Every year around mid-November the holiday cheer rolls in. Everyone is ready for family gatherings, a few days off from work, and the general good tidings that the season brings. After Black Friday though, the stress of what to get Uncle Jerry and Cousin Sarah sets in. Let’s not forget all the cooking, baking, and other holiday arrangements that need to be made. Not to mention the kids will be coming home (or you’re on your way home). Between navigating packed shopping malls and digging yourself out of the most recent bout of snowfall, you’re thinking that you could really use a drink right about now.
If that’s the case (and it probably is) we’ve got you covered with five easy cocktail recipes that are perfect for the holidays.
Gingerbread Martini
1 oz Tito’s Vodka
1 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur
1/2 oz Kahlúa Liqueur
1/2 oz Monin Gingerbread Syrup
Crushed Graham Crackers
Whipped Cream (For Garnish)
Gingerbread Cookie (For Garnish)
Ice
Rim a chilled martini glass with crushed graham crackers. In a shaker, combine Vodka, Bailey’s, Kahlua, Monin, and Ice. Shake! Strain and serve in martini glass, don’t forget your whipped cream and cookie garnish!
Dirty Girl Scout
1 shot Bailey’s Irish Cream
1 1/2 – 2 shots Tito’s vodka
1 shot White Creme de Menthe
1 shot Kahlua
Combine all of the above in a shaker with some ice, shake it up! And serve. Add your favorite cookie on the side for an extra special presentation.
Spiced ‘Nog
1 part Spodee
1 part Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum (if you don’t know what this is, we feel sorry for you)
4 parts eggnog
Combine all the ingredients, shake well and serve with some grated nutmeg garnish.
Holiday Punch
3 Bottles of Spodee
3 cups pineapple juice
3 cups orange juice
1 cup Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
1 whole nutmeg
2 cinnamon sticks
2 tablespoons black peppercorns
2 tablespoons cloves
Garnish: orange wheels
Crush whole nutmeg and place into saucepan with cinnamon sticks, peppercorns and cloves. Toast spices until aromatic, about two minutes. Add orange and pineapple juices and bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for about 30 minutes. Strain mixture, add Sailor Jerry and Spodee and mix well, chill and garnish with orange wheels. This one’s more involved but we promise it’s worth the work!
Seductive Swan
1.5 oz Tito’s Vodka
5 blackberries
3 oz lemonade
Muddle four blackberries in bottom of tumbler. Add ice, vodka and lemonade. Keep it fancy with a simple blackberry garnish.
