Holiday Cheers.

It’s the holiday season, and we all know what that means – too many treats, too little time for the gym and a steady stream of cocktail-worthy affairs (think in-laws, awkward work parties, and the drink-while-you-wrap phenomenon).  All this could lead to extra pounds at the worst possible time – right when you plan to wear that little sparkly dress to your New Year’s Eve extravaganza.  Or not.  Enter Liquor Chick.

Liquor Chick dedicates her creative energies to finding healthier alternatives to popular alcoholic drinks.  She touts low-calorie high-fun drink recipes on her website; remakes of high-sugar standbys from chocolate martinis to margaritas; and tips and pointers for enjoying tasty cocktails guilt-free. We are no longer relegated to the boring Skinny Bitch (Vodka Soda), ladies!  We can even have those holiday-inspired drinks we love so much – we’ll just have them the Liquor Chick way.  So slip that dress on and sparkle away!

Liquor Chick’s Wink Holiday Drinks

Lightened up Poinsettia                                     

½ oz. Orange-infused vodka*

Brut Sparkling Wine (this driest type is the lowest in sugar)

Splash light cranberry juice (or make your own – it’s so easy!)

Tsp. Organic Blue Agave Nectar

In a champagne flute, stir together agave nectar and chilled vodka.  Add sparkling wine, and top with cranberry juice.  For extra holiday spirit, muddle some fresh cranberries in bottom of glass with the nectar.

To make as a punch, keep to these ratios:  1 part Vodka, 3 parts Champagne, 1 part Cranberry Juice (1/4 cup Agave Nectar – which is 25% sweeter than sugar, and so much better for you!)

*In a glass mason jar, slice up 3 oranges and place in bottom.  Add 750 ml of middle-shelf vodka and seal tightly.  Place in cool, dark place for 3 days.  Strain through cheesecloth and rebottle your very yummy, very natural Orange Vodka. Also great in Cosmopolitans!

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“Naughty” Nog Martini

2 oz. Almond-infused Light Rum* (lower sugar than dark rum)

1 oz. Soy Nog (1 serving has 90 calories, compared with more than 200 in egg nog – and even Mr. Liquor Chick can’t taste the difference!)

Combine ingredients in shaker over ice.  Shake vigorously and strain into cocktail glass.  Sprinkle nut meg on top.

This cocktail may look and feel naughty, but the lightened up nog and infused rum (instead of high-sugar Amaretto that most recipes call for) make it a nice treat instead.

*infusion recipe on LiquorChick.com. (For a faster option, use plain rum and dash of almond extract)

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MerriMintTini

1 1/2 oz. Mint-infused vodka*

1 1/2 oz. Vanilla-infused rum (easiest recipe – add vanilla bean to rum bottle, reseal, and wait 1 day – simple!)

Combine in a shaker over ice. Shake vigorously and strain into cocktail glass. If you’ve been good, you could garnish with a Peppermint Patty wheel – the best choice when you just have to have some candy.

Most peppermint martini recipes call for sugary peppermint schnapps, cream, and other un-Chick ingredients.  This recipe reduces the sugar and calories and adds natural, not artificial flavors for a guilt-free drink that will keep you away from the dessert table this holiday season! Plus, it’s a strong one – so you’ll probably only have one, depending on the number of in-laws.

*Place 15 mint leaves in bottom of glass mason jar.  Add 750 ml of middle shelf vodka. Seal tightly and place in cool, dark spot for 3 days.  Strain, rebottle and you’re ready for martinis, mojitos, “special” toothpaste – you name it!

MERRY CHICK-MAS!!!

---Jennifer Harris (a.k.a. 'the liquor chick')

For more liquor chick drink recipes visit Jen at: www.liquorchick.com

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