The holidays are a great time to sample new dishes and drinks, so why not try one of these Christmas inspired cocktails prepared by some talented local bartenders?

Zaynette Richardson, from Port O Call, wanted to come up with a refreshing holiday drink that featured a minty flavour.

The result? A candy cane martini (above).

Meanwhile, Jai-Michael Phillips, a bartender with Red Steakhouse, was looking to create an eggnog with a special kick. He came up with his butter spice eggnog drink, which he makes for guests during the holidays and said it’s always a big hit.

Zaynette’s Candy Cane Martini

Ingredients: 1 oz Peach Rum; 1/2 oz Raspberry Puree; 2 oz Grapefruit Juice; 1/2 oz Crème de Menthe; Splash of lime juice; Splash of Simple Syrup.

How to: Combine all the ingredients in a shaker, then pour into a chiller martini glass. Top with a red and white or green and white candy cane for an added contrast.

Jai-Michael’s Butter Spice Eggnog

Ingredients: 3 oz Eggnog; 1 1/2 oz Bacardi Oakheart Rum (or whatever spiced rum you have in the house — works best with Oakheart though); 3/4 oz De Kuyper Butterscotch Liqueur.

How to: Can be shaken and strained into a martini/cocktail glass; built in a rocks glass over ice; or pre-made and served in a punch bowl after being chilled in the fridge (make sure to give a stir once you take it out of the fridge before serving.)

Finished with a light dusting of nutmeg and cinnamon as each drink is made.