20 retro Christmas recipes reinvented

Looking to host a festive gathering? Our Christmas menu ideas cater to all sizes, from intimate meals for two, to larger celebrations. Whatever your plans, we have the perfect menu inspiration to make this holiday season memorable.

1. Cajun-style prawn cocktail

Prawn cocktail, a true classic, first rose to fame in the 1960s and has remained a firm favourite ever since. With six decades as a go-to starter, it’s time to refresh this nostalgic dish. Our Cajun-style twist adds a bold flavour, with smoky paprika and fiery cayenne pepper taking centre stage. This vibrant makeover brings an exciting new dimension to the traditional prawn cocktail, perfect for those who like a little heat with their retro favourites.

Discover more twists on this classic with our prawn cocktail recipes.

2. Espresso eggnog martini

Give the classic espresso martini a festive makeover by swapping vodka for rum, adding a rich, sweet spice enhanced with a dash of nutmeg, which brings a warming touch, perfect for the Christmas season. We've included a splash of creamy custard, giving a subtle nod to the cosy flavours of traditional eggnog.

Kick your evening up a notch with our delicious coffee cocktail recipes.

3. Gingerbread bunting

These gingerbread bunting decorations are the ultimate festive all-rounders – they brighten up your home and get everyone in the holiday spirit. Perfect for a fun, hands-on kitchen activity, they’re ideal for involving the whole family, especially little ones. And, the best part? They taste as incredible as they look, adding a delicious touch to your Christmas celebrations.

From simple gingerbread people to ornate houses, check out our gingerbread recipes to get you in the festive spirit.

4. Black forest trifle

Combine two beloved retro desserts – black forest and trifle – to create a stunning showstopper for your Christmas celebrations. This indulgent dessert is perfect for feeding a crowd, as it takes just 30 minutes to prepare and serves up to eight people.

Discover more festive trifle recipes perfect for an impressive finish to your Christmas dinner.

5. Christmas martini

Imagine sipping on a Christmas cake – this martini is the liquid version of that festive treat. With the rich warmth of bourbon, the fruity depth of cherry brandy, and sweet dried fruit syrup, it’s an indulgent drink that captures the season's essence in every sip.

Get the party started with more retro cocktail recipes.

6. Babka wreath grazing board with cheese & spiced cranberry jam

Create a retro grazing wreath this Christmas for the ultimate picking centrepiece to kick off your festive celebrations. Guests can tear off generous chunks of garlic and parsley babka to dip into oozing, creamy camembert or top with a selection of cured meats, figs, sliced dates, and crunchy nuts – the perfect way to personalise each bite. This interactive platter brings flavour and fun to the table, making it a crowd-pleaser for all.

Discover our top edible Christmas wreath recipes.

7. Marmalade & whisky bread & butter pudding

Bread and butter pudding is the ultimate nostalgic dessert, evoking childhood memories with every comforting bite. Our festive twist, with marmalade and whisky, is perfect for Christmas. The whisky brings an extra layer of warmth, while the marmalade infuses the pudding with the zesty, Christmassy flavours of orange. For an added festive touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon over the top. It also makes a fantastic Boxing Day treat, especially if you’ve got leftover croissants from Christmas breakfast – a delicious way to make the most of your festive leftovers.

Discover more twists on bread & butter pudding.

8. Mince pie rum

This mince pie rum, packed with seasonal flavour, makes a thoughtful and festive gift for friends and family. Its rich, spiced notes are perfect for elevating a classic hot toddy or adding a delicious twist to retro drinks like Irish coffee or rum old-fashioned.

9. Pistachio & sour cherry baked alaska

For a truly retro festive dessert this Christmas, indulge in our stunning baked alaska, featuring a rich pistachio sponge, creamy pistachio ice cream, tart sour cherry compote, and a perfectly toasted meringue. While it requires a little extra effort, the results are well worth it – your guests will savour every mouthful. Plus, it serves 10, making it ideal for larger gatherings and sure to impress at your holiday celebration.

Discover more sweet and savoury pistachio recipes.

10. Chestnut profiteroles

Bring the wow factor to your Christmas dinner with these stunning profiteroles of smooth chestnut purée. The perfect indulgence to finish off the big day, these retro choux buns are filled with rich cream and drenched in a decadent chestnut and chocolate sauce. A showstopping treat that will have everyone coming back for more.

