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'Marmalade... I never would have thought!': 3 cocktails to bring bubbles to your Christmas brunch

Cocktail lover Ciara O’Doherty shares three ideas for finding the fizz on the big day itself.

Journal Media Studio / YouTube

CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH might just be the perfect meal. It’s a celebration that has all the magic and sparkle of Christmas dinner – with none of the stress and sprouts.

So how can you make the most of that moment? If you’re raising a glass with loved ones – whether that’s in person, or on Zoom – what are the best bubbles to really bring the zing? Well, we’re here to help.

This Christmas, we’ve teamed up with Schweppes and cocktail lover Ciara O’Doherty to bring you an anyone-can-do-it guide to drinks that will create a little magic at home. Our mission: to find the fizz in every festivity and add sparkle to every ‘Sláinte’, whether that’s a night in by the fire or a Zoom catch-up with your crew.

Through December, Ciara has been sharing some inspiration for every occasion – from a cosy night in, to an impromptu celebration.

And today she has something quite special for your Christmas Day table. “This has to be one of my favourite serves in the series,” she says. “And it incorporates something we’ll nearly always find in our kitchen cupboards over the festive season  – marmalade!”

1. The We Jam-In

“I feel like this is the perfect brunch serve,” says Ciara. “Not to mention it tastes absolutely delicious. I had no idea that marmalade and whiskey paired so well together – they’re a match made in heaven!”

  • 35ml whiskey
  • 1 heaped teaspoon fine-cut marmalade
  • 10ml lemon juice
  • Schweppes Classic Tonic
  • Lemon slice

Add the marmalade and lemon juice into an empty highball glass and mix together. Once mixed, add the whiskey. Fill the glass with ice and top with tonic. Stir gently, bringing the marmalade off the bottom of the glass. Garnish, serve, and celebrate!

2. Festive Punch

Schweppes / Killian Broderick Schweppes / Killian Broderick / Killian Broderick

This light and refreshing take on the classic mulled wine is perfect for brunch – all the spice, with none of the heaviness of a hot brew.

  • 75ml mulled wine
  • 75ml Schweppes Classic Tonic Water
  • Orange twist and cinnamon stick

Fill a highball glass with cubed ice. Pour over the chilled mulled wine. Top up with Schweppes Classic Tonic Water. Add a cinnamon stick and orange twist, and taste the bubbles!

3. Mojito Ho Ho Ho

Schweppes / Killian Broderick Schweppes / Killian Broderick / Killian Broderick

Spicy and zingy, this alcohol-free option is ideal for non-drinkers on Christmas Day or any time. 

  • 15ml lime juice
  • 10ml runny honey
  • Handful of mint leaves
  • Schweppes Classic Soda Water

Add the honey and lime juice into a highball glass and stir until mixed. Pick up the mint, slap the leaves to release the oils, and place in the glass. Fill the glass with ice and top with Schweppes Classic Soda Water. Stir gently, mixing the mint around the glass.

Whether you want to add fizz to a festivity or sprinkle some sparkles on a cosy night in, there’s a Schweppes serve for you this Christmas. We’ve got the tonic, you’ve got the spirit. For more inspiration check out our In The Mix cocktail hub, or visit instagram.com/SchweppesIreland.