TYLER, Texas (EAST TEXAS WEEKEND) - When it comes to our Christmas cocktails, or any cocktail for that matter, there are two things we look for: easy to make, and full of flavor. So this year, we’re sharing two of our family’s favorite Christmas cocktails. A Peppermint Espresso Martini and a Boozy Christmas Cider. Best of all, they’re both easy to make and sure to be crowd pleasers.

PEPPERMINT ESPRESSO MARTINI

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ounce vanilla Vodka
• .5 ounce Baileys
• 1 ounce Kahlua
• 1 ounce espresso
• Optional: Melted chocolate
• Optional: Crushed peppermint

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine all ingredients in a shake with ice
2. Shake and strain into martini glass
3. Enjoy!

(In our drink above, we made a chocolate peppermint rim. Start by melting chocolate and crushing peppermint. Then dip your glass into the chocolate and immediately dip into crushed peppermints. Wait to harden before pouring in Espresso Martini.)

BOOZY CHRISTMAS CIDER

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ounce bourbon
• 3 ounces apple cider
• bitters

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Pour 1 ounce bourbon into a glass with ice.
2. Add 3 ounces of apple cider
3. Top with a dash of bitters.
4. Stir and enjoy!