Cocktails
Day drinking may be my favorite part about the holidays. It's the only time you can wake up, make some French toast or a frittata, serve it with an apple cider mimosa, and keep drinking! Even at Sunday brunch, it's only acceptable to have one or two mimosas, and then quit and go about your day.
A couple bottles of red wine, white wine, or prosecco are always popular. To control your costs, you can ask everyone to bring a bottle of their favorite drinks, so that you only have to provide mixers. Below you'll find a quick reference guide for different liquors and what they mix well with. If you are not good at eyeballing liquid amounts, go buy yourself a jigger. They can be found online through Amazon, or at your local Bed, Bath, and Beyond. It will help you measure the amount of alcohol you're pouring into each drink to avoid overserving. No one wants sloppy guests in your bathroom that you've expertly decorated.
| Liquor | Common Mixers |
|---|---|
| Vodka | Water, Soda Water, Sparkling Water, Sprite, Any Juice, Iced Tea |
| Rum | Coke, Ginger Ale, Any Juice |
| Whiskey | Water, Ginger Ale, Sour Mix |
For an extra special touch, try making a punch by mixing your favorite liquor with a V8 Splash juice. To keep it cold all day, make an ice ring with a Bundt pan. You can add cherries, lemon slices, and lime slices to make it festive.
A Special Note About Alcohol on Holidays
The holidays should be a special time for all, but the reality is that many people cannot drink. You may also have a family that is politically divided. In the South (note that this the South a capital S, not the south in general), it is impolite to discuss politics at dinner. This will not keep Aunt Sue from drinking too much bourbon and voicing her opinion very loudly. If you feel that alcohol will cause a problem at your gathering, feel free to limit the amount served, or to skip it altogether.