The playlist is complete, the chimney has been swept, the mistletoe is swinging,. All in anticipation of the guest of honor, Santa Claus. But holiday festivities wouldn’t be complete without suitable libation. Sure, you could crack open a beer. But if you want it to taste like Christmas, dip into the following classics.
Gingerbread Martini
Seasonal delights in elegant stemware.
Rim your martini glass in simple syrup, then dip it into a mix of equal parts granulated sugar and cinnamon. In a cocktail shaker, pour over a handful of ice cubes the following ingredients:
- 2oz. Kahlua
- 2oz. Vodka
- 2oz. Rumchata
- 1 splash each of Heavy Cream and Molasses
- 1 tsp of Pumpkin Spice Mix
Shake vigorously, then strain into your martini glass, pinkie out.
Hot Buttered Rum
How about a cup of cozy?
Hot Buttered Rum is prepared in a mug and then sits to steep, much like a tea. Begin by boiling water in a kettle, then add each of the following to yours:
- 2 oz Dark Rum
- Splash of Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp each of Brown Sugar and Maple Syrup
- 1 T. of Salted Butter (yes, actual butter)
Fill to the rim with hot water, and stir with a cinnamon stick as the mug ingredients melt and blend together. Sprinkle with fresh nutmeg, and enjoy once the mug is cool enough to safely drink.
Tom and Jerry
Well worth the elbow grease.
Separate 3 Large Eggs, with whites and yolks each in their own bowls. To the yolks, add 1 tsp. Vanilla Bean Paste, ½ c. Powdered Sugar, and 2 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice and mix to combine. Then beat in ½ c. more of Powdered Sugar to a thick consistency. To the egg whites, mix a ½ tsp. Cream of Tartar, then whip to stiff peaks using a hand mixer. Gradually add the egg whites to the yolk mixture until fluffy and rich. Refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to use.
To serve, add your preferred helping of Dark Spiced Rum to a mug, with a couple heaping tablespoons of the Tom and Jerry batter. Slowly stir in piping hot water, or steamed milk for a creamier consistency, being sure to pace yourself so that the batter doesn’t curdle.
While store bought batter can be used, we swear this recipe can’t be beat.
Mulled Wine
A tradition old as time.
Combine the following in a slow cooker or large stockpot for a multi-sensory bevi.
- 4 Cups Apple Cider
- 1 Bottle of Dry Red Wine
- ¼ c. Honey
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- Zest and Juice 1 Orange
- 4 Whole Cloves (or 4 tsp. Ground Cloves)
- 3 Whole Star Anise (or 3 tsp. Ground Star Anise)
Slow simmer for at least 15 minutes, serve in your preferred mug.
Wassail
Christmas vibes but hold the booze.
Another slow cooker use here, with the bonus of a comforting, fragrant waft. Add the following to yours:
- 1 gal. of Apple Cider
- 4 c. Orange Juice
- 1 each sliced Apple and Orange
- 1 T. Whole Cloves
- 10 Cinnamon Sticks
- ½ c. Cranberries
- 1 Ginger Root (Or 1 T. Ground Ginger)
Slow cook for at least three hours, color will darken along the way. Serve and sip in a mug, add whiskey if you’re so inclined.