This month we're decking the halls with boughs of cocktails! This month, we're mixing up yuletide cheer in a glass, from frosty peppermint delights to warm, spicy concoctions that'll have you roasting chestnuts on an open fire... or at least feeling toasty enough to think you are.
So grab your shaker, don your gay apparel, and let's dive into a winter wonderland of cocktails that'll make even the Grinch's heart grow three sizes. Whether you're looking for something to spice up your office party or a cozy nightcap for Christmas Eve, we've got you covered. So let's get ready to shake, stir, and sip our way through the most wonderful time of the year!
And now, for our first festive creation of the season...
It's as if your favorite holiday latte decided to grow up, get a job in the North Pole's admin department, and treat itself to a well-deserved happy hour. This isn't just a cocktail - it's the solution to the age-old dilemma of whether to have an after-dinner coffee or an after-dinner drink. Why not both?
The Peppermint Mocha Martini is the love child of a cozy café and a swanky cocktail lounge. It's what happens when your barista and your bartender decide to join forces and spread holiday cheer in the most delicious way possible.
Now, let's break down what you'll need to create this cup of Christmas magic:
Peppermint Mocha Martini
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
- 1 oz crème de cacao
- 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz fresh espresso or strong coffee, cooled
- Ice
- Garnish: mini candy cane and chocolate shavings
Instructions
- First, chill your martini glass. Santa likes his milk cold, and you'll like this cocktail the same way.
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, crème de cacao, peppermint schnapps, and espresso.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. You want it frothier than the foam on Santa's beard after a milk-chugging contest.
- Strain into your chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a mini candy cane hooked over the rim of the glass and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings on top. It should look prettier than your neighbor's over-the-top Christmas light display.
- Take a moment to inhale the minty, chocolatey aroma. It's like Christmas Eve excitement in scent form.
Now, why is this the perfect cocktail to kick off our Christmas-themed month? First, it captures the essence of the season's favorite flavors. The combination of coffee, chocolate, and peppermint is as quintessentially Christmas as ugly sweaters and arguments about who gets to put the star on the tree.
The vodka provides a smooth, clean base that lets the festive flavors shine brighter than Rudolph's nose. The coffee liqueur and espresso bring a richness that'll keep you warm on even the coldest winter nights, while the peppermint schnapps adds that crisp, cool hint of holiday magic.
But perhaps most importantly, it's a multitasker. Need a pick-me-up to power through gift wrapping? Peppermint Mocha Martini. Looking for a dessert drink to serve at your holiday party? Peppermint Mocha Martini. Need something to help you deal with your in-laws' extended stay? You guessed it - Peppermint Mocha Martini.
This drink is more than just a beverage - it's a holiday tradition in the making. It's the grown-up version of leaving cookies for Santa, except in this case, you get to be Santa and drink your treat too.
So there you have it, folks - the Peppermint Mocha Martini. It's more festive than an elf's dance routine, more indulgent than your "treat yourself" Christmas shopping spree, and guaranteed to make your spirits bright. Whether you're using it to kick off your holiday party, wind down after a day of Christmas chaos, or as liquid courage before tackling your gift list, this cocktail has got you covered.
Next week, we'll be shaking up another Christmas favorite, so make sure to tune in. Until then, happy mixing, enjoy responsibly, and remember - in cocktails as in Christmas, it's not about the presents, it's about the spirits!
As always I am open to hear your take and your input. You can reach me at [email protected]