Whether you're celebrating Christmas in the comfort of your own home with just a few loved ones or ringing in the New Year with a lively party, the right drinks are essential for an unforgettable celebration. And if you're wondering how Kikkoman Soy Sauce fits in, then prepare to be surprised!

Which drinks suit the festive season?

Warming drinks are especially popular during the cold season. Classics like mulled wine or cider are a must at every Christmas party. Cocktails are also party favourites, bringing a firework of flavours, with sparkling wine or champagne adding a festive fizz even before the New Year countdown begins. If you love winter flavours, add a Christmassy touch to your drinks with cinnamon, cloves and orange. Vanilla and cardamom are also perfect for this season.

Christmas cocktails with gin, rum and other spirits

Spirits like gin, rum and brandy are ideal for chilly winter days – especially when Christmas spices come into play. Feel free to get creative with your mixing! Here are a few ideas. Sound good? Click on the respective links to go directly to the recipes.

Make your own alcohol-free Christmas drinks

For those choosing not to indulge in alcohol over the holidays, there's no need to miss out on delicious drinks. Many cocktail ingredients can easily be replaced with alcohol-free alternatives. Apple, pomegranate or orange juice, for example, provide fruity, fresh flavours, and alcohol-free sparkling wine is a great option for sparkling mocktails on New Year's Eve. Of course, alcohol-free drinks aren't just a treat for the holidays—they're also ideal if you want to start the new year with Dry January. Here are three delicious ideas! Click on the links for the recipes.

Drinks with soy sauce? Yes, please!

Although soy sauce in cocktails might seem unusual, it adds intriguing layers of flavour, balancing sweet and savoury notes in an unexpected harmony. You've probably already spotted Kikkoman as an ingredient in our festive drinks tips for that extra umami kick. Soy sauce is also one of the most popular secret ingredients among bartenders. It harmonises perfectly with many classic cocktail and mocktail ingredients, adding a final flavour flourish to drinks.

Feeling inspired and ready to get mixing? Here's a roundup of all the drinks.

Garnish ideas for your festive drinks

A festive drink is only truly perfect with the right decoration. Here are some tips for adding even more seasonal flair to your Xmas and New Year's cocktails. It all begins with the right glass—use tumblers for low-volume drinks like old fashioneds or whiskey sours, and tall glasses or champagne flutes for sparkling cocktails and mocktails. Cinnamon sticks or thyme sprigs make great aromatic garnishes, while orange slices and pomegranate seeds bring a splash of colour and freshness to your drink. A sugar rim is particularly decorative—dip the glass rim in lemon juice, then in sugar for a beautifully frosted effect!

Whether you're hosting a Christmas or a New Year's party, these ideas and recipes are guaranteed to impress your guests. Have fun trying them out!