Perfectly Pretty Peppermint Eggnog Milkshake Shots

Is it possible to bottle up too much Christmas in one tiny little seasonal shot?  You know, I really didn't think so....that is, until I saw this ever-so-fabulous & absolutely delicious Peppermint Eggnog Milkshake shot from http://sugarandcloth.com.  They are almost too pretty to drink!  Here's how to make them . . .

PEPPERMINT EGGNOG MILKSHAKE SHOTS

Ingredients:

~ Peppermint ice cream
~ Peppermint white chocolate bark
~ Crushed peppermint
~ Eggnog
~ Sugar water

Directions:

~ Blend together 2 parts peppermint ice cream to one part eggnog. Rim the glasses with with crushed peppermint by dabbing them with sugar water and dipping them in peppermint. Fill your glasses with the milkshake mixture and place them in the freezer until you’re ready to serve. Break the peppermint bark into halves and place them on top just before serving.

Divine, right?  Now while I'm off figuring out how to turn these lovelies into martinis to enjoy on Christmas Eve, you knock one back and kick those holiday-shopping weary feet up, okay?

Kickstart your Season with White Blizzard Chocolate Martinis!

Late night holiday shopping getting you down?  Feeling the stress of the approaching holidays and ready to kick back, relax, and put your feet up?  Well stay festive while you unwind with this extra yummy 'White Blizzard Chocolate Martini'. . . sure to rejuvenate your holiday cheer and have you Fa la  la la-ing again in no time!

White Blizzard Chocolate Martini
Recipe Courtesy of Group Recipes

Ingredients:
~ 4 ounces of Absolut Vanil vodka
~ 1 ounce of clear Creme de Cacao
~ 2 ounce of White chocolate liqueur
~ 1 teaspoon of coconut flakes
~ 2 freezing martini glasses

Directions:
1.) Add the vodka to a shaker half full of cracked ice & shake vigorously for a full minute.

2.) Add the white chocolate liqueur, and Creme de Cacao.

3.) Swirl the shaker for another full minute, and then let it rest for a minute.

4.) Strain your martini into the freezing martini glasses.

5.) Each glass gets half of the coconut flakes. Stir each martini gently to start the blizzard!

Rim with Coconut!!

There now, doesn't that sound like the perfect treat to kickstart your season with?

Thanksgiving Cocktails!

So, let's just say you are in charge of one of my favorite parts of the Thanksgiving meal....the cocktails! You could either show up with the traditional, if not boring, supply of white & red wine, OR you could really JAZZ things up with one of these ever-so-yummy fall inspired libations and turn this holiday into a festive good time!

Take a look at a few of my favorites . . .

APPLE CIDER MARTINIS
(via 11 Magnolia lane)

Ingredients:

~ Apple Cider (Trader Joe's brand is yummy!)
~ Smirnoff  'Whipped Cream' Vodka
~ Buttershots Liquer (by Dekuyper)
~ sugar & cinnamon for the rims

Directions:

~ Mix 2 parts vodka to 1 part buttershots in the shaker (with some ice) to your liking, then pour in the apple cider and shake well–very well–you want the ice to break up a bit and chill the drink. I would recommend 2:1 on the liquors then at least 2 parts cider–but that still may be too strong for some, so adjust accordingly. Be warned: these are strong drinks–just like a classic martini. This drink is also a great after dinner/dessert drink because they are on the sweet side.

APPLE CIDER MARGARITAS
(via How Sweet it Is)

Ingredients:

~ 1 ounce Grand Marnier
~ 1 ounce gold tequila
~ 5-6 ounces sweet apple cider
~ orange segments and apple slices
~ cinnamon + cane sugar + coarse sugar for glass rimming
~ cinnamon sticks for garnish

Directions:

~ Add a few spoonfuls of cane sugar, coarse sugar and cinnamon to a plate. Run an orange segment around the edge of the glass, then press into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat the rim. Add a few orange slices in the bottom of the glass, fill with ice, then add the Grand Marnier, tequila and apple cider and stir to mix. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Enjoy

APPLE CIDER SANGRIA
(via Nerve.com)

Ingredients:

~ 2 oranges
1 lemon
2 apples
1-2 cup bourbon
½ cup triple sec
3-4 tsp hot sauce (they use Crystal)
¼ cup simple syrup
2-3 cinnamon sticks

Directions:

~ Combine in a quart container and let marinate for at least a day.  Combine mixture with 2 bottles of sauvignon blanc and 3 cups apple cider and adjust to taste.  Garnish with chopped apple.

Go on, get crazy with it . . . and have a wonderful one!!