Holiday Drinks: Christmas Cocktails

The holidays are here. Christmas is a time that friends and family gather together, exchange gifts, and delight in the magic of the season. You are in the midst of party planning, writing invitations, and menu planning. Have you thought about your drink menu? Enhance the Christmas spirit by serving up a little holiday cheer!

Three Wise Men

1/3 oz. Jack Daniels
1/3 oz. Jim Beam
1/3 oz. Johnny Walker

This shooter is quite easy to mix and men seem to really like it. In a shot glass, pour in Jack Daniels, Jim Beam, and Johnny Walker. This is a stout shot. I recommend limiting servings.

For the ladies you may want to try something a little milder. Women tend to enjoy sweet or sour cocktails. For the women at your gathering you can try one of the following:

Peppermint Patty

½ oz. Peppermint schnapps
½ oz. Dark crème de cacao
1 oz. Heavy cream (half and half)

To mix a Peppermint Patty, fill a rocks glass with ice add you peppermint schnapps, dark crème de cacao and cream. Stir well and serve. You may garnish with a sprig of mint or a mini candy cane if you like.

White Christmas Dream

1 oz. Amaretto
1 oz. Heavy cream (half and half)
1 oz. Vodka

In a mixing glass, pour in your Amaretto, cream, and Vodka. Shake and strain the liquid into a chilled cocktail glass. For tips on preparing a shaken drink see "Bartender Basics for Holiday Parties."

Want to serve many without a lot of effort? Try a pitcher drink! Pitcher cocktails are easy to prepare but must remain refrigerated.

Christmas Cocktail

3 cups of Vodka
1-½ cups of Cointreau (triple sec)
1-½ cups Cranberry juice
1/3 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice

In a tall pitcher combine Vodka, Cointreau, Cranberry juice, and lime juice. Stir well and refrigerate. Serve over ice and garnish with slice of lime.

Christmas is the season for eggnog. Everybody loves the rich and creamy taste and it just smells like Christmas. Have you ever tried homemade eggnog? It is truly delightful.

Traditional Eggnog

1 dozen eggs
2 cups of superfine granulated sugar
2 cups of Dark Rum
2 cups of Cognac or Brandy
2 cups of Cream (half and half)
6 cups of Milk
Nutmeg