What could be better amidst the holiday festivities and preparations than putting your feet up with a friend or two and having the best cocktail in the world? I’ve put together a short list of cocktails, including a vegan eggnog recipe and a mocktail. This is something everyone can enjoy!
I discovered the Perfect Host cocktail in a very elegant bar in the Waldorf Hilton in London. It was so delicious that I had two, maybe even three of them. And I lived to regret it the following morning!
The Perfect Host is my favorite cocktail ever. It is very sophisticated and elegant with a pale green color that makes it perfect for the holiday season. During lockdown, when we were stuck at home unable to party, my friends and I decided to do a weekly Zoom cocktail making party. Each week, one of the group selected a cocktail, told us what we’d need to make it, and then showed us how to make it via Zoom. This got us through a very challenging year. I chose the Perfect Host for my cocktail night. It was highly regarded by the group as one of the best. I hope you enjoy it, too!
Now, we can do it all in person. One of the gals has already scheduled a pre-holiday cocktail party at her house. I’m already looking forward to it.
My Favorite Cocktail of All-time:
The Perfect Host from the Waldorf Hilton in London
- 50 ml Bacardi Superior (or any good white rum)
- 25 ml fresh squeezed lime juice
- 20 ml apple juice
- 17.5 ml gomme syrup (you can substitute agave or simple syrup)
- 15 ml egg white (1 egg white)
- Chopped celery (1 stick)
- Fresh basil
To make it:
Muddle the chopped celery and basil in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Then, add the other ingredients and dry shake (no ice). Add ice and shake again. Double strain into a chilled coupette. Garnish with coarsely group black pepper. Serves 1.
If you want something a little less sophisticated, try this fun and festive peppermint eggnog with or without the booze…
Peppermint Eggnog adapted from the original recipe by Julia Duda
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (4-5 scoops)
- ¾ cup eggnog
- 4 oz (2 shots) peppermint vodka
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Blend together until smooth and creamy. Garnish with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candy cane and a cinnamon stick. Serves 1.
To make this a mocktail, you can leave out the vodka and swap the vanilla ice cream with mint ice cream. Just make sure to buy the non-alcoholic eggnog.
For my vegan friends, here is a lovely alcohol-free, egg and dairy free mocktail from ecosalon.com
Vegan Eggnog (Mocktail)
- 3 cups almond milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon coconut butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- Dash of ground cloves
- Dash of sea salt
Blend together until combined. Serve with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Wishing everyone a very Happy Holiday season!
With love,
Talane
P.S. You could use one of these cocktail recipes for your year-end ritual.
