Holiday cocktails

Holiday cocktails The holiday season is typically party season. And the parties are usually larger, more lavish affairs than the usual year-round, friendly get-together. And if you're the host, then it's a chance to do things up in style -- with everything from dazzling decorations to fabulous food. Not to mention the traditional “cup of good cheer.” This year, forego the usual rum-and-coke or glass of red wine. Have some fun with your cocktails and offer your guests drinks that look chic and surprise their taste buds.Whether you're planning a party or find yourself hosting an impromptu gathering, go the extra mile with some of these festive suggestions from Michelle Hunt and Laura Panter of the Martini Club. You might have to do a little extra shopping for the ingredients. But no matter which of these party drinks you choose, it's bound to add to the sense of occasion.1 Spiced Passion MartiniSpice things up with the Spiced Passion Martini. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1 1/2 oz. of Bombay Sapphire gin, 2 oz. passion fruit juice and 1 tsp. coriander seeds. Shake and strain into a martini glass lightly rimmed with sugar. 2 The Pear TreeTry pairing tasty treats made with goat cheese, pecans or figs to accompany The Pear Tree. To make the cocktail, use a shaker filled with ice. Add 1 oz. Vodka, 1/2 oz. Cointreau, 1/2 oz. lemon juice, 1 oz. pear juice and ½ tsp cloves. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a clove-studded pear slice.3 Silver Bells MartiniIn the spirit of the classic Christmas song, try The Silver Bells Martini. Take your cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 2 oz. premium vodka, 1/4 oz. lemon juice, 1/4 oz. simple syrup*, 1/2 oz. chilled mint green tea and one small piece silver leaf. Shake sharply and strain into a martini glass. *note: Simple syrup is just that. It's a mix of 2 parts sugar and 1 part water. Bring the water to a boil. Dissolve the sugar in it completely. Then remove from the heat and let it cool. Simple syrup is used in many cocktails, so make a big batch and bottle it when cooled. 4 The Festive CranberrySince the cranberry is a traditional holiday ingredient, it makes The Festive Cranberry a natural fit for your shindig. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1 oz. Grey Goose vodka, 1/4 oz Chambord and 2 oz. cran-raspberry juice. Stir and strain into a martini glass and garnish with a frozen cranberry skewer.5 The Holiday PassionHang a little mistletoe and heat things up with The Holiday Passion. Using a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1/2 oz. cranberry vodka and 1 oz. passion fruit juice. Stir and strain into a martini glass. Then top with 3 oz. sparkling wine or champagne and garnish with three fresh cranberries. 6 The Brandy FrostHelp your guests get over Jack Frost's nip with a nip of The Brandy Frost. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1 oz. brandy, 1/2 oz. white creme de cacao, 1/4 oz. peppermint schnapps and 2 oz. milk. Shake sharply and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a candy cane. For more creative drink ideas, visit the Martini Club at martiniclub.com.