AltWeeklies Wire » Culture » Food+Drink

Holiday Spirits

By Brian Lindamood
Columbus Alive | November 24, 2005
Beer is great for backyard barbecues, and wine is fine for dinner, but for holiday gatherings you sometimes need to serve something a little stiffer to take the chill out of the air. I devised these recipes at my own Christmas parties the last few years to accompany my legendary pigs in a blanket (secret ingredient: cheese-filled lil’ smokies).

First up are two brightly colored cocktails that leave no doubt Kris Kringle is in the house. The Holly Godrunkly practically glows neon green, while Yule Be Tipsy is a cheery red refresher. For the former, stir one shot of Skyy melon vodka and half a shot of Midori melon liqueur over ice in a rocks glass; top with lemon-lime soda and garnish with a lime wedge. For the latter, mix a healthy shot of Three Olives cherry vodka with half a shot of grenadine over ice in a rocks glass; top with club soda and garnish with a maraschino cherry.

The Snow Melter really warms Santa’s bowl full of jelly. For this festive favorite I cook up a big pot of hot cocoa (that’s real cocoa with milk, not instant “hot chocolate”) and add one shot of Bailey’s Irish cream for each cup of milk. Transfer to an insulated carafe for serving (and keep some Reddi-wip on hand), but make sure you warn people that this cocoa packs a punch. You don’t need any rowdy guests re-decking your halls before the party’s over.
Tags: Bailey’s Irish cream, Lil' smokies

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