As family begins to fly in and finals are coming to an end and the house becomes crowded with relatives--you start to lose it. But rather than going insane try whipping up a cocktail for all those relatives over 21 and take the edge off of the holidays. Here are a couple of great cocktail ideas for all those emotions you'll be feeling this week.
1. Finals are over
This means it is a time to sit back and breathe for a minute. I was up until four a.m. writing papers and can only imagine how tired and stressed everyone else is. So for this cocktail idea i'm going with my favorite drink a Moscow Mule, it is a sweet and smooth drink that combines ginger beer, vodka and lime juice, garnished with a fresh lime. The crispness of the ice and the ginger beer are heavenly and that touch of lime juice and vodka give it the kick it needs. And not only is it delicious it's served in the iconic copper mug that'll keep your drink ice cold.
2. Christmas shopping with your family
This seems to always turn into an all day event. I always picture "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" when I think of a car load of family members facing the horrendous mall traffic. You always seem to be trudging along the back and waiting for the next Starbucks stand. And the lines are endless as your mom looks for the perfect towel set for cousin twice removed. For this emotional moment I have chosen the Holiday Cosmopolitan, it includes a zing of orange liqueur, cranberry juice and a fresh lemon juice. The traditional cosmo being of cranberry and lime juice this one is centered on the flavors of the season. The orange is a kick and the cranberry is an acidic addition. The combination of the ingredients is calming and delicious and gets your mind off the whole mall situation.
3. The day before
Now it is safe to say this is one of the most stressful days of the week leading up to Christmas Day. Everyone is chaotic searching for that final gift and making sure the wrapping paper is just right. Making sure Grandma is comfortable and the aunts and uncles are getting a long. And what seems like an endless day just keeps on going. So for this day I thought something sweet and hardy would be good so I chose the Christmas Cookie, this is a beyond amazing mix of Kahlua, Baileys and a shot of peppermint schnapps. It is like biting into a Christmas cooking, but better.
5. The main event
Well you've made it. All those tears, stress, laughs, and hair pulling were well worth it. You've made it to Christmas the day we have all been waiting for. And even though you aren't a kid anymore you still wake up excited even if you know every gift you're getting. It is the spirit of Christmas that takes over and makes for a great holiday. And the perk of being of legal age on Christmas morning is spiked coffee. So for this big event have yourself a praline coffee. This warm and flavorful drink includes praline liqueur, brown sugar and half-and-half. It is beyond tasty. And once you've had it you won't want to go back.
