Make your own eggnog instead of buying it in jugs.
The holidays are typically either lighthearted, sentimental or high tension reunions--in any case, you'll may need a stiff drink. Whether you and your old friends are carousing over a plate of Christmas cookies or your veneer of composure is cracking at the sight of your parents under the mistletoe, prepare a holiday-inspired drink you can enjoy. Does this Spark an idea?
Eggnog
Prepared in batches, eggnog is an iconic holiday drink that is perfect for any winter party. Creamy, opaque and dosed with bourbon, this drink is a virtual necessity for your get-together. Heat milk in a large saucepan. Beat a dozen eggs with salt in an electric mixer until it thickens and turns pale. Slowly add sugar, then stir in hot milk. While stirring the mixture, pour it back into your saucepan with the rest of the hot milk. Cook it all for about half an hour, stirring constantly, until the temperature reaches 160 degrees and the consistency is thick.
Stir in nutmeg, vanilla extract and bourbon, depending on how strong you like it. Remove your saucepan from the heat, pour your eggnog into a serving bowl, cover it and chill for up to two days. Before serving, beat whipping cream with an electric mixer and fold it into your eggnog. Garnish with a nutmeg sprinkle before serving in a glass mug.
Seasonal Flavors
Simple, made-to-order cocktails can take inspiration from the season's traditional flavors. For example, a Christmas-cookie-flavored martini is sweet and playful for a casual holiday party. Drizzle chocolate sauce in a martini glass, then shake white chocolate vodka, Irish cream, peppermint schnapps and creamer over ice. Strain into the martini glass and garnish with a mini candy cane.
To heat up your guests as they come in from the cold, serve a hot drink like Real Simple Magazine's warm hazelnut toddy. Stir Frangelico and hot water in a festive mug, then spoon lightly whipped heavy cream on top immediately before serving.
Non-Alcoholic Cider
Don't let underage guests feel left out at your holiday party--give them something festive to drink with non-alcoholic holiday cocktails made in batches.
Martha Stewart's hot apple cider is a sweet way to heat up a party. In a saucepan, whisk together apple cider, light brown sugar, a cinnamon stick, ground allspice, ground ginger, some ground cloves, grated nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a simmer, strain it into a pitcher and serve in holiday mugs with a cinnamon stick stir.
Eggnog, too, can be prepared without alcohol--just substitute milk in place of the brandy.
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