Christians celebrate Christmas. Jews celebrate Hanukkah. Kwanza is a Swahili word that means “first fruits” and has been celebrated for just 44 years, while Hanukkah has been around for more than 2,000 years, as has Christmas.
Regardless, all of the holidays are for celebrating. Food, drinks, merriment abound, though things look a bit different for 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Here are a few suggestions to mix up for family and friends – or perhaps just for yourself.
Hanukkah: Bourbon and Blood Orange Martini
Ingredients:
1.5 ounces bourbon
½ cup blood orange juice
8 fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig of mint for garnish, if desired
Directions:
Mix together the three ingredients in a shaker. Pour over ice in a short glass, and garnish with a spring of mint. Makes one drink.
Kwanza: Stinger – Country Club Style – From The Ideal Bartender, 1917
Ingredients:
1 jigger of brandy
1 pony white Crème de Menthe
Directions:
Pour into a large mixing glass or shaker and fill with ice chunks. Shake well. Strain into a cocktail glass and serve.
Christmas: Hot Buttered Rum – From All Recipes.com
Ingredients:
1 pound butter
1 pound brown sugar
1 pound confectioners’ sugar
1 quart vanilla ice cream, softened
1 T ground cinnamon
! teas. ground nutmeg
Directions:
- Step 1 – Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Blend in brown sugar and confectioners’ sugar. Remove from heat, and whisk in the ice cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour mixture into a plastic container, seal, and freeze.
- Step 2 – In a coffee mug, measure 1 tablespoon Hot Buttered Rum Batter and 1 ounce of rum, then fill cup with boiling water. Stir, and sprinkle top of drink with nutmeg.