Christmas cocktails. Like music to my ears. Sometimes it’s just the only thing that gets me through the nutty-ness of the holidays! I know by now you are probably feelin’ the same way, too. So now that the Christmas rush is behind us, and 2016 is just days away, it’s time for a little cocktail countdown!
This year, make sure you are wise with your cocktail’ing – rule #1: be safe, and be smart…rule #2: pace yourself with the festivities…rule #3: get chic with your drink! Here are a few of my favorite cocktail recipes to ring in the new year, and toast to the last few days of 2015. It’s been real, y’all.
ST. NICK’S SPIKED EGGNOG.
good eggnog + rum + nutmeg
My advice: start your night with something fun and sweet to drink. This creamy ‘egg-in-a-cup’ drink was all the rage at Christmas parties in the 1970’s – and this year we’re bringin’ it back! This spiked eggnog recipe is just the right amount of thick and creamy to fill you up before the party begins. I adore Trader Joe’s Eggnog sold by the quart, and their “Rum of the Gods” is pretty darned good, for a dirt cheap price! Serve in a glass goblet for extra glee. The sweetness of this pre-dinner beverage pairs well with something savory – think sweet potato fries, toasted nuts, a blend of gourmet cheeses, or even plantain chips. Eggnog and apps will be your new favorite winter blend!
THE FESTIVE MULE.
spicy ginger beer + vodka + squeeze of lime + mint + pomegranate seed garnish
A good strong cocktail is key – and one that pairs well with just about everything on the dinner menu is even better. Keep it light and simple with this festive mule cocktail recipe (and add some red garnish for fun!). Sub fresh cranberries for pomegranate seeds to compliment the traditional mint garnish, and you’ve got red and green in a cup, voila! The old fashioned copper cup is a simple something you can pick up at Target, or any local home store. The Moscow mule cocktail originally became popular during the 1950’s, when vodka was all the craze in the United States. The name of the gingery drink gives a nod to Russia for its famed fine vodka – and now I raise my glass to this refreshing drink invention.
FANCY CHAMPS.
champagne + sprig of mint
I love to dress up my champagne…almost as much as I love to dress up for a New Year’s party! Champagne is so classic, and so easy to make “fancy.” You don’t have to buy the “yellow label” good stuff to make bubbly taste good. This perfect post-dinner beverage is just lovely with a sprig of mint, and poured into your favorite stemmed glass. Champagne toasts are the classic “ring in the New Year” drink, so why not add a little splash of color to the celebration?
CHRISTMAS KAHLUA AND COFFEE.
bailey’s + kahlua + coffee + dark chocolate garnish
Once the post-countdown party winds down, and you’re ready to call it a night, this Christmas coffee will really come in handy (and for the morning after, too!). A dash of Bailey’s Irish cream, sweet and rich Kahlua, all added to a good cup of fresh coffee and you’re set. Dark chocolate turns the dessert corner, and gives you that sugar rush to make it to the end of a long evening. Serve in a favorite basic white mug and enjoy.
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