Sparkling Spirits – Drinks ‘n Mixers for Special Holiday Parties

Whether you’re hosting a big, splashy New Year’s party, or ringing in 2010 with a mellower, intimate gathering – we have some simple drink and cocktail tips to make your holiday parties merry and bright!

Sparkling Cocktail Standbys

Hemlines may rise and fall, but some drink favorites never go out of style! Irish Coffee, Remy Martin XO Cognac, Jamaican Coffee (coffee laced with Kalhua, the yummy adult chocolate flavored liquor) and Bailey’s Irish Cream on the rocks are the winter favorites topping the list.

Dean Martin and the rest of the Rat Pack swung with regular martinis in hand, but modern martini devotees indulge with unusual, funky options, like the Mint Chocolate Chip Martini (recipe below). Another sassy after-dinner drink – Romana Sambucca – an Italian choice that packs a punch.

For the beer-loving crowd you can’t go wrong with Belguim’s Stella Artois, Bass Ale (hailing from Britain) and Guinness Stout, the dark, rich draft of choice from Dublin.

Hot Holiday Drink Mixers …

New favorites come and go on the social drinking scene, but some of the most popular drinks still include Kettle 1 and Grey Goose Martinis, Belvedere Vodka and Cranberry, White Cosmopolitans and Appletinis. Other unusual, often-requested martinis include a Blue Shark (made with Malibu rum, Blue Curacao, White Cranberry and Pineapple juice) and a Jolly Rancher (which mirrors the watermelon flavor of this popular hard candy). Some imported wine favorites include Jindalee, an Australian Shiraz (red wine), as well as Villa Mount Eden, a spunky Cabernet from California.

Festive Holiday Bar Basics:

Before you entertain, check out what you have on hand and freshen up your bar offerings as needed. Liven things up by adding a few bar basics – Kettle 1 Vodka, Kalhua, Malibu Rum, and Bailey’s Irish Cream, cranberry and pineapple juices and 7-UP. For wine aficionados, stock up some bottles of pinot grigio by Santa Marguerita (a popular Italian white) and a nice merlot from Joseph Phelps, a producer from California. Round out your wine selections with a Cake Bread Sellers sauvignon blanc, an interesting white from Napa Valley, California. Add a bottle of Licor 43, Stoli Vanilla, Ice 101 and Chocolate Godiva to your shopping list for some extra festive mixers.

Festive Holiday Drink Recipes:

For a fun ‘n festive holiday drink, try a Key Lime Pie! Mix together 1 part Licor 43, 1 part Stoli Vanilla (vodka), ½ part lime juice and 1 part half and half. Shake well in ice and pour into martini glass. Top with a thin slice of lime. YUM!

Another frosty favorite is the Chocolate Mint Martini. Mix 1 part Ice 101 (peppermint schnapps) with 2 parts Chocolate Godiva and 1 part half and half. Shake briskly in ice, and pour into a martini glass rimmed with thin chocolate shavings, for the ultimate chocolate lovers treat in a glass!

Enjoy these and other cocktails sensibly, so you and your guests ring in a fun, festive and healthy New Year!