Party Planners Know How to Make Cocktails!

Nothing says Happy Holidays like an adult beverage. And if you’re planning a holiday soiree you can bet that your guests are expecting a fabulous holiday cocktail to make things merrier. But aside from the usual suspects, like egg nog, what should you serve? Never fear! One of the leading party planners in Los Angeles has you covered with these 7 fabulous and festive cocktails.

Christmas Cosmo

1 Oz. Vodka

1/2 Oz. Cointreau

1/2 Oz. Cranberry Juice

1 Tsp. Fresh Lime Juice

Pour all ingredients into a shaker. Add ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with frozen cranberries after pouring, if desired.

Hot Buttered Rum

1 Cup Unsalted Butter, Softened

16 Oz. Confectioners’ Sugar

1 Lb. Light Brown Sugar

2 Tablespoons Dark Rum

1 Quart Vanilla Ice Cream, Softened

Cream the butter and the sugars together until smooth in a large bowl. Add the softened ice cream and mix until creamy consistency. Transfer to a freezer container and freeze for up to 1 month.

To serve: place 2 heaping tablespoons of the frozen mix in a mug. Add dark rum. Pour 6 ounces of boiling water over the mix and stir until melted. Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg.

Peppermint Stick

1 Oz. Peppermint Schnapps

1 Oz. Cream

1.5 Oz. Crème De Cacao

Pour all ingredients into a shaker. Add ice and shake well. Strain into glass.

White Christmas

1 Oz. Southern Comfort

4 Oz. Eggnog

1.2 Oz. White Chocolate Liqueur

Place all ingredients in a snifter and sprinkle with chocolate flakes.

Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail

1 Oz. Chilled Champagne

1 Oz. Chilled Pomegranate Juice

Pour the pomegranate juice into a champagne flute. Add champagne slowly and serve immediately.

Spiked Hot Cocoa

2. Oz. Brandy

1 Oz. Campari

3 Oz. Milk

0.5 Oz. Heavy Cream

2 Tablespoons Chocolate Chips

Pour milk, cream & chocolate in a cup. Use a milk frothing wand to froth milk as you would for cappuccino. When milk is hot remove wand and whisk until chocolate is melted. Add Campari and Brandy. Garnished with marshmallows or a candy cane.

Holiday Mimosa

1/4 Cup Grand Marnier

2 Tablespoons Sugar

1 Cup Orange Juice

1 Bottle Chilled Champagne

Pour Grand Marnier in a shallow bowl. Pour sugar on a plate. Dip the rims of 6 glasses into the Grand Marnier and then in the sugar to form the rim topping. Divide remaining Grand Marnier and orange juice among the 6 prepared glasses. Top with champagne and serve immediately.

Not up for alcohol? Simply replace the Champagne with sparkling cider or just leave out the hard stuff. And remember, responsible drinking is the best way to make your season bright!

So what do you think, party planners?

Give me your favorite cocktail recipes, comments and feedback below. And, oh, by the way, don’t forget to tell a friend if you like what you see! xo