Entertaining ~ Holiday Cocktails

[British Country Living]

This holiday season, I'm aspiring to learn how to make a few simple, festive cocktails. I love the idea of having a gorgeous bar, like the one above, and being able to whip up any request in a matter of minutes. That, however, will never happen. We're not drinkers really, aside from a nice bottle of wine every now and then, so we don't ever really have any liquor on hand. This year though, I would like to stock a couple bar basics. A few versatile spirits that allow me to offer a few holiday drinks while entertaining. A fun cocktail is always nice when friends are over for dinner or games, and it's always nice to sip something special while chatting around a warm fire on a cold winters night.

So, I plan on making a trip out to my nearest liquor store and picking up a couple of things this season. Here are a couple of recipes that I've collected that sound really delicious.

- Smirnoff Holiday Cruise -

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1 oz. Smirnoff vodka, 3 oz. ruby red grapefruit juice and 1/2 oz. Grand Marnier. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a dried star anise.

- Havana Holiday -

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1 1/2 oz. Havana Club rum, 4 oz. eggnog and a pinch of allspice. Shake and strain into a glass rimmed with raw sugar and filled with ice. Garnish with a pinch of nutmeg.

- Malibu Hot Chocolate -

Rim a heatproof mug with simple syrup and shaved toasted coconut. Add 1 oz. Malibu rum and 1/2 oz. Kahula. Top with hot chocolate, whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

- Very Berry Christmas -

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1 1/2 oz. vodka or Raspberry flavoured vodka, 1/4 cup fresh or frozen raspberries, 1/4 oz. lime juice, 1/4 oz. simple syrup. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

All of these recipes are from the LCBO.

~ Tip ~

For making simple syrup, bring 1 cup of water to a boil, add 1 cup of sugar and stir until dissolved. Cool before using. Simple right?

Try one! But please, remember to drink and serve responsibly.