Make the day merry with David's sips & snacks

Kick off festivities with David's so-special cocktails and simply delicious starters that are guaranteed to get everyone in the holiday spirit

Holiday Sangria

Quick ginger syrup adds zing to this fruity delight

• 1 (1") piece fresh ginger, peeled, sliced
•  2 (4") sprigs fresh rosemary + additional (optional)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 (750 ml.) btle. pinot grigio
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 apple, peeled, cubed
• 1 pear, peeled, cubed
• 1/2 cup white cranberry juice
• 1 oz. bourbon
• 1 (12 oz.) can club soda, chilled

In pot, mix fresh ginger, rosemary sprigs, sugar and ½ cup water. Over medium heat, cook until sugar dissolves. Let cool; strain. In pitcher, mix syrup, wine, cranberries, apple, pear, juice and bourbon. Chill 1-2 hrs. Top with cold club soda. If desired, garnish glasses with additional sprigs of rosemary. Makes 6 servings

David's Fireside Cocktail

Earl Grey tea comes together with whiskey and port to create this warming mug of mmm

• 2 oz. Tennessee whiskey
• 2 oz. ruby port
• 2 Tbs. maple syrup
• 1 1/4 cups boiling water
• 2 Earl Grey tea bags
• 2 cocktail skewers
• 2 (3") strips orange zest
• 4 maraschino cherries, preferably Luxardo
• 1 oz. freshly squeezed orange juice

• In 2 footed Irish coffee mugs or 8-oz. mugs, evenly divide whiskey, port and maple syrup. Place one tea bag in each mug; pour boiling water over. Let steep at least 3 min.

• Make garnishes: Slide 1 skewer through end of 1 orange zest strip, then 2 cherries, then through other end of zest strip. Repeat.

• Remove tea bags; dividing evenly, add juice. Garnish with skewers. Makes 2 servings

Classic Holiday Eggnog