Christmas Party Drink Ideas

[soxfan22]

So every year the wife and I host a Christmas Party for family and friends. This year, I'd like to spruce up the drink menu a bit...Most times, I stand at the counter and make painkiller after painkiller - and they are always a hit (of course). However, does anybody have something a bit more festive/seasonal that they make for their guests? I wouldn't classify any of our guests as huge drinkers, but everyone enjoys a cocktail - tis the season! Any suggestions are appreciated!

[silverheels]

There are some great drink ideas on the cocktail thread on the OT forum.

[nothintolose]

Other than egg nog spiked with bourbon, I highly recommend milk punches (either brandy or bourbon).

I posted this under another topic a while back:

We drink it here in the mornings...it's an alternative to the Mary's. Here's a recipe used at the New Orleans Ritz-Carlton (some people make it with Bourbon instead of Brandy):

From www.nola.com

The Brandy Milk Punch is a classic New Orleans brunch drink, often found in restaurants of the caliber of Cafe Adelaide, Brennan's, Galatoire's and Commander's Palace. It is also a tradition pick-me-up for those requiring a taste of the "dog that bit them."

According to McMillian, the drink calls for one and one half ounces of brandy a cup of whole milk, an ounce and a half of simple syrup, cracked ice and freshly grated nutmeg.

The Brandy Milk Punch

1 ½ ounces brandy
1 ounce simple syrup
½ bar spoon high quality vanilla extract
A couple ounces of Half-and-half
Cubed ice
Grated nutmeg

Pour brandy, simple syrup, vanilla extract and half-and-half into a pint glass. Add ice to a shaker and shake the concoction until well mixed and frothy. Add cubed ice to a rocks glass and, using a strainer, pour the mixture into it. Top with a bit of grated nutmeg.

You can google it to see other recipes. Brennan's makes a really good one too: http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworle ... punch.html

I usually opt for the milk punch when I go to brunches over bloody Mary's or mimosas. You can serve them in the evening too.

If you really want to be decadent, my sister-in-law makes it with ice cream too...yum!!!!

1/2 gallon milk
1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream
2 cups brandy (some people use bourbon)
2 tsp. vanilla extract

- Put ice cream and milk in a large bowl and let the ice cream melt to where there are no lumps (you can help it along)

- Add the brandy and vanilla extract and return it all to a container and freeze it

- take it out about an hour and a half before serving

- srpinkle with nutmeg to taste

[Maryanne]

How are they with plain milk? Even skim milk? Or do you need the fat?

[soxfan22]

Other than egg nog spiked with bourbon, I highly recommend milk punches (either brandy or bourbon).

I posted this under another topic a while back:

We drink it here in the mornings...it's an alternative to the Mary's. Here's a recipe used at the New Orleans Ritz-Carlton (some people make it with Bourbon instead of Brandy):

From www.nola.com

The Brandy Milk Punch is a classic New Orleans brunch drink, often found in restaurants of the caliber of Cafe Adelaide, Brennan's, Galatoire's and Commander's Palace. It is also a tradition pick-me-up for those requiring a taste of the "dog that bit them."

According to McMillian, the drink calls for one and one half ounces of brandy a cup of whole milk, an ounce and a half of simple syrup, cracked ice and freshly grated nutmeg.

The Brandy Milk Punch

1 ½ ounces brandy
1 ounce simple syrup
½ bar spoon high quality vanilla extract
A couple ounces of Half-and-half
Cubed ice
Grated nutmeg

Pour brandy, simple syrup, vanilla extract and half-and-half into a pint glass. Add ice to a shaker and shake the concoction until well mixed and frothy. Add cubed ice to a rocks glass and, using a strainer, pour the mixture into it. Top with a bit of grated nutmeg.

You can google it to see other recipes. Brennan's makes a really good one too: http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworle ... punch.html

I usually opt for the milk punch when I go to brunches over bloody Mary's or mimosas. You can serve them in the evening too.

If you really want to be decadent, my sister-in-law makes it with ice cream too...yum!!!!

