Now that that the twinkly lights are out and the Christmas cake is made it’s time for a cocktail don’t you think? Who am I kidding? It’s rare that I will ever turn down a cocktail. In fact, I welcome one (or two) with open arms at any time of year or indeed at any occasion. I’m not a firm believe that you need an excuse to partake. I do though have different favourites at different times of the year.

Now that advent is well and truly under way and the Christmas party season is reaching it’s peak, I wanted to share my festive favourite. In fact this was my drink of choice as I made the Christmas cake this year. (I’m sure you’ll believe me when I say that I never do it without a glass of fizz in my hand!) So we’ll just see if I did justice to Mary Berry’s recipe come the 25^th shall we?

I first came across this magnificent drink when I went for afternoon tea at the Intercontinental on Park Lane 2 years ago. The tea was based on the 12 days of Christmas. Every sweet treat and sandwich was based one of the 12 aspects of the rhyme and the one that stuck in my mind was the cocktail. It was called ‘A Partridge in a Pear Tree’. I forget the exact alchemy of it’s flavour but knowing the ingredients, I have aimed to perfect it and I think I’ve got it right!

Now, I’m not keen on either whiskey or pears but it contains both which is why I am surprised that I like it at all. I’m not even convinced about diluting Champagne. I’m a strong believer of drinking it neat and savouring it’s beauty. That said, this delicious cocktail involves mixing Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or – a sweet whiskey matured in Bourbon casks and then extra matured in Sauternes barriques, along with Xanté – a blend of pears and Cognac . So grab your favourite Champagne glass and give it a go. All you need is:

½ teaspoon Nectar D’Or

1 teaspoon Xanté

A Good Champagne of your choice (but save your expensive vintage stuff to embibe neat!)

Add the spirits to the glass first and then top up with Champagne. No need to stir. It really is that simple and yet it tastes so luxurious.

So whether there’s a cake to bake, a turkey to brine, presents to wrap or if that cup of tea just isn’t hitting the spot, Pop that cork, mix and share with friends!