Festive drink recipes; The perfect way to get in the holiday spirit

BY NOEL CUNNINGHAM

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, which means it’s time for food, fun and family gathering. We already know that as Caribbean people we look forward to Christmas every year. It’s time for the ham, fruit cake and sorrel. Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing some of my favorite Christmas tips, food and drinks that you can create for the family feast.

This week I will start by sharing two drink recipes that are in my soon to be released cookbook, Cuisine by Noel: A Culinary Journey Through Recipes and Stories.  No holiday meal is complete without a good cocktail. Skip the boring beer this year. Holiday parties deserve fun, festive drinks, like my Bailey’s chocotini or spiked carrot punch. Pull out your glasses, bar tools and pretend like you are a pro. No need to worry, these two drinks are easy to put together.

For the spiked carrot punch, you can always add some whipped cream with a sprinkle of nutmeg for a festive feel, similar to eggnog. I promise the chocotini is the only thing you need in your hand while you are opening your presents. Start your holiday off with a little something extra by trying these recipes at your next family gathering.

Spiked Carrot Punch with Guinness

This carrot punch will sleigh your holiday party. The creaminess from the milk combined with Guinness is the real deal. With a touch of nutmeg and a splash of rum your Christmas will definitely be merry.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs whole carrots
• 5 cups water
• 1 can condensed milk
• 1 bottle Guinness
• 1 cup vanilla Supligen or Nutrament
• 1 shot of rum per serving
• 2 tsp ground nutmeg

Directions

1. Wash and chop carrots into 1-inch pieces, making sure to remove the tops and possibly tips of carrots. Place chopped carrots into a pot with 5 cups water and let boil. Once cooked, set aside to cool as the liquid will be needed to blend the juice.
2. Place cooked carrot in a blender along with enough of the water that carrots were boiled in, to cover about 3-inches over the carrots (you might have to do this in batches). Make sure that you still have at least an inch of space from the top of the blender.
3. Begin pulsing to liquefy. Strain juice through a fine sieve strainer. Stir in condensed milk, Guinness, Supligen or Nutrament and nutmeg and put to chill.

To serve: Pour drink over ice then add rum and top with extra nutmeg if desired.

Bailey’s Chocotini

This drink is perfect for the festive season. It’s rich, creamy and tasty. If you are a coffee lover you will definitely love this one.

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp instant coffee
• 2oz.hot chocolate mix
• 3 tbsp chocolate syrup
• 2 shots Kahlua coffee liqueur
• 2 ounces Bailey’s Irish cream
• 12 ice cubes

Directions

Add all ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth and creamy then pour into a chilled glass and enjoy.