The spirit of the holidays surround us with aromas of fresh baked pies and cookies, settling in with warm cups of cider and coffee and spending time with friends and family with the aura of celebration tippling in the air.  Welcome guests to your holiday gathering with a little no-bake celebratory treat.  The recipe ideas below include cocktail and martini style drinks with dessert themes inspired by traditional baked desserts and chocolate delicacies.

Dappled Jack – created by Cheri Loughlin

Dappled Jack - Fall Thanksgiving Apple Original photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1-1/2 part Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey

1/2 part Berentzen ApfelKorn Schnapps

1-1/2 part Canada Dry Ginger Ale

Crystallized Ginger Garnish

Build in a highball glass over fresh ice.  Garnish with skewered round of crystallized ginger. This is for those who want a hint of apple, but not an overwhelming amount.  You know who you are – you’ll go along with the flow of cocktail for the sake of celebration, but nothing is going to get in the way of your authentic Jack flavor.

Love the delicious taste of Apple Strudel, but prefer sipping dessert instead of forking it?  Apfel Strudel might be the answer to all your holiday wish list needs this season.

Apfel Strudel – created by Cheri Loughlin

Apfel Strudel - Fall Thanksgiving Apple photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1 part Berentzen ApfelKorn Schnapps

1/2 part Amaretto

1/4 part Goldschlager Cinnamon Schnapps

1/4 part St-Remy XO Brandy

1 part Mott’s Apple Juice

Crushed Graham Cracker Garnish

Dip rim of cocktail glass in amaretto.  Rim glass edge with finely crushed graham crackers.  Set aside.  Combine all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake to blend and chill.  Strain into rimmed cocktail glass.

Mexican Café de Jengibre – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/2 parts Anejo Tequila

1/2 part Kahlua Especial

1 part Hiram Walker Gingerbread Liqueur

1/2 part Half & Half

Build in a rocks or old-fashioned glass over ice.  Stir.  No garnish.

Mexican Chocolate Café – created by Cheri Loughlin

1 ounce Patron Silver

1 ounce Patron XO Café

1/2 ounce Patron Citronge

1 ounce Cold Espresso

1/2 ounce Godiva Original Liqueur

Orange Twist Garnish

Build over ice in a decorative cocktail glass.  Garnish with an orange twist.  Insert a stir straw for slow sipping.

Rocky Mountain Ginger Crisp – created by Cheri Loughlin

Rocky Mountain Ginger Crisp - Hiram Walker photo credit Cheri Loughlin1 part Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey

1/2 part Hiram Walker Gingerbread Liqueur

1-1/2 part Kern’s Apricot Nectar

1-1/2 part Zipang Sparkling Sake

Skewered Crystallized Ginger Round Garnish

Combine Stranahan’s Whiskey, Hiram Walker Gingerbread Liqueur and apricot nectar in a mixing glass.  Stir.  Pour into a highball glass over ice.  Top with measurement of Zipang Sparkling Sake.  Garnish with skewered crystallized ginger.

Winter Slumber – created by Cheri Loughlin

Winter Slumber - Hiram Walker photo credit Cheri Loughlin1 part Whiskey or Bourbon

1/2 part Hiram Walker Pumpkin Spice Liqueur

1/4 part Voyant Chai

1-1/2 part Heavy Whipping Cream

Cinnamon & Sugar for Rim Garnish

Place liquids in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake to blend and chill.  Strain into a cocktail glass rimmed with cinnamon and sugar.

The Chocolatier’s En-Core – created by Cheri Loughlin

1 ounce Core Vodka

1/2 ounce DeKuyper Buttershots

1/2 ounce Godiva Original Liqueur

1/4 ounce Frangelico Liqueur

1 ounce Half & Half

Combine liquids in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.  Shake for ten to fifteen seconds.  Strain into a martini glass.  Notation: Drizzle the inside of the martini glass with chocolate before straining contents into glass for added luxury and garnish if desired.

 

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon or Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com. Copyright 2010 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved

Favorite Dessert Flavors Become Spirited Holiday Sippers
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