from Jacin: Of course I am always happy to have Erin from Sparkle & Hay over here guest blogging, and what can I say that hasn’t already been said? Erin and I started out as competitors for a best bridal blog on weddingchannel.com, and now we are business partners in a new venture we’re working on. Intrigued as to what we’re doing? Check out our new blog to follow us on our journey!
from Erin: Happy Holidays everyone!! Naturally I jumped at the chance to be a part of this amazing Winter Inspiration series Jacin has put together (was it even a question that I would want to participate?) A slight departure from my usual decor/floral/real wedding inspired looks I thought it would be so much fun to write about one of my most FAVORITE accents of a holiday party - signature cocktails!
There is nothing like a fun festive cocktail to bring even more spirit to the party (slight pun intended, I couldn’t help myself) and here are a few colorful and yummy drinks to sip which caught my eye…
For the holiday cocktail hour tapas party, or adult only dinner party why not start of with a…
center: snickerdoodle, gingerbread, & coconutmacaroon martinis
Don’t those cookie-tinis in the middle look DELICIOUS?! I’m not usually a sweet mixed drink person but I may just have to try one of these - and you can too!
How about the Gingerbread Cookie Cocktail:
Ingredients:
Gingerbread Simple Syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons mild-flavor molasses
1-inch piece fresh gingerroot, peeled, sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole cloves
Gingerbread Cookie Cocktail
Orange wedge
Brown sugar
1 oz Gingerbread Simple Syrup (2 tablespoons)
1 oz vanilla vodka (2 tablespoons)
1 oz half-and-half (2 tablespoons)
1/2 oz coffee liqueur (1 tablespoon)
Directions
1. To make Gingerbread Simple Syrup, mix sugar, water, molasses, gingerroot, cinnamon sticks and cloves in 1-quart saucepan. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; set aside 1 hour to cool. Strain syrup into glass jar; discard spices. Cover jar, and refrigerate until needed. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.
2. To prepare cocktail, moisten rim of chilled martini glass with orange wedge. Sprinkle brown sugar onto small plate, and dip moistened rim into the sugar to coat lightly. Fill cocktail shaker with ice. Add 1 ounce gingerbread simple syrup, vodka, half-and-half and coffee liqueur; cover and shake. Strain into martini glass.
Tip: If you can’t find mild-flavor molasses you can use full-flavor molasses but reduce the amount by 1 tablespoon
Makes: 1 cocktail (1/2 cup)
*recipe via BettyCrocker - go here for more!
Or serve up some of these toasty treats for a neighborhood open house, or at a cookie swap…
And though I’ve never tried this either, something about it sounds so appealing to sip on a blustery eve…. Hot Buttered Rum
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1 cups light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
pinch ground cloves
pinch of salt
1 bottle of dark rum
In a bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Refrigerate until almost firm. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the butter mixture into 12 small mugs. Pour about 3 ounces of rum into each mug (filling about halfway). Top with boiling water (to fill the remaining half), stir well, and serve immediately.
and of course, lest we forget that champagne cocktails are the PERFECT drink for New Years!
So raise a glass - Cheers to all & Jacin thank you so much (again) for having me!!
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Yumm-o! I've always wanted to try hot buttered rum, too. And sign me up for a champagne cocktail, gorgeous inspiration, ladies!
Oh, I'm totally trying that Hot Buttered Rum recipe! Thanks for the inspiration :) xoxo
why does egg nog always look so pretty and appealing?!
Beautiful cocktails! I really want to try the Gingerbread Cookie Cocktail…thank you for including the recipes!
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Yum, that punch looks awesome! I'm making mulled cider with brandy for our next party, and that cinnamon stick garnish is perfect.
I'm so glad you followed my blog tobewed-dc.blogspot.com because now I'm in love with yours! And I'm not writing just for myself and family anymore!I'm definitely into details and I've already stumbled across a couple here that I'll definitely be adding onto my DIY list. Can't wait to see more.
such cute ideas!!!
i think i want to have a winter cocktail party after the holidays… this put me so in the mood! what do you think?!
i think i want to have a winter cocktail party after the holidays… this put me so in the mood! what do you think?!
i think i want to have a winter cocktail party after the holidays… this put me so in the mood! what do you think?!
i think i want to have a winter cocktail party after the holidays… this put me so in the mood! what do you think?!
i think i want to have a winter cocktail party after the holidays… this put me so in the mood! what do you think?!
i think i want to have a winter cocktail party after the holidays… this put me so in the mood! what do you think?!
Yum!! I love hot buttered rum and those gingerbread martinis look too good to be true!
These cocktails all sound so wonderful-a hot buttered rum is one of those drinks I just can't resist around Christmas!
Nothing better than a festive drink in your hand for the holidays!! :) I just discovered Hot Buttered Rum this year - it's fantastic!