With the holidays vastly approaching, its time to begin planning what we will be serving at our ugly Christmas sweater parties, glamorous dinner or office parties. It's the time of year that people throw away all diet rules, eating and drinking whatever they want, so why not make it festive. Cocktails tend to be a go-to icebreaker, so get your guests talking about those "Holidays in a Cup" drinks, to get the party started. With that said, why not make the drink recipes quick and easy so you have more time to spend with your guests.
Candy Cane Cocktail
The unofficial official candy of Christmas. Indulge in the flavors of this holiday favorite by using rum, white chocolate liqueur, and peppermint schnapps, and top it off with a candy cane to make the drink scream deliciousness.
Ingredients:
1 shot vanilla rum
1 shot white chocolate liqueur (recommended: Godiva)
1 shot peppermint schnapps
Candy cane for garnish
To Assemble
Add all ingredients to Cocktail shaker with ice and shake well.
Strain into martini glass. Add a candy cane to garnish and season the festive atmosphere.
Santa's Sleigh Cocktail
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one sip open sleigh! Take your guests on a Tasty ride through the snow in Santa's sleigh with this delicious cocktail.
For all the eggnog lovers, this one's for you.
Ingredients:
White sugar crystals, preferably coarse
2 cups store-bought eggnog, chilled
1/2 cup brandy
1/2 cup amaretto liqueur
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
4 cinnamon sticks for garnish
To Assemble
Dampen the rims of 4 martini glasses and line the rims with sugar.
Combine eggnog, brandy, amaretto, nutmeg, and ice cream in a blender; blend until smooth.
Pour mixture into the martini glasses and garnish each one with a whole cinnamon stick.
Hot Buttered Rum
This holiday classic adds some sugar and spice and everything nice to the palette. Perfect for sitting by the fireside, kicking your feet up and sipping while discussing holiday plans with your guests.
Ingredients:
2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (room temp)
1/4 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
pinch of salt
3/4 cup spiced rum
2/ cups boiling water
4 cinnamon sticks for garnish
To Assemble
In a medium bowl, add brown sugar, butter, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves an salt and blend together until smooth using an electric mixer.
Transfer the mixture into a 4-cup measuring cup.
Add the rum and 2 cups of boiling water and stir until the butter mixture dissolves.
Pour the buttered rum into 4 mugs, garnish with cinnamon sticks and serve.
Mexicocoa
Time to kick it up a notch. Change up the traditional hot chocolate by adding some tequila and a smidge of chili powder.
Ingredients:
1 tbs unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp cinnamon
pinch of chili powder
pinch of cayenne pepper
3/4 cup almond milk (can substitute Irish Creme, coffee-flavored liqueur, or milk)
Splash of agave nectar (can substitute honey or maple syrup)
1 oz. silver tequila
Paprika
Cinnamon Stick
To Assemble
Using a saucepan over low heat, add the cocoa powder, cinnamon, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Toast the spices for a few minutes until their aroma fills the air.
Using a whisk, slowly add in the almond milk. Raise the temperature to medium-high and bring to a slow simmer. Stir in the agave nectar and remove from the heat.
Dip the rim of the mug into a plate of water and then dip into a plate of paprika.
Pour in tequila and hot cocoa mixture. Stir with a cinnamon stick and serve.
Christmas in a Glass
Everyone loves gingerbread at Christmas time. Drink up that gingerbread by adding it to your favorite sparkling wine. Give your taste buds a reason to cheer and scream joy to the world.
Ingredients:
1 bottle Prosecco, or other sparkling dry white wine, well chilled
1 bottle gingerbread flavored syrup (or cranberry flavored syrup)
To Assemble
Pour the Prosecco into glasses.
Add a capful of the syrup to each glass of the Prosecco to taste.
