Day 12: The Twelve Days of Christmas Cocktails

On The Twelfth Day of Christmas...

Grown Up Hot Cocoa is something I know my family will be drinking all winter long, including my nephews who can enjoy the non-alcoholic version of this delightful cup of chocolaty goodness.  There are so many options and preferences when it comes to hot cocoa but I felt it was best to just keep it simple.  You know, the way we all remember it as kids during Christmastime.


Hot Cocoa
Ingredients
4 cups milk (whole, 2%, 1% or skim, whichever you drink)
8 ounces dark chocolate chopped
3 teaspoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1-3 large marshmallows
Dash of cinnamon 

In a medium sauce pan heat the milk on low heat to a simmer.  Whisk the milk occasionally so that it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.  Do not boil. Add the vanilla extract, powdered sugar, sea salt and dark chocolate.  Whisk until ingredients are combined and chocolate is completely dissolved, about 4-5 minutes.  Serve hot and top with marshmallows and dash with cinnamon.

Grown Up Hot Cocoa
Pour 1-1/2 ounces of your favorite liqueur.  I suggest Baileys Irish Cream, Amaretto, Kahlua, and my favorite, Frangelico.  Follow the directions to Hot Cocoa recipe and serve.  Cheers!

Day 7: The Twelve Days of Christmas Cocktails

On The Seventh Day Of Christmas...

This Gingerbread Cookie Cocktail is not for wussies.  Although it may actually taste like a cookie, don't be fooled by its yummy sweetness and cute name.  I made this cocktail for the first time a few years ago for some co-workers who couldn't stop raving about it and how wonderfully delicious it was.  Since then it has become a part of my holiday tradition and has definitely spread some good cheer!


Ingredients
1-1/2 ounces Stoli Vanilla Vodka
1-1/2 ounces Frangelico Liqueur
3/4 ounce Butterscotch Schnapps
4 ounces ginger beer (I prefer Reeds Extra Ginger Brew which is a bit spicier)
Myer's Rum Original Dark for float

Mix the Stoli Vanilla Vodka, Frangelico Liqueur, and Butterscotch Schnapps in a mixing glass.  Pour the mix in to a tall glass filled with ice.  Add the ginger beer and carefully float with Myer's Dark Rum.  Drink this cocktail in layers or use a festive straw to stir and mix the flavors together.  Cheers!