Recipe Night! Christmas Cocktail Stocking Stuffers

Maybe you've already made the final run for last-minute gifts, stocking stuffers and baking ingredients. Aunt Ethel's present is wrapped. You've got Grandma's pumpkin pie recipe and Aunt Lib's rolls ready to...roll. Not so fast! You're not finished with your holiday shopping yet. There are cocktails to consider and, unless you're stocked like Pammie's Pub, you need to make a run to the liquor store so you can impress your guests with your mixology expertise.

Why not conclude the holiday dinner festivities (or at least mend all the hurt feelings and mask the animosity that is sometimes present at large family gatherings) with some tasty after-dinner drinks? Here are a couple of dessert drinks that are sure to put smiles on their faces.

Peppermint Patty Martini

1 oz. white creme de menthe
2 oz. chocolate vodka (Godiva if you can afford it)
2 oz. Godiva chocolate liqueur

Shake with ice and strain into martini glasses rimmed with melted Godiva dark chocolate and crushed candy canes. Garnish with a mini candy cane and chocolate whipped cream (if desired) topped with a small peppermint patty or Junior Mint.

Chocolate Covered Cherry

2 oz. cherry brandy
2 oz. Godiva chocolate liqueur
1-2 tsp. chocolate syrup
1 tsp. maraschino cherry juice

Shake with ice and top with whipped cream. Pour into mini martini glasses or 2-3 oz. goblets. Garnish with a cherry dipped in melted chocolate (left over from the peppermint patty martini).

Looking for something a little less Bumble and a lot more bounce? Scrooge the Bailey's and coffee. How about an espresso martini? More bang for Uncle Buck. This is the drink Mrs. Claus greets Santa Baby with when he comes home after his annual toy run. Decked out in her pearls, pumps, and apron of course.

Mrs. Claus's Espresso Martini

2 oz. double espresso vodka
2 oz. kahlua
1 oz. white creme de cacao
3 oz. chilled espresso or strong coffee

Shake with ice and strain into martini glasses rimmed with cocoa powder. We wet the rim with creme de cacao. Makes two servings.

OK, OK, we'll do one more. Kim's favorite holiday movie is It's a Wonderful Life, so we offer the humble George Bailey.

The George Bailey

2 oz. Bailey's Irish Cream Liqueur
2 oz. cinnamon spice kahlua

Shake with ice and serve over ice in a small cocktail glass.

(Sorry, no photo available.)

Cheers, Bottoms Up & Merry Christmas! By the way, ask Pam to tell you her last-minute fudge story.