The Best ‘Naughty or Spice Punch’ Full of Christmas Cheer!

I’m making a list.  I’m checking it twice.  We’re making a Christmas cocktail that’s Naughty & Spice!  It’s a little sweet, a little tart, with just enough spice to keep things interesting! 

Are you hosting a holiday gathering?  Do you want to serve a simple (and simply delicious) punch that is sure to please a crowd?  Then let’s get mixing because this is the cocktail for you! 

Naughty or Spice Punch

  • Patron Reposado ¾ cup
  • Cran-Apple Juice 1 ½ cup
  • Gran Marnier ¼ cup
  • Prophecy Pinot Grigio 1 Bottle
  • Lemon Juice ¼ cup
  • Ginger Liqueur ¼ cup
  • Club Soda to top
  • 1 Lemon, Sliced
  • 1 Orange, Sliced 
  • 1 Large Apple, Diced Fuji or Gala preferred
  • 1 Pear, Diced Bartlet or Bosc preferred
  • Cinnamon Sticks

In a large pitcher combine Patron Reposado, Cran-Apple Juice, Gran Marnier, Pinot Grigio, Lemon Juice, and Ginger Liqueur.  Mix well.  Add Lemon, Orange, Apple, and Pear.  Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. 

To Serve – Add ice to your pitcher.  Pour 4-6 oz into a wine glass over ice, be sure to add some of the delicious infused fruit to each glass.  Top with a splash of club soda.  Add a few cranberries and a cinnamon stick.  Enjoy!

Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you- it’s long, but not complicated!  I bet you have many of the ingredients at home right now, and the rest you can find at your grocery store. 

As always, a recipe is just a suggestion- if you don’t like or don’t have tequila, use vodka.  If you don’t have pears, just double the apples.  Swap the Pinot Grigio for Sauvignon Blanc if you prefer, but I would avoid Chardonnay or White Zinfandel for this recipe.  And use Cinnamon Sticks, powdered Cinnamon won’t dissolve well and may make the cocktail feel a little gritty, and that will definitely land you on the naughty list! Happy Mixing!

Infused Vodka – A Special Gift to Give (and receive!)

It is officially mid-December!  Only 10 days left until Christmas!  Are you ready… or are you still looking for gifts for some hard to shop for folks? 

I’ve got a great gift idea for you – simple, thoughtful, and easily customizable!

Infused Vodka! 

All you need is a vodka (your brand of choice) and at least one flavor component – but get creative and make it personal! 

I’m going to share a few of my favorite flavor combos with you.  And it really is super easy.  You can infuse one large batch and then decant into individual bottles or jars to gift.  Or you can infuse in the same container that you’ll be using to gift – all you’ll need is a bow and a gift tag. 

Infused Vodka Suggestions-

  1. Apple, Cinnamon Stick, Candied Ginger
  2. Orange, Clove, Cardamom Pods, Star Anise
  3. Dried Cranberries, Orange Peel, Lemon Peel
  4. Rosemary and/or Lavender
  5. Green Tea and Honey

Now, let’s get a little wild.  You can infuse any liquor you like.  Some will be more successful than others, and I suggest starting with vodka because of its neutral flavor profile.  Silver Rum is another spirit that is incredibly versatile when it comes to infusions, but specifically lends itself to fruity flavors beautifully. 

Infused Rum Suggestions-

  1. Dried Mango and Coconut
  2. Lime Peel
  3. Pineapple and Ginger

A couple more tips… if you are using fresh ingredients, keep your infusion refrigerated!  I try to use dried ingredients more than fresh so that the infusions stay shelf stable.  Also, keep in mind that the longer the infusion sits the stronger it will become, and most of these need to infuse at least 4-5 days before they are ready to use.  I like to include a nice tag detailing what I used in each bottle and the date I bottled it, as well as any other information you want to pass along. 

Happy Infusing!  And don’t be afraid to reach out with any questions!

Make A Delicious, Sweet-Cinnamon Coffee Cocktail This Holiday Season!

The Holidays are here!  The days are speeding by and I still have so much to do!  Shopping, baking, gift wrapping, decorating… this is such a (wonderfully) busy time of the year!

I love coffee, period. But in December – with its short days and full calendar – I need an extra afternoon jolt to help get me through the day.  But it’s DECEMBER!  The HOLIDAY SEASON!  It can’t be just a regular coffee!  I want something special, with a holiday twist! 

The Cinnamon Dulce Café – is the perfect coffee (cocktail) for all of your December needs!  A Christmas or New Year Brunch – An afternoon of gift wrapping – Tree decorating – Card writing – Cookie making – and so much more! 

This cocktail is a favorite of mine and I’m sure you’ll love it too!  Remember that a recipe is just a guide – if you don’t like bourbon, use vodka!  If you’re not a coffee fan, you can use hot chocolate!  If you prefer real cream instead of oat milk creamer, do it!  So, without further ado, let’s get to the good part!

Cinnamon Dulce Café

  • 1.5oz Cincinnati Distilling Bourbon
  • .5oz Disaronna  (amaretto)
  • 2oz Coffee (cold brew, or strong brewed hot coffee cooled to room temp)
  • .75oz Cinnamon Syrup*
  • 1.5oz Oat Milk Coffee Cream
  • .5oz Maple Syrup
  1. In a cocktail shaker (mason jar, Tupperware with tight fitting lid) add your Bourbon, Disaronna, Coffee, and Cinnamon Syrup. 
  2. Add some ice and shake it up. 
  3. Strain it into a martini glass. 
  4. In a small pitcher add your Oat Milk Creamer and Maple Syrup, using a Milk Frother or Immersion blender, blend until it has doubled in volume (or use a clean shaker/mason jar/etc, and shake shake shake until doubled in volume). 
  5. Gently pour over the top of your cocktail. 
  6. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.  And enjoy!

Option 2 –

Serve it over ice!

Follow step 1, but add a little more coffee.  Shake it up, strain into a glass filled with ice.  Follow steps 4-6 and enjoy!

Option 3 –

Some Like it Hot!

In your favorite coffee mug, add Bourbon, Cinnamon Syrup, and Disaronna.  Top with hot Coffee (or Hot Chocolate), and give it a stir.  Follow steps 4-6 and enjoy!

*Cinnamon Syrup – it’s super easy to make – 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 1 cinnamon stick.  Bring to a boil stirring often to fully dissolve sugar.  Once a boil is reached, remove from heat and let cool.  Remove cinnamon stick, and store in a sealable container in the refrigerator. 

Or…. Go to the grocery store, Monin makes a very nice Cinnamon Syrup.  You can usually find it in the coffee section.