A Cocktail Pairing Guide to Make the Holidays Even Happier

December 2016

It’s the holidays, baby! That means it’s time to drin… err, celebrate! This heartwarming holiday cocktail pairing guide will help you host a party to remember.

Glazed Party Meatball Appetizers:

Mulled Apple Bourbon Cider

2 quarts apple cider
1 orange peel
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 ½ cups bourbon

In a saucepan, heat the apple cider, orange peel and cinnamon to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the bourbon. Serve in mugs with a cinnamon stick as garnish.
Serves 10

Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf Bites:

Hot Buttered Rum

1 stick softened butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 cups dark rum
2 cups boiling water

With an electric mixer, cream together the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg until smooth and fluffy. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the butter mixture into a mug. Fill the mug halfway with rum. Top with boiling water and stir well.
Serves 10

Chicken Pot Pie Bites:

Chocolate Holiday Martini

3 ounces chocolate liqueur
2 ounces vanilla vodka
2 tablespoons half and half
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup, plus extra to rim glass

Into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the chocolate liqueur, vanilla vodka, chocolate syrup and half and half. Shake well. Pour into a martini glass that has been rimmed with chocolate syrup.
Makes 1 Chocolate Holiday Martini

Sriracha Chicken and Brown Sugar Bacon Bites:

Pomegranate Holiday Punch

2 bottles fruity red wine
2 cups pomegranate juice
1/2 cup Grand Marnier
1/2 cup brandy
1/2 cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water heated until sugar dissolves and cools)
1 cup pomegranate seeds
2 oranges, thinly sliced

Chill all ingredients in the refrigerator. When ingredients are cold, combine everything into a large punch bowl. Serve in wine glasses or mugs over ice.
Serves 12

Chicken Cordon Bleu Party Sandwiches:

Champagne Cocktail

1 cup Grand Marnier
½ cup cranberry juice
1 bottle champagne, sparkling wine or prosecco

Into a pitcher, pour the Grand Marnier and cranberry juice. Top with champagne. Serve in wine glasses with fresh cranberries as garnish.
Serves 8