The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in some spirited libations and being your own mixologist is half the fun.

Walk into just about any well-stocked liquor store and you’re presented with an overwhelming variety of flavored liquors. The Smirnoff brand alone sells over 40 different types of flavored vodkas – from Peppermint Twist to Root Beer Float. But here’s the thing, all you really need to make a fabulous array of drinks are a few simple ingredients and your LorAnn flavors. Use the recipes below as inspiration for creating your own craft cocktails. So, grab your shaker and let’s get mixing!

Two of the recipes call for rimming a glass.  To do this, use a wet paper towel and wipe the rim of the glass all the way around, covering about 1/4 inch from the top of the glass.  Next, place your sugar or cookie crumbs in a shallow dish and dip the moistened glass into the dish, coating rim. Allow glasses to set for a few minutes until coating is dry.

The first drink is a delicious mix of classic mudslide ingredients with a pumpkin pie twist.  This one is perfect to serve on Thanksgiving day.  Your guests will be so enamored with their cocktails, they’ll forget about talking politics this year.

1 oz. vodka
2 oz. heavy cream
1 oz. coffee liqueur, such as Kahlua
¼ tsp. LorAnn Pumpkin Spice Bakery Emulsion
Finely crushed graham crackers or gingersnap cookies for on the rim

Rim a rocks glass with finely crushed graham crackers or gingersnaps. Combine vodka, heavy cream, Kahlua, and LorAnn Pumpkin Spice Bakery Emulsion in a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds;  pour into glass and serve.
Makes 1 cocktail

Next up is the lovely Red Velvet Cake Martini.  It’s sweet, a bit decadent, and ever so festive.  This beauty can even be served instead of dessert.

1 ½ oz. vodka
1 oz. half & half
¼ oz. chocolate syrup
½ tsp. LorAnn Red Velvet Bakery Emulsion
Granulated or super fine sugar for on the rim
Mint leaves for garnish

Rim a martini glass with sugar.   Combine vodka, half & half, chocolate syrup and LorAnn Red Velvet Bakery Emulsion in a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds; strain and pour into glass.   Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, if desired.  Makes 1 cocktail

Tip: To make your own super fine sugar, add granulated sugar to a food processor and pulse to a fine grain.

This easy mulled wine recipe gets its spice-filled taste of cinnamon, clove & cardamom from the addition of Chai Tea Super-Strength flavor.  It’s the ideal drink for those chilly winter nights.  Bonfire optional.

1 bottle (750 ml) red wine, such as Merlot (a modestly priced wine works well here)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. LorAnn Chai Tea Super-Strength Flavor
Juice of 1 medium orange
4 1” x 3” pieces of orange zest
Orange zest strips for garnish

In a large saucepan, stir together wine, sugar, LorAnn Chai Tea Super-Strength flavor, orange juice, and zest pieces.  Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour into mugs and garnish with orange zest strips.
Makes about 4 6-oz. servings

Tip:  For a drink with a little more kick, add up to 3 ounces brandy or orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier).