Twelve Drinks of Christmas 2025

“This year's Christmas cocktail list was inspired by coastal celebrations and gatherings – bringing together the festive warmth of December with the freshness and vibrancy of Watergate Bay,” says local mixologist, Meg Clark. “I wanted each drink to feel luxurious and comforting, but also light enough to suit a Christmas spent by the sea.”

Apples & Plums serves up another standout flavour combination. Made by macerating ripe plums in Ginjo sake for six months before a two-year aging process in traditional enamel tanks, the Akashi Brewery plum sake has “a soft, velvety texture”, says Meg. “It's sweet and lightly floral with a hint of umami from the rice base.”

“There's a big focus on sustainable, seasonal ingredients and local produce,” says Meg. “In terms of what makes a great cocktail, the quality of products is definitely up there and luckily for us, there's a lot of really good brewing and distilling going on in Cornwall.”

But where to begin when browsing the list? Below, Meg talks us through four cocktails that capture the essence of a Watergate Bay Christmas in every sip.

Après Skate Martini

Watergate Bay x Loveday Gin, vodka, lillet blanc

“Inspired by Cornwall's first coastal ice skating rink right here at Watergate Bay, this Martini is crystal clear, elegant and minimal – just like the smooth, glassy surface of an ice rink before anyone skates on it. The definition of simplicity mastered.”

Jolly Bolly

Bollinger, Knightor rose vermouth, citrus cordial, mulled wine jam 

“Designed to make the Champagne shine! The vermouth and citrus bring brightness and herbaceous complexity, whilst the jam adds a seasonal, spiced twist and subtle sweetness. The citrus cordial is homemade, using citrus husks from the bar.”

Lemon & Rosemary Spritz

Watergate Bay x Loveday Gin, rosemary, lemon, prosecco

“Our Watergate Bay x Loveday Gin has bright and bold lemon verbena flavour and notes of pink grapefruit, whilst the rosemary brings an aromatic herbal dimension that complements but doesn't overpower the citrus found in the gin. Sparkling wine naturally highlights the spirit in a cocktail, so Prosecco is the perfect partner to our very own gin.”

Watergate Whiteout

Discarded Banana Peel Rum, Origin espresso, coffee liqueur, maple & sea salt cold foam 

“The banana, coffee and maple in this work so well together, while the airy, velvety top layer and cold foam provide texture and visual appeal. It’s essentially a dessert cocktail – like a banana-maple affogato or a banana bread with a boozy twist!”