Entertaining

Dress Your Cocktails in Winter White

Eggnog is the king of wintertime beverages, and for good reason. As the clouds roll in and the snow begins to fall outside, the creamy, seasonal concoction creates a shield of winter cheer. While you can spike a pitcher with your liquor of choice, or several “for balance,” look to the drink’s long history for inspiration. Our nation’s first president was also a prolific Eggnog mixer, who spiked his blend with brandy, rye, sherry and rum—you can’t fault him for prudence.

At holiday gatherings, there’s no better welcome than a warm mug of spices, buttery batter, Cognac and rum. While its white shade may remind visitors of the snowdrift they had to fight through to your door, this warming variation on Eggnog will quickly restore feeling to their faces, hands and hearts. The best part: You can freeze loads of batter ahead of time, so you’ll have plenty prepared for the inevitable second round.

Americans aren’t the only ones who appreciate a good spiked creamy batter when December rolls around. Revelers in Puerto Rico (and expats scattered around the world dreaming of their island home) whip up Coquito, a relative of Eggnog made with coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk and rum.

Like hot coffee in the summer, a cooling peppermint shake—packed with both peppermint schnapps and Branca Menta—makes a paradoxically pleasing seasonal indulgence in the winter. The bracing minty liqueur complements sweet Coca-Cola and ice cream in an indulgent, boozy dessert.

A classic Grasshopper is great, but swapping out green crème de menthe for crystal clear peppermint schnapps leaves a white (chocolate) tipple perfect for any snow-covered wonderland.