Creating memories with friends and family is what the festive season is all about. Whether it’s meeting loved ones, a catch-up with chums or post-work drinks, the neighbourhood’s best winter cocktails in 2022 are sure to do the trick.
The George
Get cosy at The George’s upstairs bar, which has a range of cocktails 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 new take on a classic with its B&B Old Fashioned, featuring Bread & Butter Glen Moray, sherry and bitters.
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, which include a festive take on a Boulevardier called Red Rudolph, or Holly Jolly, a combination of vodka, elderflower liqueur, orange and grapefruit juices, and ginger beer.
Artesian
Ready to experience one of the world’s top bars? Experience opposites at Artesian, as you sip on selections from its Duality cocktail menu between shopping splurges on Regent Street. From Past and Future, to Moon and Sun, and Good and Evil, The Langham’s world-renowned cocktail bar’s pairings start from the same base element. Alternatively, opt for more simple classics, such as The Godfather, containing whisky and amaretto.
Shhhh… don’t tell anyone, but a secret spot has just reopened 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 the likes of Call Me Old Fashioned featuring apple-flavoured bourbon, whisky, crème de cassis, maple syrup and walnut bitters. Or book a cocktail masterclass with friends and family for a festive outing.
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 mimosas as part of a daily bottomless brunch, or watermelon margheritas paired with tacos during evening Ziggy Nights fiestas (Wednesdays to Saturdays only). This chilled venue keeps those Aussie vibes coming to London’s West End, whatever the weather.
Green Bar at Hotel Café Royal
Step into a winter woodland as Hotel Café Royal’s Green Bar is transformed with forest-themed foliage and seasonal cocktails. Celebrating Glenmorangie’s new A Tale of the Forest single malt, the cocktail menu reflects flavours from the forest. The Forager mixes whisky, Hennessey Porcino liqueur, bitters and absinthe; while the non-alcoholic Royal Garden fuses flavours of lime, thyme and elderflower.
Gaucho
Snuggle up with blankets and hot water bottles on Gaucho Piccadilly’s heated Patagonian Terrace this winter. In collaboration with Argentinian winemakers Terrazas de los Andes, the ski-chalet-inspired terrace is the perfect spot to catch up over Christmas drinks in London, such as warming mulled wine. Alternatively, order from its cocktail menu which includes the likes of Cherry Highball featuring whisky, lemon juice, cinnamon liqueur and cherry soda.
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 Chai Americano: sloe gin, red vermouth, Campari, chai tea syrup and tonic. But teetotallers aren’t forgotten, with mocktails such as the Clockwork Orange that’s full of festive flavours, from cherry, orange and mandarin to chocolate and ginger.
Yoshino
Drink to good health with antioxidant-rich fresh matcha cocktails at Yoshino on or enjoy a fruity and refreshing plum wine with soda after a day shopping for gifts. A bit chilly coming in from the cold? Warm up in no time with an authentic hot sake. Kanpai!
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.