- Yield: 4 servings
- Nutritional Analysis Per Serving (1 of 4 servings): Calories 135, Total Fat 3 g, Saturated Fat 2 g, Carbohydrates 21 g, Dietary Fiber 2 g, Sugar 16 g, Protein 1 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Sodium 10 mg
Ingredients
- 12 fresh cranberries for garnish
- 1 1/2 cups cranberry juice (100 percent juice)
- 1/4 cup (2 oz.) white creme de cacao
- 1/4 cup (2 oz.) 100-proof peppermint schnapps
- 1/4 cup heavy cream, lightly whipped with 1 tsp. sugar, for garnish
- Pinch of matcha powder for garnish
Instructions
- Spear three cranberries onto each of four bamboo skewers or heatproof swizzle sticks. Pour cranberry juice into a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat, add creme de cacao and peppermint schnapps, then stir to combine and allow some of the alcohol to evaporate. Continue heating over low for exactly 1 minute.
- Pour the warm cocktail into footed glass mugs and top each with a small spoonful of whipped cream. Garnish with the cranberry skewers and use a fine-mesh sieve to lightly dust matcha powder over the whipped cream. Serve immediately while hot.
Pro Tip: "Feel free to swap the fresh cranberry garnish for a classic candy cane if preferred," notes Mary Lou Heiss, co-owner of a specialty food shop in Northampton, Mass. "Either garnish works well, and a light sprinkle of matte green matcha powder gives the drink a refined finish." She recommends 100-proof peppermint schnapps for the best flavor balancethe 40-proof variety won't deliver the same punch.
Recipe courtesy of Mary Lou Heiss and Robert J. Heiss, with permission from Hot Drinks (Ten Speed Press, 2007).
Imagine curling up by the fire with this irresistibly festive hot cranberry cocktailtart cranberries, creamy sweetness, and a peppermint kick warm you from the inside out. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it's a sophisticated twist that'll impress every guest. Whip it up in minutes and let the magic unfold!
