Candy cane in a glass

Missing the days when your non-emailed Christmas cards would come with the customary candy cane stuffed inside the envelope? We do too, so we thought we’d bring them back cocktail-style with a dash of peppermint and a touch of cream. Genius.

INGREDIENTS

20 ml peppermint schnapps
20 ml white creme de cacao
20 ml vodka
two teaspoons grenadine syrup
ice cubes
candy cane
cream

TO MAKE

Pour the schnapps, creme de cacao, vodka and grenadine into a cocktail shaker. Add a few cubes of ice, press play on these Christmas carol remixes and dance about the kitchen with cocktail shaker in hand.

For a festive garnish, crush a candy cane with a rolling pin, transfer to a clean plate and dip the rim of a martini glass in water before delicately grinding into the smashed candy. Pour the cocktail into the glass, and top with cream.

Chilled-out eggnog

Our Northern Hemisphere pals may be slurping on hot toddies while watching snowflakes fall outside their windows, but us Queenslanders simply have to improvise. Try this recipe for iced eggnog and consume under a fan, air-con vent or in a kiddie pool. Those who like it extra sweet can add a lashing of maple syrup to the blender, and adjust the ratio of milk to cream to suit personal taste. This recipe serves several thirsty revellers.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup caster sugar
2 sticks cinnamon
100 ml water
200 ml milk
100 ml cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
100 ml sherry
100 ml rum
100 ml brandy
2 eggs
ice cubes
pinch of ground nutmeg

TO MAKE

Pour the sugar into a saucepan over low heat, and add the cinnamon sticks and water. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves, then remove the syrup from the heat and let cool.

Transfer to a blender and add milk, cream, vanilla, alcohol and eggs. Blend until well combined.

Pop a few ice cubes into cocktail glasses, mason jars or miniature milk bottles, pour in the eggnog and sprinkle with nutmeg to serve.

Apple pie shot

A swish and a slug of this little beauty will treat you to the nostalgic flavours of fresh apple pie, but with a little extra kick for the grown-ups.

INGREDIENTS

30 ml apple cider
30 ml vodka
1 tablespoon whipped cream
1 pinch ground cinnamon

TO MAKE

Grab a 60 ml shot glass and pour in the apple cider and vodka. Spoon a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top and sprinkle with cinnamon to serve.

Day-after recovery can come via a hearty plate of shakshuka, a fried ramen burger or a comforting bowl of black sticky rice pudding.