Bottoms Up: Three Festive Cocktail Recipes for Your Upcoming Holiday Bash

Now that the guest list is finalized and the appetizers are sitting comfortably in their platters, it's time to answer any good cocktail party's most important question—what's on the drink menu?

Spice up the classic wine-and-beer routine by getting a little more creative this season. But be prepared to hear your guests beg, "Can you pleasee-mail me that recipe?"

We won't tell, promise.

Peppermint Pattie

Thanks to this concoction by the Bartender's Black Book, you'll think you're sipping on the liquid version of its peppermind namesake.

1 oz peppermint schnapps

1 oz dark crème de cacao

2 oz cream

Preparation:

Pour the peppermint schnapps, crème de cacao and cream in an ice-filled old-fashioned glass, followed by a shake—place a mixing tin over the glass and giving it one or two good jiggles.

Black Santa

Perfectly partnered after a heavy meal with a few gingerbread cookies, try this Christmas-themed treat from Drinknation as a spike on the standard cup of coffee.

¾ oz Coffee flavored liqueur (try: Kahlua ® Coffee Liqueur)

½ oz vodka

¼ peppermint schnapps

For a little extra cheer, garnish with a classic candy cane.

Light and Creamy Eggnog

No cold-weather gathering is complete without this age-old favorite, adapted by celebrity chef Rachael Ray. Keep in mind: This the adult version of the classic, so make sure little ones don't mistake it for the traditional cup they keep out next to the chocolate-chip cookies for Ol' Saint Nick!

1/4 cup brandy

2 tablespoons dark rum

2 cups of 2 percent milk

4 large eggs plus 2 egg whites

¼ cup honey

Pinch salt

½ cup low-fat vanilla yogurt

Grated nutmeg

Prepare an ice bath. Then, whisk together milk, whole eggs, egg whites, honey and salt in bowl.

Heat mixture, whisk constantly until reaches 160 degrees. Then, transfer bowl of ingredients into ice bath and chill, whisking occasionally. Stir in yogurt. Put in large punch bowl and garnish with nutmeg.