1-2-3: Holiday Cocktails

Cranberry Cosmopolitan

¼ cup cranberry vodka

1 tbsp. orange-flavored liqueur

1 tbsp. lime juice

2 tbsp. cranberry juice

1 tsp. simple syrup

Garnish

3 frozen cranberries

The Toasted Elf

¼ cup half-and-half

2 tbsp. almond-flavored liqueur

2 tbsp. coffee-flavored liqueur

2 tsp. chocolate syrup

Garnish

Sprinkle ground nutmeg on top.

Candy Cane Martini

2 tbsp. vanilla-flavored rum

1½ tbsp. peppermint schnapps

1½ tbsp. white chocolate liqueur

3 tbsp. half-and-half

Garnish

Moisten rim of glass, and dip in finely crushed candy cane or peppermint candy pieces. Add a small candy cane.

Simple Syrup

MAKES ABOUT 2 CUPS

1. Combine 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes until mixture is no longer cloudy and has thickened slightly.

2. Remove from heat, and cool completely. Store in refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Cherry Caipirissima

1 tbsp. lime juice

4 fresh or frozen black cherries, pitted and smashed

¼ cup cherry liqueur or cherry rum

1½ tbsp. simple syrup

Pear Mule

2 tbsp. aged rum

2 tbsp. pear liqueur

1 tbsp. lemon juice

½ cup ginger beer or ginger ale

Garnish

Thin pear slice

Place first three ingredients-plus ice-in shaker and mix. Pour into an ice-filled highball glass. Top with ginger beer.