Let’s face it, the holidays, and all the family time that comes with them, can take a toll. Maybe you’re stuck sleeping on an air mattress in Mom and Dad’s basement. Maybe Grandma won’t stop reminding you that, when she was your age, was married…with twelve children. Or maybe you’ve somehow, for the third year in a row, been seated next to your uncle who loves to push buttons when it comes to your political views. Trust us, we’ve all been there. We swear it must be an unwritten holiday rule that some amount of stress just comes with the territory.
Unfortunately, we’re little help when it comes to reclaiming your childhood bedroom or reassuring Grandma that she needn’t worry about your love life. However, we can help you find common ground with that crazy uncle. Chances are good you can both agree that when the whole family gets together for the holidays, a few adult beverages are always a welcome addition. So, in the spirit of togetherness, here are three killer holiday cocktails—sure to please even the most opinionated of family members.
For Christmas: Cranberry Moscow Mule
8 ounces ginger beer
Juice of 1 lime
1 shot of vodka
Splash of cranberry juice cocktail
Fresh cranberries
Lime slices for garnish (optional)
Combine all ingredients and stir. Serve over ice and garnish with raw cranberries and lime slices.
For NYE: Pomegranate Royale
Small handful of pomegranate seeds
1 ounce pomegranate liqueur
4 ounces champagne, prosecco, cava or any dry sparkling wine
Mix liqueur and champagne, then garnish with pomegranate seeds.
For Dessert: Irish Coffee
3 cups heavy cream
7 tablespoons sugar
1 cup Irish whiskey
6 cups strong, hot coffee
Grated nutmeg or ground cinnamon (optional)
In a bowl, beat together cream and 3 tablespoons of sugar until very soft peaks form. Keep refrigerated until ready to use. Stir remaining sugar into coffee. Heat 8 glasses by pouring hot water into them, then drain and dry. Add 2 tablespoons of whiskey to each glass. Fill glass with coffee, leaving an inch or so of space at the top. Place a large spoon upside down over the glass, and slowly pour cream over the back of the spoon onto the coffee. Garnish with nutmeg or cinnamon if desired.