Christmas can be quite a stressful time of year with families and gifts and trying to finish work before going on holidays. Luckily, once your holidays finally start, you can relax and get into the festive spirit, and what better way to start getting jolly than with a few Christmas cocktails?
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There are quite a few flavours that identify with Christmas, so instead of trying to bake them into a pudding, why not add a sliver of rum or vodka and pour them into a decorated glass for you and your guests to enjoy. Trust us, you’ll want more than one.
1. Candy Cane Cocktail (makes 1 serve)
Crush a couple of candy canes and place dust onto a small plate or saucer then grab a chilled martini glass and wet the outside of the rim with water. Holding the glass by the stem, rotate the rim through the crushed candy canes so that the dust sticks to the glass. Sounds pretty already, doesn’t it? Add two shots of strawberry vodka, 4 dashes of creme de menthe and about 75 ml (approx 2.5 shots) of cranberry juice into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until the liquids are well combined and then strain into your decorated martini glass. Hang an extra candy cane off the side of the glass for a spectacular presentation that will really impress your guests. Delicious, minty, pretty – definitely number one to try this Christmas.
2. Eggnog Martini (makes 8 serves)
This recipe takes a little more effort than chucking the ingredients into a shaker, but it’s worth it, because this recipe is so classically festive. Set a sieve over a large bowl and then place this bowl into an ice bath to chill. Then, whisk 1 cup of sugar, 1/4 of a cup of corn starch, 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and one teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice (recipe below) off heat in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in four cups of milk, making sure that the corn starch is mixed, then whisk in 6 egg yolks. Put the saucepan on a medium heat and cook, while constantly whisking for 10-12 minutes or until the first large bubble pops and then switch to low heat and cook for a further 1 minute, still constantly whisking. Then pour the mixture through the sieve into the chilled bowl and stir in a further 4 cups of milk. Allow the mixture to cool completely in the bowl set in ice and then just before serving stir in 3 cups of brandy. Ladle into chilled martini glasses and garnish with pumpkin pie spice.
Pumpkin pie spice is a very American recipe for the holiday season. You can make it easily by combining 3 tablespoons of ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of ground ginger, 2 teaspoons of ground nutmeg, 1.5 teaspoons of ground all spice and 1.5 teaspoons of ground cloves. For a similar taste without making the spice yourself, just pick up a chai powder garnish.
3. Winter Chill (makes 1 serve)
This drink might be a winter chill for those in the northern hemisphere, but for us down south, it’s a welcome coolness to a hot, summer’s day. Add 2 shots of tequila, one shot of pineapple juice, 3/4 of a shot of fresh lime juice, half a shot of cinnamon syrup and ice to a shaker and combine. Strains over fresh ice into a rocks glass and add a little nutmeg and pineapple garnish.
4. The Blizzard (makes 1 serve)
After all the fun has been had during the afternoon, it’s time to settle down with a coffee and some Christmas biscuits. While the kids play with their new toys, the adults can relax and slip into their food comas with a little adults only coffee to wash down those gingerbread cookies. In a coffee mug, stir in 1.5 shots of Irish whiskey or rum, half a shot of hazelnut liqueur and half a shot of Irish cream liqueur, like Bailey’s. Top with some coffee and a dollop of whipped cream. Smooth, creamy and relaxing.
5. The Grinch (makes 1 serve)
The Grinch always has a place in our hearts for Christmas, though this time, it’s in a cocktail glass and not on our television screen. The most simple recipe you could ever make on Christmas, The Grinch is 2 shots of Midori, half a shot of lemon juice and a teaspoon of sugar syrup mixed in a shaker and strained into a chilled glass. If you would like to add the heart that the Grinch really has, pop a strawberry on the rim of the glass.
Images and recipes via marthastewart.com, cocktails.about.com and idigitaltimes.com
