When you think about a trip to Manchester Christmas Markets, a few things spring to mind. Firstly, it's how to track down the best bratwurst sausage and steaming hot mug of gluhwein.
Then, your attention might turn to how to get there, where are the best stalls and where to park. However, preoccupied with all your Christmas Market planning you may have forgotten to jot down where to get the best festive tipples.
When the markets opened in mid-November we scoured the huts and tipis to find some of the most unique dishes - from pink hot dogs to chocolate dumplings. This time round we've been seeking out the best Christmas-themed cocktails - and you're in for a treat.
Read more: Manchester Christmas Markets 2022 locations, dates, times and everything you need to know
Below you'll find plenty of inspiration for your next visit, whether it's warming apple cocktails or indulgent dessert-style tipples. If you think we've missed any, please head to the comments to share your suggestions.
Piccadilly Winter Gardens - Bars@Yours Ltd - Hot Apple Gin-gle
At Piccadilly Winter Gardens, the huge bar from Bars@Yours Ltd has got something for everyone from beers like Yeastie Boys and Off-Piste, to Magners cider and a variety of mulled drinks, including wine, plum cider and a Nordic Glogg with brandy.
I went for their Hot Apple Gin-gle for £8, which is a pre-mixed bottle from The Cocktail Co, who have a stall over on New Cathedral Street. You can buy their bottled cocktails to take away there, but if you want to enjoy one at the markets, the Winter Gardens is the place to do so.
The cocktail is steamed before being served in one of the iconic Manchester Christmas Markets mugs, which require a £3 deposit, which can be refunded on return. The drink itself is extremely sweet and tastes like an apple crumble - something I feel Manchester Christmas Markets is distinctly missing this year. It definitely scratched my seasonal dessert itch.
At Ann’s Square - Undercover Bar - Curacao Christmas Cocktail
From piping hot to frozen slushies, I made my way down to the undercover bar at St Ann’s Square, where you can pretend it's 30 degrees outside with a frozen cocktail. Their ‘winter cocktails’ are comically displayed on a board depicting pineapples wearing Santa hats on the beach.
The Espresso Martini was sold out, and there was also the option of a Feuerzangenbowle but I didn’t fancy my chances at pronouncing that one, so ordered the Curacao Christmas Cocktail instead.
The frozen beverage comprises pineapple, passion fruit, guava triple sec and a choice of either spiced rum, tequila or vodka. I went for tequila, and paid £10 for the drink, which included a £2 deposit for the glass. It’s worth noting that this bar is cash only - so be sure to bring some along with you.
The tropical slushie was delicious but didn’t feel particularly festive, and by the time I was done my fingers were like icicles.
St Ann’s Square - North Star Gin and Cocktail Bar - North Star
Just next door at North Star Gin and Cocktail Bar, you can get yourself in the Christmas ‘spirit’ with some of Peter’s signature cocktails. It’s their first year at Manchester Christmas Markets, and they’ve certainly made a good impression.
Their signature North Star cocktail comes in at £7 with a £2 glass deposit, making it the cheapest cocktail I found, too. It’s made with festive favourite Baileys with vanilla vodka served cold over ice with a dash of cinnamon.
Although, what I really like about North Star is that they also have a selection of festive mocktails - including a Grinch themed tipple - perfect for those who aren’t drinking at the markets, too.
Cathedral Gardens - Bars@Yours Ltd - The Drumstick Cocktail
Next to the huge ice rink in Cathedral Gardens there's another Bars@Yours LTD bar - but don't be fooled by thinking they're all selling the same thing, as you can get exciting exclusive drinks at each of the bars.
Here you can enjoy a Parma Violet G&T which is very 2016, as well as a Sherbert Lemon G&T, but it was The Drumstick Cocktail that took my fancy, inspired by the nostalgic confectionery. The cocktail was made up of vanilla vodka, chambord, cranberry juice and lemonade - typically topped with a drumstick lolly, but sadly, the bar had ran out - they've clearly been popular.
I paid £6.50 for the drink, plus £2 for the glass which I later returned for a refund. This was the cocktail I found the easiest to drink - not to sweet or sickly and not too cold either. It was well balanced and although not traditionally festive, it was still very fun.
Cathedral Gardens - Globe Bar - Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini
If you've visited Cathedral Gardens, which is home to the Skate Manchester ice rink, you might have noticed a bar with a post box next to it where children can send Father Christmas their lists. But, there is something for adults too - and its called the Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini.
One of the three Christmas cocktails on offer, this concoction brings together some of the best festive flavours. Served in a a martini glass with a mini Terry's Chocolate Orange segment and a dusting of Christmas sparkle, it might just be the most indulgent drink we found.
I paid £8 for the drink plus £2 as a deposit and was seriously impressed by the balance between the coffee, orange and vodka. If this sounds like your sort of drink, it's worth noting they can also whip a Black Forest Gateau Espresso Martini and a Christmastini - their signature serve blending gins, berries, a hint of lemon and a touch of sparkle.
Exchange Square - Clarke's Bar - Candy Cane Cosmopolitan
Christmas Bauble cocktails. That's right, the team behind Elsie May's ever-popular cookie dough stand launched their new bar stall over at Exchange Square this year and as well as offering a raft of hot chocolates, prosecco cocktails and gluhwein, boss Charlotte Whittle has unveiled her pièce de résistance in the form of the Candy Cane Cosmo - and yes it comes served in an actual bauble.
The very drinkable cocktail features vodka, Cointreau, cranberry and sweetened lime juice and is both sweet and tangy thanks to the touch of lime. I paid £9 for the drink, plus £2.50 for the glass and bauble, which I returned afterwards. The price may seem seep but it is about the going rate for a cocktail in the city right now - and certainly not the most expensive by a long way.
It's worth mentioning as well that you get a lot for your money with this one. A cool, experiential drinking experience, a picture for the gram and when you go to pour it the cocktail fills the whole glass and is almost over the rim. And let's not forget the festive candy cane on the side.
Read next:
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I went to Birmingham Christmas Markets and it makes me so sad for Manchester
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Manchester Christmas Parade route, times, map and everything you need to know
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