Tis the season

The best part of the holiday season? The endless social events that quickly fill your calendar!

Here are a few cocktails and accessories that are sure to put you in a festive mood!

Cocktail Shakers Mix drinks with the confidence of a pro. A quick twist of the lid on this shaker reveals tons of cocktails recipes with foolproof measuring guides for perfect results. I saw these at the recent show in China and then recently saw them again at Pottery Barn - I think it would make an awesome hostess gift along with a nice bottle of gin!

For the wine lover If you are not into cocktails but wine is your thing then these gift tags from Crate and Barrel are super cute.

Or how about these bright and festive “martini’ inspired appetizer plates? I also love these wooden mini mingling plates from style hive.

And now for the showstopper (or what I think is the showstopper…) cocktail twists. Who does not love a sweet garnish on their drink – and what better garnish then these from Party Stockholm. Add a twist to your favorite cocktail with these cute hard candy twists there are four yummy flavors: espresso, peppermint, citron and apple that are ideal for martinis, cosmos, margaritas, coffee drinks or liquors. Hook it on the edge of the glass or drop it right in. Another wonderful hostess gift and great idea! You can find them on http://www.uncommongoods.com/ .

Here are a few recipes sure to warm you up.

White Chocolate Raspberry Cocoa {via HostessWithTheMostess.com} Ingredients: 1 to 1-1/2 ounces white chocolate sauce6 ounces steamed milk, 3/4 ounce Chambord, 3/4 ounce creme de cacao

Directions:

Fill a glass coffee cup with boiling water to preheat. Pour out water. Mix white chocolate sauce and steamed milk in coffee cup. Add Chambord and creme de cacao. Garnish with whipped cream and fresh raspberries. Hot Buttered Rum {via cocktailtimes.com}

Ingredients:- 1 lb light brown sugar- 1/2 lb unsalted butter (softened)- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

In a mixing bowl beat together softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract and spices until well combined. Refrigerate in an airtight reusable container for up to a month, or place in your freezer until ready to use.Directions: In a pre-heated coffee mug combine 2 heaping tablespoons batter with 1 1/2 oz. Mount Gay Eclipse Rum. Top with boiling water and stir well to mix. Serve with a spoon.

Hot Apple Pie {via HostessWithTheMostess.com}

Ingredients:2 oz Tuacahot, apple cider, whipped cream, cinnamon stick for garnish

Directions:

Pour the Tuaca in an Irish coffee glass.Fill with hot apple cider.Top with whipped cream.Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Fireside Martini:

If you have jumped on the Martini train, and wish to offer specialty Martinis to your guests, you will need to add some imperative items to your bar list - like super-premium gin or vodka.

1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 3/4 oz vodka, 3/4 oz Baileys Irish Cream and 1/2 oz white crème de cacao. 2. Shake until frothy and strain into a Martini glass rimmed with crushed chocolate.

And to end this spirit inspired post – don’t forget your rims?

Spice up your Holiday cocktail party with a garnish-your-own-rim bar. Here are a few ideas.

Snappy Chai Eggnog: Coat the rims of four rocks glasses with the brown-sugar syrup, then the gingersnap crumbs.

White Chocolate Rum Shake: Pour into tall glasses and top with whipped cream, sprinkles and a candy cane.

Pecan Pie Martini: On a small plate, stir together 1 teaspoon corn syrup and the brown sugar. Dip the rims of 4 martini glasses in the mixture, then in the chopped nuts.

Cheers!