Blue Hawaiian

iStock_000006496579XSmallThe Blue Hawaiian is akin to the Pina Colada, based on rum and cream of coconut and promising a little taste of tropical paradise. The big difference is the color: as the name suggests, it’s blue. Specifically, it’s the color of a sparkling pool on a clear, sunny afternoon. Unlike unmixed alcoholic drinks, cocktails are about visual appeal as well as taste and kick. Even without a cocktail umbrella and a pineapple-cherry garnish, this cocktail has it all. Blue Hawaiian 1 ounce Blue ... READ MORE

The 12 cocktails of Christmas

1122814_pirate_santaThere are a number of traditional Christmas or winter holiday drinks, but in recent years people have gotten very creative. Some people have created Christmas-themed cocktails from scratch, while others have added Christmas twists to existing cocktail recipes. This is a collection of… well, whatever struck my fancy as a winter holiday cocktail. Eggnog is a tradition for a reason. It tastes great with or without alcohol, which makes it perfect for gatherings that include drinkers and non-drinkers. Hot Buttered Rum is ... READ MORE

Eggnog

stockxpertcom_id26690331_jpg_2be4eaa3235e95e4b1eb37aecd029a3fEggnog has been around for a very long time, in both its alcoholic and non-alcoholic forms. It’s most associated with Christmas, but has traditionally been served throughout the season from Halloween to New Years. It’s very filling and therefore probably best served at parties with munchies rather than along with meals. It’s an ideal drink for premixing pitchers to keep guests happy all night long. Always make both alcoholic and non-alcoholic pitchers of it, unless you’re absolutely sure all your guests ... READ MORE

Hot buttered rum

hotbutteredrum1The Hot Buttered Rum is a perfect drink for autumn or winter. It belongs next to a nice fire, or out on the deck on a crisp, clear evening. It would even work around a campfire. Whatever the setting, a Hot Buttered Rum makes you feel more cozy. The Hot Buttered Rum There are several variations on this recipe. The simple version: 2 ounces of dark rum cinnamon stick 1 pat butter 1 slice lemon peel Boiled water Put the cinnamon stick, lemon peel and rum in a ... READ MORE

Top 10 Thanksgiving cocktail recipes

Vanilla Chocolate Chip Coffee Cocktail - Coffee WarmersThe main rule of thumb for selecting Thanksgiving cocktails should be: does it make you want to curl up by a fire and sip? Then it’s a potential Thanksgiving cocktail. If you want to get even more of a Thanksgiving or autumn feel, think about fall harvest and all the traditional foods of Thanksgiving. Look to flavors like apple, pumpkin, cranberry, ginger and other spices. Consider warm drinks with or without coffee, and drinks featuring heavy cream or eggs. There are a ... READ MORE