Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Candy is dandy … but liquor is quicker

By on December 8, 2009

Photo Illustration by Jake Daniels

It’s getting chilly outside, and having the right holiday drink recipes is just what is needed to enjoy the icy weather and boost your holiday spirits.

Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah or simply staying home for a romantic night in with a loved one, these drinks are sure to keep you feeling merry and jolly.

Brown Sugar Caramel Latté

This Brown Sugar Caramel Latte is sure to warm up your taste buds, and it only takes about 10 minutes to make.

What you’ll need:

 1 tablespoon brown sugar

 � cup half and half

 1 tablespoon caramel ice cream topping

 _ cup coffee

What to do:

Combine the sugar and the half and half and stir the sugar until it is dissolved. Warm up the coffee and pour it into a mug. Add in the caramel topping to the coffee until it is dissolved. Finally, pour the half and half mix into coffee and serve.

Snow Job

Hosting a party? Well, make that social gathering cheery with this Snow Job drink for your guests. The name alone is enough to add some flavor to your holiday party.

What you’ll need:

 2 ounces pear schnapps

 1 ounce heavy cream

 Cinnamon

What to do:

Mix the pear schnapps and the heavy cream with ice and put them into a blender. Blend for a few minutes and then pour the drink into cups and sprinkle the cinnamon on top.

Mistletoe Martini

Meet me under the mistletoe. But don’t forget to bring a Mistletoe Martini while you’re there! This martini is perfect for those who are planning a romantic evening for two.

What you’ll need:

 2 oz vodka

 2 oz orange juice

 3 oz cranberry tea, chilled

 3.4 oz lemon juice

 3 teaspoons sugar

What to do:

Pour all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and then pour into your cocktail glasses. This cocktail is easy and simple.

Calling all peppermint lovers. This Candy Cane drink is perfect for unwinding with after a tiring day.

What you’ll need:

 1 � ounces of vodka

 1 � ounces of white chocolate liqueur

 _ ounce of peppermint schnapps

 Grenadine

What to do:

Make a chilled cocktail glass by sprinkling stripes of Grenadine down the glass.

Then shake the vodka, peppermint schnapps and chocolate liqueur into a cocktail shaker for a few minutes. Pour the drink into your cocktail glasses and enjoy.

Start December off right with this shot. This Peppermint Patty drink is for those peppermint lovers who need a boost. This shot is a great drink for pre-gaming before a fun night out with friends.

What you’ll need:

 1 shot of peppermint schnapps

 Chocolate syrup

 1-ounce cream

What to do:

Pour all the ingredients into a glass filled with ice. Stir and then strain into a shot glass.

Enjoy these drink recipes and happy holidays!