An Advent Shot Calendar

Last year I posted a blog with cocktails corresponding to each of the 12 Days of Christmas. This year I'm upping my game and providing a full 24 days of cocktails - or, actually, shots. I'm not generally a shot kind of girl, but if you're going to be following the usual advent calendar tradition and taking a drink every night, a full cocktail is probably not the best idea. Most of these shots don't require unusual ingredients, although there may be a few festive seasonal additions that you won't mind keeping on hand during the Christmas season. Drink your way through the holiday season with me!! (There's also a quick summary chart at the bottom, for reference.)

Dec. 1 - B-52

Carefully layer equal parts of Kahlua, Bailey's Irish Cream, and Grand Marnier (or Cointreau; don't substitute triple sec in this one). If you don't care for the layered look, blend over ice in a cocktail shaker and strain into the shot glass.

Dec. 2 - M&M

It's hard to believe, but there's no chocolate liqueur in this shot, yet it still tastes like M&Ms. In a cocktail strainer over ice, combine equal parts Kahlua and amaretto and strain into a shot glass.

Dec. 3 - Three Wise Men

The name is self-explanatory once you hear the ingredients: equal parts Johnny Walker scotch, Jim Beam bourbon, and Jack Daniel's whiskey. (You can also add Jose Quervo tequila to make this into a "Four Horsemen.")

Dec. 4 - Peppermint Patty

I tend to keep some kind of fancy mint liqueur on hand during the Christmas season, but feel free to substitute creme de menthe if that's what's handy. Combine 1 part creme de cacao, 1 part peppermint schnapps (or creme de menthe, or other peppermint liqueur), and 2 parts half and half or cream (try using Bailey's if you want to get all wild and crazy) over ice; shake and strain into a shot glass.

Dec. 5 - Snowball

By December 5th we're likely to have seen a few flakes of the white stuff, so the Snowball seems appropriate. Combine equal parts brandy (or cognac), peppermint schnapps, and creme de cacao and you won't mind a few flakes.

Dec. 6 - Blue Kamikaze

You don't HAVE to rim the shot glass with Pop Rocks, but if you don't you're really missing half the fun. Combine equal parts vodka, blue curacao (or triple sec and a few drops of blue food coloring) and lime juice.

Dec. 7 - Chocolate Covered Cherry

Technically this is a shot, but it's really dessert in a shot glass. So rich and yummy! In a cocktail shaker over ice, combine 2 jiggers amaretto with 1 teaspoon grenadine, 2 teaspoons heavy cream (or half and half), and 2 teaspoons of chocolate syrup and shake until chilled and foamy. Strain into a shot glass.

Dec. 8 - Oatmeal Cookie Shot

No raisins to be found in this buttery delicious oatmeal cookie. Combine equal parts Bailey's, butterscotch schnapps, and Goldschlager (it's Christmas, indulge yourself with a bottle for the season) over ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake well and strain into a shot glass.

Dec. 9 - Gingerbread Man

Since you already have the Goldschlager on hand, might as well use it, right? Combine 2 parts Bailey's with 1 part each butterscotch schnapps and Goldschlager. Shake over ice and strain into a shot glass.

Dec. 10 - Santa's Magic

If you don't have eggnog in the house by this point in the season, you should. Combine 2 parts eggnog to 1 part Bailey's (or equal parts Bailey's, depending on your personal preference) in a shot glass and top with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon.

Dec. 11 - Candy Cane Shot

Make the most of whatever peppermint liqueur you have on hand by combining it in equal parts with Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur (do NOT go generic on this one - trust me, here) and serving in a shot glass rimmed with crushed candy canes.

Dec. 12 - Cranberry Shot

You don't need the fancy garnish on this shot, but it certainly helps make it more festive. Rim a shot glass with icing sugar then fill it halfway with gin and top with cranberry juice. Add a spritz of fresh lime juice and garnish with a few fresh cranberries and/or a lime wedge.

