Cheers... to the Holidays

Now that Thanksgiving is over and throngs of people are traveling home, we can focus on the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas is a month away and the season kicked off literally as Thanksgiving leftovers were being stored in the refrigerator. At midnight Black Friday kicked in, and for many of us, we're off to stand in long lines to deal with the hordes of sale seekers. The Xmas season is delightful but can also be very stressful. The shopping, planning, and stress of finding that perfect gift can get overwhelming. I find the perfect stress reliever is a comforting holiday beverage. Whether it's warm or cold, straight or spiked, take a break and relax with one or all of these seasonal concoctions … homemade of course.

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Cranberry-Apple Cider Punch is bright and refreshing. This kid-friendly drink can be served warm or chilled. I prefer it cold, served over crushed ice. Make a large batch combining the following ingredients in a pitcher: 1 cup of cranberry juice, 2 cups of apple cider, 1/2 can (6 oz.) frozen orange juice concentrate. Store in the fridge. Just before serving, add 1 cup of ginger ale, stir and serve in a tall glass. If you want to go the extra mile garnish with an orange and apple slice laid across the top of the drink. Adults, don't feel left out. Simply add 3 ounces of punch into an ice-filled martini shaker along with a 1 oz. shot of vodka, shake well and serve in a chilled martini glass. Cheers!

Blood Orange Italian Soda infused w/ fresh ginger is a classic Italian holiday refresher. Italy is the leader in growing this unique citrus fruit. It's dark red color is due to high levels of antioxidant pigments. If you're looking for a healthy beverage during Christmas, this is your drink. It is very easy to make, and it's best served to order. Combine the juice of 4 blood oranges (1/2 cup) with 3 tablespoons of lime juice. Add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger and 1/3 cup of simple syrup. Stir all together well. To serve, add the citrus base to a tall ice-filled glass and top off with 1 cup of Pellegrino sparkling water. Add a shot of Campari for the adult version. To your health or Cin Cin in Italian.

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Hot Chocolate has become a popular year-round warmer upper. This rich elixir is available at all of the major coffee houses. However, sales rise exponentially during the Christmas season. Sure you can go to your local market and purchase Nestle, Swiss Miss or the Ovaltine varieties, but I prefer homemade hot chocolate. To make, stir 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder into 1/2 cup of warm water. Add 3 cups of whole milk and bring to a simmer. Whisk in 6 ounces of chopped dark chocolate (75% cocoa for me). Continue to simmer and whisk regularly until it's smooth and creamy. Top with fresh whipped cream and dust with cocoa powder. Parents, feel free to add a shot of Peppermint Schnapps and enjoy by the fire.

Mulled Wine originated in Scotland on you guessed it ... the Isle of Mull. I find that keeping the ingredients simple makes for a more refreshingly aromatic hot beverage. It can be made hours ahead of time but must be kept warm to allow the spices to infuse with the liquids. A crockpot is a perfect vessel for warming. Add 1 bottle of dry red wine, 3 cinnamon sticks, 1/2 of a whole orange pierced with 8-10 cloves, 1 ounce of simple syrup and 3 ounces of brandy. Turn your slow cooker on low and heat for at least 2 hours, so it's just steaming not simmering. Other spices can be added to taste, but this simple base works for me every time. A lemon twist makes a perfect garnish.

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Eggnog comes from the United Kingdom and was made famous in the U.S. It is by far the most iconic holiday drink. This luscious, silky smooth concoction was originally called egg-milk. If you purchase your Eggnog at your local market, do yourself a favor, and give this homemade recipe a try. Simmer 2 cups of milk and a 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Meanwhile, whisk 6 large egg yolks with 1/2 cup of sugar. Slowly whisk the hot milk into the yolks in three batches. You don't want scrambled eggs. Return it to the stovetop and heat slowly until it's 160 degrees. The nog should coat the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Chill well, garnish with whipped cream and nutmeg. The adult version includes whiskey, brandy, or rum.

The Christmas season is a special time. So, the food and drinks available during the season should be special as well. Like comfort foods when I imbibe in these delightful blends, they trigger fond memories of Christmas past. It was always eggnog Christmas Eve night while exchanging gifts, and hot chocolate with Santa Claus the next morning. Of course, apple cider and cranberry juice flowed during the entire holiday season. Such a great time of year requires special attention to detail. Nothing beats self-crafted gifts. Enjoy my gift to you this holiday season. Take the time to make, to sip and enjoy. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!