As I sit here in my New York City apartment and write this on November 9th of 2020, I don’t have clear holiday plans this year. Covid-19 has thrown off any set plans and traditions not only for me, but for people around the world. Annually, the routine has been my in-laws for Thanksgiving in Washington D.C, my family in Tennessee for Christmas the last few years, and New Year’ Eve spent in an exotic location. Last year we visited the winter wonderland of Aspen at the St. Regis, where Jasper, my fluffy Samoyed enjoyed spending time with the dog butler, playing in the snow and attending the NYE party. The year before, beachside in Mexico watching fireworks at midnight.  

With aging parents and climbing COVID cases reaching over 10 million and 250,000 deaths, the question of travel still looms. Do we rapid test before traveling? Quarantine? Drive? Fly? Should we not take the chance it at all?  

Wherever I end up spending the holidays, I will be sure to make it cozy and festive. The best evenings end with good food, family chats, and a special cocktail around a fire or reruns of favorite holiday movies. Wherever you are, here are a few of my favorite winter holiday cocktail recipes to share to bring back that holiday spirit:  

Winter White Cosmo  

Winter White Cosmo  

Being a New Yorker and adoring Sex in the City, the Cosmo is making a comeback and this wintery spin is chic, elegant and easy to make.  

INGREDIENTS  
· 0.75 OZ COINTREAU 

· 2 OZ VODKA 

· 0.75 OZ FRESH LIME JUICE 

· 0.25 OZ WHITE CRANBERRY JUICE 

To Make:  

Add all ingredients to a shaker, add ice and shake. Strain into glass. Garnish with cranberries.  

Mulled Wine  

Mulled Wine  

Mulled Wine is perfect for large groups, and this recipe is simple and perfectly delicious.  

INGREDIENTS  
· 750ML BOTTLE RED WINE  

· 1 ORANGE, SLICED INTO ROUNDS, PLUS EXTRA FOR GARNISH  

· 6 WHOLE CLOVES  

· 6 CINNAMON STICKS, PLUS EXTRA FOR GARNISH 

· 3 STAR ANISE  

· ¼ CUP HONEY  

· ½ CUP ST. REMY BRAND