The holidays can be a stressful time of the year, and I think it is safe to say that we could all use a helping hand from a few Christmas cocktails. It is always great to have the family all in the same place for the holidays. However, we all have those relatives that we just need one more drink before we can sit through another one of their stories or terrible jokes. Although we love them, a few drinks can make the evening much more bearable. If you need a little boost of liquid love to sit through another family dinner this holiday, we have seven Christmas cocktails that will do just the trick.
Number Seven: The Grinch. During this time of year, it’s nice to have something small to get you all warm and fuzzy inside, and to refresh you as well. This dessert cocktail will do just that, and might even make your heart grow three sizes after consuming. In a small glass, mix together two ounces of Midori, half an ounce of lemon juice, and about a tablespoon of simple syrup for this grinchy dessert drink. Party guests will love this festive treat, and it’s sure to satisfy even the grumpiest Grinch this holiday season.
Number Six: Hot Buttered Rum. Buttered rum is a hot little number for cold-weather activities. Simply take a mug, and prep it with a slice of orange or lemon peel, and a cinnamon stick. Pour in about two ounces of dark rum, and fill to the top with boiling water. Finally, drop in a big ole pat of butter, and stir until it dissolves. If you like it sweet, we recommend stirring in a tablespoon of maple syrup to fill this beverage with all the fun of fall flavors. This cocktail is guaranteed to keep you warm and toasty in the chill of the holidays!
Number Five: The Cranberry Spritzer. For a cocktail to accompany your great feast, a cranberry spritzer is the best you can get. Its sweet taste is a great pairing with turkey, and it is so light and refreshing that it won’t fill you up while you’re chowing down. Take a mimosa glass, and fill it halfway with sparkling wine. Pour in a half ounce of vodka, and top with cranberry juice. Garnish to fit the dinner table, with a few cranberries and a slice of lime.
Number Four: The Maple Orchard. We recommend this steamy beverage for those of you who love to embrace all the flavors of fall, and stay warm doing it! Heat up some apple cider over the stove with all of the traditional spices (cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg); you’ll need about eight ounces per beverage that you plan to make. When steaming, turn off the stove and portion eight ounces into each couple. Simply pour in about two ounces of your favorite brand of maple bourbon or whiskey into each serving, and you’ll be all warmed up for holiday snuggles! If you’re searching for a garnish, star anise works beautifully. Also, if you prefer it to be on the sweeter side, just stir in a tablespoon of maple syrup.
Number Three: The Classic Spiked Egg Nog. Eggnog is a holiday tradition in my household, but we like it to pack a bit of a punch. You could always take the easy route by simply adding dark rum to any brand of eggnog, but where’s the fun in that? For our special recipe, plan for about four servings of this classic beverage. Take a cocktail shaker, and pour in about 10 ounces of your favorite brand of eggnog. Add in two ounces each of bourbon, rum, and Cognac, and shake it all up. Pour into four cinnamon-sugar-rimmed glasses, and top with sweet whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg.
Number Two: The Christmas Cookie. For the dieters out there who feel they must decide between holiday cookies and another cocktail, we finally have the solution! This Christmas cookie cocktail provides the delicious, sweet, cookie taste, all in a glass that will get you feeling great. You will only need an ounce each, per serving, of peppermint schnapps, Kahlua, and Bailey’s Irish Cream. Stir it all up, and you have the perfect dessert for Christmas night.
Number One: Wassail. Tales of wassail have accompanied the holiday season for decades; if you haven’t yet tried this warm, holiday classic, it’s about time that you did! For ten servings, grab a big pot and pour in a half gallon of apple cider, a pint of pineapple juice, and three ounces of orange juice concentrate. Throw in about four cinnamon sticks, a couple star anise, a teaspoon of fresh ginger, and 15 whole cloves (about a tablespoon). Heat all of that up on the stove until steaming, and portion into glasses. For each serving, stir in an ounce each of dark rum and Cognac, and enjoy while snuggling up at the fire pit!
