“Stars” of holiday parties

Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties are more than just moments to meet with friends or family. They are magical celebrations that come alive in every corner of the home, in the flicker of candles, the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies, and the joyful laughter filling the air.

The holiday spirit begins long before the actual day arrives — in that very moment when we open boxes of cherished ornaments, lovingly preserved year after year. Each bauble and ribbon carries memories of past joys and the people who shared those unforgettable moments with us. Once the Christmas tree sparkles with colorful lights and the house is filled with warmth and coziness, it’s time for the most important task: creating an atmosphere of happiness.

The Magic is in the Details

This atmosphere starts with the little things. A tablecloth embroidered by a grandmother’s hands brings warmth. A garland draped over the fireplace resembles a starry night. A soft throw on the couch invites you to snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa. Scents play a vital role: oranges, cloves, and cinnamon create an invisible bridge to childhood when holidays felt magical.

Music is essential to making the celebration complete. Gentle bell melodies, familiar Christmas carols, and songs about New Year’s dreams fill the space with lightness and a sense of wonder.

Elegance in Every Sip

Special attention at such parties is given to festive cocktails, adding a touch of elegance and joy. Classics like mulled wine with aromatic spices, sparkling mimosas with champagne and orange juice, or the sophisticated Golden Grog with rum, honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of cinnamon warm the soul and enhance the cozy holiday atmosphere. For the adventurous, unique creations like a champagne cocktail with cranberry juice and fresh cranberries as garnish can be a delightful surprise. Serving these drinks in beautiful glasses with ice or golden sugar rims adds a chic and festive touch.

Creating the Perfect Cocktail

Golden Grog

A warming delight for winter evenings:

• 50 ml dark rum
• 150 ml hot water
• 1 tsp honey
• 15 ml fresh lemon juice
• A pinch of ground cinnamon
• Grated lemon zest for garnish

Combine rum and lemon juice in a glass. Add hot water and honey, stirring until the honey dissolves. Garnish with lemon zest and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve in transparent glasses to highlight the golden hue. Perfect for outdoor winter gatherings, this cocktail offers a tender mix of honeyed sweetness, zesty lemon, and warming spices.

Polar Glow

Inspired by the wonders of nature:

• 100 ml sparkling wine (champagne)
• 30 ml Brandbar Curacao liqueur
• 10 ml lemon juice
• Ice cubes
• Anise star and sugar flakes for garnish

Fill a glass with ice cubes. Add liqueur and lemon juice, then carefully pour in the champagne. Garnish with an anise star and sugar flakes resembling tiny snowflakes. This cocktail refreshes with citrus notes and a touch of exoticism, perfect for a festive evening.

Berry Firework

A vibrant showstopper:

• 50 ml cranberry juice
• 50 ml vodka
• 30 ml Brandbar Curacao Orange liqueur
• Fresh cranberries for garnish
• Sugar rim for the glass

To create the sugar rim, moisten the edge of the glass with lemon juice and dip it in sugar for a frosted effect. Shake vodka, liqueur, and juice with ice in a shaker and pour into the prepared glass. Garnish with fresh cranberries. The balance of sweet and tart flavors, combined with the vibrant red of the cranberries, creates a festive flair.

Spiced Star

A cozy favorite for winter nights:

• 50 ml apple cider
• 30 ml dark rum
• 10 ml Brandbar Caramel syrup
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Orange slice for garnish

Warm the cider with the cinnamon stick in a small saucepan (do not boil). Pour rum and syrup into a glass, then add the warm cider. Garnish with an orange slice. The sweet aroma of caramel, combined with the warmth of cider and the spice of cinnamon, evokes memories of magical winter tales.

More Than Just Drinks

Christmas and New Year’s parties are about connection. Embrace old traditions like caroling, gift exchanges, and games by the tree, but leave room for creativity — creating a shared photo album or watching old videos that bring smiles and happy tears.

Above all, it’s the people who make these evenings special. Loved ones, friends, and family light up our eyes and make our hearts race. Even if not everyone can be there in person, the warmth of the holiday spirit transcends through phone screens or handwritten cards.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!