Top 8 Holiday Libations

Nothing says happy holidays like inappropriate comments made by coworkers, family members or friends while inebriated at politically correct labeled “winter parties.” While it may be a few weeks from Thanksgiving, it’s proven fact that once the turkeys scream in slaughtered agony, time moves twice as fast until mid-January (which is why we’re giving you the recipes for these traditional holiday refreshments today). So, enjoy these ways to escape the horror of your in-laws and booze your way through the next month and a half.

1) Egg Nog

​We recommend just buying a carton from your local grocery store and spiking it with bourbon or rum (just like grandma did when she was run over by a reindeer), but here’s the simplest recipe we could find if you insist on making it yourself.

From about.com:
2 eggs, beaten well
3 tbs sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp nutmeg, ground
2 1/3 cups milk

Preparation:
Blend all the ingredients together and serve chilled.

2) Glogg

​A drink to keep the fair Scandinavian folks from freezing to death has turned into a warm holiday favorite. Mulled wine with raisins and almonds keeps your party pleasantly mellow.

From about.com:

1 bottle of red wine
0.5 Liter inexpensive brandy or vodka
10 cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick (broken down)
1/2 orange peel (dried or fresh)
1/2 lbs sugar (regular or lumps)
Optional additions: 5 cloves, 1/2 cup raisins, 1/2 cup almonds

Preparation:
Heat everything without boiling, simmer for 45 minutes, strain and serve warm.

3) Hot Buttered Rum

​Butter, rum, sugar and love are the heart of this holiday classic, so how can it be bad? Throw in a handful of winter cheer and take it up a notch.

Recipe once again from about.com:
1 small slice soft butter
1 tsp brown sugar
optional spices: ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg
vanilla extract
2 oz dark rum
boiling water

Place the butter, sugar and spices at the bottom of an Irish coffee glass or mug, mix well, pour in the rum and boiling water and stir.

4) Hot Apple Cider

​Bring back those warm and fuzzy memories of Aunt Hilda falling near the fireplace and catching her wig on fire after she drank one too many cups of this. Easy as pie and just as delicious.

Recipe from cooks.com:

1/2 gallon apple cider
12 cloves
3 cinnamon sticks
1 c. orange juice
1/2 c. lemon juice

Heat apple cider. Add all ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer for half hour or more. Serve this in mugs on a chilly night. Spike with bourbon or brandy for a real warmer upper.