This time of year, great Christmas cocktail recipes are essential if you're organizing a last minute festive winter party. You might be familiar with the old winter classics like spiced Mulled Wine and creamy Eggnog, but there are other delicious hot cocktail recipes you should definitely try making at home this Christmas and New Year.

Christmas and New Years parties wouldn't be complete without at least one hot cocktail to help spice up a cold winter's night. This time of the year conjures up flavours like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, oranges and apples, delicious mixed with spirits like rum and whisky.

Most hot cocktails are simple to make with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Some drinks are simple variations on other cocktail recipes and you can try experimenting with different fruits and spices.

We've picked 5 delicious hot cocktail recipes that are perfect if you're organizing a Christmas or New Years party. Rather than just listing the most popular Christmas cocktails, you'll also find some great cocktails you might not have tasted before. Give them a try and you're guaranteed to lift the spirit at any Christmas party!

• Spiked Apple Cider - Hot, creamy cocktail combining apples with cognac and cloves, with a dusting of cinnamon.
• Hot Toddy - Scotch whisky mixed with cloves, lemon and honey. Make sure to also try this nutmeg and tea variation on the classic Toddy recipe.
• Hot Grog - Another rum based alternative to the Hot Toddy cocktail combining navy rum, honey and lime.
• Jean Gabin - Hot milk sweetened with maple syrup laced with rum and apple brandy.
• Hot Red Blooded Frenchman - Warm red wine mixed with Grand Marnier, oranges and lemons.