Great Holiday Cocktails

Tis the season to be jolly! Try these festive cocktails at your next holiday party. I’m sure they will brighten the spirits of your guests.

Candy Cane Cocktail

Ingredients

• 1 candy cane, crushed for garnish

• 2 oz. strawberry vodka

• 4 dashes of white crème de menthe

• 2 ½ oz. cranberry juice

• Ice cubes

Directions

1. Place the crushed candy cane on a small plate or saucer. Wet the outside rim of a chilled martini glass with water. Holding the glass by the stem, rotate the rim to coat with candy.

2. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, crème de menthe, cranberry juice and ice; shake until well combined. Strain into prepared glass; serve immediately.

Photo and recipe from Martha Stewart

Pear and Sparkling Cider Cocktail

Ingredients

• 2 cups pear nectar, chilled
• 2 cups sparkling apple cider, chilled
• 2 cups seltzer, chilled

• 4 oz. (1/2 cup) bourbon whiskey

• 1 Bosc pear, unpeeled, cored and cut lengthwise into 8 wedges

Directions

1. Stir together pear nectar, cider, seltzer and whiskey in a pitcher. Divide pear wedges among glasses and pour in cocktail. Serve immediately.

Photo and recipe from Martha Stewart

Gingerbread Apple Cocktail

Ingredients

• 2 oz Domaine de Canton

• 1 oz vanilla vodka

• 2.5 oz apple cider

• A few drops of lemon juice

• Orange zest

• Agave syrup

Directions

1. Line a chilled martini glass lightly with agave syrup on a dish followed by spiced graham cracker crumbs.

2. Place all ingredients except for orange zest in a shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into glass.

3. Freshly grate orange zest on drink and serve immediately.

Photo and recipe from Delish