For almost a year now, most of us have been spending time away from our closest friends and even families. We’ve started getting used to virtual interactions, but it hasn’t been easy – especially with the upcoming Christmas season.

Christmas is a special season for Filipinos. It’s a time to reunite with friends and families to catch up on each other’s lives. We take this time to show appreciation for our loved ones by giving them gifts or cooking our specialties.

Though Christmas may be a little different this year, it doesn’t mean it can’t be as exciting and enjoyable for all of us – it’s the most wonderful time of the year, after all.

Make it a Christmas to remember

Celebrations don’t have to be grand to be meaningful. Now more than ever, it’s really the thought that counts. You don’t have to buy your dad that expensive pair of shoes or give your siblings that PS5. Give them the gift of your time.

Spending quality time with your friends could mean playing a game of “Among Us.” If you live with your family, watch the Christmas movies you used to watch as children and reminisce about all the Christmases you’ve spent together.

Another meaningful present you can give this year is the gift of service. Volunteer to do the chores you don’t usually do or ask your sibling for something you can do for them.

You can also help with Noche Buena preparations. Surprise them by learning a new recipe. If cooking isn’t for you, you can try making easy cocktails instead.

Have a holly, jolly holiday highball

What’s a celebration without a tipple? If you’re new to making cocktails, the easy-to-make yet deliciously refreshing Jim Beam Highball is one way to start.

Here are some highball recipes that you can try in the comfort of your home:

Classic Jim Beam Highball

Nothing beats the classics. A traditional highball is made with a mix of liquor and a larger portion of non-alcoholic mixer – usually something carbonated. 

For the Classic Jim Beam Highball, chill your glass, soda water, and Jim Beam before going to the mixing process.

Squeeze a wedge of lemon and drop it into your chilled glass. This will give your highball the zest it needs. 

Fill your glass with ice cubes before pouring one part (30ml) of Jim Beam and four parts (120ml) of soda water. Give it one gentle stir, then serve and enjoy!

You can use this recipe as a base before you take your highball game to the next level.

Mango Spice Jim Beam Highball

If you want your drinks with a little zing, the Mango Spice Jim Beam Highball is perfect for you. 

Like the classic highball, you will need a glass, soda water, and ice cubes. Pour 30ml mango puree, 10ml of spice syrup, and 10ml of lemon juice into your chilled glass. Fill your glass with ice cubes and then add one part (30ml) of Jim Beam.

Top your drink with 4 parts (120ml) of soda water, then gently stir once before serving.

Apple Cinnamon Jim Beam Highball

For a warm and fuzzy feeling, the Apple Cinnamon Jim Beam Highball can help you get in the holiday spirit. 

Muddle four apple slices in your chilled glass. Add 10ml of lemon juice and 15ml of cinnamon syrup. Fill your glass with ice.

Add one part (30ml) of Jim Beam, and then top it off with 4 parts (120ml) of soda water. Make sure to give your concoction just one gentle stir before serving. 

These are only some of the endless ways to create your holiday highballs at home. It’s a versatile drink that’s easy to customize using your favorite fruits and flavors. 

For a more convenient highball-making experience, Jim Beam has introduced a limited-edition tin pack. It comes with two 1L bottles of Jim Beam, a tin that can be used as an ice bucket, and a lid that doubles as a garnish tray. 

The limited-edition Jim Beam tin pack is available at all S&R stores nationwide for P1,438. You can also check out Beam Suntory’s official Lazada page www.lazada.com.ph/shop/beam-suntory for other Suntory products. Make sure to follow Jim Beam on Facebook and Instagram for updates and other exciting announcements.

Christmas will always be a time to celebrate with the people you love. Make it a merrier celebration this year with a bottle (or two) of Jim Beam. – Rappler.com

Visit the nearest S&R near you or buy the limited-edition Jim Beam tin pack online at Lazada.