Creating memories with friends and family is what the festive season is all about. Whether it’s meeting loved ones, a catch-up with friends or post-work drinks, the neighbourhood’s best winter cocktails in 2024 are sure to do the trick.
Ambassadors Clubhouse
Experience the warm, inviting atmosphere of the Ambassador's Clubhouse, where seasonal cocktails are crafted with flair. Sip on a Punjabi Margarita, an exotic mix of Northern Indian fruits and chaat masala salts. Or peruse the clubhouse specialties, before savouring a Jal Jeera featuring whiskey and ginger ale to wake up your tastebuds.
The George
Get cosy at The George's upstairs bar, which has a range of cocktails, alcohol-infused coffees and spirits for relaxed winter drinks in London. Order a Fitzrovian for a warming combination of whiskey, dry cherry, cordial and sparkling wine, or try a Spicy Clementine Margarita featuring clementine sherbert and chilli-infused tequila. For something even more indulgent, enjoy a Plum Negroni crafted with Boatyard Gin, Cocchi Americano, Suze Bitter and festive plums.
The Starman
Bowie fans, this is the place to head this winter for all the young dudes. Not only is Heddon Street the spot where the cover photo for the Ziggy Stardust album was taken, but The Starman also features artwork dedicated to the Brixton music icon. Let all the [grown-up] children boogie downstairs in the basement bar with mulled wine or cocktails, including the Brandy Ice Tea made with Maxime Trijol Cognac and keep an eye out for festive specials.
Artesian
Ready to experience one of the world’s top bars? Sip on selections from Artesian's sustainable Ingredients of the Alter Ego cocktail menu between shopping splurges on Regent Street. Each celebrating one ingredient, the 16 cocktails on The Langham’s world-renowned cocktail bar’s new menu range from the creative to the downright quirky. Try The Marshmallow for a burst of sweet childhood nostalgia.
Shhhh… don’t tell anyone, but there's a secret spot for Christmas cocktails on Heddon Street. “The West End’s best kept secret,” Hidden Heddon basement bar beneath Heddon Street Kitchen is an ideal place for cocktails and gossiping. Order incredible creations such as The Candy Dream, made with lychee, candyfloss and gin and keep an eye out for other festive offerings.
Ziggy Green
Another Heddon Street hotspot, Ziggy Green is the ideal beginning, middle or end point of your day out in London. Enjoy free-flowing Daisy Fizz as part of a daily bottomless brunch, or indulge in a Blackstar cocktail featuring Nemiroff De Lux vodka, Kahlua, Daisy Green espresso, Bristol vanilla syrup, and chocolate bitters. Perfect for a festive chocolate fix.
Aqua Spirit
Grab a spot on Aqua Spirit's partially covered and heated terrace, and make a seasonal selection from its wide-ranging cocktail menu. Try the Desire made with Bombay Sapphire, Jasmine Verte, rosemary and Sancho pepper to warm you up from the inside out.
Green Bar at Hotel Café Royal
Step into an absinthe winter woodland as Hotel Café Royal’s Green Bar is transformed with forest-themed foliage. Be inspired by tales of the Green Fairy as you pick from cocktails such as the complex, floral tones of the Viola or spice things up with The Medicine featuring turmeric and shichimi syrup with agave nectar, ginger and lemon.
Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill
Champagne and oysters are what Bentley's is famous for, but its cocktail menu is truly something special. Start with the likes of a Lindsay Old Fashioned, made with Hechicera rum, Briottet Cacao Blanco, Maraschino jam and house bitters or warm up with a hot apple toddy. Teetotallers aren’t forgotten, with mocktails like The Bellino with a Moscato grape base must and peach pulp.
Explore more of the neighbourhood at Christmas, from the best festive dining, to festive afternoon teas and places to take a date. Or why not make a day of it and enjoy the best of the season in nearby St James’s.