YOU KNOW THOSE celebrations that just bubble up without any planning? Sometimes they’re the most festive times of all – whether it’s sharing some good news with a friend, or a great catch up with someone you haven’t seen in a while. 

And this year, it seems more important than ever to make sure those unexpected moments really sparkle.

This Christmas, we’ve teamed up with Schweppes and cocktail lover Ciara O’Doherty to bring you an anyone-can-do-it guide to drinks that will create a little magic at home. Our mission: to bring bubbles to every festivity and add sparkle to every ‘Sláinte’, whether that’s a night in with loved ones or a Zoom catch-up with your crew.

Through December, Ciara will be sharing some inspiration for every occasion – from a cosy night in, to the big day itself. And today she is selecting some serves that are just perfect for, as she says, “those unexpected moments during the festive season where you need to put together a refreshing drink”.

1. Berry Crush 

Source: Schweppes/TheJournal.ie

This serve has the benefit of looking spectacular, while being an absolute cinch to make. “It looks absolutely gorgeous but it’s very, very easy to put together,” says Ciara. “I love the pop of colour the berries give, it makes the whole drink look fabulous and festive, perfect for the occasion!”

• 35ml vodka
• 5ml lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 4 blueberries
• 150ml Schweppes Signature Cucumber Tonic
• Lemon wedges and blueberries to garnish

Press the blueberries and sugar at the bottom of the glass. Add all the rest of the ingredients and stir gently, mixing the blueberries and sugar into the drink. Garnish, serve and enjoy!

2. Berry Fizz

Source: Schweppes/Killian Broderick

This citrus and cranberry-laced serve brings classic festive flavours together in a fresh combination. 

• 35ml vodka
• 15ml triple sec
• 12.5ml lime juice
• 35ml cranberry juice
• 100ml Schweppes Signature Light Tonic Water
• Orange twist

Fill a hurricane glass with ice. Add the vodka, triple sec, lime juice and cranberry juice. Stir hard and top up with Schweppes Signature Light Tonic Water. To garnish cut the peel of an orange – then for extra festive points, top, tail, taper and twist it into the glass. 

3. Mistletoe Mischief

Source: Schweppes/Killian Broderick

Add some unexpected zing to the classic gin and tonic with this sparkling serve – which also looks like a celebration in a glass.

• 35.5ml Irish Gin
• 150ml Schweppes Signature Light Tonic Water
• Lemon zest and mint sprig

Fill a copa glass with ice and add Irish gin. Mix with Schweppes Signature Light Tonic Water. Add lemon zest and mint sprig, and sip!

Whether you want to add fizz to a festivity or sprinkle some sparkles on a cosy night in, there’s a Schweppes serve for you this Christmas. We’ve got the tonic, you’ve got the spirit. For more inspiration check out our In The Mix cocktail hub, or visit instagram.com/SchweppesIreland.