Let's Toast: Holiday Drink DIY

The year is coming to a close and it's time to raise our glasses to another productive year. The girls and I have loads to celebrate, especially here at Masque. We've come up with our favorite seasonal drinks...that we've been enjoying year round. With these DIY recipes, you'll be full of cheer too. :D Here are my top 5!

It's commonly understood that champagne makes every celebration and holiday very special.  I was recently dining at NYC's China Grill in Midtown, when I savored a cocktail that is now my new #1 fave. The Pink Halo is a divine fusion of champagne, raspberry vodka, and grenadine. The Pink Halo is like an adult "shirley temple". And just like that classic drink, you'll love this one, too.

Pink Halo:
Serves 10
*2 bottles ( 750 mil. ea. ) of champagne (or sparkling wine)
*1 cup raspberry flavored vodka
*Splash of grenadine for the pink hue
*Mix all in large pitcher. Chill
*Serve in champagne glasses

The Christmas Cosmo is a great holiday twist to a bar favorite. Enjoy!

Christmas Cosmo:
*1/2 oz. Cointreau
*1/2 oz. Cranberry Juice
*1 tsp. Lime Juice
*1 oz.  Premium vodka
*Place all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass
*Float a few frozen cranberries after pouring to garnish

Here's an easy shot that you will love right away. Christmas Cheer is a simple shot with two parts.

Christmas Cheer:
*Fill half the shot glass with eggnog and the other half with peppermint schnapps


Let's shift gears and take a non alcoholic approach to this festive occasion.

Next up is the Cherry Bomb. This involves a little more prep work BUT the end result is delish and can be shared with those friends who do not consume alcohol. A seasonal extra with this recipe is possibly using shaped ice trays to add a little more glee to your event.


Cherry Bomb:
Serves 6
*1 cup of Grenadine
*1 liter clear citrus soda, or seltzer
*Maraschino cherries
*Place 2 cups water in a medium saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
*Add grenadine; stir to combine.
*Pour mixture into two ice-cube trays.
*Freeze until solid, 2 hours or overnight.
*Fill six glasses with grenadine ice cubes. Top with soda. Garnish with cherries, and serve.
Hot chocolate is my favorite holiday drink. It's traditional. It's warming (literally and figuratively). And the  best hot chocolate recipes are shared during this time of year: gingerbread, white chocolate, pumpkin spice.... all topped with whipped cream.

I especially love hot chocolate with a hint of mint flavor. Break and smash a couple of candy canes and sprinkle on top of your hot chocolate for the mint effect. Add a candy cane as a stir stick and garnish.

Whatever drink of choice, let's all bring in the new year with cheer and glee. Please drink responsibly friends. Pin It