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If you haven't imbibed the fine indulgence that is a dessert cocktail, it's time to pick up that shaker and a long bar spoon. Whether hot or cold, these cocktails can deliver that dose of sweetness you're craving, while also getting you in the spirit for celebrating. They can be dessert—or can accompany dessert.
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And we're not just talking about sweet riffs on the martini. Think cookies and cake, but in a cup with your favorite liquor—or ingredients like honey, butter, chocolate, star anise, or nutmeg. Some dessert cocktails even offer a caffeinated lift typically reserved for post-dinner coffee.
White Russian
A White Russian is a decadent drink. You can tone it down by using whole milk, or go for the gold with cream. It's so easy to make, and it's always a party hit.
Honey-Buttered Hot Toddy
This toasty winter cocktail is hygge in a cup. Bring together butter, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla with whiskey, triple sec, and lemon, and you'll linger by the fireplace just a little longer.
Grasshopper
Serve this creamy, minty drink with a little piece of chocolate on the side, even though it already calls for creme de cacao and grated chocolate. (You can never have too much chocolate.)
White Out
Jamaican or Angostura bitters add the finishing touch to this creative combination of gin, cream, creme de cacao, nutmeg, and star anise. Pour into a chilled brandy glass for a delicious nightcap.
Coffee Coquito
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With three kinds of milk, rum, and espresso, cinnamon, and nutmeg: the only thing this coffee drink isn't short on is flavor.
Brandy Alexander
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It's a strong dessert cocktail and not for the faint of heart, but the heavy cream tempers the alcohol in this classic. All you need is brandy, cacao, heavy cream, and nutmeg. Swap in Kahlua for dark cacao if you don't have it.
Champagne Gelee Cocktail
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This beauty is less cocktail and more dessert, but we're here for the sweet ride. You'll essentially be making a chilled gelatin dessert out of grape juice, Champagne or sparkling wine, and St-Germain liqueur, then sprinkling with pomegranate seeds for a tannic finish.
Champagne-and-Orange Granita Cocktail
Indulge in a grown-up version of an orange pop, Italian-style. It's simple to make, with a final pour of Champagne and St-Germain liqueur over citrusy granita.
Spiked Jones
Reminiscent of hot cocoa, this decadent concoction is a winter delight that brings coffee, Kahlua, chocolate, cream, milk, and sugar together. Don't forget the whipped cream!
Maple Irish Coffee
Anyone can add a shot of whiskey to coffee, but our recipe brings a creamy vanilla taste and a touch of maple syrup sweetness to a classic beverage. Cocoa powder warms the drink's flavor, while the whiskey sharpens it.
Honey Syllabub
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We didn't know we needed this heavenly British drink-dessert hyrbid until we tasted it. Aromatic bay leaf and nutmeg meld with cream, egg, sugar and mead (or dessert wine like Sauternes, if you prefer). The result is both uniquely interesting and infinitely comforting.
Candy Cane Cocktail
It's never too late to recreate the holidays in your kitchen—this time, for one. Shake up vodka, crème de menthe, cranberry juice, and ice, then add to a glass rimmed with crushed candy canes.
Raspberry Chocolate Kiss Cocktail
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Serve this dessert cocktail on Valentine's Day, or any day you fancy a drink that starts with a chocolate-cookie-coated rim. The mint doesn't overpower, since it's infused into the simple syrup, and muddled raspberries and cranberry juice mingle with vodka so nicely.
Mocha Russian
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If you love a White Russian, try this delicious variation and make it mocha. A little espresso powder and cocoa will perk up your day, and the swirl of whipped cream on top is just the right indulgence.
Stout Eggnog
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Stout beer and dark rum lend their warm heartiness to a rich eggnog, served as a punch or in individual mugs. Crown your creations with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
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