good as any other cocktail. It brings a calm vibe to the table, perfect for enjoying on a cosy night, much like experiencing winter on a mountain!
2. The Botanist Lounge & Bar
As part of their Christmas special offers, The Botanist Lounge & Bar in Kuala Lumpur has put up three special cocktails. “Santagria”, with dry gin, Beefeater London Dry Gin, Cointreau, passionfruit pureé, lemon juice, and mulled wine float. “Drunken Snowman”, featuring Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey, Bailey’s Irish Cream, The Bitter Truth All Spiced Liqueur, and mint cordial. Last but not least, the “Old Fashioned Gingerbread”, which has Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey, gingerbread syrup, Angostura bitters. Make sure to visit before 30th December, because these drinks won’t be around for long!
3. Nomad
Based in Penang, this bar is operated by a husband and wife pair. And for this Christmas, they’ve come up with a special cocktail to celebrate! Featuring Jameson whiskey, among a host of other ingredients, they’ve blended together a new drink, just for the holidays. If you’re on Penang Island this season, be sure to drop by Nomad and try it out.
4. Bar Terumi
Also known as “The Tender Bar”, Terumi is one of Malaysia’s few bars owned by a female. This special bar made special mixes for Christmas, with two limited edition holiday cocktails. Firstly, there is “Yuletide’s Bosom”, which contains Jameson Irish whiskey, orange cardamom, cinnamon, milk, cream and egg custard. The second one is called “El Fuergo”, featuring Jameson Irish whiskey, ginger honey, pomegranate, raspberry, lemon and foam. These two drink will only be around until December 31st, so make sure to go and give it a taste before it’s too late.
5. Bentley’s Pub
Featuring three different drinks, Bentley’s Pub has come out with unique Christmas designs and blends for this season. With the “Holiday Manhattan Cocktail” and “Gin Wonderland Cocktail” there is no shortage of wonderful options. If you’re looking to cut down on alcohol? There’s a choice for that too, with their festive “Merry-Go-Round Mocktail”.
6. Seven Lobby Bar
In true Christmas spirit, the Seven Lobby Bar has released two cocktails for the season. “Snowdrops” reminiscent of the winter. Even if we can’t experience proper snow here, we can relax with this cocktail that brings the spirit of the cold season to us. The second cocktail, “Yuletide Bear” provides a more playful vibe, letting the fun, whimsical side of Christmas shine through. These two drinks are available until 1st January 2025.
Janae Lee contributed to this article.
