Cheers to the New Year

By Lacey Cencula

As a young college student, I often sacrificed quality for quantity when it came to cocktails. Now as a older, much wiser, graduate student, I’ve had all the well vodka I can handle. That’s right—I’m fancy now. With this newly acquired taste, I have come to appreciate the finer things in life, such as a well-crafted cocktail. 
The holiday season is without a doubt my favorite time of the year. You’re receiving gifts left and right, and there’s a party about once a week. New Year’s Eve serves as the grand finale of the holiday season, but you can’t ring in the new year without a cocktail in hand. No matter what your plans are, there’s a drink for that! Watching cheesy movies on the couch? There’s a cozy cocktail for that. Hosting a dinner party for your family? Oh, you definitely need drinks for that. Getting ready for a New Year’s Eve party with friends? Time to break out the cocktail’s mini-me: the shot. 
As you make your New Year’s Eve plans, here are three drink recipes that can elevate your night, no matter what your plans are! 

Naughty or Spice

A Naughty or Spice shot is a perfect complement to a night out!

Rumchata 
Cinnamon whiskey 
Cinnamon sugar (optional) 

1. Pour equal parts Rumchata and cinnamon whiskey into a shaker with ice. 
2. Shake, then pour into shot glasses. 
3. Optional: Wet the rims of the shot glasses with milk and dip into Sugar Rock Candy & crushed cinnamon sticks for some added spice. 

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Mint to Party

This festive drink screams holiday cheer!

• Crushed peppermint candies 
• 1/4 cup vanilla vodka 
• 1 tablespoon peppermint schnapps 
• 1/4 cup white chocolate liqueur 
• Marshmallow sundae topping (optional) 
• Candy cane (optional) 

1. Add the vodka, schnapps, and liqueur into a shaker with ice. 
2. Shake, then pour into martini glass. 
3. Sprinkle finished cocktail with crushed peppermint candy pieces. 
4. Optional: If you want to take it up a notch, dip the rim of the glass into the marshmallow topping, then into the crushed peppermint candies to line the rim. Drizzle the marshmallow topping inside the glass before pouring and add a candy cane for garnish for some extra sweetness. 

Apple of My NYE

This recipe is made for sharing and is guaranteed to keep you warm and toasty this holiday season!

• 1 gallon apple cider 
• 1 1/2  cup cinnamon whiskey 
• 1/2  cup caramel 
• 3 cinnamon sticks, and more for garnish 
• Sliced apples (optional) 

1. Combine apple cider, whiskey, cinnamon sticks, and caramel in a Crock-Pot. Cook on low for about 2 to 3 hours, until warmed through. 
2. Serve hot cider. Garnish with cinnamon stick and apple slice. 
3. Serves 8