My Gift to You this Holiday Season: a Signature Cocktail

When hosting a party, nothing says ‘you’re special’ like a signature cocktail.  I always try to include a little something extra in addition to the mainstream beer and wine at my gatherings.  Whether it’s the classic retro cocktails of the 60’s at my Mad Men Premier, or Martha Stewart’s homemade eggnog at my annual Holiday Cookie Swap, I try to  include something special that guests will remember long after the party is over. 

This ‘tradition’ began about 5 years ago when I started bringing a signature cocktail to our family’s Christmas celebration.  Each year, I’d surprise them with a special cocktail, made just for them.  It could be as simple as freezing a bottle of good vodka in an empty milk container filled with water and holly berries, or as elaborate as Twisted Christmas which includes a half dozen different liquors.  Hot Buttered Rum dates back as far as George Washington's time and is perfect for larger gatherings because the batter can be made in quantity ahead of time. I have fond memories of these Christmas celebrations: my father guarding the vintage punch bowl of homemade eggnog keeping cold on a table outside on my back deck (one for the guest, and one for him :), my late father-in-law enjoying more than his share of Twisted Christmas shakes at what would have been his last Christmas with us, and me and my sisters drinking iced vodka as we contemplated the best way to present the appetizers.  This year’s signature holiday cocktail is yet to be determined, although I’m thinking something sparkling might be in order…. 

The following  are some of my favorites in honor of the 2nd Anniversary of my blog- enjoy them this holiday season, and let us raise our glasses to Peace, Health and Prosperity.  Best wishes to you and yours this holiday and into the New Year!

Hot Buttered Rum

Hot Buttered Rum
1 lb. light brown sugar
1/2 lb. softened butter
2 t. cinnamon
2 t. ground nutmeg
1/2 t. allspice
2 t. vanilla

In mixing bowl, beat together butter and remaining ingredients until well combined.  Refrigerate in reusable container for up to a month, or place in freezer until ready to use.  In a preheated coffee mug, combine 2 heaping tablespoons batter with 1 1/2 oz. rum. Top with boiling water and stir to mix.

Gingerbread Martini

1 1/2 oz. vanilla vodka
1 1/2 oz. Frangelico
1 T. butterscotch schnapps
4 oz. ginger beer
Dark rum

Mix first three ingredients in shaker with ice.  Strain into glass.  Add ginger beer and a splash of dark rum.

Gingerbread Martini

Eggnog
6 eggs, separated
3/4 c. sugar
2 c. heavy cream
2 c. milk
2 c. bourbon
2 T. rum
freshly grated nutmeg

Beat egg yolks with mixer.  Gradually add 1/2 c. sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat egg whites separately until stiff peaks form, gradually adding remaining sugar.  Gently fold whites into yolk mixture.  Stir in cream and milk.  Add bourbon and rum, stir until combined. Chill, tightly covered for at least 3 hours. Stir gently before transferring to punch bowl.  Dust with freshly grated nutmeg before serving.

Twisted Christmas

Twisted Christmas

softball size vanilla ice cream
2 oz. Grand Marnier
2 oz. Creme de cocoa (white)
1 oz. Galliano
1 oz. brandy
1 oz. whiskey
eggnog

Add ice cream and 4 oz. eggnog in blender.  Add liquors and blend until frothy.