We’ve featured lots of drinks over the last week, most of them warm and traditional. What about the other drinks? The cold martinis, bubbly champagne, and traditions that range from family to family? We’ve asked around and come up with a handful of good ones for you to try at your Christmas Eve party.
Peppermint Martini
Ingredients:
1 1/4 ounces vanilla vodka
1 1/4 ounces white crème de cacao
3/4 ounce peppermint schnapps
Garnish: peppermint candy
Combine vanilla vodka, white creme de cacao, and peppermint schnapps in an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously, and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with peppermint candy.
Cranberry Champagne Cocktail
Ingredients:
2 well-chilled bottles champagne
1 cup well-chilled cranberry juice cocktail, or to taste
3 Tbsp triple sec
In a large pitcher combine champagne, cranberry juice cocktail and triple sec. Serve in champagne flutes. Garnish with cranberry, if desired.
Grinch Cocktail
Ingredients:
1 part vodka, rum, or champagne
2 parts sprite
2 parts pineapple juice
lime sherbet
whipped cream
green sprinkles
Combine booze, sprite, and pineapple juice in a pitcher. Float Lime Sherbet on top. Serve in a large glass. Top with whipped cream and sprinkles. (For kids, leave out the booze. You already know how I feel about giving kids alcohol.)
Hot Peppermint Cocoa
Ingredients:
1 pouch of hot cocoa
1 oz Irish cream
1 oz 100 proof peppermint schnapps
In a mug, combine packet of cocoa and hot water. Add Irish cream and peppermint schnapps. If desired, top with whipped cream or marshmallows. Serve.
Boozey Cider
Ingredients:
Warmed hot cider
1.5 oz rum
.5 oz bourbon
cinnamon
nutmeg
whipped cream
In a mug, combine hot cider, rum, and bourbon. Stir in cinnamon and nutmeg. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg.