Ah, the holidays. Usually, the last few weeks of the year are reserved for overeating and overspending in the company of loved ones. Bonding with family members, whether close or distant, can lead to uncomfortable situations.

Truthfully speaking, the holidays require more family bonding than most can soberly handle. No worries. ‘Tis the season to cope with awkward and embarrassing fam moments by knocking back Baked’s favorite concoctions—you need it for your own survival. Cheers!

—Tess Kornfeld, senior editor at Baked.

1. The Grinch

A cocktail for every time your younger cousins ask if they can download Angry Birds on your iPhone. Bat this baby back while your battery inevitably drains.

• 2 oz. Midori
• ½ oz. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. simple syrup

2. Mistletoe Martini

A cocktail for when your nosey aunt asks about your (non-existent) partner. Every. Single. Year. In lieu of a beau, sip your singleton sorrows away with this stiff martini.

• 2 oz. vodka
• 2 oz. orange juice
• 3 oz. cranberry juice
• ¾ oz. lemon juice
• 3 teaspoon sugar

3. Peppermint White Russian

A cocktail for the overtly political uncle who yells, “Impeach Obama!” at every family gathering. Salute his Putin sympathies with this wintry mix.

• 1 oz. Peppermint Schnapps
• 1 oz. Bailey’s
• 1 oz. Kahlua

4. Fireball Cider

A cocktail for the conversation you have with your great aunt whose hearing aids have conveniently stopped working. Perk up your dwindling patience with some spicy whiskey.

• 2 oz. fireball whiskey
• 3 oz. apple juice
• a pinch of ground cinnamon

5. Snowball Effect

A cocktail every time you overhear family gossip. Your cousin’s latest boyfriend was her fourth grade gym teacher?! Down this one for the commotion to come.

• 2 oz. vanilla vodka
• 2 oz. Malibu rum
• 2 oz. coconut milk
• ½ oz. blue curacao

6. Fireside Old Fashioned

A cocktail for every time someone asks you about your post-graduate plans. Drink away your real-world fears and toast to a successful set-up after SU with this grown-up aperitif.

• 2 oz. bourbon
• 1 splash soda
• 1 sugar cube
• 2 teaspoons cranberry juice
• 4 splashes Angostura bitters

7. Strong Eggnog

A cocktail for the estranged family member who shows up uninvited. Smile and nod while you hide behind this holiday staple—and add a shot of Jameson if they head your way.

• 4 oz. eggnog
• 1 shot Jameson Irish Whiskey
• whipped cream topping

This story was originally featured in Baked’s Fall 2014 issue. To read more, click here.