Summer's gone and so the Malibu and Cuervo goes back on the shelf, awaiting the return of crushed ice and warmer days. While straight whiskey is sure to warm you up from the inside out, there are ways to get toasty (and tipsy) for more sensitive palates.

The easiest way to warm up with creative drinks that require minimal ingredients is to start out with a staple: coffee. Coffee plus alcohol is like the original “Redbull and Vodka”, so if you need a mid-party pick-me-up, heat things up by sipping on a little java. Anything can kick up the bite of a coffee drink by adding Amaretto, Irish whiskey (such as the cream-based Baileys), a coffee liqueur (try Tia Maria, Kahlua and Starbucks) or a simple bourbon.

After you’ve added the good stuff, feel free to dress your drink up as you would your morning blend. Go ahead and slap some sugar, cinnamon, cream or even better, whipped cream, into your mug. You don’t have to save ordering the Irish Coffee for after dinner paired with a cheesecake at a restaurant. Feel free to brew a pot and start experimenting.

The family favorite this time of year is always eggnog. For those who do not celebrate this tradition, eggnog is a frothy beverage made from milk, cream, sugar, beaten eggs and a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg. But that’s the kid stuff. Add rum, brandy or whiskey and you’ll get why grandpa’s jokes get less coherent on Christmas.

Historically, eggnog was always served warm, but contemporary society often imbibes the yellow stuff refrigerated. So if it’s too cold to hit the bars and the trash bags on your windows just aren’t keeping out the chill, don’t be afraid to nuke the whole carton and settle in with three rounds of A Christmas Story. And during the holiday season, what’s says “festive!” better than a sparkly pretty froufrou martini thing that looks like Christmas threw up in it? Nearly every restaurant and bar has a holiday inspired cocktail with a colorful rim of sugar, a splash of champagne or gooey caramel drizzled in the glass.

To make the most obnoxious sparkly beverage you can, break out ingredients such as Goldschlager, Apple Pucker, spumante and cranberry juice and mix away with vodka or gin to create endless combinations to knock you off your parumpapumpum.

Whether you decide to brave the cold or pass out on your own floor, please remember to party responsibly and try to make it to the New Year with some element of finesse.

Happy Holidays from the CP crew!
 

   Lydia Johnson

   Dec 11, 2007