Christmas is all about merry-making. We know that already. It is about attending and throwing a thousand and one parties that all feel the same, look the same, and oddly taste the same. And even though the thought of attending countless social events in a span of two weeks or so may seem enticing, the truth is, after the third party it gets kind of boring. So here is what you can do: instead of bringing food to the regular potluck party or serving beer for the next party you host, why not try sharing the experience of new cocktails with your friends and co-party attendees? Here are some Holiday-inspired cocktails that should do the trick.
1.) Merry Christmas: The Merry Christmas may sound the most Christmasy out of all the cocktails in this list, but it actually plays on one of the most iconic flavours of another holiday—Thanksgiving. This highball drink is a gorgeous melange of cranberry, citrus, and just the right amount of alcohol. Here is how you make it:
a. Grab a highball glass and fill it halfway with ice. Then, add an ounce of regular Gin, an ounce of Cranberry Juice, and a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Stir the liquids until it comes together and top it off with some canned club soda or soda water. Garnish the drink with fresh or dried Cranberries or a slice of lemon or lime and serve.
2.) Angel’s Delight: This festive cocktail makes the cut as a holiday cocktail thanks to its creamy texture and dreamy color. It tastes opulent, rich, and indulgent---perfect for the Season. Here’s how you make this velvety drink:
a. In a cocktail shaker, combine one ounce of cream, ¾ ounces of triple sec, ¾ ounces of gin, and a couple dashes of Grenadine syrup ( which is now readily available in supermarkets). Shake well and serve in a chilled cocktail glass. You may opt to serve it with a piece of strawberry for garnish.
3.) Apple Pie Martini: One of the most familiar holiday tastes is the taste of apple pie. The juicy freshness of apples combined with the kick of cinnamon is captured perfectly in easy-as-pie cocktail. Here is how you make it:
a. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine one shot of Goldschlager (cinnamon schnapps with 24karat gold flakes), one shot of vodka, and three shots of apple juice. Shake well and pour over a cocktail/martini glass. Remember not to strain the drink as this will leave the gold flakes inside the shaker instead of staying in your drink.
4.) The Christmas Cocktail: This cocktail is an exciting concoction of the flavours people associate with the Holidays: Coffee, Cinnamon, Cream, and Chocolate. Plus, it comes down smooth and ends with just the right amount of alcoholic kick. If you want to feel all warm and fuzzy while chugging down this glorious cocktail, follow these instructions:
a. In a shaker filled with ice, pour one once each of Vodka, Bailey’s Cream, and Cinnamon Schnapps and shake well. Strain the concoction over a cocktail glass and top it off with some powdered coffee. You may garnish it with a Cinnamon stick.
5.) Mimosa: The Mimosa is one of the more popular cocktails in history. Thus, you would find a gazillion and one recipes of it. However, I find that the simplest recipe is still the best. Make this simple cocktail for your next Yuletide event for some added fizz and flair. Here’s how:
a. Grab a champagne flute, fill it halfway with chilled orange juice (and please do not use powdered orange juice) and then top it off with cold champagne.
Catch Confessions of a Partyphile on the radio every Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 in the PM on 105.9 Mix FM or www.mixfm1059.com. For comments, suggestions, and more confessions from this partyphile, log on to http://party.i.ph or tweet the columnist at twitter.com/zhaun
