Holiday cocktails

For those of us that did not host Thanksgiving it is nice to have a little get-together post turkey.

This year we traveled and since we have been in Virginia less than a year we really don't know enough people to have over but this is a favorite from years past and good if hosting a crowd.

64 ounces cranberry juice

2 liter ginger ale

750 ml spiced rum preferably Captain Morgan

cinnamon sticks

whole cloves

black pepper

Begin by bringing the cranberry juice, 3-4 cinnamon sticks, tablespoon of cloves and a few black pepper berries to a simmer. Remove from heat cover and cool completely.

When party time arrives this cocktail can be mixed individually (equal parts each) or as one giant batch of Christmas punch.Garnish with a cinnamon stick, serve over ice or chilled "up" in a martini glass.

It is spiced and tastes like Christmas but you don't taste the alcohol so watch out or you'll end up under the tree!

My husband and I aren't big fans of champagne unless it is Moet et Chandon and at the holidays we always seem to end up with a bottle that we just don't like. The poinsettia cocktail is the remedy.

chilled champagne or sparkling wine

Grand Mariner or triple sec

cranberry juice

We make these individually by adding a small drop of Grand Mariner to a 3/4 full glass of champagne and filling the rest with cranberry juice.

This little beauty is best for those of us that had too much turkey and pie.

It is one shot of vodka and the rest ginger and lemon peel sparkling herbal water with a splash of cranberry for color. The herbal water is pure flavor and bubbles, no sweetener. I garnish with candied ginger.

I hope your holidays parties are sparkles and fun.