Dec 13 - Cinnamon Toast Crunch

If you're not so sure about Rumchata, pick up a couple of nips and give it a try. Then combine it in equal parts with Fireball whiskey to make a Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shooter and I bet you'll be hooked. It really does taste just like Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (only with a kick)!

Dec. 14 - White Russian Shot

Pretty much a standard White Russian, only in a shot glass rather than on the rocks. Combine equal parts vodka and Kahlua in a shot glass and add a generous splash of half and half, then top with a dollop of whipped cream. Nasdarovje!

Dec. 15 - The Grinch

By the middle of the month, you're probably feeling a bit Grinch, so embrace your inner Grinch and combine 1 oz. Midori with 1/4 oz. lemon juice and 1/2 tsp simple syrup (you can also use sweet and sour mix in place of the lemon juice and simple syrup), shake over ice, and strain into a shot glass. Garnish with a cherry.

Dec. 16 - Tinseltini

This is a good option for the day you put up the tree. Combine 4 parts vodka, 2 parts peppermint schnapps, and 1 part Godiva white chocolate liqueur over ice and strain into a shot glass. (If drinking on the day you untangle the lights, repeat as needed.)

Dec. 17 - Jam Donut

Rim a shot glass with decorator sugar and then fill halfway with Chambord and carefully float a layer of Bailey's on top. Simple, but festive and delicious!

Dec. 18 - Soul Taker

By this point, you've probably attempted to purchase a child's "must-have" gift and discovered it's backordered until February. This shot is appropriate for that day. Combine equal parts vodka, tequila, and amaretto. You get to take as many shots as you have children.

Dec. 19 - Christmas Shooter

Save this one until you have friends over, because it's visually quite impressive. Pour 1/2 an ounce of sour apple schnapps into a shot glass, then gently pour 1/2 an ounce of grenadine over it, allowing the grenadine to sink to the bottom. Shake a bottle of Goldschlager upside-down so the gold flakes are at the top, and pour 3/4-oz into another small glass. Place the handle of a small spoon into the shot glass with schnapps and grenadine, just above the surface, and carefully pour the Goldschlager along the handle to form a third layer.

Dec. 20 - Santa Shot

Since you've mastered the layered shot, here's another one for you: Fill a shot glass with 1/3 grenadine, 1/3 green creme de menthe, and 1/3 peppermint schnapps. If you have a very steady hand, but creme de menthe and peppermint schnapps will form separate layers, but even if they blend it's a gorgeously festive drink!

Dec. 20 - Purple Hooter

Super simple recipe: Mix vodka with a little splash of Chambord and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. A couple of these and you won't give a hoot that you still have a month's work of things to do in the next 4 days.

Dec. 21 - C-4

You're ready to explode by now, so make yourself a C-4 by combing equal parts Fireball whiskey and Kahlua.

Dec. 22 - Rum Nog

Fill a shot glass 1/3 of the way with Kahlua, then use the handle of a spoon to gently layer on a generous 1/3 of eggnog and then a scant 1/3 of rum (spiced rum is a nice option, too). Top with whipped cream, and stir together right before drinking.

Dec. 23 - Jolly Gobbler

As you're planning your Christmas dinner, be it turkey, goose, ham, or whatever, reward yourself for making it this far into the season. Combine one part bourbon with 2 parts each Chambord, amaretto, and cranberry juice. Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired.

Dec. 24 - Girl Scout Cookie Shot

If you leave THIS cookie by the fireplace for Santa, he's sure to tuck something extra-nice under the tree for you! Combine 1 part peppermint schnapps, 1 part vanilla vodka (or regular vodka with a splash of Tuaca or vanilla extract), and 2 parts creme de cacao (or other chocolate liqueur).


Congratulations, you made it to Christmas!! If you're driving to celebrate with family, please save your imbibing for another time, but if you're tucked in at home, break out the bubbly, enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, and enjoy being surrounded by the peace of Christmas!