Discover more retro dessert recipes for a sweet end to your celebrations.

11. Christmas sticky toffee pudding

Give your traditional Christmas pudding a modern twist with this indulgent sticky toffee version. The rich sponge is drenched in a decadent toffee sauce made from sugar, treacle, golden syrup, butter, and double cream – a truly luxurious treat.

Check out more of our best Christmas pudding recipes.

12. Vegan terrine

Reinvent the retro terrine with a vibrant vegan twist. Say goodbye to the traditional smoked salmon or chicken varieties and embrace a meat-free Christmas with this stunning beetroot and walnut terrine. Packed with colour and flavour, it’s the perfect starter to delight all your guests, whether they’re vegan or not.

13. Tequila sunrise mocktail

If you're craving a retro cocktail this festive season but prefer to skip the alcohol, our tequila sunrise mocktail is a great option. It beautifully mimics the iconic sunset colours, with red wine vinegar added to orange juice. Coriander and vanilla bring depth and complexity, evoking the flavours of tequila without the booze. Plus, you’ll feel extra smug on Boxing Day morning, free from the usual hangover.

Celebrate the festive season with our special Christmas mocktail recipes.

14. Pickled walnut & pear baked camembert

Add pickled walnuts and pears to baked camembert to give a classic Christmas party starter a delicious twist. The sweet, tangy combination brings a delightful balance of flavours and texture. For a crowd-friendly option, especially for those following a gluten-free diet, serve with our gluten-free bread or a crisp selection of matchstick carrots and celery.

Discover more gooey camembert recipes, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

15. Black forest arctic roll

Create the ultimate retro pudding mash-up with this delicious fusion of an arctic roll and black forest gateau. Featuring a rich chocolate sponge with vibrant pops of red encasing a creamy ice cream centre, it’s a nostalgic treat that’s sure to impress. The dessert's playful kitschiness adds a fun touch, and your guests will definitely appreciate the extra effort you’ve put into making this showstopping centrepiece.

Discover more cherry desserts, from cakes and meringues, to plenty more.

16. Nutty caramel & choc sundaes

After hours of preparing a delicious Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, the last thing you want is to spend even more time on a dessert – especially one guests might not have room for. Our nutty caramel and chocolate sundaes are the perfect solution. This retro dessert looks impressive yet takes just 20 minutes to prepare and serves six, offering a quick and indulgent finish to your festive meal with minimal effort.

Discover our best ice cream sundae recipes, perfect for adults and kids alike.

17. Rudolph shortbread

These easy shortbread triangles make the perfect edible gift for kids to create over Christmas. Decorate them with colourful sweets and finish with pipe cleaner 'reindeer' antlers for a fun, festive touch. The dough is freezer-friendly, so you can save any offcuts for later, helping reduce food waste.

Discover more edible gift recipes for thoughtful and budget-friendly Christmas presents.

18. Mulled wine cocktail

Put a twist on traditional mulled wine by adding Cointreau, transforming it into the perfect party drink. This cocktail can be prepared ahead and chilled, so you can relax and enjoy the festivities when your guests arrive. Ideal for serving up to six people, it’s a great batch option that lets you skip the endless cocktail shaking and focus on being the ultimate hostess.

Warm your hands around more of our traditional mulled drinks recipes.

19. Furikake devilled eggs

Devilled eggs are a classic, easy canapé that caters to a variety of dietary preferences, being both vegetarian and gluten-free. For a modern twist, elevate the traditional recipe with a touch of wasabi, pickled ginger and a sprinkle of furikake, adding a delightful Japanese-inspired flavour. These savoury bites are sure to impress your guests with their unique blend of spice and umami.

Discover more finger foods suitable for meat-free diets with our vegetarian canapé recipes.

20. Festive negroni

Give the classic Italian negroni a festive makeover by infusing gin with warming spices like cinnamon, star anise and bay leaves. This easy batch recipe makes up to eight cocktails and takes just 15 minutes to prepare, though you'll need to let the gin infuse with the holiday flavours for 48 hours.

Try variations on this Italian cocktail with more negroni recipes.

Enjoy this? Check out more Christmas ideas:

Budget Christmas starters
Easiest ever Christmas dinner
Microwave Christmas recipes
Christmas eve recipes
Vegetarian Christmas mains
Quick Christmas menu
Christmas afternoon tea recipes