It’s about that time everyone. You know what I’m talking about. It’s about that time where you’re going to be snuggled up close and personal with your family for an extended amount of time. And whether you love em’ or could live without em’, a tall, stiff drink does a body (and peace of mind) good! When a cold glass of beer won’t scratch that ugly sweater party itch, enter the beer cocktail as a very important part of your Holiday survival guide!

Beer Cocktail #1: Dirty Snowman

Drinks best while Bad Santa plays in the background after the kiddos have gone to bed.

Ingredients

Chocolate chips and Gingerbread cookies chopped up (for glass garnish)
1/2 ounce simple syrup (recipe to make your own here)
1 teaspoon chocolate chips (for drink)
1 teaspoon crumbled gingerbread cookie
1 1/4 ounces cognac (can also use your favorite brandy)
1 to 3 ounces of your favorite Schwarzbrier or dark lager
Splash of coconut milk (or whipped cream if you’re feeling saucy)

Directions

Wet the rim of a pilsner glass and dip into a mix of the crushed up chocolate chips and gingerbread (and really, you can use any candy/cookies/nuts you have on hand for this part). In a pint glass or shaker, muddle one teaspoon of the chocolate chips and the simple syrup. Add the cognac, and shake with ice. Strain into your pilsner glass, add ice and top with beer. Use a splash of coconut milk to float on top of the cocktail. You can also get wild and crazy and top it with whipped cream!

The Dirty Snowman beer cocktail drinks like a boozy milkshake with the dark lager adding in some thickness and depth to the drink. I love using the Devils Backbone Schwartz Bier as it adds in smoky, dark chocolate notes that taste delicious with the Gingerbread rim! Tip for the drink – use as little ice as possible. I find the more ice you use with this drink, and most beer cocktails, the more watered down the beer taste becomes.

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Beer Cocktail #2: Bourbon Stout Cocktail

Drinks best with A Christmas Story on 24-hour repeat in the background.

With a winter-spiced twist on your typical chocolate stout, Stone Brewing’s Xocoveza Mocha Stout flavors of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and milk sugar make for the perfect addition to this beer cocktail. The peppers also add a nice, little kick to the drink. It’s super easy to toss together which makes everyone jonesin’ for a winter warmer very happy. Notice I didn’t say what time of day you should mix this up! For present opening, perhaps.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (I prefer this to the actual extract)
1/4 cup bourbon
1/2 cup chocolate stout
Half-and-half or cream for topping

Directions

In a glass, stir mix together stout, bourbon, vanilla and chocolate syrup. Serve over ice and top with half-and-half. Again, use as little ice as possible.

If you find yourself in need of additional beer cocktail recipes over the next few weeks, you can get your fix on my Beery Good Cocktails Pinterest board here!

Happy Holidays!

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