21 Christmas cocktail recipes to get you in the spirit

Whether you're planning a BBQ with friends, or a day on the beach with family, here are some fun cocktail ideas to try.

Keen to get creative and make your own festive cocktails? Awesome! Just follow the "bartender’s golden ratio": one part sour, one part sweet and two parts alcohol.

Larger ice cubes melt more slowly in a short glass, while smaller cubes or crushed ice work better for tall drinks.

Hosting a crowd? Combine ingredients in a jug but save the ice for the glasses to keep melting ice from diluting your cocktail mix.

Finish off your cocktail with a garnish

• Whole strawberries: Cut a notch at the tip of the berry and place on the rim of the glass.

• Citrus wedges: Trim off each end of a lemon and/or lime, halve lengthwise and slice into wedges. Cut a notch on the flesh side and place on rim.

• Citrus twists: Use a paring knife to cut off strips of citrus peel. Twist over a glass to release the oils, rub it around the rim and drop it in.

• Pineapple chunks: Cut a notch on the flesh side of a piece of pineapple and place on rim.

• Thin citrus slices: Cut thin whole or half-moon slices of lemon, lime and orange. Cut a notch on one side so you can slip over the rim of the glass.