The holidays are truly the most wonderful time of the year – full of family, friends and PARTIES. During this time of year, I like to try new things and experiment with the drinks I serve, especially when I’m the hostess. I find the perfect cocktail is one that pleases most (because it’s impossible to make everyone happy) and is something you can enjoy in moderation. Here are a few of my all time favorites:
Peppermint Martini:
Ingredients:
1 oz peppermint vodka
1 oz vanilla vodka
1 oz chocolate liquor (I actually substituted with drizzled chocolate on the glass)
Crushed candy canes and a few whole candy canes as well.
Directions:
Dip the rim of the martini glass into water. Then dip the rim of the glass into the crushed candy canes. The candy will stick to the rim.If drizzling chocolate in the glass, do that. (I don’t recommend melting the chocolate because it solidifies to the glass instead of adding flavor. Chocolate syrup works well). Mix together alcohol with ice in a shaker and pour into martini glasses.
Garnish with a candy cane.
Hot Toddy:
Ingredients:
¾ c water
½ c lemon juice
½ c sugar
Cloves
½-3/4 c bourbon
Directions:
Boil non-alcoholic liquids & cloves in a pot until the sugar dissolves. Pour hot contents into a (large) mug and add bourbon. Mix and enjoy. (This drinks works wonders on a sore throat, and is also a great ending to a COLD day!)
Simple, Elegant Champagne:
Ingredients:
Champagne
Frozen cranberries
Rosemary (optional)
Directions:
Pour champagne into champagne flute. Add a few frozen cranberries. Garish with rosemary if desired.
Eggnog:
My sister made this recipe last Christmas. It was fabulous, I mean the best eggnog I have ever tasted. (She found this recipe on Pinterest).
Ingredients:
½ pint bourbon
1 pint heavy cream
4 pints milk
¾ cup sugar
6 eggs-separated
1 tbsp vanilla
Pinch of nutmeg
Directions:
Beat the egg yolks with ½ cup of sugar until thick. In another bowl beat the egg whites with ¼ cup of sugar until thick. In a third bowl beat cream until it’s thick. Add the cream to the yolk mixture. Fold in egg whites and the milk, bourbon, vanilla, and a pinch of nutmeg. Chill in freezer before serving. Serve in a punch bowl or something similar.
Do you have any favorite holiday cocktails? Please share in comments section!
Julia says
We are loving Hot Toddys lately and make ours with hot tea and Brandy. Your version sounds amazing!
Sara McCarty says
I’ll take one of each please! These all look great! Love the champagne and the martini!
The Magnolia Mamas says
Yum!! All of these sound delicious! I think I need to try them all. 😉
Cody Holliday says
Hot Toddy’s are the only way to make it through Minnesota winters. Honey is a good substitute for the sugar and cloves.