Eat, drink and be merry… that’s what Thanksgiving and Christmas are all about, right? But let’s be honest, coming together with loved ones over the holidays is sometimes best paired with a cocktail.
We’re here to share some of our favorite holiday cocktails – and for the kids/those who don’t drink… you’re not stuck with sparkling grape juice this year! Each of these can be prepared as a mocktail!
These are a bit more fun than your choice of decaf, regular or Irish coffee… check ’em out!
Holly’s Pear & Prosecco Bellini
Did someone say bellini? Known as the mimosa’s cousin, bellinis are a great way to class up any gathering — and we’ve added some color and flair to bring the Christmas spirit. I’ll toast to that!
What you’ll need:
- Prosecco (to make it a mocktail, use sparkling water of choice)
- Pear Nectar (peel, slice, boil, puree & strain a bunch of pears with a touch of honey or agave)
- frozen cranberries
- sprig of fresh rosemary
Combine first two ingredients to taste – garnish with cranberries + rosemary (looks like holly, huh? Get it??)
Erin’s Eggcellent Eggnog
This was my first time making homemade eggnog – and I was nervous… but it couldn’t have been easier! And might I add… WOW it was delicious. Warning… this recipe is just not gonna work for anyone on a health kick this holiday season.
What you’ll need:
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 – 2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- optional liquor of choice (rum, whiskey, and brandy are best)
Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites. Save whites for a healthy omelette! Whisk together egg yolks and sugar until creamy. Bring cream, milk, salt and nutmeg to a simmer in a large saucepan. Turn heat off. The next step is what blew my mind – yes I know what tempering eggs is all about, I’d just never done it myself before – so was afraid I would end up with scrambled eggs… but alas, I nailed it! Slowly ladle a little of the hot mixture into your whipped egg yolks, whisking to combine. Continue this step until all of the cream mixture is incorporated into the eggs (don’t stop whisking!) Pour the whole mixture back into your saucepan, stirring constantly on low heat for 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and pour into serving container. Chill in the fridge and serve with or without a shot (or two) of your favorite eggnog friendly liquor! Seriously… YUM!
Brian’s Mulled Apple Cider
A delicious classic that’s sure to warm up the whole family! Ditch the store bought cider and impress (and intoxicate) your in-laws this Christmas! If you don’t own a juicer… fine. But fresh juiced apples work best for this recipe.
What you’ll need:
- 6 cups apple juice
- 4 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1/8 (or less) teaspoon whole cloves
- 6-7 whole allspice berries
- orange peel from 1 orange
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
- liquor of choice (rum or brandy)
Umm… just put everything in a pot (except liquor!) and bring to a simmer for about 30 minutes. That’s it! Strain your cider, add liquor and ENJOY!
Okay – give the people what they want… here are some Christmas shots sure to spice up your Christmas party. Here we go:
Chocolate Peppermint Stick
- 1 ounce white creme de cacao
- 1 ounce peppermint schnapps
- splash of cream
Frosty’s Christmas Cookie
- 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1/2 oz Kahlua
- 1/2 oz Irish Cream
A shot from Santa’s Boot (layer these slowly so colors don’t mix)
- 1/2 oz grenadine syrup
- 1/2 oz green creme de menthe
- 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps
Visit coed.com for a full list of the 12 shots of Christmas
AND PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY! Remember what happened to Grandma after drinking too much eggnog…
