By Judi Gallagher –
The holiday season is full of many things: twinkle lights, snow, presents, parties. And that last thing runs the gamut in terms of type and theme – there are the ubiquitious ugly-sweater parties and open houses, of course, but there are also much more formal office soirees and galas. There have been evenings when I’ve gone to one party in denim and then changed into a formal gown all within the span of a few hours.
But these parties do share one common element: The holiday cocktail. Often peppermint-flavored or creamy, there are as many types of holiday cocktails as there are holiday parties.
Eggnog is one of the most popular holiday cocktails; made of eggs, cream, and sugar – and sometimes with ice cream – and spiked with rum, then topped with nutmeg or cinnamon, it’s one of the most familiar holiday drinks, and it’s especially pretty when served in a big glass bowl and ladled into pretty holiday cups. (The best thing about eggnog? It’s available at almost all supermarkets now, so if you don’t have the time to make a homemade batch, you can pop over to the store, buy a carton, and then doctor it up with the spirit and garnish of your choice.)
Then there’s the peppermint martini. Peppermint is such a holiday flavor, isn’t it? I find myself infusing my holiday cookies with a little peppermint extract, or sticking a candy cane in my hot chocolate. If you like a more adult version of a peppermint drink, try making a peppermint martini with vodka, crème de menthe and peppermint Schnapps, then line the rim of your martini glass with crushed candy cane for an especially festive treat.
And on cold nights, there’s nothing better than a hot toddy to warm your house and your insides. On those particularly cold nights (and yes, we even have them here in Florida!), there’s nothing better than curling up with a blanket and sipping a warm mug filled with this hot drink. But it’s also fantastic enjoyed with guests, too – perhaps at the end of a sit-down meal, in place of coffee or tea, poured into pretty glass mugs and garnished with lemon or a cinnamon stick.
Like eggnog, everyone seems to have a favorite hot toddy recipe, but here’s one I’ve found that’s particularly good and that can be easily multiplied for more people. Cheers to the holidays – and please, tell me your favorite holiday cocktails, too!
Classic Hot Toddy
Serves 1
1 tsp honey
2 oz boiling water
1 ½ fluid oz. whiskey
3 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 slice lemon
1 pinch ground nutmeg
Pour the honey, boiling water, and whiskey into a mug. Spice it with the cloves and cinnamon, and add the slice of lemon. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes so the flavors can marry, then sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg before serving.