1/2 gallon milk
1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream
2 cups brandy (some people use bourbon)
2 tsp. vanilla extract

- Put ice cream and milk in a large bowl and let the ice cream melt to where there are no lumps (you can help it along)

- Add the brandy and vanilla extract and return it all to a container and freeze it

- take it out about an hour and a half before serving

- srpinkle with nutmeg to taste

Thanks nothin...Sounds good! I just spent a week down in that wonderful city of yours - now I wish I had tried that (think I tried ever other type of possible concoction). New Orleans is probably the coolest city I have visited. Can't wait to go back and bring the fam!

Thanks

[luvinsun]

Poinsettas are always a hit. Cranberry juice and champagne. If you are looking for something that is sure to be a hit, we always make a drink called Pink Panthers.

equal parts: Vodka and Amaretto. Fill with pineapple juice and add a splash of grenadine. Very pretty and VERY GOOD! They are always a hit where ever we go.

[P-600]

Hey Sox Fan,
This has been a family favorite for the last few years...

Christmas Cocktail
3 oz. Champagne
1 oz. Chambord
2 oz. Cranberry Juice
2 oz. Club soda
Cranberries for decoration

I usually multiply everything by 8 to make a pitcher or punch bowl.
Have Fun!!!

[cocosmom]

2 Shots Champagne* or Dry White Wine
1 ½ Shots St-Germain
2 Shots Sparkling Water or Club Soda


St Germain is a elderfleur liquor..was a HUGE hit..sends me for a loop though.

We used champagne

[mbw1024]

Every holiday season I always go to at least one party where me or one of my friends is serving this punch. Good for a crowd, self serve, and not too heavy on the alcohol

1 Can (46 oz) Pineapple Juice
1 Bottle (28 oz) club soda
1 Can (6 oz) frozen OJ concentrate, thawed
1 lemon or lime, sliced
2 cups frozen strawberries with juice
1 bottle Champagne

Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl. Makes 3 Quarts.

Flirtini's also good for a crowd. Mix the vodka and pineapple in a pitcher and top with champagne as you serve the cocktails. I garnish with a cherry
Flirtini

1 oz. Vodka
2 oz. Champagne
2 oz. Pineapple Juice

Combine Vodka, Champagne, and Pineapple Juice in a highball or collins glass filled with ice.

[Nic in KC]

My favorite hot drink for the holidays that goes over well is apple cider, vanilla rum and cinnamon schnapps, put into either a crock pot or large coffee pot.

We also do champagne with champord and put raspberries in the glasses.

[nothintolose]

Maryanne - you can use skim milk if you want - try a sample of it with skim. For the one my sister-in-law makes, she said you can use skim milk and lowfat ice cream if you want.

soxfan - next time you come down, let me know and I will point you in the right direction as to where the locals go whether it's with your family or not. I love this city too; it's got some kinda magic that's hard to explain unless you've actually been here.

[RickG]

Mulled wine is a big hit. NoTanLines makes a great version.

For our company Holiday Party we are having a keg of Sierra Nevada Celebration, home made draught hard cider and a couple of homebrews - plus mulled wine.

Cheers, RickG

[sea-nile]

Baileys Mint Chocolate Martini

INGREDIENTS:
2 ounces Baileys® Mint Chocolate
Irish Cream
1/2 ounce Vanilla Vodka
Fresh mint
Chocolate stick

DIRECTIONS:
1. Pour Baileys® Mint Chocolate Irish Cream and Vanilla Vodka into a cocktail shaker with ice; shake cocktail and strain into a glass.

2. Garnish with fresh mint and chocolate stick to serve.

[DELETED]

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[mbw1024]

Mulled wine is a big hit. NoTanLines makes a great version.

For our company Holiday Party we are having a keg of Sierra Nevada Celebration, home made draught hard cider and a couple of homebrews - plus mulled wine.

Cheers, RickG

Can I come to the party?

mbw
(in search of Harpoon Winter Warmers! It's COLD outside!)