How to make your shindig the standout social occasion of the season, with advice from the best hosts in the hospitality business.

What does it take to become one of the world’s best barmen? Determination, creativity and, you can safely bet, a stomach for a stiff drink. But not simply that, a good barman also has to be a performer, a host, a guide even. Which makes them exactly the type of person you want to have by your side when you throw a Christmas party. With that in mind, we asked the best of the current crop for their tips about on throwing the perfect Christmas party – and how to survive the aftermath.

Head bartender at The Lowell, Mr Patrick Lavis is no stranger to shaking things up. A born and bred New Yorker himself, Mr Lavis’ CV includes a stint at The Mark and before that, The Newport Mansions. He is now head bartender at The Lowell’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Majorelle and Jacques bar.

**Which spirit should we be drinking this Christmas? **

Uncle Val’s Gin Botanical: it’s gluten free, and made with juniper, cucumber, lemon, sage and lavender. It has a lively taste that is great for the festive season.

**What’s your hangover cure? **

If a positive mind and a cup of coffee don’t work, try a shot of brown sugar and spiced rum.

**Any festive party advice? **

For your Christmas parties, batch your cocktails ahead of time so that you can enjoy the party.

**When hosting a Christmas party, what should you never forget? **

Always make sure that your guests’ glasses are full.

Mr Agostino Perrone is master mixologist at The Connaught Bar and has been since it opened in 2008. He’s something of a London institution, and was crowned International Bartender of the Year in 2010. The Connaught Bar regularly appears on world’s-best-bars lists, and for good reason – its martinis are the best this side of the Atlantic.

What’s your hangover cure?

The Connaught Bloody Mary.

What new spirit should we be drinking?

I recommend armagnac. We use Darroze armagnac, which is absolutely delicious.

**Any festive party advice? **

When it comes to making cocktails, quality is more important than quantity – pick your ingredients with care.

When hosting a Christmas party, what should you remember?

Ensure you have space in the freezer for ice and glassware. If you can, make sure you’ve got a squeezer and blender so you can make fresh juice.

Mr Harry Nikolaou oversees the curving copper bar of Rotunda, at Ten Trinity Square – otherwise known as London’s Four Seasons Hotel. In the past month, he has hosted bartenders from around the world creating signature cocktails for Rotunda Bar’s new menu.

**What’s your hangover cure? **

Have another drink.

**What’s your go-to drink? **

I normally go for the classic champagne, but in terms of cocktails, one of my favourites is a gin martinez – I love a good martini, and it is bright red so feels festive.

**What new spirit should we be drinking? **

Grand Brulot – a kind of brandy with coffee. It has a rich flavour that works really well with blazers (warm drinks) and other festive cocktails.

**What’s your festive advice? **

Leave your car keys at home!

Mr Giacomo Giannotti grew up in Tuscany, in Italy, and his parents owned an ice-cream shop. It was there, mixing new flavours and being around their customers that he caught the buzz of hospitality. He runs Paradiso in Barcelona.

What’s your hangover cure?

Cocktails with a lot of body, like a classic Bloody Mary – it’s a bit more savoury and helps get rid of the toxins. I’d also always recommend a bit of fresh air to sweat it out!

What’s your go-to drink?

Bubbles for a celebration or whisky cocktails with nuts, spices and cinnamon. At Paradiso, we sell a Trojan Horse cocktail made with whisky, calvados and flavours of pistachio.

Is there a new spirit we should be drinking?

Italicus, a new liqueur with citrus flavours and hints of bergamot. It’s great for champagne cocktails so perfect for all kinds of celebrations

Newly appointed in July 2018, Mr Maxim Schulte is the 29-year-old bright young thing at the heart of The American Bar at The Savoy. He was the winner of the Beefeater MIXLDN 7 Global Cocktail Competition this year. In 2017, The American Bar took home The World’s Best Bar at The World’s 50 Best Bars.

What’s your go-to drink?

As a German, I would have to say mulled wine, of course, but I love a good eggnog or hot buttered rum.

Is there a new spirit we should be drinking?

I love darker spirits, like rum or whisky. Recently, I’ve noticed calvados has become more popular.

When hosting a Christmas party, what should you always remember?

Make sure to provide all the food, drinks and Christmas snacks. But more important is being the perfect host – make your guests feel welcome and get them into the best Christmas mood. Possibly with eggnog and a homemade Christmas snack.