Let’s make some holiday drinks!

Caramel Apple Martini

2 oz apple cider

2 oz butterscotch schnapps

2 oz apple vodka

2 tsp lemon juice

If you prefer something a little less boozy (because this is a really strong drink), you can add a few oz of diet lemon lime soda or club soda to a tall glass and stir in the martini and some ice. Remember–you need to stay upright until dinner time!

1/3 cup chilled pomegranate juice or cranberry juice cocktail

1/3 cup chilled sparkling white wine (I prefer prosecco)

1 tbsp Cointreau or Grand Marnier

Orange twist and/or a few pomegranate seeds

Add prosecco to a champagne flute, top with juice and orange liqueur. Rub the rim of the glass with the orange twist if using and float twist and/or pomegranate seeds in the mimosa.

Believe it or not, Aldi has some pretty good prosecco, especially if you are going to be mixing it. I also love tiny bottles of prosecco if you want to offer a variety of drinks to a smaller crowd–like this year.

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute an orange flavored sparkling water for the prosecco and orange juice for the Cointreau. Serve with ice in a tall glass.

Spiced Tea (Non-Alcoholic)

I love this seasonal beverage and I prefer it cold from the refrigerator, though most of the people I know prefer to drink it hot.

8 regular sized tea bags, or 2 family sized tea bags (I use Luzianne tea)

4 cups of water

2 cups of water

2 cinnamon sticks

1 tbsp whole allspice

1 tbsp whole cloves

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, add tea bags, remove from heat and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags and add to pitcher. In the meantime, bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add spices and cook for 10 minutes. Add sugar (I usually replace with sucralose) and strain into pitcher. Add orange juice to pitcher. If you are going to serve it hot, pour tea into a mug, and microwave for 30 to 45 seconds. If you want to add a little kick to your tea, add a shot of cinnamon whisky