Liven up your holiday party this year with spirited beverages…Cheers!

Holiday Cocktails Deck: 50 Drinks to Celebrate the Season

by Jessica Strand

(Chronicle Books, 2005, $13.95)

Candy Cane Martini

shown above

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 1 tsp peppermint schnapps
• 1 oz club soda
• Mini candy cane, for garnish

Pour the vodka, peppermint schnapps and club soda over a handful of ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake once, stir then pour into a chilled martini glass. Hang a mini candy cane over the lip of the glass. Makes 1 drink.

The Evergreen

• Simple Syrup (recipe below)
• Chocolate sprinkles, for rim
• 1 oz tequila
• 1 oz heavy whipping cream
• 1 oz crème de cacao
• 1/2 oz crème de menthe

 Simple Syrup

• 4 cups sugar
• 2 cups water

Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring continuously as the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Dip a brush in hot water and wipe down the sides of the pan where crystals may be clinging. Boil for another 3 minutes, and then remove from heat. Let the syrup cool and refrigerate in a covered container. The syrup will last indefinitely.

Wet the rim of a chilled martini glass or other footed glass with simple syrup, and dip in chocolate sprinkles to coat. Pour the tequila, cream, crème de cacao, and crème de menthe over a handful of ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake until very cold, and then strain into prepared glass. Makes 1 drink.

A Peachy Present

• 1/2 ounces peach liqueur
• 5 ounces champagne
• Mint sprig, for garnish

Pour the peach liqueur into a red wineglass or trumpet flute, then add the Champagne. Stir gently. Garnish with the mint sprig. Makes 1 drink.