Yummy Christmas Cocktails with Aldi *

So you've got guests coming over, you want to celebrate and you're writing your drinks list. We all know how fast that can add up, because you want to accommodate everyone right? Well, I'm going to help you out in two ways.. you can save money by buying your drinks from Aldi (see photo above for a selection) and you can read on for some yummy Christmas Cocktails that I have been putting together just for you! The testing stage was very enjoyable..

I've got 4 recipes for you, one for each spirit, but I'm going to start with my "show stopper". I love this drink and I know you will too.

Amaretto Irish Coffee
This is seriously delicious, and it has fast become a festive favourite in our home. I've only made it once for this and already it's being requested on an almost daily basis! 

You can go about the Amaretto flavour in a couple of ways.. Amaretto is a sweet Italian liqueur that is made of almonds. So you can either use Amaretto (e.g. Disaronno) , or you could do what I did and use Amaretto flavoured coffee (I buy ours from Beanies). 

To make this yummy drink you will need:

• 3 teaspoons of sugar
• 2 teaspoons of Amaretto flavoured coffee / 1 teaspoon of Amaretto and 1 teaspoon of coffee
• 1 shot glass of whiskey
• 200ml of water

In a saucepan, mix the  sugar with the water, whiskey and coffee. Stir over a low heat until the sugar dissolves. DO NOT LET IT BOIL. This should take no more than 5 minutes. Remove from heat, pour into your mug or heatproof** glass and serve away! 

This not only warms you up, it smells wonderful and tastes delicious. If like me you're used to having all sorts of almond treats around for Christmas (due to Spanish family in my case) then this will really make you feel festive. 


** Now the reason I've mentioned heatproof glasses, is because your normal glasses just won't cut it. I DID use heatproof glasses, they are specifically designed for mulled wine, and mine still cracked. Hence the pool of coffee you can see in the photos.. it literally melted the bottom of the glass off. Oops**

But what if you don't like whiskey? Well that's ok because I've got a recipe for brandy, gin and vodka too! 

Tom & Jerry's (Brandy)
You will need:

• 3 eggs, separated and at room temperature
• 1 and a quarter cups of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of powdered milk
• Boiling water
• Brandy
• Nutmeg

The first step is to beat the egg yolks until thick, then whisk the whites until you achieve stiff peaks. Into the whites fold in 1/2 cup of sugar, followed by the yolks. Add in the rest of the sugar, the milk and the vanilla. Take 2 teaspoons of the mixture per cup, top up with water until 3/4 full and then add your desired amount of brandy, stir and drink! YUMMY! 

Hot Gin Toddy (Gin)
This one is quite traditional, I'm not a gin drinker so I'm sure you'll have your own fabulous festive gin cocktails!
You will need:

• 20ml of gin
• 5ml of lemon juice
• 20ml of boiling water
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick

This is really simple, just mix together, pour into a mug and drink! (It's up to you what you do with the cinnamon stick!)

Vodka Berry Bliss (Vodka)
If you prefer cold drinks then this is bright and refreshing, whilst still looking warm and festive!
You will need:

• 1 shot of vodka
• 1 red berry tea bag (I use PG tips, but there's plenty in the herbal tea section!)

Make the tea, allow to cool and add ice. Add the vodka. Drink. Isn't that easy?! 


So they are my 4 Christmas Cocktails, I'm quite proud of my show stopper! 

I'd love to know your thoughts, and if you have any festive favourites of your own, so drop me a comment below! 

Stay safe and warm, x