Christmas Cocktails and Dishes

With warm hearts and eager hands, all over the world, the trees are going up, wreaths are being hung and mantelpiece runners are laid. In short, it's that much anticipated time of the year Christmas again. In this journal, we bring you a couple of cocktails and Christmas foods that are simple enough to make at home, and are ideal for your small or large gatherings.

Angel Red Cocktail

Don't be fooled by the name; this cocktail is seductive and heady, as potent as it is simple. The 'Angel' in the name comes from the type of pomegranate used–soft-seeded, richly red and very juicy. The cocktail is made by combining 2-parts pomegranate juice with a dash of molasses and shaking vigorously. To that mix, add 1-part tequila and stir gently, then add your topper of choice: ground ginger, a cinnamon stick or some fresh mint leaves. This delicious cocktail is deceptively sweet, so proceed cautiously as it may cause loose limbs and a looser tongue.

Holly Jolly Citrus Cocktail

Perfect for mimosa lovers who desire a little more zing, this delicious cocktail is a mix of vodka, elderflower liquor, and freshly squeezed orange juice or winter citrus juice, topped up with bubbly ginger beer and pomegranates or cinnamon for that festive twist. This cocktail is simple, refreshing and sweet, perfect for those who prefer cheerful and lighthearted cocktails.

GLAZED SPICY CARROTS

It's not every time that you find a snack that is both delicious and healthy; which is why this easy carrot side is a dream come true. To make this mouth-watering side, you need some carrots, butter, brown sugar, sea salt and white, black or cayenne pepper.

Cut the carrots up evenly into sticks and boil in fresh water for about 7 minutes. If you prefer your carrots a little crunchy or plan to store them for later use, reduce boiling time by about 2 minutes. Strain the carrots and let them sit. In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the sugar, salt, and pepper. Add the carrots and toss until they're well-coated and serve topped with some fresh parsley or coriander. This side can be enjoyed as a snack on it own or served as a side with meatloaf and mashed potatoes, roasted turkey or ham and rice.

Spicy Christmas Margarita

This drink is one that packs a warm punch–a mix between sweet and spicy. Made with simple ingredients that line your kitchen shelf such as cayenne, ground ginger, and honey, this cocktail is a good option for when unexpected guests arrive and you need to whip up fancy on the fly. Make a shake with clementine juice and pomegranate juice, then add a liquor of choice and top it with a dash of honey, agave. nectar or maple syrup (skip this step if you prefer it simply spicy). Add in a few drops of vanilla, ginger, cayenne and mix thoroughly. After that, add ice and give it a good shake, pour in in your sugar-rimmed glass of choice, and add a sprig of rosemary as a topper.

Pineapple glazed ham roast

This hearty meal is surprisingly low-effort, requiring only 3 ingredients: ham, pineapples and Coca-cola or Pepsi. Prepare the pineapple by cutting them into round slices; alternately you can use can pineapples which are already sliced. Place the ham on the pan fatty-side down and using toothpicks, attach the pineapple slices to the ham. Then, pour cola into the pan and add some pineapple juice to the mix. place the pan into the oven and roast until golden brown. Serve with your sides of choice (cough cough, glazed carrots) and dig in. Bon appétit!

MULLED WINE

And for our final drink, what's a Christmas drink lineup without mulled wine? Traditionally not a cocktail, yet this drink deserves an honorary mention for its steady place is Christmas Drink hall of fame. To make this drink, you get to crack open your favourite bottle of red wine and pour a couple into a big pot or slow cooker. Add in other ingredients such as peeled oranges, fresh ginger slices, cloves and star anise. Add some brown sugar, maple syrup or honey to sweeten. Throw in some bags of Chia tea and stir the pot.

Remember that alcohol evaporates at a high temperature, so it is very important to cook this mixture on a medium heat setting for about 10 minutes, then on a low heat setting for an additional 10 or 15 minutes, making sure to avoid bubbling of any kind. Turn off the fire and leave the pot covered for a while. Strain the ingredients out, then spike the mixture with some brandy or Cointreau and serve, topping each mug with ground cinnamon or nutmeg.

French Toast Casserole

In the true spirit of community, French toast casseroles are a one-dish, single-cook alternative to flipping individual french toasts. In a baking dish, pour a mixture of melted brown sugar and butter. Cut up some French bread into approximately 1-inch cubes and spread 2 layers over the butter melt. Whisk milk, eggs, and vanilla or your choice flavour together in a bowl and pour the mixture over over the bread pieces. Cover the baking dish with a plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours to overnight. After baking until its set in the middle and crispy on top, mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the top of the French toast. Serve individual portions with blueberries, raspberries and honey, then dig in.