Creative Holiday Appetizers and Cocktails

The stockings are hung, the tree is lit and presents are wrapped. But wait. What about the menu? With guests arriving in a few days, there’s no need to panic over your holiday celebration. Get inspired by a few classy and uncomplicated appetizers and cocktails that with make your holiday celebrations merry and bright.

There’s no shortage of food inspiration during the holiday season, from simple to elegant and everywhere in between. But it should go without saying that your friends and family don’t expect gourmet. Go for a compromise: appetizers that look and taste like a pro chef made them but with minimal time investment. A few ideas to get you started:

• Bacon Twists - For each, take a single strip of bacon and twist puff pastry dough around it. Season as desired for unique flavor profiles.

• Cheese Balls - An alternative to traditional dips, you can do just about anything with your cheese ball recipe, with the added bonus that the appetizer has a clean presentation and is easy to eat with crackers. Make it savory with cheddar paired with herbs and spices, or sweet, with cream cheese and fruit or chocolate.

• Stromboli - Basically a pizza sandwich, stromboli is pizza dough filled with any or all of your favorite toppings, from ham and salami to peppers and lots of cheese.

• Tortilla Roll-Ups - Get some mileage out of individual tortillas by slathering them with cream cheese and veggie mixtures, rolling them up and cutting them into bite-sized spicy rings.

You can certainly whip up a few appetizers to brag about without spending the whole day in the kitchen. Get creative with your holiday appetizers and leave your guests wanting more.

Holiday beverages are must-haves for your celebrations, too, and there are so many that incorporate the flavors of the season. From pomegranate to cinnamon, cranberry to white chocolate, add these notes to the holiday cocktails you serve in the coming days to friends and family.

• Mulled Wine - Think of cider, with a kick. Choose a favorite red wine, like merlot or pinot noir, and some brandy. Combine these ingredients with mulling spices like cinnamon and cloves on the stovetop of slow cooker and serve warm.
• Grown-Up Eggnog - Most of us have probably had store-bought eggnog at some point. It’s thick, rich and creamy. But traditional eggnog is a little boozy! In addition to eggs, milk and spices, incorporate a few cups of brandy into your homemade eggnog recipe.
• Cranberry Moscow Mule - Ginger beer and vodka make up the tried-and-true spicy cocktail enjoyed by so many, but why not add a holiday twist? Top your mule with a splash of cranberry juice and fresh cranberries for a festive touch. Don’t forget the copper mug!
• White Chocolate Martini - White chocolate liqueur and creme de cacao make a martini that’s more like dessert. Combine these ingredients with vanilla vodka and half and half in a sugar-rimmed glass for a magical concoction.

Strong or decadent, hot or cold, it’s easy to make holidays cocktails to suit any taste. Bring in the flavors of the season with tasty beverages.

Whether you want to grab classic fare like dips and burgers, or stop by for happy hour, Zone 28 is the place to be. DON”T FORGET! Time’s running out to try our December fishbowl cocktail, the Holiday Bowl. It’s made with all of your favorite wintertime flavors, combining gin, sours, pineapple juice, rosemary, cranberries and topped with coconut “snow.” And for an extra treat, we even drape a candy cane over the side. Stop in today for all of your favorites and to try something new. We’ll see you in the Zone.