The holidays are fast approaching, and if you're not already planning your entertaining schedule you probably should be. And since you really can't handle one more party featuring Baby Duck with a twist of lemon peel, up the ante with a deceptively simple, signature holiday cocktail.

Champagne Cosmo
(pictured above)
Combine holiday classic cranberry with a little bubbly for brunch:

1 oz Vodka
dash Grand Marnier
1.5 oz Cranberry juice
0.5 oz lime juice (fresh squeezed)

1 oz Champagne
orange peel (for garnish)

Combine first four in a cocktail shaker over ice, strain into champagne flute. Top up with champagne and a twist of orange peel. Voila!

Candy Cane Cocktail

It just wouldn't be Christmas without the candy canes, would it?

1 oz vanilla rum (or vanilla vodka)
1 oz white chocolate liqueur (try Godiva)
0.5 - 1 oz peppermint schnapps (depending on how minty you like it!)

Candy cane - crushed for rimming or a mini one to hang on the glass

Shake the liquor over ice and strain into a martini glass. This is a strong mix; you might want to dilute it with a little light cream.

Mulled Cider

Try this holiday classic for the teetotalers in the group:

1/2 gal. (2 L) apple cider
1/2 c. brown sugar

1 tsp. allspice berries (whole)
1 tsp. cloves (whole)
1 tsp. nutmeg
3 cinnamon sticks

Bring the cider and sugar to a gentle boil. Combine the allspice, cloves and nutmeg in a cheesecloth bag and drop it into the pot. Add cinnamon and allow the flavors to mingle for a few minutes (think of steeping tea), then remove the bag of spices and serve warm.

This recipe can be spiked with a small shot of rum, cognac or brandy, if desired. Do not add during the cooking process, as the alcohol will boil off.

Mulled wine (a.k.a. Glühwein)

This German favorite is perfect for after a walk in the winter crispness:

1/2 c. water
1/2 c. brown sugar
6 whole cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
1 orange, zested (use a very sharp knife to get only the orange peel and none of the pith)

2 bottles red wine (go ahead, use the cheap stuff)
4 oz port or brandy
remainder of orange, sliced (remove as much of the white pith as possible)

Combine the non-alcoholic ingredients and let simmer for a few minutes. Add the wine, port and orange and heat gently (do not boil!) for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle. Strain the liquid into a heat resistant punch bowl or jug and serve warm.

Chocolate Martini

We don't really need the excuse of a special holiday for a decadent chocolate martini, right?

1 1/2 oz Godiva chocolate liqueur
1 1/2 oz Creme de Cacao
1/2 oz vodka (try vanilla flavored)
2 1/2 oz light cream
splash peppermint schnapps (optional)

Shake over ice and strain into a martini glass. If you have the time, drizzle a little melted chocolate inside the glass (as pictured). Serve with a Ferrero Rocher chocolate truffle!

Now all that remains is to do a little taste-testing, just to check which you like the best ;) What's your favorite holiday drink?

We at ChickAdvisor encourage you to enjoy alcohol responsibly.  Please check with your local authorities for the legal drinking age in your area.