First orders: 3 Christmas drinks to try and some bartender favourites

Must-try drinks, trending cocktails and advice from behind the bar

3 exciting new drinks to try for the festive period

1 WARNER’S CHRISTMAS CAKE GIN: Packed full of festive spice and distilled with chocolate and sloe berries, this gin is delicious with cola and a slice of orange.

2 ROCKING RUDOLPH: This full-bodied fruity beer gives a malted toffee taste and crisp bitter finish. Guaranteed to get customers in the Christmas spirit!

3 CANDY JACK: Mix Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, raspberry purée, lemon juice, sugar, cranberry juice and mint.

What’s on your bar?

We speak to Andy Whitehouse, General Manager at The Bear, Crickhowell

“The Bear is a fifteenth-century ex-coaching inn which gives our establishment a unique feel and ambiance. Interestingly since Covid, we’ve seen more guests who eat and drink with us, rather than just drinkers. Wine is a definite favourite with food.”

Desert island drink: rum punch with lots of ice and any exotic fruit found nearby!

New tipple on the bar: Cascave Gin – a local spirit with water sourced in the Brecon Beacons.

Most versatile soft drink: flavoured tonics. They’re brilliant on their own with ice or served with a variety of cordials and spirits.

Top upselling tip: offer versatility and choice in a wine list – different glass sizes and upgrade options work well for us. Knowledge of your drinks also makes a big difference.

Current customer favourite: CWRW (pronounced ‘cu-roo’, which means beer in Welsh), a local bitter.

Andy Whitehouse, General Manager at The Bear, Crickhowell

And our top cocktail pick this month is...

Festive Passion