Advent Shot Chart with Ingredient List:
B-52: Kahlua, Bailey’s, Grand Marnier
M&M: Kahlua, amaretto
3 Wise Man: Johnny Walker, Jim Beam, Jack Daniel’s
Peppermint Patty: Crème de cacao, peppermint schnapps, half and half
Snowball: Brandy, peppermint schnapps, crème de cacao
Blue Kamikaze: Vodka, blue curacao, lime juice
Chocolate Covered Cherry: Amaretto, grenadine, half and half, chocolate syrup
Oatmeal Cookie: Bailey’s, butterscotch schnapps, Goldschlager
Gingerbread Man: Goldschlager, butterscotch schnapps
Santa’s Magic: Eggnog, Bailey’s
Candy Cane: Peppermint schnapps, Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
Cranberry: Gin, cranberry juice
Cinnamon Toast Crunch: Rumchata, Fireball whiskey
White Russian: Vodka, Kahlua, half and half
Grinch: Midori, lemon juice, simple syrup
Tinseltini: Vodka, peppermint schnapps, Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
 Jam Donut: Chambord, Bailey’s
Soul Taker: Vodka, tequila, amaretto
Christmas Shooter: sour apple schnapps, grenadine, Goldschlager
Santa: Grenadine, green crème de menthe, peppermint schnapps
Purple Hooter: Vodka, Chambord, lime juice
C-4: Fireball, Kahlua
Rum Nog: Kahlua, eggnog, rum
Jolly Gobbler: bourbon, Chambord, amaretto, cranberry juice
Girl Scout Cookie: Peppermint schnapps, vanilla vodka, crème de cacao

The Twelve Days of Cocktails

I know my last blog entry was based on the "Twelve Days of Christmas," but it's been quite a long time since I've written a cocktail blog, so I'm combining the two. Below is a list of twelve holiday cocktails, inspired by each of the gifts in "The Twelve Days of Christmas."

12 Drummers Drumming

I promise the Highland Drum won't have you feeling like there are 12 drummers drumming on your head the next morning (at least, as long as you don't drink 12 of them!).

In a shaker over ice, combine 2 oz scotch, 1 oz dry vermouth, 3/4 oz Drambuie*, splash of orange juice (or triple sec), a glug of honey or simple syrup, and a dash or two of bitters. Serve in a chilled martini glass and garnish with an orange twist or slice, or a mint or basil leaf or a sprig of rosemary.

*Drambuie is scotch sweetened with honey and steeped with fennel and rosemary. You can make your own using this recipe - but plan ahead, because it needs to steep for three days.

11 Pipers Piping

Most people think of a flute or a fife when they think of the phrase "pipers piping," but I always picture bagpipes. So the cocktail for this gift is called Jack's Bagpipes. The original recipe calls for Gentleman Jack bourbon, but scotch whisky feels more appropriate to me. Use whichever you prefer.

Fill a Collins or highball glass with ice and add 2 parts whisky (bourbon or scotch) and 1 part butterscotch schnapps. Fill with ginger ale.

10 Lords a-Leaping

When I teach the "Twelve Days" song to children, I remind them that lords take small, restrained leaps, since they are elegant and important and a bit stuffy. (I couldn't find a picture of the cocktail, so enjoy instead the above image of Thomas Radcliffe, a Lord Chamberlain who looks like he would not - and possibly could not - have "leaped" if his life depended on it.) The Lord Chamberlain cocktail seems a rather apt cocktail, given that description.

In a shaker over ice, combine 2 parts brandy, 1 part port, 1 part dry vermouth, and a dash or two of bitters. Serve in a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist, being sure to squeeze a bit of juice into the drink.

9 Ladies Dancing

The first "lady" themed cocktail that came to mind was a Pink Lady, but a bit of research revealed that there is a lovely gin cocktail called a White Lady that seems much more appropriate for the Christmas season.

