This Christmas is shaping up to being even more important than unusual. Are you ready to take advantage of the busiest period in your calendar. With customers meeting friends, celebrating with colleagues and gathering with family there is plenty to consider. While familiar favourites will always have their place, a festive drinks menu with a twist can give often customers another reason to visit and encourage them to try something different.
Give familiar favourites a festive twist
Festive cocktails are a natural fit for the season, offering you a chance to introduce something special without completely reinventing the menu. Classic serves can be adapted with seasonal flavours such as cranberry, orange, ginger and warming spices, while winter spritzes and simple signature cocktails can add variety.
However, keeping your range manageable is important. A small selection of well-executed festive serves can create interest without putting unnecessary pressure on your staff during busy shifts. Clear recipes, attractive presentation and a team confident in making recommendations can help turn seasonal specials into reliable sellers. For inspiration, Tesco’s Charred Orange and Cranberry Aperol Spritz is a good example, combining cranberry, orange and rosemary for a festive take on a popular cocktail.
Hot drinks also deserve consideration. Mulled wine and cider remain familiar festive options, while hot toddies and Irish coffees can appeal to customers looking for something warming on a cold winter evening. For a traditional option, BBC Good Food’s Classic Mulled Wine recipe combines red wine with cinnamon, star anise, cloves and citrus, offering a familiar winter warmer that can be prepared ahead of service.
Make seasonal beers part of the offer
Christmas is also an opportunity to bring something new to the bar. Seasonal beers can add interest for customers keen to explore different styles, from richer stouts and darker ales to distinctive winter brews. A balance of trusted favourites and seasonal discoveries allows you to cater for different tastes and occasions. Familiar lagers, pale ales, cask ales and popular ciders remain important for customers who prefer their usual order. For example, Greene King’s Rocking Rudolph Ale is a 4.2% ABV Christmas ale with redcurrant and blackcurrant flavours, malted toffee notes and a crisp bitter finish. It is also recommended alongside festive favourites such as Christmas roast dinners and mince pies.
Give customers a reason to trade up
The festive period is often associated with treating yourself, making premium serves another consideration for operators. Premium spirits, carefully presented mixed drinks and quality sparkling options can help create a sense of occasion, particularly for celebrations and group bookings.
The key is to communicate the offer clearly and ensure the experience justifies the price. Staff recommendations, thoughtful presentation and a well-stocked bar can all help your customers discover something new without making the choice feel like a hard sell.
Don’t overlook alcohol-free choices
Greene King’s September 2026 research reported that demand for alcohol-free cocktails had increased by 19% compared with 2024.
Although everyone focuses on low and no in January the figures show it’s becoming important all year round and especially at Christmas with the push for designated drivers especially prominent. An inclusive festive drinks menu should offer more than a standard soft drink for customers who aren’t drinking alcohol. Alcohol-free beers, spirits and cocktails give those designated drivers and those moderating their intake the chance to enjoy something that feels just as special. A festive mocktail can be just as appealing, with Waitrose’s Merry Berry combining cranberry juice, frozen berries, vanilla syrup and Seedlip Spice for a colourful alcohol-free serve.
Make every serve count
Ultimately, a successful Christmas drinks offer doesn’t need to be complicated. By combining familiar favourites with a few seasonal additions, offering genuine choice and helping staff recommend the right drink, pubs can make the festive experience feel special.
Planning ahead, checking stock and making seasonal options visible on menus and at the bar can help you make the most of the opportunity. The aim is to give your customers more reasons to raise a glass, stay a little longer and return throughout the festive season.