Give the Gift of Alcohol This Holiday Season

The holiday season is one of the most special times of the year. It is a time to share with a host of close friends and family. Whether it be an office party or a party at home with the people you hold most dear, no holiday shindig is complete without an array of festive holiday drinks. But behold, here lies a problem, what can you bring to the party to show your appreciation for your invite? " Should I bring alcohol to my office party?" "Should I bring a bottle of wine to Uncle Bill's Christmas Bash?" Though these seem like quite simple questions, there are so many creative answers, and even a few strands of red tape when pertaining to the office party.

The most common gift of spirits would have to be the traditional bottle of wine. A lot of guests may bring wine to the festive gathering. Make it memorable by bringing a bottle of wine that fits the hosts taste, as well as reflects the festiveness of the holiday. There are two simple rules to remember when pairing wine with food. Light bodied wines are the perfect match with lighter foods, such as appetizers. Save the red, more fuller bodied wines for heavier dishes or main courses.

If you are unable to find out the menu from the host, the next alternative to choosing a wine would be price. A basic Chardonnay can run between 10 and 20 dollars. Cabernet, a traditional red choice is a bit more costly at 20 dollars or higher, but is a common dinner wine. A couple of choices that stay around 10 dollars and can be very flavorful are the Chateau St. Michelle Riesling and the Ravenswood Zinfandel. The Chateau St. Michelle, at around 9 dollars, is a light wine that is perfect for cocktail hour and appetizers. The Ravenswood Red Zinfandel, which is about 12 dollars is a heavier bodied wine. Both are great choices at a great price.

It's always a good idea to check company policy well ahead of the office policy to make sure that alcoholic beverages are allowed.

Now, for the party thrown in the comfort of someone's home, you can be a little more creative. A basic idea that works well at all parties would be a light and dark beer. Bring both for the variety of guests that will be attending. If you want to be a little more creative, you can bring the ingredients to your favorite holiday cocktail and make drinks for the crowd. This will be greatly appreciated by the host as it is one less thing that this overworked party thrower has on his list. Here is a great list of holiday drink recipes.

The Chocolate Milk Whip
4 oz. chocolate milk
2 oz. cold coffee
1 oz. Bailey's
whipped cream
shaved chocolate

Fill a tall glass with ice. Add 4 oz. chocolate milk, 2 oz. cold coffee and 1 oz. Bailey's, stir. Top with whipped cream and garnish with shaved chocolate.

The Cranberry Celebration
3 oz. cranberry juice
2 oz. orange juice
1/8 oz. lime cordial
1 1/2 oz. vodka
soda water
frozen cranberries

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 3 oz. cranberry juice, 2 oz. orange juice, 1 1/2 oz. vodka, and 1/8 oz. lime cordial. Shake sharply and strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and sprinkle with frozen cranberries.

Egg Nog Kahlua
1 oz. Kahlua
egg nog
nutmeg

Mix Kahlua with eggnog in a wineglass and then sprinkle some nutmeg on top.

Scotch Holiday Sour
1 1/2 oz. scotch
1 oz. cherry brandy
1/2 oz. sweet vermouth
1 oz. lemon juice
1 slice lemon

Shake all ingredients (except lemon slice) with ice and strain into an old fashioned glass over ice cubes. Add the slice of lemon and serve.
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Holiday Mimosas
1/2 cup Grand Marnier Centenaire
2 tbsp sugar
1 bottle chilled Brut non-vintage Champagne
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

Pour 1/4 cup of the Grand Marnier into a shallow bowl, and put the sugar into a saucer. Dip the rim of the Champagne glasses first into the Grand Marnier, then into the sugar to form a crust.
Pour the remaining 1/4 cup Grand Marnier, the Champagne and the orange juice into a large decorative pitcher and divide among the prepared Champagne glasses.
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Homemade Holiday Eggnog
6 oz. rum
6 oz. bourbon whiskey
6 beaten eggs
6 oz. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
15 oz. whipping cream
15 oz. milk

Mix ingredients in a punch bowl until sugar dissolves. Chill for 5 hours, mix, and sprinkle with grated nutmeg.

Another great idea for the holiday party would be to bring a beautifully designed ice-bucket. I know you're wondering..."how beautiful could an ice bucket be designed?" You'd be surprised. Splurge a little on this gift, go to a specialty shop or a bar accessories store to find a beautiful piece of art to hold those party ice cubes.

If the host of the party is an avid wine lover, surprise him or her with the gift that keeps on giving. Adopt A Vine Gift Box is a wine lover's dream; an actual vine dedicated to them at a famous British vineyard, it even includes a few tasty perks. You will definitely be invited to the New Years Eve Bash because the receiver of this gift will love this.

Also, any type of glassware will light up the eyes of any host. A Cabernet Glass Flute Set, a set of Holiday Cocktail Glasses, maybe even a raunchy set of shot glasses will suffice. The shot glasses would be a good idea for the office party also, but steer away from ideas too raunchy.

Always remember, the Holidays are a time of joy and love. Wherever you go to party, whether office or friends house, be sure to be safe. Always have a designated driver or stick with the non-alcoholic party drinks.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!