By: Claire Peretta

We all love the idea of holidays: no school, no work, delicious foods, exhilarating traditions. But let’s be honest, many of us have an underlying dread—especially those of us who host—of incoming family. We love them, we really do, but must they all hover around the kitchen in the most inconvenient places? Especially while we carry searing hot pans in and out of the oven? And do we really need to invite the extended family we never see and probably don’t even remember? And let’s not get started on the acoustics surrounding football or the rhythm of the repeated question, “So, what do you want to do with your degree?” 

For those who find themselves in these situations, with kindred anxieties, some holiday helpers are well deserved. So, what’s our “how to” advice to you? Da na nana nana na na…tequila! 
Getting the party started before family arrives might just be the loosening up we’ve needed all these years. With that being said, described below are three festive shot recipes you can follow and knock back to pre-game your family this season. What could possibly go wrong?

Apple Pie Shots

Ingredients:

• 2 fl oz. Apple cider
• 1 fl oz. Fireball whiskey
• 1 fl oz. Whipped vodka 
• Whipped cream
• Ground cinnamon
• Optional Ingredients (for garnish): Cinnamon stick

Directions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, pour in a small scoop of ice, and then the apple cider, Fireball, and whipped vodka. Shake until well combined.
2. Into a shot glass (or shot glasses), evenly pour in the liquid mixture. 
3. Finally, top off the shot with a spray of whipped cream, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, and a cinnamon stick to garnish.
4. Enjoy!

Perfect for the fall, Apple Pie Shots are sweet and spicy with a boozy kick and a hint of vanilla. The cinnamon warms up the primary fruity flavor, and the vodka and whipped cream give it that smooth pastry feel and taste.

Frosted Cranberry Jell-O Shots

Ingredients:

• Cranberry Jell-O mix
• 1 cup boiling water
• ½ cup vodka
• ½ cup cold water
• Frosted (sugared) cranberries
• Optional Ingredients (for garnish): Rosemary sprig

Directions:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, add one cup of boiling water to the cranberry Jell-O mix. With a spoon, stir until the Jell-O powder is completely dissolved.
2. In the same bowl, pour in half a cup of vodka (your choosing) and half a cup of cold water. Stir until well combined.
3. Pour an equal amount of the mixture into each shot glass and place them into the fridge to chill until the Jell-O concoction sets.
4. Once set, add a couple of frosted cranberries and a short sprig of rosemary to garnish.
5. Dig in!

Fun for winter weather, Frosted Cranberry Jell-O Shots are a delicious blend of sweetness and tartness. The dominant flavor of cranberry brings a fruity tang, while the frosted cranberry garnish creates a delicate balance through a smooth, sugary, candied taste.

Salted Caramel Bailey’s shots

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ fl oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream (per shot)
• Caramel Sauce
• Flaky sea salt

Directions:

1. Beginning with the caramel sauce, pour a little bit onto a plate and roll the rim of your shot glass through it so that the caramel coats the edge. Once this is done, add a pinch of sea salt to top it off. *You can roll the edge of your glass through sea salt like you did the caramel, but it may pick up more than is desired.
2. Using a jigger, measure one and a half fluid ounces of Bailey’s Irish Cream (per shot), and pour it into your shot glass(es).
3. Drink up!

A flavor palette fit for both fall and winter, Salted Caramel Bailey’s Shots are a combination of rich, smooth Irish cream, buttery caramel, and a light savory taste of sea salt. The Bailey’s offers a velvety texture, while the caramel and salt balance out the subtle hint of liquor with their salty-sweetness.

Holidays are exciting, and spending time with family is something to be very grateful for, but that doesn’t mean it can’t get overwhelming. While we advise you not to go too crazy with the shots, especially if you’re going to be dealing with hot pans and foods, a little fun with a few can’t hurt. Everyone deserves to have an enjoyable holiday and catch a little break, and these are just three small helpers that can assist you this season.

Happy holiday pre-gaming!