Eggnog Martini and Maple Amaretto Sour are two holiday cocktails that could easily be found on a festive bar menu. But you can also make these delicious recipes yourself, in the comfort of your own home. All you need is this one simple trick to dazzle your guests this holiday season. It can also be considered the secret ingredient to making a delicious cocktail: extracts.
A simple drop of an extract – peppermint, maple, rum or almond – can transform a holiday cocktail or warm drink into a truly special experience. Add rum extract and nutmeg to white chocolate liqueur and cream for an Eggnog Martini. Or try a few drops of maple extract with coffee, whiskey and half and half for a festive Irish Coffee.
You can find recipes for these cocktails, and more at: McCormick.com.
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1/ Peppermint Martini
Peppermint Martini – The crisp bite of peppermint extract and the smooth sweetness of white chocolate liqueur unite in this quintessential winter martini. Be sure to use colorful mints for a candy-dipped rim that’s both pretty and tasty.
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2/ Eggnog Martini
Eggnog Martini – There’s no taste that says “holiday” quite like eggnog. Swap the actual rum or bourbon for rum extract then mix with white chocolate liqueur and cream for a less alcoholic version. Top with snowy whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
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3/ Maple Amaretto Sour
Maple Amaretto Sour – Give the sweet-tart Amaretto Sour the seasonal treatment with warming maple extract. Made with amaretto, simple syrup and lemon juice.
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4/ Almond Ale Shandy
Almond Ale Shandy – This nutty riff on a shandy calls for almond extract, which joins pale ale and cilantro in this lemony, fizzy drink. For a non-alcoholic version, just replace the beer with micro-brewed ginger ale.
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5/ Chocolate Coconut Martini
Chocolate Coconut Martini – A dusting of delicious coconut and rich chocolate syrup makes for a drink that’s a dessert and cocktail in one. Coconut extract takes the decadent flavor to the next level.
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6/ Maple Irish Coffee
Maple Irish Coffee – For a seasonal twist on Irish coffee, add a few drops of maple extract. It brings authentic maple flavor to this warm favorite when combined with hot coffee and whiskey.
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Source and photos courtesy of McCormick & Company
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