The holidays are a perfect time to try out a sweet and delicious new cocktail. Whether you are enjoying an evening at home or want a signature drink for your holiday party, these drinks are just want you need to eat, drink and be merry.
Gingerbread Martini
Ingredients
Cocktail
- 3 ounces vanilla vodka
- 5 ounces Irish cream
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon schnapps
- 5 ounces homemade ginger syrup (see below)
- 5 ounces half-and-half
- Crushed ginger cookies (for garnish)
- Honey (for garnish)
Ginger Syrup
- 3 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Directions
- Make the ginger syrup by adding all ginger syrup ingredients to a saucepan on medium heat.
- Bring to a low boil and keep stirring until syrup is thickened, about three minutes. Run the syrup through a strainer or sifter and allow to cool.
- Prepare the cocktail glass by dipping the rim of the glass into honey, then into crushed gingerbread cookies until it is coated.
- Add all ingredients, including cooled ginger syrup, to a cocktail shaker with a cup of ice. Shake vigorously.
- Strain into the prepare cocktail glass. Enjoy!
Mulled Wine
Enjoy a warm, spicy glass of mulled wine to beat the winter chill.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional)
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar
- 8 whole cloves ·
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
Directions
- Place all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a low simmer over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for at least 15 minutes.
- Strain out the cloves, cinnamon sticks and star anise.
- Serve warm. You can also garnish with orange peels or cinnamon sticks.
Cranberry Moscow Mules
Moscow mules are already a favorite winter drink, but adding a little cranberry juice makes this simple cocktail holiday-ready.
Ingredients
- Juice from 1/2 Lime
- 2 ounces Sweetened Cranberry Juice
- 2 ounces Vodka or preferred alcohol
- 4 ounces ginger beer or ginger ale
- Ice
- Cranberries (for garnish)
Directions
- Put ice in a copper mug.
- Combine lime juice, cranberry juice, vodka and ginger beer in the mug. Stir well.
- Add fresh cranberries as garnish on top. Enjoy!
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
This glass of cocoa isn’t for kids, but serves a crowd of adults a cup of Christmas spirit.
Ingredients
- 6 12-ounce cans of evaporated milk
- 1/3 cup chocolate liqueur
- ¼ cup peppermint schnapps
- 24 ounces dark chocolate chips
Directions
- Put all ingredients in slow cooker or saucepan and mix.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add candy cans or marshmallows as optional garnish. Enjoy!
For all your holiday cocktail needs, visit the ABC store conveniently located in Pantops Shopping Center in Charlottesville
