This time of year brings out the festive spirit in all of us. I’m always asked about holiday cocktails — What should I serve at my holiday party? For most of us, it’s not a time to start experimenting in the kitchen or at the bar. My recommendation is to keep it simple. Dress up your favorite drinks with a holiday flourish and just enjoy your own party. Here are some quick and easy ways to add holiday cheer and impress your guests:
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Candy Canes
Hook a tiny candy cane over the side of a martini glass or use a peppermint stick as a straw or swizzle stick. A larger candy cane can garnish a mug of hot chocolate. Try adding a little Peppermint Schnapps to the hot chocolate for a little kick.
Raspberries
Dropping a raspberry in a glass of Champagne with just a splash of cassis is a simple and classic holiday cocktail. You can also spear raspberries on the side of a martini or float them in sparkling water with mint.
Colored Sugars
Colored sugars are available where liquor is sold. Turn over your martini glasses and moisten the rims and then dip in colored sugar. Add a red sugar to rim a green apple martini or a green sugar to rim a cranberry martini.
Cranberries
Fresh cranberries can garnish a drink in many ways. Drop a couple into sparking wine or sparkling water. Freeze inside ice cubes. Spear a few cranberries with mint and add them to a martini. A sprig of rosemary that looks very much like a twig of the Christmas tree adds another holiday touch.
Star Fruit
Float a thin slice of star fruit on the top of a cosmo martini or slide it on the rim of a glass. You can also float a slice in sparkling water with a couple of cranberries for added color.
Ice Cubes
An easy way to dress up a drink is with festive ice cubes. Freeze a cranberry, raspberry or mint leaf inside ice cubes. To make sure the ice freezes clear, you will need to start with distilled water. Then boil it for a few minutes and let it cool before putting it in the ice cube tray.
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