In a shaker over ice, combine 2 parts gin, 1 part Cointreau, and 1 part lemon juice. Serve in a chilled cocktail glass without garnish.

8 Maids a-Milking

The White Christmas cocktail uses both white creme de cacao and white chocolate liqueur to create a creamy, icy white treat.

Coat the edge of a martini glass with honey or white chocolate liqueur and dip in sanding sugar. Place in freezer until ready to serve. In a shaker over ice, combine 2 parts vanilla vodka, 2 parts white chocolate liqueur, 1 part white creme de cacao, and 1 part cream. Shake vigorously and serve in prepared glass.

7 Swans a-Swimming

After the movie "Black Swan" was nominated for a boatload of Oscars in 2011 (including Best Picture and Best Director noms, and a Best Actress win for Natalie Portman), there were dozens of recipes for Black Swan cocktails. Since the simplest is often the best, here is one of the simpler versions.

In a shaker over ice, combine 3 parts vodka with 1 part Chambord (or black raspberry liqueur of choice). Add a splash of lemon juice if you like. Serve in a chilled martini glass with a black raspberry garnish.

6 Geese a-Laying

If you want to get really fancy, you can grab one of those eggs that goose was a-laying and make eggnog from scratch to use in the Eggnog Martini, but I find that the kind from a carton tastes just as good and is a lot less work.

In a shaker over ice, combine 5 parts eggnog, 2 parts Grey Goose vanilla vodka, and 1 part amaretto. Garnish with nutmeg or cinnamon. (You can also substitute any brand of vanilla vodka or any brand of plain vodka plus a splash of Tuaca, but it's much more thematic if you use Grey Goose.)

5 Gold Rings

When I think of gold and cocktails, I immediately think of Goldschlager, with its elegant floating gold flakes, and the Academy Award cocktail. If you're not a big fan of cinnamon, don't get a whole bottle; five nips would be just about right.

Wet the edge of a chilled martini glass apple juice and dip it in sanding sugar (gold, if you have it), then return to freezer until ready to pour. In a shaker over ice, combine 2 parts apple juice, 1 part butterscotch schnapps, and a generous splash of Goldschlager. Serve in prepared glass.

4 Calling Birds

A Yellow Bird was just too obvious for #4 (and besides, I don't like banana), and since you already have a few nips of Goldschlager on hand, I opted for the '57 T-Bird instead.

In a shaker over ice, combine 2 parts vodka, 2 parts Goldschlager, 1 part cherry syrup (or grenadine), and a splash of Tabasco (how big a splash you use is entirely up to you). Serve with a lemon twist.

3 French Hens

I went for the obvious here and chose a French Martini. Ina Garten uses vermouth in place of lemon juice, but although she's never steered me wrong, I'm sticking with lemon juice.

In a shaker over ice, combine 3 parts vodka, 2 parts pineapple juice, a splash of lemon juice (or vermouth), and a splash of chambord. Serve with a lemon twist.

2 Turtledoves

Emphasizing the "turtle" in turtledove, this sweet Turtle Martini borrows the flavors of chocolate, caramel, and nuts from pecan turtle candies.

In a shaker over ice, combine 3 parts vodka with one part each creme de cacao, butterscotch schnapps, and amaretto, and top with a splash of cream. If you want to get really fancy (and even sweeter), drizzle a chilled martini glass with chocolate and/or caramel sauce before pouring and garnish with your favorite chopped nuts.

A Partridge in a Pear Tree

The Breath of Fresh Pear from Del Frisco's steakhouse in Boston became a favorite of mine the first time I had it, and they were happy to share their recipe. It seems perfect for representing the last (or is it the first?) gift in this series.

In a shaker over ice, combine 2-1/2 oz pear vodka, 1 oz Cointreau (or triple sec), and 1-3/4 oz white cranberry juice. Serve in a chilled martini glass and garnish with a thin slice (or two, or three) of pear.

Slainte!