Happy Holidays everyone!

It’s been a whirlwind of a launch year for Booze for Babes: the Smart Woman’s Guide to Drinking Spirits Right and now that we’re approaching the end, there’s finally time to reflect and soak it all in. Over the last year, I’ve been interviewed in several media outlets, invited to write a spirits column for The Daily Beast, made appearances on TV, and hosted successful public and private spirits tastings, hopefully inspiring women everywhere to belly up to the bar and own it. And I have YOU – my loyal supporters and followers – to thank! 

I’d love to keep the momentum going, so please remember Booze for Babes as a fun holiday gift for the favorite femme in your life! You can order a signed copy right on the top of my blog (just click the red “Buy the Book” button), just in time for Christmas. In fact, if you order two, I’ll send you a third copy FREE! Just check off a quantity of two but in the notes section of the Paypal order, write “Holidays” with any names you’d like me to sign to. Want some bottle recommendations to pair the book with? Don’t be shy – ask me in a comment!

In the meantime, get in the spirit with this homemade eggnog. I have to be honest – I’ve never been a fan of cocktails with milk in them. And it always seems like whenever there is eggnog at a party, hardly anyone drinks it because it either tastes too strong or is too heavy. People sip on it for good holiday measure and then move on. But once I experimented with this ultra boozy concoction of my favorite spirits, and once in the right Christmasy kind of mood, it was impossible not to love this recipe. It’s surprisingly easy to drink and is layered with flavor. It takes on a frothy rather than thick or creamy texture.

Make an eggnog people will actually drink.

The Eggnog People Will Actually Drink

2 ounces cognac

2 ounces dark rum

2 ounces madeira or port (fortified wines)

1 fresh egg (white and yolk beaten together)

2 ounces skim milk

1/2 ounce white sugar

1 pinch each of nutmeg, ground cloves and cinnamon

Whole cinnamon stick for garnish

Shake all ingredients vigorously together in a cocktail shaker. Strain through mesh or cheesecloth into a highball or wine glass with ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Now that I’ve got you all liquored up, please remember to hashtag #boozeforbabes on all your holiday cocktailing and entertaining photos on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook so I can see what you’re up to, repost and comment on them!