There’s no better way to spice up your holiday celebrations than with a cosy cocktail. Throughout the season, bartenders at Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa will be mixing drinks that capture the warmth and cheer of a Bermuda Christmas.
Imagine a beverage reminiscent of cassava pie baking in the oven, twinkling lights on palm trees, and family gatherings that stretch late into the night.
From icy-blue cocktails to creamy dessert drinks and coffee with a kick, the Hamilton Parish hotel’s festive cocktail menu will add a little extra sparkle to the season.
The line-up captures the spirit of Christmas and suits any occasion, whether you’re mixing drinks for friends, unwinding after a marathon gift-wrapping session, or enjoying a quiet moment by the tree.
Here are three of the cocktails you’ll find at Grotto Bay in the coming season. Try them out at the hotel or make them in the comfort of your own home.
Since not everyone wants a glass with a kick, there are alcohol-free options too – ideal for designated drivers or anyone keeping things light.
Glacier Kiss by Darreana Burchall
Bartender’s description
Bermuda may never see snow, but with the Glacier Kiss, you can taste the magic of winter in every sip.
Cool, crisp and tinged with a hint of shimmer, the Glacier Kiss brings the chill of the North Pole straight to your glass. With the bright zing of lime, the tropical smoothness of piña colada mix, and the oceanic blue of curaçao, it’s a cocktail that looks like it was poured from Bermuda’s waters.
Blanco tequila gives it a clean, bold kick while the triple sec and simple syrup balance out the tartness. Add a dash of edible glitter and this one is as dazzling as the Christmas boat parade.
Ingredients
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice (3 lime wedges)
- 0.75 oz triple sec
- 0.25 oz blue curaçao
- 1.5 oz blanco tequila
- 0.25 oz simple syrup
- 0.75 oz piña colada mix
- A dash of edible glitter
Directions
- Shake all ingredients with ice until chilled.
- Strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with powdered sugared rosemary or a frosted lime wheel.
Non-alcoholic twist
Swap the tequila and triple sec for sparkling lemonade, add a splash of blue sports drink or blue raspberry syrup, and finish with coconut milk and glitter for a kid-friendly, wintry mocktail that’s pure fun.
Nutty Cream Cookie by Tez Terry
Bartender’s description
A riff on the popular cocktail, Screaming Orgasm. I added amaretto, whipped cream, and nutmeg to it for holiday spice.
If Christmas had a flavour, it might just taste like this. Think of Nutty Cream Cookie as dessert in a glass. It’s rich and velvety thanks to the added flavours of vanilla, almond, and cream.
This version gets its nutty depth from amaretto, its sweet, luxurious flavour from whipped cream, and a festive flourish from a dusting of nutmeg. Skip dessert — it’s the perfect after-dinner drink.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz vanilla vodka
- 0.75 oz amaretto
- 0.75 oz Bailey’s
- 1.5 oz cream
Directions
- Shake all ingredients with ice until chilled.
- Strain over ice.
- Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Non-alcoholic twist
Combine almond syrup, vanilla syrup, a splash of coffee or chocolate milk, and a pour of cream. Shake over ice, top with whipped cream and nutmeg, and you’ve got a sweet treat everyone can enjoy.
Christmas Morning Coffee Dream by Duane Durham
Bartender’s description
Apple-flavoured whiskey and coffee with a dash of vanilla to start your Christmas day on a merry note. Inspired by one of the holiday’s classic desserts, apple pie.
For anyone who has ever stayed up late on Christmas Eve wrapping presents, or prepping Christmas dinner into the early hours, getting started on the big day might require an extra boost. The Christmas Morning Coffee Dream might just what you need.
It’s a festive twist on a morning cup of coffee, combining the rich warmth of freshly brewed beans with the comforting sweetness of apple, vanilla and spice. Crown Royal Apple adds the flavour of baked apple pie, while vanilla syrup and a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg make every sip seem like a bite of dessert.
Smooth, lightly spiced and festive from the first sip. The non-alcoholic version delivers the same cosy flavours without the kick — perfect for sweet-toothed early risers, whether you’re watching the sunrise or relaxing in pyjamas amid the wrapping paper only you will bother to pick up.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Crown Royal Apple
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 0.5 oz vanilla syrup
- Coffee
Directions
- Mix all ingredients in a coffee mug and stir until combined.
- Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg on top.
Non-alcoholic twist
Brew your favourite coffee or hot chocolate, add vanilla syrup and a splash of apple juice or cider, and finish with whipped cream and spice. It’s comfort in a cup.
