Drinking on Christmas is encouraged, because when you're inebriated, Mom is a little more tolerable, Grandma's sexist rants are adorable, and your brother's constant cursing is almost endearing.
No one wants to endure those awkward family dinners while sober. So break out the schnapps, because mimosas and bloody marys are too common for this holy holiday! Need some inspiration? We have you covered.
Check out the five best holiday cocktail recipes after the jump.
5. Peppermint Martini
Don't waste the 42 candy canes the kids hung on the tree this year. Take those suckers for a spin in vanilla vodka and forget the world, if only for a few minutes.
Ingredients:
5 oz. vanilla vodka (Stoli)
2 oz. white creme de menthe
1/2 oz. peppermint schnapps
How to make:
Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a candy cane.
Suggested name:
Grandma Was Run Over by a Reindeer, so Screw It, I'm Getting Hammered.
Source: WhatToDrink.com
4. Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Martini
The whole town is talking about how fat Santa got. Steal the cookies while the kids aren't looking to give him a little break. Maybe if Santa is extra-nice, you'll leave a martini by the fire for him next year.
Ingredients:
3/4 oz. Partida Blanco Tequila
1 oz. peppermint schnapps
3/4 oz. Godiva Liqueur
1-1/2 oz. cream
How to make:
Rim martini glass with chocolate syrup and crushed candy canes. Shake ingredients in a shaker with ice and strain into a martini glass.
Suggested name:Santa Is Too Fat for Cookies; Let's Celebrate His New Diet!
Source: WhatToDrink.com
3. Holiday Mischief Maker
Santa's "nice" list is too boring for your party-hardy attitude. This drink explains exactly who you are. Take a sip (or gulp down five) and make out with the cute new employee at the office holiday party. After all, no one said you're an angel.
Ingredients:
1 oz. X-Rated Fusion Liqueur
1/2 oz. orange liqueur
1-2 dashes orange bitters
4 oz. sparkling wine
1 tsp. grenadine
How to make:
Grab a cut lemon and rub it around the opening of the champagne flute. Dip the champagne flute into some sugar to get a nicely rimmed glass.
Pour X-Rated Fusion Liqueur, bitters, and orange liqueur into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for a bit until cold and strain into the sugar-rimmed champagne flute.
Top with some chilled sparkling wine. To create the layered effect you see in the picture, drizzle some grenadine into the glass. You have to do this gently so the grenadine settles at the bottom of the glass.
Suggested name:
Gimme Some Grenadine Because My Liqueur Looks Lonely!
Source: WhatToDrink.com
2. Gingerbread Cocktail
Gingerbread cookies and milk are reserved for the kids. Adults should dunk those spicy soldiers into a bath of liquor and cinnamon. Feeling frisky? Turn the cookies into sandwiches with icing in the middle for a really indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
Syrup:
1 cup water
1 1/2 cups sugar
1-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
3 whole cloves
Espresso:
1 cup boiling water
2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
3 to 4 tablespoons hazelnut liqueur (recommended: Frangelico), optional
4 ounces (1/2 cup) Kahlua
How to make:
For the syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
Remove the pan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool, about 20 minutes. Remove and discard the ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
For the espresso: In an eight-ounce glass measuring cup, whisk together the boiling water, espresso powder, and liqueur, if using, until the powder is dissolved. Set aside to cool.
Combine 1 cup syrup with the espresso/hazelnut liqueur mixture in a large martini shaker. Add the Kahlua and shake to combine. Pour over ice-filled glasses and serve.
Suggested name:Drury Lane? Get in My Belly!
Source: Food Network's Giada De Laurentiis
1. Dreaming of Zen
Forget having a white Christmas! Give me a green Christmas! This cute dessert cocktail features a slew of odd ingredients, including green tea liqueur. When blended together, the ingredients make a lovely green color that's bound to brighten your world.
Ingredients:
1 oz. Zen Green Tea Liqueur
1/2 oz. Midori Melon Liqueur
3 oz. mango juice
white pepper
2 oz. cream
mint leaves for garnish
grated nutmeg for garnish
How to make:
Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake well.
Strain into a champagne flute.
Garnish with mint leaves and a dash of nutmeg.
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