by Jennifer Walker

Created on: December 09, 2010

When thinking of winter, one often imagines a warm mug of something to sip by the fire. However, not all winter flavors have to be hot! Here are some cool and festive cocktails with the look and taste of the season that are sure to liven up any gathering.

Egg Nog

Christmas isn’t Christmas without egg nog! Here is a very traditional recipe. It takes a bit of a time investment, but it’s worth it. Be sure to start this process several hours before service.

12 eggs, separated

6 cups milk

2 cups heavy whipping cream

2 cups bourbon

1.5 cups sugar

¾ cup brandy

2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

Directions:

1. Use a mixer and a large bowl to beat the egg yolks and sugar together for about 10 minutes. The mixture should be stiff and slightly yellow.

2. Add in the bourbon and brandy a little at a time, then put the mixture in the fridge to chill for one to six hours.

3. 30 minutes before serving, stir the milk into the cold yolk mixture.Add in 1.5 teaspoons ground nutmeg and stir.

4. In a separate bowl, beat the whipping cream with a mixer on high speed until the cream forms stiff peaks.In a third bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.

5. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the egg yolk mixture.Gently pour the whipped cream onto the egg mixture, allowing it to float on top.

Ladle into cups, then garnish with ground nutmeg.You'll have to keep the kids away, but you can omit the alcohol to make their own special batch.

Cranberry Mojitos

It doesn’t get much more Christmasy than cranberry, and mojitos are always popular. The combination of the two should be a big hit.

1 bunch fresh mint, trimmed (about 1 cup)

1/2 cup sugar

1 3/4 cups light rum

1 1/4 cups fresh lime juice

3/4 cup frozen cranberry juice cocktail concentrate, thawed

2 10-ounce bottles sparkling water, chilled

Ice

Directions:

1. Use a wooden spoon to mash the mint into the sugar in the bottom of large pitcher.

2. Add rum and lime juice; stir until sugar is dissolved.

3. Stir in the cranberry juice and water. Add 6 cups of ice.

Peppermint Patty

Peppermint is the quintessential winter flavor, and Peppermint Patty commercials used to show eaters of the candy being transported to a snowy winter scene when they bit into one. Here is a delightful cocktail that tastes just like the candy—with a kick.

1 oz peppermint schnapps

1 oz dark crème de cacao

2 oz cream

Ice

Directions:

1. Fill an old fashioned glass with ice. Add the cream, peppermint schnapps and crème de cacao

2. Place a mixing tin over the glass and give it a couple of shakes to mix

3. Poor into glasses and enjoy.

These cold winter cocktails are fun for any party or just sitting around with the family after dinner.

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