by Jordan Catapano

The holidays are the perfect occasion to indulge in decadent cocktails. These drinks will bring a smile to your face and cheer to an entire room. If you’re the one who’s doing the entertaining, these recipes take very little prep work and are easy to make. You can make it your “centerpiece” cocktail or serve small portions as your company arrives. If you will be a guest and are in need of a great hostess gift, show up with the ingredients and surprise the host by whipping up some expertly made holiday drinks.

Rum Nog
1 ounce Bacardi Spiced Rum
1 ounce Meyer’s Dark Rum
½ ounce Amaretto Di Saronno
3 ounces egg nog
Dusting of cinnamon and nutmeg

Directions: For best results chill all of the ingredients beforehand. When you’re ready to serve the drinks, shake them with ice and strain into a chilled glass. For larger portions, multiply the number of guests by each ounce. Gently tap the cinnamon and nutmeg containers to leave a light dusting of spice on each drink.

Chocolate Mint Martini
1 ounce Potter’s Green Crème de Menthe
1 ounce Potter’s White Crème de Cacao
1 ounce half and half
½ ounce vodka
Dusting of hot cocoa powder
Mint leaves for garnish

Directions: Combine each ingredient in a shaker filled with ice. Shake to mix, then strain into a glass and garnish with mint leaves and a light layer of hot cocoa.