eat, DRINK and be merry

With the holidays come parties, and with parties come appetizers, entrees, desserts and my personal favorite: beverages.  No, not because there is an endless assortment of alcoholic options, but because here again, the choices are abounding and the creative opportunities plentiful.  Whether it be a tall glass of egg nog, garnished with Nutmeg or a soothing hot tottie in a festive mug, the winter holiday season affords ample occasion to showcase your individuality down to the last drop.  Additionally, stir sticks and garnishes can be embellished to dress up a drink that may seem otherwise ordinary.  The following is a list of our personal favorites (some of the names are fun too!).

Kir Royales: Creme de Cassis, champagne or other sparkling white wine, tangerine or orange zest to garnish.
Ginger Sparkler: Fresh ginger, sugar, dry, sparkling wine (we like Prosecco)
Eggnog Martini: I don't even care what is in it, I'll take two.
Mulled Wine: This one is a little more complicated, but won't take you long (45 minutes), for the complete recipe, click here: mulled wine.
Apple Ginger Sparklers: Ginger syrup, sparkling apple cider, cinnamon sticks, crystallized ginger.
Pink Grapefruit "Margaritas": A great option for the kiddies as this margarita is non-alcoholic.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Can be made with or without a cordial of your choosing.

Running short on time?
Mulled cider is a no stress, no mess alternative to these sometimes-complicated concoctions.  If you are running short on time, follow this recipe; your guests will never guess that you took less than 10 minutes to prep this warm and tasty treat.

Hot chocolate (Suisse Miss made with milk works fine), garnished with marshmallows is also a time-honored, last minute warmer-upper that is sure to please in a moment's notice.

And if I have my way, Starbucks will soon make peppermint mochas in the cantine size (still working on that one).