This holidays are here and 'tis the season for cheers and spirit(s)! Normally during this time of year I stay with the classic drinks or classic twists on drinks, as most people prefer tradition over innovation ( I remember once wanting to theme a Thanksgiving dinner in a Caribbean style and was met with great resistance).

Suffice to say, that is what most want, and in years past I have posted many of the classic drinks like homemade Eggnog, Mulled Ciders, and Hot Buttered Rum. But this year, I was asked by a local tourism group to provide a drink based on holiday candy. The first thoughts of peppermint bark, and chocolate something or another passed through my mind along with ideas of local cookies like biscochitos, but all of that has been done to absolute torturous points of death, that....i'll save the gory analogy fro another time (my gift to you this season).

I wanted something different, but simple, and I thought of one of my favorite holiday treats: Divinity candy. I haven't had divinity since I was a kid (OK, that sounded odd, but you know what I mean). I loved the simple light, fluffy, nutty, sugary pieces of holiday clouds as a child and thought this would make a tasty little drink. And here is what I came up with....

Divinity Cocktail

• 2 oz Vanilla Vodka
• 1/2 oz Licor 43
• 1 egg white
• Pecan Sugar rim

In a mixing glass add egg white, vodka, and Licor 43. Dry shake for 20 seconds to emulsify. Add ice to the shaker then shake again for 10-12 seconds to chill. Strain into a pecan sugar rimmed cocktail glass.

Pecan Sugar. take 1 oz of pecan pieces in a plastic bag and lightly crush. Combine with 4 oz sugar. Seal the bag and shake to combine evenly.

Cheers to all and have a safe and wonderful Holiday Season.