cocktail advent

Cocktail Advent 21: Mistletoe Martini

Sips

I say you make this next one a double, serve the second to your significant other, and not worry about where the mistletoe is!

Image via Devotion Vodka

Image via Devotion Vodka

Mistletoe Martini

  • 1.5 oz. Devotion Vodka Black & Blue
  • 1 oz. Kahlua
  • 1 oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream
  • 1 oz. White Crème de Cocoa

Pour all ingredients into a martini shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain mixture into a martini glass, and garnish with chocolate shavings.

Devotion Black and Blue is a blackberry and blueberry flavored vodka. Interesting to pair it with the coffee and cream elements. I’d still be tempted to put this together in a blender with a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream for a… (I’m trying to come up with a portmanteau of alcohol(ic) and smoothie and nothing’s sounding right–smoothahol(ic), alcosmooth, smocohoolie, it’s just not happening, is it?) something tasty! Maybe.

***This recipe was submitted by a representative of Devotion Vodka. I am not affiliated with the brand nor was I compensated for posting this recipe, not even with review samples. As always, we encourage responsible refreshment and the use of the Designated Driver. No drunken monkeys, please!***

Cocktail Advent 20: Almond Eggnog

Sips

I debated including this one, but decided to after all. First, because I didn’t have a true eggnog (I keep typing eggnot, which is probably telling) and, perhaps, still don’t. Second, because it’s good to let the non-dairy milks have a chance. Third, if you’re feeling a little overdone from the rest of this month’s cocktail suggestions, this might create a tiny oasis of dubious healthfulness.

Today’s recipe also contains absolutely no alcohol, so if you wanted this to be your breakfast for a last round of Christmas shopping, it’s a much better option than the high-octane options previously presented!

Image via USANA Health Sciences

Image via USANA Health Sciences

Almond Eggnog
(serves one…two if you feel like sharing, but you won’t)

  • 1 cup vanilla-flavored unsweetened almond milk
  • 3 tablespoons French Vanilla Nutrimeal
  • 1 tablespoon 100 percent pure maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup ice

Place all ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth. Serve immediately. And enjoy staying healthy this season!

The meal replacement shake ingredient provides protein and fiber, and I would imagine your preferred version of it would be fine. (Nutrimeal, for what it’s worth, has several High-FODMAP ingredients so I won’t be giving it a try.) Leaving it out is a possibility, but probably would make the smoothie feel a bit thin.

***This recipe was submitted by a representative of USANA Health Sciences. I am not affiliated with the company nor was I compensated for this post, not even with review samples. As always, we encourage responsible refreshment and the use of the Designated Driver. No drunken monkeys, please!***

Cocktail Advent 19: Lady in the Garden

Sips

Here’s another cocktail idea courtesy of North Hollywood’s Bow & Truss Restaurant and Bar. They propose this as an alternative to eggnog.

Image via Bow & Truss

Image via Bow & Truss

Again, no measurements given, but we’re dealing with a twist on the classic Pisco Sour, so it’s not hard to figure out.

Lady in the Garden

  • 3 oz Pisco
  • 3 Basil leaves
  • 1 oz Simple Syrup
  • 1 oz Orange Juice
  • 1 Egg White
  • Orange Blossom Water and a small Basil sprig for garnish

In the bottom of a mixing glass, muddle the basil in the pisco just enough to release some of the oils. Add in the orange juice, and the egg white and dry-shake (meaning, use no ice) for about 15 seconds or so. Then add ice to your cocktail shaker and shake again to chill. Strain into a prepared cocktail coupe and top with a few drops of orange blossom water and a pretty basil sprig.

If you’ve never tried Pisco before, it reminds me of tequila–they both have that innate warmth and rich mouth-feel to me. While I think it’s a stretch to call this an egg-nog substitute, I certainly wouldn’t turn one down if it were offered to me!

***This “recipe” was provided by a representative of Bow & Truss Restaurant and Bar. I am not affiliated with the establishment nor have I been compensated for the sharing of this recipe or image. As always, we encourage responsible refreshment and the use of the Designated Driver. No drunken monkeys, please!***

Cocktail Advent 18: Warm and Toasty

Sips

Another cider drink perfect for chasing away the chill. If you don’t have access to The Perfect Puree-brand cranberry puree, I’m fairly certain you can come up with a substitute in a pinch. I think blended, frozen raspberries would work equally well if that’s what you happen to have closer to hand.

Warm and Toasty
Source: Manny Hinojosa

  • • 1 1/2 oz. Bourbon
  • • 1 1/2 oz. The Perfect Purée Cranberry Puree, thawed
  • • 5 oz. hot apple cider
  • • Whipped cream
  • • Dash of ground cinnamon
  • • Apple slice (for garnish)
  • • Orange wheel (for garnish)

In a coffee mug, combine apple cider, cranberry puree and bourbon. Stir and top with whipped cream and cinnamon. Garnish with apple slice & orange wheel.

***This recipe was submitted by a representative of The Perfect Puree. I am not affiliated with the company nor was I compensated for this post, not even with review samples. As always, we encourage responsible refreshment and the use of the Designated Driver. No drunken monkeys, please!***

Cocktail Advent 17: Ol’ Fashioned Holiday Maple

Sips

The reason people are constantly creating new spins on the old classic cocktails is because those classics have stood the test of time.

Knob Creek® Ol’ Fashioned Holiday Maple
Created by Michael Symon

  • Pinch of Raw Sugar
  • Orange Peel
  • 3 Dashes Bitters
  • 1 ½ parts Knob Creek® Smoked Maple Bourbon
  • 1 part Calvados Boulard® Apple Brandy

1. Drop a pinch of raw sugar, orange peel, and 3 dashes bitters into a rocks glass and muddle.

2. Add Knob Creek® Smoked Maple Bourbon and Calvados Boulard® Apple Brandy and stir with ice.

As far as the parts go, I’d go with an ounce per part, and I can’t see why they didn’t just write it that way. *shrug* The featured spirit here, the Smoked Maple Bourbon, was released last fall (2013) and appears to still be available. It certainly sounds tasty enough to hunt down!

***This recipe was submitted by a representative of Knob Creek. I am not affiliated with the brand nor was I compensated for posting this, not even with review samples. As always, we support responsible refreshment and the use of the Designated Driver. No drunken monkeys, please!***