Christmas Cocktail Collection

ok what better excuse than Chrimbo to mix up some much needed cocktails

here are a few just to start you all off

CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL TIPS

PREPARE A CHRISTMAS PUNCH
A retro classic, holiday punch is the way to go if you will be having a lot of guests. A delicious spiked cider is a real crowd pleaser as is champagne punch or winter spiced sangria. The nice thing about a holiday punch is that you can control the alcohol content to keep guests from getting over-intoxicated. The best advantage? You as the hostess won’t be stuck shaking cocktails all night.

GET INSPIRED WITH YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY FLAVORS
Some of your favorite holiday sweets just may translate into desserts you can drink. Candy canes make a great base for a peppermint martini, chocolate covered cherries can translate to a delicious cherry cordial, or even a sugar cookie or gingersnap can become the inspiration for a tasty cocktail.

PLAY UP CHRISTMAS COLORS
When creating holiday cocktails, use juices or liquors that reflect the colors of the season. For example, cranberry or pomegranate juice work for red, Sour Apple Pucker works for green, and white chocolate liqueur mirrors the winter‘s white snow.

GET CREATIVE WITH GARNISHES
Seasonal garnishes are a fun way to finish off your Christmas drinks. Cookies or candy, such as a chocolate chip cookie or a chocolate covered pretzel can be served in a chocolate-flavored cocktail. Minced coconut can give the illusion of snow, rimming or floating in a white-colored cocktail. Decorative silver and gold holiday balls or sprinkles can add a festive finishing touch.

RECIPES

CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL RECIPES
SUGAR COOKIE MARTINI
Makes 1 cocktail

Ingredients:
1 sugar cookie, crushed
2 ounces Irish Cream
1 ounce vanilla vodka
1 ounce Butterscotch Schnapps

Directions:
1. Dip rim of a chilled martini glass into water then into the crushed sugar cookie.

2. Combine Irish Cream with vodka, schnapps and ice in a martini shaker. Gently shake and strain into prepared martini.

WHITE CHRISTMAS
Makes 1 cocktail

Ingredients:
Coconut flakes, to garnish glass
1 ounce white chocolate liqueur
1 ounce cream or whole milk
1 ounce Southern Comfort

Directions:
1. Dip the rim of an old-fashioned glass into water then into coconut.

2. Pour white chocolate liquor into glass, pour cream on top, then finish with Southern Comfort. Stir until combined.

SPARKLING CIDER PUNCH
Makes 12 servings

Ingredients:
6 cups apple cider
2 cups cranberry juice
1 cup brandy
1 (750mL) bottle sparkling wine

Directions:
1. Pour apple cider, cranberry juice and brandy in a large punch bowl.

2. When ready to serve, top off with sparkling wine.

CANDY CANE LANE
Serves 1

One sip and the minty whoosh of this candy cane cocktail will take your breath away!

Ingredients:
Splash of grenadine
2-1/2 ounces Van Gogh Blue vodka
1 ounce white crème de menthe
1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps
Heavy cream
Peppermint candy for garnish

Directions:
1. Add a dash of grenadine into the bottom of a chilled martini glass and set aside.

2. Pour vodka, crème de menthe, schnapps and cream into a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into the glass with grenadine to create a “swirl” effect.

3. Garnish with peppermint candy and serve.