3 Epic Holiday Cocktails

Classic Spiced Eggnog 

Recipe by George Mahaffey at foodandwine.com 

Makes 10 servings 

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons brandy
• ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons dark rum
• ¼ cup bourbon
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 6 large eggs (separated, farm-fresh recommended)
• 3 cups milk

Directions: 

1. Put the egg yolk in a bowl and place over a saucepan of simmering water.
2. Add 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of the sugar and whisk over low heat until pale yellow and thick, about 5 minutes.
3. Whisk in the milk, bourbon, rum and brandy and transfer to a large bowl.
4. In another large bowl, whisk the egg whites with the remaining 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of sugar until very soft peaks form.
5. Stir the whites into the yolk mixture.
6. In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream until lightly thickened.
7. Fold the whipped cream and nutmeg into the eggnog and chill thoroughly. Whisk to reblend before serving.

Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour 

Recipe by Kathryne Taylor at cookieandkate.com

Makes 1 cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ ounces (3 tablespoons) Bulleit bourbon or your bourbon of choice
• 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) fresh lemon juice
• 2 to 4 teaspoons maple syrup, to taste (I like 3 teaspoons, which is the equivalent of ½ ounce or 1 tablespoon)
• Pinch of ground cinnamon, optional

Directions: 

1. Fill a cocktail shaker or mason jar about two-thirds full with ice.
2. Pour in the bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup and a pinch of ground cinnamon. 
3. Securely fasten the lid and shake well.
4. Pour fresh ice into your cocktail glass and strain the cold whiskey sour mixture into the glass. Enjoy!

Giada De Laurentis’s Chocolate-Espresso Martini

Recipe by Giada De Laurentiis at foodnetwork.com

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients: 

• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 2/3 cup brewed espresso, chilled
• 2/3 cup coffee liqueur, such as Kahlua
• 2/3 cup vanilla-flavored vodka
• Ice

Directions: 

1. Combine the chocolate and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl and place over a pan of barely simmering water. 
2. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth, 2 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Dip the rims of 4 martini glasses into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. 
4.  Chill the glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes.
5. In a pitcher, mix together the espresso, coffee liqueur and vodka. 
6. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. In batches, add the vodka mixture and shake for 10 seconds.
7. Strain the mixture into the prepared glasses and serve.