Six great festive cocktails

14:12 12 December 2011

When you think of Christmas the drinks which spring to mind are mulled wine and hot cider. But, with a little imagination these perfectly festive but slightly boring drinks can be put to rest for one year.

With the party season about to take off be the perfect hostess with these new years eve cocktails. It is the season to be jolly after all!

1. Pear drop cocktail
   This may seem a little summery for the festive period but when mint leaves and sugar are added to the vodka and pear juice it gains a little spice and sweetness, just right for New Year frivolities. Also a great accompaniment to the seasonal dish of spiced pears.
2. Amaretto fizz
   This is so quick and simple that it can be handed to guests as they arrived. A great and exciting way to begin the countdown, the combination of sparkling wine, orange juice and amaretto will go down a treat.
3. Thyme punch
   An infusion of sweet sugar, bitter lemon, thyme leaves and ginger added to gin creates a delicious punch which will kick start your party and have your guests up and dancing in no time.
4. Ginger champagne cocktail
   Another drink using ginger as a main ingredient is this ginger champagne cocktail, perfectly designed for those who canÂ’t wait until midnight to pop the cork. As it's title suggests this is a mix of ginger and champagne with a little sugar and lemon. A refreshingly lovely cocktail to help celebrate in style.
5. Coffee cocktails
   Everybody loves an after dinner coffee liquor but this goes that extra mile to provide your dinner guests with something special and lovingly made. Combine strong cooled coffee with Kahlua and double cream for an after dinner coffee your they wonÂ’t forget in a hurry.
6. Jelly shots
   Alcoholic jelly shots go down well at any party but champagne jelly shots are a sure way to bring the New Year in with a bang. An alternative to the traditional glass of champagne these are fun and not too difficult to make. Add sugar to rose champagne and gelatine to shot glasses and add edible glitter to make this an extra special treat.

All recipes are by bbc good food and Olive magazine and are available in full at bbcgoodfood.com