Schnapps is a bit like having your pick from a rainbow with their wide range of flavors. How can you possibly decide on just one? However tempting it is to mix all into one, you know that it would be a close match to a sugary mud pit. But have no fear, as always, we are here to help you narrow down that list. First we’ve put the summery flavors like watermelon and strawberry to the side and brought the winter flavors like cinnamon, mints, almond, coffee, chocolate, and vanilla forward for a richer, fuller cocktail. Just because it is no longer age appropriate to drink out of a swirly straw, doesn’t mean you’re too old for a hearty hot cocoa, with a little extra kick. Feel the magic of these season with these recipes.
The Gingerbread Man
Ingredients:
½ Part Dekuyper Buttershots
½ Part Dekuyper Hod Damn!
½ Part Irish Cream
4 Parts Hot Coffee
Serve in heated mug and top with whipped cream.
Decadent Chocolate Martini
Ingredients:
2 Parts JDK & Sons Crave Chocolate Cherry Liqueur
1 Part Dekuyper Peppermint Shnapps
2 Parts Cream
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass over ice and shake. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry on the rim and top with shaved chocolate.
Egg Nog Martini
Ingredients:
1 Part DeKuyper Amaretto Liqueur
1 Part Pinnacle Vodka
2 Parts Egg Nog
Add ingredients to an ice-filled shaker. Shake and strain into a Martini glass. Sprinkle with Nutmeg.
And last, but not least, a gourmet Peppermint Schnapps Hot Cocoa recipe:
Ingredients:
1 quark milk (skim, 2 percent or whole) or half-and-half
6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped (recommended: Scharffenberger)
9 ounces peppermint schnapps
Whipped cream, forserving
6 peppermint sticks, for serving
Heat 1 cup of the milk in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add chocolate, stirring constantly, until melted. When the chocolate has melted, increase heat to medium and add the remainder of the milk while whisking rapidly. Do not allow to boil.
Serve in small cups fortified with a gigger (1 ½ ounces) of peppermint schnapps and a dollop of whipped cream. Add peppermint stick to stir.
If transporting in a thermous, heat thermos up with hot water to get it warm for 1 minute. Pour water out and fill with hot chocolate.
Recipe courtesy of Michael Chiarello.