Santa's Little Helper

As a general rule, it is always fun to have a signature cocktail for a particular celebration - in fact, if you are throwing a party, embrace a fun cocktail and even name it after the guest of honor! We've had great luck with a Kir Royale and the Moscow Mule.

But, since it's Christmas, and we decorated the tree tonight, we needed a new fun cocktail to celebrate. The Santa's Little Helper called my name with a spiced infused bourbon - HELLO Santa! I picked up a bottle of Jim Beam Devil's Cut, threw the ingredients in a mason jar, and got ready for the fun.

I loved this one. Honestly, Josh does not like to alter the flavor of good bourbon. He'd rather drink it on the rocks. For that reason, I used half the bottle to infuse and the other half was just for him after he tasted a few sips of mine. Happy Holidays! On a side note, make this recipe your own - use apple cider instead of 7-up. Add your own favorite spices, just be sure to share with Santa! 

Santa's Little Helper
adapted from Aunt Peaches

1 bottle good bourbon
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon of whole cloves
1 cup of whole cranberries

Combine the above ingredients in a mason jar and allow to infuse (at least 24 hours). Fill a glass with ice, add three parts infused bourbon, one part triple sec, and one part 7-up. Garnish with boozy cranberries. Drink until full of holiday joy!