With the fall semester officially over, the holiday season provides an excellent chance to unwind and catch up with friends and family. Alcohol definitely helps when it comes to those unexpected political debates that pop up at the dinner table, and the typical Shiner will just not do. If you need a reason to get into the holiday spirits, try out these seasonal cocktail combinations.
Spiced Mulled Wine
Though not a cocktail, mulled wine is extremely easy to prepare and is assured to make any party feel a bit more festive. Plus, it’s easiest to make in big batches that last the evening.
You’ll need:
4 cups apple cider
1 bottle red wine of your choice
1/4 cup honey
2 cinnamon sticks
1 orange, zested and juiced
4 whole cloves
3 star anise
Directions:
Combine the cider, wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, zest, juice, cloves and star anise in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Pour into mugs to serve.
Hot Buttered Rum
As decadent as it is, hot buttered rum is a fast way to feel cozy. On the off chance that winter is cold this year in Houston, rum is really the only thing for it.
You’ll need:
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cups brown sugar
2 cups vanilla ice cream
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 cups apple cider
1 cup rum of your choice
Directions:
First, make the batter in a mixing bowl by beating the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then, beat in ice cream and cinnamon. Store the batter in the freezer for a minimum of 2 hours, or until you’re ready to serve the drinks.
To make the drinks, first heat up the cider until boiling and pour into an easy-to-serve-container. Place about 2 tbsp. of the buttered rum batter into each mug. Fill about 1/3 of the way up with rum, then top with the hot apple cider. Stir and serve.
Gingerbread Eggnog
Love gingerbread or eggnog? Combining the two of them in a single drink is definitely the way to go.
You’ll need:
4 oz. eggnog
4 oz. vodka
4 oz. Kahlua
3 tsp. 3 teaspoons molasses
1/8 tsp. ginger
Whipped cream for topping
Molasses drizzle for topping
Directions:
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour eggnog, vodka, Kahlua, molasses, and ginger. Shake to combine. Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream, and a light drizzle of molasses.
Warm Apple Pie Cocktail
While apple pie is a holiday essential, so are cocktails. This recipe is perfect if you want the experience of apple pie but not the fuss of baking.
You’ll need:
6 oz. heated apple cider
2 oz. Tuaca liqueur
whipped cream
pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg
1 cinnamon stick
Directions:
In a glass or any heat-resistant mug, combine your heated cider and the Tuaca liqueur. Top with whipped cream, then sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg. Add the cinnamon stick for a garnish
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