The best cocktail recipes for your Christmas drinks party this year

Making world-class cocktails at home this Christmas is easy with Leslie William's top tips 

From Negroni Sbagliato to Lemon Drop Martini and a White Chocolate Martini perfect with a slice of Christmas cake.

The long months of lockdown in 2020 and 2021 created a cocktail boom which has by no means abated. No home is complete without a cocktail shaker and if you don’t have one now is the time to invest.

I recommend a Boston shaker which comes in two parts of more or less equal size — one metal and one glass. Most modern bartenders use an all-metal version but either will work. If you are new to cocktails it makes sense to buy a Boston shaker cocktail set which will include various strainers, spoons and measuring cups. You will also need a small sharp knife for cutting citrus peel and removing pith. A serrated edge is easier to work with but any good sharp paring knife will suffice