Hey all!
It’s going to be the longest holiday season we’ve ever had at my house. We do Christmas around here, to varying degrees each year, depending on my mood. This year, I dragged out all the decorations over a week ago (thanks to hubs for hauling all the bins up the stairs!). This is the earliest I have ever put up my tree, turned on the outside lights and started watching all the (so bad they’re good) holiday movies premiering across services. Michigan was just asked to take a “Three Week Pause” because COVID numbers are rising too fast, and we’re mostly home again for a bit. It was time to change the scenery, so I covered everything in lights and started consuming Sbux Peppermint Mochas like it was my job. Use the mobile app, Readers, so you can just grab your drink and go!
I was flipping through my Insta stories the other night, and for the billionth time, one of the wine lovers advent calendars was featured on a Costco fan account I follow. And while I think its great that wine drinkers can get those cool sets of 24 little bottles, I was lamenting that those of us who vary our alcohols aren’t getting in on the fun. From there, I started considering how I could make my own from the bottles I have on my bar, some of which only have one or two shots left in them. (How does that happen, by the way? Am I the only one with a dozen mostly empty liquor bottles?) And with some inspiration from Pinterest, I did it. I created my Countdown to Christmas Cocktail Calendar. Title obviously inspired by Hallmark. Readers, it was not a bad way to spend a couple hours on a Sunday when I was under the weather (COVID test: negative!)
Basically, using some of the cocktail recipes I’ve pinned over the years, a careful inventory of what I had at home, and the assistance of some of my local retailers, I made a list of 42 (6 weeks, 7 days) cocktails that hubs and I will try between last Sunday and Christmas Day.
I’m embarrassingly proud of the result. And hope you don’t judge me for my upcoming consumption.
The list starts with some fall-leaning drinks (think Cider and Fireball, Apple Cider Mimosas) and culminates in “The Grinch” on Christmas Eve and White Christmas martinis on Christmas Day. I’m already taking notes and will let you know my top 10 as the season comes to a close. I will also post some updates here as we go along, so you too can partake in whatever drinks speak to you.
I’ll leave you with my first recommendation, last night’s libation – The Henry, from Captain Morgan’s social media. #notanad. Shake 1oz of spiced rum, and .5 oz amaretto with ice. Strain into an ice-filled Collins glass. Top with 5 oz of cola, garnish with a lime wedge and cherry (you know I used the moonshine ones!). Sip and enjoy!
Jaclyn