Emergency Christmas Cocktails

Every family has them. They might not like to talk about them, but they’re there. Hidden from view and mostly forgotten about. That bottle of Bristol Cream bought for the visit of your nan; ouzo from a holiday to Greece in 1995; blue curaçao of indeterminate origin but no doubt purchased for its eye catching colour rather than its taste.

But there’s a problem: you’ve popped home for Christmas, it’s cold, it’s late and no one wants to go out to replenish the depleted beer and wine supplies. A cocktail is your only choice. But rather than reach for the vodka, show your mettle and take out that dusty bottle at the back. No idea what to do with it? Don’t worry, help is at hand. ShortList spoke to Oliver Blackburn, cocktail expert and manager of the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel’s Gilbert Scott bar, who’s crafted these recipes especially for you.

(Main image: Sam Armstrong)

The Gilbert Scott