How to Make Your Own Holiday Spirits!

Come holiday time we all know we spend more on presents than we expect. Then it comes time to invite the family over to celebrate and we need to fill the fridge and liquor cabinet with cocktails for the party. When you make that list for the liquor store it soon becomes apparent that you may need to pick and choose what you can afford to purchase. Well I have two recipes to share with you to help fill the liquor cabinet and keep some dollars in your wallet. They are so simple and so easy and very close to the original. Bound to please the friends and family during the holidays or any time.

Irish Cream
This is a favorite. Can be used in mixed drinks as well as coffee and cocoa for adults.

1 1/2 cups of your favorite Irish whiskey
1 1/4 cup of light cream
a 14oz can of sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp. of instant coffee
3 tbsp. of chocolate syrup
1 1/2 tsp.of vanilla extract

Simply combine all these ingredients in a blender and blend for about five minutes or until nice and smooth. Refrigerate. Cover tightly and store for up to a month. You will love it.

Coffee Liquor
This is great for mixed drinks and warm drinks but is also fantastic over ice cream!

1 Fifth of cheap vodka ( you will never know the difference) and I prefer something 100proof-- More bang for your buck
3 cups of water
2 1/2 cups of sugar
2 tsp. of glycerin ( this can be purchased anywhere you get cake decorating supplies)
4 tbsp. of instant coffee

You will need a large saucepan or stock pot to start. Combine sugar and water and bring to a boil. Let this boil for about five minutes and then turn down to a simmer. Add your glycerin and instant coffee and stir until dissolved. Now put a lid on it and let this simmer for about twenty minutes. Turn off the heat and remove the lid. Let it cool for a half an hour or so, just down to a nice luke warm. Get a large bowl and poor your vodka in it and then add in your coffee mixture, stirring while adding it. Your done! All you need now is two empty fifth bottles to funnel it into and your ready for cocktails.

Happy Holidays! Please remember to drink responsibly and never drink and drive!

Cheers!