It’s officially party season. And pubs, bars and restaurants all over London are showcasing their new seasonal menus and creative concoctions to celebrate the countdown to Christmas. So we’ve rounded up some of the best places in the city to go and grab a festive cocktail this winter. Here’s to your next night out on the town…
Aviary
If you’ve not managed to make it to the Alps this Christmas, don’t be disheartened. Aviary is hosting an après-ski style takeover in their rooftop igloos that’ll transport you straight to the slopes, fondue and all. There’ll also be a trio of delectable Monkey 47 cocktails on offer, as well as festive mulled wine and cider. Royal London House, 10th Floor Montcalm, 22-25 Finsbury Square, EC2A 1DX
Be At One
Be At One is bringing ultimate Christmas Eve excitement with this year’s festive menu. Their Milk & Cookies inspired cocktail takes the form of a sweet treat Havana 7 cocktail, topped with Lotus Biscoff, and is available all Christmas long. Thank us later!
Multiple locations in London
Birdies
Get your friends together and head to Birdies for a night of crazy golf, mouth watering burgers and magnificent winter cocktails. Their festive favourite is The Grinch, a concoction of seasonal winter fruits, Absolut, cranberry juice and berry cider, topped with a winterberry meringue. Sip one of these and tag @playbirdies and @absolutuk on your Insta for a chance to win a VIP night at Bridies and an Absolut cocktail making kit.
Multiple locations in London
The Botanist, Broadgate Circle
Immerse yourself in the festive, vibrant atmosphere of The Botanist Broadgate. Enjoy their wide range of dining and bar options including their infamous weekend bottomless brunch menu sponsored by Lillet, a gorgeous wine-based aperitif from Bordeaux. 35 Broadgate, EC2M 2QS
Dirty Martini
If you’re looking to kickstart holiday season with a bang, we’ve got just the thing for you. Rally your friends and head to Dirty Martini – here you can gather round a neon-winged tree and pluck Absolut martinis as you please. ‘Or if you’re partial to something a little more tropical, Havana’s Santa Punch from their limited-edition Christmas cocktails is just the thing’. Plus, you can sip your cocktail happy in the knowledge that a real tree will be planted for every Dirty Martini x Absolut Martini Tree sold. You can even treat your loved ones to their very own Martini Tree for the ultimate Christmas prezzie.
Multiple locations in London
The Ivy Victoria
The Ivy is known for its top-tier food offering, but their festive cocktail menu alone is reason enough to pay a visit. Head to The Ivy Victoria and enjoy a Popping Cracker Royale, a magical mixture of prosecco, passion fruit, spiced mango syrup and Monkey 47 Gin with a theatrical finish of fairy floss and popping candy. 66 Victoria St, SW1E 6SQ
Leicester Square Christmas Markets
Take a break from your Christmas shopping with a visit to the Beefeater Gin Christmas market hut. Here you can enjoy a range of toasty winter warmers, such as the Fruity Hot Toddy with Rhubarb and Cranberry, Beefeater Orchard, Beefeater Hot Peach Punch and the Glenlivet Whisky Hot Toddy. Leicester Square, WC2H 7LU
Looking Glass Cocktail Club
This Alice in Wonderland-inspired cocktail lounge has conjured up some awe-inspiring serves this Christmas. Marvel at the visual phenomenon of a Clear Espresso Martini or get your taste buds tingling on the bold flavours of a Marmite Negroni. 49 Hackney Rd, E2 7NX
Mr White’s
Marco Pierre White’s eponymous Mr White’s has got two very special Monkey 47 seasonal serves up its sleeve this winter. Head on down for some utterly exquisite food and a taste of Schwarzwald’s finest gin. 20-21 Leicester Square, WC2H 7LE
Queen of Hoxton
Get ready to be transported from Shoreditch to the slopes with another après style takeover for the skiing enthusiasts among you. And anyone familiar with the Queen of Hoxton won’t be surprised to hear, it’s gonna be a right old knees up. Here you can sit by the warm fire pits, toast your own s’mores and enjoy seasonal Absolut cocktails such as a Queen’s Mule, Blackberry Punch, Crème de la Crème and Gluhwein. 1 Curtain Rd, EC2A 3JX
Slug and Lettuce
Christmas is all about treating yourself, and who can resist the ultimate treat cocktail, a Piña Colada? Even better, it’s served in a golden sparkly pineapple, just in case you needed any more of a reason to get into the festive spirit!
Multiple locations in London
Urban Pubs
Visit Fleets, Juno Rooms, Nest, Paradise or Tavern this Christmas and you’ll not be disappointed with the tipples on offer. Their fabulous Martini Trees are perfect for sharing, and for every Martini Tree purchased, a tree will be planted! 40-42 Brendon St, W1H 5HE
18+ only, do not forward to anyone below legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly, www.drinkaware.co.uk.
Raise a toast to Christmas with a festive cocktail today.