9 Festive Cocktails for a Scandinavian Christmas Mingle

Hosting a Christmas mingle is the perfect opportunity to showcase your creativity and treat your guests to unique, festive drinks. This year, elevate your holiday gathering with a selection of elegant Nordic-inspired cocktails. Each drink is designed to complement the warm, minimalist aesthetic of Scandinavian decor with white, gold, and wintery accents. Below, we’ve compiled nine stunning recipes with tips for presentation and ambiance to create a cozy and refined Christmas atmosphere.

The Roger Moore

Ingredients

  • 50 ml (1.7 oz) gin
  • 25 ml (0.8 oz) fresh lemon juice
  • 15 ml (0.5 oz) rosemary simple syrup (see preparation instructions below)
  • 1 fresh egg white (for foam)
  • Edible gold flakes, for garnish
  • Fresh rosemary sprig, for garnish
  • Dusting of cinnamon, optional

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Rosemary Simple Syrup
  1. In a small saucepan, combine:
  2. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.
  3. Let the syrup simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to infuse the rosemary flavor.
  4. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely. Strain out the rosemary sprig and store the syrup in an airtight container.
Step 2: Mix the Cocktail
  1. Add the following ingredients to a cocktail shaker:
  2. Dry Shake (without ice) for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create a thick foam.
  3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again vigorously for another 10-15 seconds to chill the mixture.
Step 3: Serve and Garnish
  1. Strain the cocktail into a tall, frosted glass to enhance the presentation.
  2. Garnish the foam topping with:

Walking On Thin Ice...

Ingredients

  • 50 ml (1.7 oz) premium gin (or substitute with vodka for a twist)
  • 25 ml (0.8 oz) elderflower liqueur
  • 15 ml (0.5 oz) fresh lemon juice
  • 10 ml (0.3 oz) simple syrup
  • Splash of sparkling water

For the Thin Ice Garnish

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp water

For Decoration

  • Fresh thyme sprig
  • Coarse sugar for rimming

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Thin Ice Sugar Garnish

  1. Heat the sugar and water in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.
  2. Pour the melted sugar onto a silicone baking mat or parchment paper, forming a thin circle.
  3. Let it cool and harden completely before gently peeling it off. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cocktail

  1. Rim the edge of a chilled coupe or martini glass with a light coating of lemon juice and dip it in coarse sugar for a frosty effect.
  2. Fill a shaker with ice, then add gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake well until chilled.
  3. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass and top with a splash of sparkling water for a touch of effervescence.

Step 3: Assemble and Garnish

  1. Carefully place the "thin ice" sugar garnish on top of the glass to rest just above the cocktail.
  2. Add a small sprig of fresh thyme through the sugar circle or float it delicately on the drink to mimic the image’s aesthetic.

Northern Lights

Ingredients

  • 50 ml (1.7 oz) gin
  • 20 ml (0.7 oz) fresh lemon juice
  • 15 ml (0.5 oz) blueberry syrup (see instructions below)
  • 100 ml (3.4 oz) tonic water or sparkling water
  • Ice cubes

For Garnish:

  • A small sprig of fresh pine or rosemary
  • Fresh juniper berries or blueberries

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Blueberry Syrup

  1. Combine 1/2 cup (100 g) of fresh blueberries, 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar, and 1/4 cup (60 ml) water in a small saucepan.
  2. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
  3. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, discarding the solids, and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Mix the Cocktail

  1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine gin, lemon juice, and blueberry syrup. Shake well for about 10-15 seconds until chilled.
  2. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes.

Step 3: Top and Garnish

  1. Top with tonic water or sparkling water for a crisp finish.
  2. Garnish with a small sprig of fresh pine or rosemary to mimic the forest vibe. Add a few fresh juniper berries or blueberries for a decorative touch.

Man Overboard

Ingredients

  • 50 ml (1.7 oz) dark rum or bourbon
  • 25 ml (0.8 oz) gingerbread syrup (see instructions below)
  • 100 ml (3.4 oz) chilled oat milk (or regular milk for a creamier texture)
  • 15 ml (0.5 oz) coffee liqueur (optional, for added depth)
  • 1 dash of ground nutmeg or cinnamon
  • Whipped cream, for topping
  • 1 gingerbread cookie, as garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Gingerbread Syrup
  1. In a saucepan, combine:
  2. Simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the spices are fully incorporated.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain to remove any solids and store in a sealed container.
Step 2: Mix the Cocktail
  1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine:
  2. Shake well until chilled and frothy.
Step 3: Assemble and Garnish
  1. Strain the cocktail into a glass of your choice (a coupe or short tumbler works best).
  2. Top with a dollop of whipped cream for festive flair.
  3. Sprinkle with ground nutmeg or cinnamon for added holiday spice.
  4. Take a gingerbread cookie, dip one edge into the cocktail, and let it rest partially submerged in the drink for a playful “drowning man” effect.

Cranberry Snow Cocktail

This festive martini is a showstopper, with its classic gold-rimmed glass and garnishes of star anise and a twist of orange peel. Dusted with edible gold, it’s a glamorous addition to your holiday lineup.

Recipe:

  • 50ml vodka
  • 25ml dry vermouth
  • Dash of orange bitters
  • Star anise and orange peel twist for garnish

Stir the vodka, vermouth, and bitters with ice, strain into a martini glass, and garnish with star anise and orange peel.

Lingonberry Sparkler

The Lingonberry Sparkler is a light and festive champagne-based drink that embodies Scandinavian flavors. With floating lingonberries and a sugared rosemary sprig, this drink is as refreshing as it is beautiful.

Recipe:

  • 20ml lingonberry syrup
  • Champagne or prosecco
  • Lingonberries and sugared rosemary for garnish

Pour lingonberry syrup into a champagne flute, top with bubbly, and garnish with sugared rosemary.

Winter Forest Gimlet

Inspired by the serenity of a snowy forest, this cocktail combines the refreshing taste of cucumber and thyme with a frosty powdered sugar rim. Served in an etched snowflake lowball glass, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Recipe:

  • 50ml gin
  • 25ml lime juice
  • 15ml simple syrup
  • Thin cucumber slice and thyme sprig for garnish

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a glass, and garnish with the cucumber and thyme.

Apple Cinnamon Glögg

A modern twist on traditional glögg, this drink features apple and cinnamon flavors, topped with a cinnamon stick and apple slice. Served in a thick glass, it brings warmth and a nostalgic touch to the mingle.

Recipe:

  • 200ml apple cider
  • 25ml rum or brandy
  • 1 cinnamon stick and apple slice for garnish

Heat cider and rum, pour into a glass, and garnish.

Saffron Gin Fizz

Add a pop of color with the Saffron Gin Fizz. Its frothy top, adorned with saffron threads and a rosemary sprig, makes it a stunning centerpiece drink.

Recipe:

  • 50ml gin
  • 25ml lemon juice
  • 15ml saffron syrup
  • Egg white (for foam)
  • Saffron threads and rosemary for garnish

Shake all ingredients, strain into a tall glass, and garnish.