Holidays in a Glass

Don't get stuck serving the same old spiked hot cider this season, but rather venture into new drinking territory. Potent eggnog will always be a holiday standby, but these two new Cafe Drake favorites offer a chance of pace. As both are quite sweet, if drinking before dinner, pair with salty nuts, sliced dry sausage, cheese straws or the like.

ROYAL GINGERSNAP

1 1/2 oz. Canadian Rye or Whisky / 1 bar spoon of orange marmalade /1 slice orange /1 maraschino cherry /2 dashes ginger syrup (make a simple syrup with plenty of dried ginger)

1. Prepare a rocks glass by frosting the rim with a mixture of powdered cinnamon and sugar.
2. Muddle the fruits together with the marmalade and the syrup in the bottom of a mixing glass, and then add Crown Royal and ice.
3. Shake well and strain the drink into the prepared rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a twisted piece of orange zest.

SCOTTISH NECTAR

1 oz Scotch Whisky / 1/2 oz apricot liqueur / 1/4 oz fresh lemon juice /1 1/2 oz Fresh clear apple juice

Combine all and stir gently in a champagne flute. Garnish with a thin slice of apple.