‘Tis the season of cold fingers and fireplaces. So lets break out the winter jackets, gloves and knit hats. But keeping out the cold isn’t the only thing to worry about. Stay warm this holiday with these five cocktails to kick off the Christmas season.
The Naughty Rudolph – Makes Two
Ingredients
– 2 cups ice
– 1 cup ginger ale
– 1/3 cup maraschino cherries
– 3 oz. vanilla vodka
– Additional cherries and pretzels for garnish
Preparations
Place all ingredients into the blender and blend until smooth. Pour into two glasses and garnish with a cherry “nose” and pretzels for “antlers.”
The Grinch – Makes One
Ingredients
– lime sherbet
– Sprite
– vodka
*Amounts depend on how many drinks
Preparations
Combine two parts lime sherbet, two parts Sprite and one part vodka in a glass, and serve.
Christmas Coffee – Brews Two
Ingredients
– 4 oz. coffee
– 1.5 oz. Amaretto Liqueur
– 1.5 oz. coffee liqueur
– 1 oz. butterscotch schnapps
– 1 oz. crème de cacao
– Whipped cream and grated chocolate for garnish
Preparations
Combine all ingredients in a mug and stir. Top with whipped cream and chocolate.
Peppermint-Tini — Makes Two
Ingredients
– 4 peppermint candy canes
– 3 tbs. sugar
– 2 tbs. water
– 4 oz. white chocolate liqueur
– 2 oz. vanilla vodka
– 2 oz. half-and-half
– ¼ tsp. peppermint extract
Preparations
Crush candy canes or pulse in food processor until coarsely crushed. Mix water and sugar in a shallow bowl until well blended. Use sugar water to rim glass, then dip into crushed candy canes until lightly coated.
Fill cocktail shaker 2/3 with ice, then add remaining ingredients. Shake until chilled and pour into glass.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate – Makes One
Ingredients
– 1 hot chocolate packet (or 8 oz. of homemade hot chocolate)
– 1 oz. peppermint schnapps
Preparations
Follow packet instructions for hot chocolate, or your original recipe. Add peppermint schnapps and top with whipped cream.
