Let's Get in the Spirit

It's the holiday and Caribbean cruise season, so get in the spirit with a perfect cocktail to celebrate both occasions! ​​This winter, try one of my favorite festive favorites inspired by our travels from this past year. You'll find featured holiday recipes from the Caribbean and from my favorite destinations. Trust me, they are delicious and easy to make...I am NOT a professional  mixologist, so if I can do it, you can too! Create one for yourself or mix in a batch to serve at your next holiday party for family and friends. 

Through the end of 2019, I'll be updating regularly with a new cocktail for you to prepare and enjoy. Bookmark now so you don't miss a thing. Cheers! 

Blue Hawaiian

I'm always dreaming of cruises! This winter, I'm staying home while enviously looking at all of the cruises my friends and family are currently enjoying. So, I've decided to create my own tropical paradise and we created an oasis right here in our Maryland home. Virtually vacation as a couple...this recipe serves 2.

1/4 cup Malibu Coconut Rum
1/4 cup blue Curacao liqueur
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup cream of coconut
2 cups crushed ice
​2 maraschino cherry

Crush ice in blender. Then combine rum, blue Curacao, pineapple juice, cream of coconut into the crushed ice. Puree on high speed until smooth. Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Chocolate Candycane Martini

Chocolate and peppermint are classic flavors for the holidays! My husband loves a decadent chocolate martini and orders them for dessert whenever we cruise. In this recipe I created, Bailey's Irish Creme and Whipped Cream flavored Vodka add a festive and rich flavor. Serves 1.

3 oz Bailey's Irish Creme
1 oz Whipped Cream flavored Vodka
2 oz half and half
1 tablespoon chocolate sauce

If desired, dip rim of martini glass in chocolate syrup and dip in crushed candy cane flakes. Then, drizzle chocolate sauce inside of glass. Shake ingredients above in a shaker with ice. Strain into martini glasses and enjoy! 

Sagamore Apple Cider

The area I live in Baltimore County has this charming spring house that provides the spring water to make Sagamore Rye Whiskey so special. For the holidays, I make a delicious apple cider cocktail I found on their website. It’s easy it make a batch for your friends and family. Here’s the recipe to serve 8 people (they will thank you for it!) ​

2 cups Sagamore Spirit Rye Whiskey
4 cups Apple Cider
1/2 cup Lime Juice
1/2 cup Simple Syrup

​Serve over ice in glass with garnished with an apple slice and cinnamon stick. OR warm in a pot on your cooktop and ladle into festive mugs for a warm treat. 

The Bushwhacker

Rumored to have originated in St. Thomas, it’s still one of the most popular drinks in the Caribbean. It has a unique amount of liquors in it but they all compliment each other and make for a delicious and refreshing cocktail. Serves 1

1 oz Dark Rum
1 oz Vodka
1 oz Crème de Coco
1 oz Frangelico
1 oz Kahlua
1 oz Rum Cream (popular in Jamaica)
1 oz Coco Loco Coconut Milk

​Blend all ingredients with ice. Sprinkle dash of nutmeg on top.

Sea Breeze

This is always a favorite Caribbean and cruise favorite. Serves 1

3 oz Cranberry Juice, chilled
3 oz Grapefruit Juice
1 1/2 oz Vodka

​Pour all ingredients into a tall glass filled with ice.

Coquito

​It’s one of the most famous cocktails in Puerto Rico that’s served most often in the holiday season. It reminds me of a Caribbean style Egg Nog. Makes 1 gallon

4 cans Evaporated Milk
4 cans Condensed Milk
2 cans Coconut Cream
1 liter White Rum
1 cup Brandy
Vanilla, to taste
Cinnamon, to taste

​Mix together all the ingredients and let stand in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

​Sparkling Cranberry Punch 

I always entertain with families in mind. The perfect holiday drink for the whole family, this non-alcoholic punch only takes minutes to prepare.

2 quarts Cranberry Juice
1 (6 oz) can Frozen Pink Lemonade Concentrate, thawed
1 quart Sparkling Water (or for extra sweetness, use a Lemon-Lime Soda)

​In a large container, combine the cranberry juice and the thawed pink lemonade concentrate. Stir in the sparkling water and enjoy!

Looking for more drink ideas or want to try a new one with a drink package on your next cruise? You might be interested in reading: 

• ​8 Best Celebrity Cruises Cocktails
• Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages