Red Rudolph Cocktail, courtesy mixthatdrink.com
Find the right liqueur for each social gathering’s drink
I like Sandra Lee. The tall, blond host from “Semi-homemade with Sandra Lee” on Food Network whose tagline is “Always keep it semi-homemade” may be on to something. If you’ve ever watched her show, it quickly becomes apparent that one of the benefits you can reap with her time-saving tips is time to make a cocktail.
I have always been inspired by this philosophy of Eat. Decorate. Drink…and finding the right liqueur for each festive occasion can be easy…if you’ve taken the time to do your research first.
I researched the origins of schnapps to discover that the original term translated from German to “a mouthful” refers to a potato- or grain-based liquor that is fruity and usually drunk neat throughout Europe. These are the not the schnapps Santa passes out at the Christmas party in the States.
American schnapps are sweeter, usually sweetened with additives, and typically used in mixed drinks—perfect for the holidays! And for the curious, there are any number of recipes online if you want to do further research. For my part, I’ve combed through some food/drink websites and trolled Facebook to find four of the most festive schnapps-based beverages to serve on four different holiday occasions. So snap to it, Santa! Bring on the holiday schnapps!
For that holiday party with work colleagues, I suggest a drink that can be made either individually or by the pitcher: the Candy Cane Cocktail, featuring peppermint schnapps. To an ice-filled shaker, add 1 shot vanilla rum, 1 shot white chocolate liqueur (Sandra recommends Godiva), and 1 shot peppermint schnapps. Shake. Pour and add a candy cane garnish and you’ve got a drink that your guests will come back for. (Courtesy of foodnetwork.com)
When your holiday party is at home, hang the mistletoe in the kitchen like the perfect host or hostess you are and try a Maple Butter Kiss, featuring butterscotch schnapps. To an ice-filled shaker, add 1/1/2 oz. vodka, 1/2 oz. DeKuyper Buttershots liqueur or butterscotch schnapps, 1/4 oz. real maple syrup, and 1 oz. half-and-half. Pour and sprinkle with fresh-ground nutmeg. This creamy sweet concoction will be the perfect dessert cocktail if your guests are a bunch of sweet tooths. (Courtesy of foodnetwork.com)
After you’ve put the kids to bed and you’re up late wrapping the last of their gifts, sit down to enjoy The Christmas Cookie, featuring peppermint schnapps. To an ice-filled shaker, add 1 oz. peppermint schnapps, 1 oz. Kahlua, and 1 oz. Carolan’s Irish Cream. Strain into a glass and eat with a chocolate sandwich cookie or any of Santa’s cookies before he gets there! (Courtesy of mixthatdrink.com)
For Christmas morning brunch, warm tummies with a Red Rudolph, featuring cinnamon schnapps. To an iced-filled shaker, add 1/2 oz. orange curacao, 3/4 oz. cinnamon schnapps, 1/2 oz. vodka, and 6 oz. heated cranberry juice. Top it with whipped cream and garnish with sugar sprinkles on top. This warm, citrusy drink will be the perfect accompaniment to your nerves as the kids unwrap their presents. (Courtesy of mixthatdrink.com)
So enjoy the schnapps. Armed with these four foolproof concoctions, you’re sure to stay on Santa’s nice list this year.