A TOAST TO THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

It’s officially the holiday party season. Full of fun and delicious food, great friends, and, of course holiday cocktails.

Here’s a few of our favorites to ignite the holiday spark.

THE RETRO CLASSIC HOLIDAY COCKTAIL

When I was growing up, our very large extended family would come to our house for a huge holiday party. One of the most vivid memories was the holiday tablescape with lots of holiday décor, finger foods, cookies, and desserts, and in the center of it all…the holiday punch bowl. I waited all year to drink this sweet and fruity beverage. There were two versions made. One with booze and one without, you know, for the kids. I know everyone who grew up in the 70’s and 80’s has had some version of this holiday classic. There was also plenty of Buttered Rum and Eggnog. Here is the punch recipe I grew up on.

1 can of frozen orange juice

1 can of frozen lemonade

1 46oz can of pineapple juice

1 750ml of dry champagne or sparkling wine

(use ginger ale for the non-alcoholic version)

1 16oz of club soda

1 package of frozen strawberries in syrup

1 frozen sliced orange wheels

Mix all ingredients except for the frozen strawberries and orange wheels until the frozen juice is melted. Add the package of frozen strawberries

and orange wheels to the punch. This keeps the punch cold and will eventually thaw for added flavor. Serve and enjoy.

CELEBRATING WITH FRIENDS

DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Gathering with friends and family over the holidays brings a sense of warmth, joy, and connection that’s truly unique to the season. Holiday cocktails play a special role in these moments, not only as delicious drinks to share but as part of the larger tradition of celebration, creativity, and togetherness. Here are a few of my favorite cocktail recipes I have created to share with loved ones to make the holidays even brighter.

RED VELVET HOLIDAY MARTINI

2oz Bailey’s Red Velvet

2oz Vanilla Vodka

1oz Clear Crème de Cocoa

White Cake Frosting and shaved dark or white chocolate to rim the glass (optional)

Mix all ingredients in a martini shaker with ice and shake vigorously.

Dip the martini glass in frosting and then in crushed chocolate cookies.

Pour and enjoy.

PEPPERMINT CANDY CANE MARTINI

2oz Vanilla Vodka

2oz of White Chocolate Liqueur

1oz of Crème de Menthe (clear or green)

Finely crushed candy canes to rim the glass (optional)

Simple Syrup

Mix all ingredients over ice. Dip the martini glass in simple syrup and crushed candy cane. Pour and enjoy. Remember to drink responsibly and

never drink and drive.

I wish you all a very happy holiday. Please remember to shop local and support your favorite pet shelters.