Share a Straw - Holiday Cheers!

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Cheers!
Share a Spoon Straw:  Holiday Edition
My ever faithful #ShareaSpoon buddy Kim over at Mo' Betta asked for holiday drink recipes and I was thrilled!  There are so many specialty drinks for the holidays.  Everything from hot cocoa to Champagne Punch to EGG NOG.  So when @kimslittlelife suggested this theme I went to work on a special button for the festivities!
This is only the second time we've done specialty drinks but you lushes Smackers seem to get excited about it!  *wink*
I'm not a big EGG NOG fan.  But then, I am more of a clear liquids kind of gal. I do however, make a mean cup of cocoa and some fierce mulled apple cider.  Both can be dressed up for the adults with the addition of a bit of alcohol, or served nekked for the kiddos!
We decorated our Christmas Tree Sunday evening and we all enjoyed a nice cup of Peppermint Hot Cocoa while adorning the tree with lights and ornaments.  Now, you can certainly make that stuff in a packet if you want to, but for special occasions, you have got to bust out the good stuff.  It's really worth it, and when your loved ones faces light up and they have a big whipped cream mustache??  That's a memory worth making!
Momma B's Peppermint Hot Cocoa
1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa3/4 cup granulated sugar1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt1/2 cup boiling hot water4 cups 2% milk1/2 cup (roughly) half-n-half1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
GarnishWhipped CreammarshmallowsCrushed soft peppermints
In a medium sauce pan over medium heat combine sugar, cocoa and salt.  Pour in boiling water and stir until mixture looks like liquid chocolate.  Continue stirring until the mixture starts to just barely bubble.  Do not allow to scorch.

Add the milk.  Continue to cook over medium heat until the milk is scalded and hot.  Do not boil or allow the cocoa to burn.  Stir regularly to avoid scorching.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
This makes four large mugs of cocoa.  In the bottom of your mugs pour equal amounts of the 1/2 cup of half-n-half.  This will add a creaminess to the cocoa and help cool the cocoa to drinkable temperature. 
For adults:  You can skip the half-n-half and add 1-2 oz. of Creme de Menthe or Creme de Cacao.
This hot cocoa also makes a fabulous Peppermint Mocha when you add a shot or two of espresso.  Or add to a cup of freshly brewed coffee for those of you who drink copious amounts of hot caffeine!
Garnish with fresh whipped cream, marshmallows and crushed soft peppermints.

Hot Mulled Apple Cider
4 cups apple cider2 cinnamon sticks5-6 whole cloves1-2 peels of orange
Peel off a few pieces of orange rind.  Do not include the pith (whites).  This is bitter.  If you want you can zest the orange and just strain the cider through cheesecloth before serving.
Over medium heat, warm the cider with orange peel, cinnamon sticks and cloves for 20 minutes.  I use a mesh strainer when pouring the cider into mugs.
For adults:  Pour a good dark spiced rum, or regular dark rum about 2oz. in the bottom of the mug before adding cider.
Garnish with a fresh slice of orange and a cinnamon stick.

For those of you looking for something a bit cooler and a bit more "cocktail" beverage I have an Italian Festive drink for you as well. 
Sgroppino
3 Tablespoons lemon sorbet1 oz Vodka1/2 cup Prosecco (Italian Sparkling wine)
In a champagne flute, add lemon sorbet and top with vodka.  Stir.  Pour Prosecco over the sorbet mixture.  Garnish with lemon twist or fresh mint.

Remember that this time of year is about making memories and making memories that count!  Going that little bit extra to make a meal, a drink, or a treat special makes a difference and goes a long way towards making memories!
Enjoy!
Don't forget to go here and get your extra entry for my giveaway for Sharing your Straw today!
I have a huge review and giveaway to announce tomorrow that you definitely won't want to miss!  I'm SUPER excited about this and you will be too!  Swearsies!