Watch Michelle Darmody make the perfect Christmas cocktail

Any Christmas is surely not complete without a cocktail or two to lift what can be flagging spirits.

With that in mind food and drink writer Michelle Darmody decamped to the imperious Souths Bar in the Imperial Hotel, Cork and made what she believes is one of the quintessential Christmas Day cocktails.

So check it out and wny not give a 'Blood and Sand' a try some time soon.

Video: Dan Linehan. With thanks to the Imperial Hotel, Cork. 

Ingredients

.75 oz Single Malt Scotch Whisky - A peaty Irish instead

.75 oz Sweet vermouth

.75 oz Cherry Brandy

.75 oz Freshly squeezed orange juice

To serve: Add all the ingredients to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake, and strain into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with an orange peel and a cherry in the base of the glass.

Don't forget that this Saturday marks the publication of our annual 'Weekend Food and Drink Special'. In this year's edition Michelle will be joined by Darina Allen, Leslie Williams, Derval O’Rourke and Neven Maguire to make sure the festive period is sorted when it comes to your food and drink needs.

'Weekend' is free this and every Saturday with the Irish Examiner print edition.