Have A Very Merry Christmas By Enjoying These Seven Libations

While gathering with family this holiday season, enjoy one of these Christmas childhood classics and festive libations.

1. Red Velvet Candy Cane: The adult version of the childhood favorite.

1 oz. ZING Red Velvet Vodka

.25 oz. White Creme de Menthe

Brut Champagne

Directions: Combine ZING Red Velvet Vodka and White Creme de Menthe in a cocktail shaker over ice and shake. Strain into a chilled glass and top with Brut Champagne.

2. Banana Truffle-Nog: Enjoy this extra indulgent splurge during the special time of the year.

1 part JDK & Sons Crave Chocolate Liqueur

1 part Cruzan Banana Rum

2 parts Coconut Milk

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice and shake. Strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with shaved chocolate

Glogg. (Courtesy Photo)

3. Midori Peppermint Kiss: Another minty treat which comes in handy if you are near mistletoe.

1 oz. Midori Melon Liqueur

1 oz. SKYY Vodka

3 oz. Pineapple juice

¼ oz. fresh lemon juice

¼ oz. Peppermint Schnapps

6 Basil Leaves (gently torn in half to release oils)

Directions: In a chilled shaker glass, add all the above ingredients. Add ice, shake for 15 seconds, and then strain into a Collins glass. Garnish with a basil leaf and one raspberry sitting in front of basil in glass.

4. Glogg: Head to The Living Room (207 Main Street, East Hampton, 631-324-5006, www.careofhotels.com) during the holidays to try this festive traditional Swedish drink.

1 bottle Red Wine

1/2 cup Sugar

18 Cloves

1 Cinnamon Stick

1 Vanilla Bean

Cardamom Pods

1/2 glass Vodka or Cognac (optional)

Handful of Almonds and Raisins (optional)

Directions: Pour a bottle of red wine in a sauce pan together with 1/2 cup sugar, 18 cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, some whole cardamom pods, 1 vanilla bean and heat slowly over medium heat. Don’t let it come to boil (unless you want a glögg without alcohol of course) Take of heat when sugar is completely melted. Let stand for an hour or two. Taste and add a bit more sugar if needed. If you want it stronger add 1/2 a glass of vodka or cognac. Heat it up before serving in a small cup or glass. Add a handful of almonds and raisins for added flavor.

Sauza Mexican Eggnog, Midori Peppermint Kiss, and The Kyoto Plum Fairy Punch. (Courtesy Photos)

5. Effen Salted Caramel Eggnog: Mixologist Niccole Trzaska created this twist on the holiday classic.

1 1/4 parts Effen Salted Caramel Vodka

1/4 part DeKuyper Coffee Liqueur

3/4 part Eggnog

2 teaspoons All Spice

Grated Nutmeg for garnish

Brandied Cherry for garnish

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice. Stir or shake and serve over ice in a toddy glass or coffee cup. Garnish with grated nutmeg and a brandied cherry.

6. The Kyoto Plum Fairy Punch: If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, whip up a batch of this party punch which serves 12.

12 oz. Gekkeikan Plum Wine

12 oz. Oloroso Sherry

4 oz. Dark Jamaican Rum

8 oz. White Sugar

8 oz. fresh Lemon Juice

4 oz. fresh Orange Juice

Directions: In a chilled punch bowl, combine the sugar and juices, and stir until dissolved. Add the Gekkeikan Plum Wine, Sherry and Rum and stir well. Garnish with freshly grated cinnamon, lemon and orange wheels and some Fresh Whole cranberries.

7. Sauza Mexican Eggnog: Another tasty version of the Christmas favorite.

1 part Sauza Blue Silver 100% Agave Tequila

3 parts Eggnog (homemade or store bought)

1 part Maker’s Mark Bourbon

Directions: In a shaker filled with ice combine eggnog, Sauza Blue Silver and Maker’s Mark Bourbon. Shake to combine and serve chilled with a dash of cinnamon on top.