happy hour: ring in the new year

happy (almost) new year!  every new year's eve, my family hosts a party to ring in the new year.  fancy cocktail attire required.  it's always so much fun to get dressed up and celebrate with family & friends.  and another "must" at our party is a signature drink.



credit {here}

signature drinks are a fun & festive way to get guests in the celebratory spirit...with a celebratory spirit : )  they are simple to create and a great option if you don't want to set up a full bar or just offer wine & beer.

champagne is sort of a given for new year's, but i like to add a little twist to make it extra special.  this year, i'm offering up the "countdown cocktail" for you to enjoy with your loved ones this new year's eve.  the tart sweetness of limoncello paired with the smooth cut of vanilla vodka is sure to leave your guests feeling mighty festive.

countdown cocktail

champagne
limoncello
vanilla vodka
lemon twist

1. fill a flute 2/3 full with champagne
2. add a splash of limoncello & a splash of vodka
3. garnish with a lemon twist

credit {here}

i like to set out all the ingredients and create a recipe card so that guests can make their own.  that way, they can control how big of a "splash" they would enjoy.

cheers!

.

happy hour: christmas cheers

our little sock monkey ornament

well, can you believe it?  christmas is just 2 days away!  every year it surprises me just how quickly the holiday season goes...and it always goes faster than i remember or expect.  in honor of this very special time of year, i've collected a few recipes to "cheers" over just in time for christmas.

peppermint hot chocolate (picture credit here)

i found this awesome recipe on two tarts for peppermint hot chocolate.  it's the perfect wintry treat to warm up with on a snowy morning : )

me & olive on the tree farm

mulled wine (picture credit here)

mulled wine is easy to make and tastes like christmas-in-a-glass.  check out this super simple recipe {here} that will delight all your holiday guests.

our tree : )

christmas cocktail (picture credit here)

and, if you're really looking for some holiday cheer, check out the 12 cocktails of christmas - guaranteed to impress.

my mermaid ornament

wishing you a very merry christmas from our home to yours!

.

happy hour: holiday punch

any holiday party you attend at my parents' house, you will undoubtedly find this holiday punch residing in the antique punch bowl that belonged to my maternal grandmother (she received it as a wedding present).  it's as simple as it is refreshing, and your guests will love the thoughtful, festive touch!

party punch - credit {here}

1 2-liter bottle of cranberry ginger ale
1 bottle of cranberry-apple juice
1 orange
small handful of whole cloves

1) pour ginger ale and juice into your punch bowl or a large pitcher.
2) slice the orange into coins and pierce with cloves to create decorative patterns on the slices.
3) float the orange slices with clove atop the punch!

looking for a punch with a kick?  chill a bottle of vodka or captain morgan's spiced rum and set it out alongside the punch so that guests can add a splash of their "punch" of choice to their glass.

.

happy hour: super chocolaty hot cocoa

today is finally feeling like december here.  there's frost on the fields and a chill in the air.  i love it!  since it's finally cold enough to enjoy a steaming cup of cocoa, i wanted to share my hot chocolate recipe that i make every year.  i always improvise this recipe, but below is the general formula i follow (feel free to get creative with it if the mood strikes you : )

credit {here}

2 cups eggnog

3 cups milk

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

3/4 cup cocoa mix (ghirardelli's mix is great!)

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa

marshmallows

chocolate chips

1. place dry ingredients (cocoa mix, unsweetened cocoa, nutmeg, cinnamon) in a medium pot and pour eggnog over. whisk until combined over medium heat.  the liquid should be velvety smooth.

2. add milk slowly while whisking continuously. allow hot chocolate to come to desired temperature.

3. place a few chocolate chips in the bottom of each mug and pour hot chocolate over top. garnish with marshmallows.

credit {here}

option: stir with a candy cane for mint hot cocoa!

this hot cocoa is best if enjoyed fireside while watching white christmas with bing crosby.

.