life isn't average. neither are we.
Getting in the Spirit
Kristina Chau - Thursday, December 16, 2010
Hello party people,

I cannot believe that Christmas is just a mere week and two days away!  Not that I'm counting ;)  For the past few weeks, holiday parties have been in full swing and everyone is getting in the merry spirit.

With that in mind, here are a few delicious holiday cocktail recipes for you and yours to enjoy:

Candy Cane Martini



Ingredients:
  • 1 and 1/2 oz. Vodka
  • 1 tsp. Peppermint Schnapps
Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice.  Shake & strain into a chilled martini glass that is rimmed w/ crushed candy cane.  This drink is already a sweet one, but adding a mini candy cane is a cute garnish.


White Christmas


Ingredients:
  • 4 oz. Eggnog
  • 1/2 oz. Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
  • 1 oz. Southern Comfort
Mix ingredients in a glass pitcher according to the number of servings you want.  To serve, pour your White Christmas into snifter glasses & top with chocolate shavings.


Christmas Cosmo



Ingredients:
  • 1/2 oz. Cointreau (or Triple Sec)
  • 1/2 oz. Cranberry Juice
  • 1 tsp. Lime Juice
  • 1 oz. of Vodka
Place all ingredients in a shaker with ice.  Shake & strain into a chilled martini glass.  Garnish with a skewer of fresh cranberries & a twist of lime peel for colour.


Peppermint Patty (hot cocktail)



Ingredients:
  • 1 oz. Peppermint Schnapps
  • 1/2 oz. Dark Creme de Cacao
  • 1 tsp. Creme de Menthe
  • 8 oz. Hot Cocoa
Stir together the liquers and add the mix to hot chocolate.  Serve in a coffee glass topped with whipped cream, chocolate shavings and a peppermint stick.

Sparkling Star




Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 oz. Champagne or Sparkling Wine
  • 1 tsp. Chambord
  • 1/2 oz. Vodka
  • 1 oz. Pomegranate Juice
Shake all ingredients except for the champagne in a shaker with ice.  Strain into a champagne flute halfway & top up with champagne.  Add fresh berries to garnish.


Non-Alcoholic Mulled Cranberry Cocktail
(served hot)



Ingredients:
  • 4 cups Cranberry Juice
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick
  • 2 Whole Cloves
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Cranberries
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 1/4 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
  • 2 tbs. Water
In a medium saucepan, combine juice, cinnamon stick and cloves and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat and let simmer while you prepare the cranberry garnish.

In another saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, ground cinnamon and water.  Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until the cranberries pop and are coated with the sugar mixture.

Once the cranberries are cooked & cooled, thread 3-4 berries on a decorative skewer.  Pour the warm cranberry cocktail into four glasses & garnish with the skewers.  If you don't have the fresh cranberries, you can garnish your drinks with a cinnamon stick.




These cocktails are sure to be a hit at any party you're hosting so I hope you enjoy! However, be sure to practice responsible hosting & drinking so everyone has a safe & happy holiday season.


For the life of the party,



 

not your average party