There a few things that can get me through these colder months (because lets be honest I am hands down a warm-weather person!)

The Holidays (who doesn’t love the twinkly lights, the Christmas music, and yummy foods that come a long with the Holidays?)
Anything that by definition is “cozy”: a fire burning, your favorite warm PJ’s, cuddling up with your toddler under a fuzzy blanket to watch a movie (oh wait… he doesn’t really cuddle.. but it sounds nice!)
Nights in with friends. Now that Jett is a part of our lives, our social life has shifted a bit - but it is still fun! Our favorite way to spend time with friends is now cocktails and dinners spent in. The kiddos get to run around and play and we can still socialize and enjoy ourselves!

I have to give a huge shoutout to my friend Jordan, I came to her with the idea that I wanted to do a holiday cocktail blog post (because she always hosts the best dinner parties and makes the most delicious drinks..all while our toddlers run around her house!) and she took it to another level, with this full spread! I can personally vouch for each one of these recipes - all delicious and easy… and sure to wow your guests !

Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

This grown up version of your favorite Apple Cider treat is easy to throw together and {almost} too pretty to drink! With a cinnamon-sugar rim, and garnished with a sprig of Rosemary, this cocktail will quickly become your favorite to serve (and of course drink!)

Dr. Pepper Cocktail Meatballs

—-MEAT MIXTURE—-

(only if you decide to 'roll your own' meatballs- I use store bought ones, as it is a lot faster and less messy)

1 lb. ground beef

1 egg, beaten

1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs

1 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Combine ingredients; shape into bite-size meatballs; set aside.

**NOTE: If you are using ready-made meatballs, be sure to get the ones that are 'savory', 'plain' or 'home-style', and NOT the 'Italian style' ones, as they will affect the flavor of the finished product.

----SAUCE:----

2 tablespoons diced garlic

3 tablespoons vegetable oil (if cooking your own meatballs- 1tbsp oil if using ready-made meatballs)

3 cups Dr. Pepper (preferably the kind with cane sugar)

3/4 teaspoon dry mustard

6 tablespoons ketchup

3/8 teaspoon black pepper

3 tablespoons vinegar

3 tablespoons soy sauce

Over very low heat, sauté garlic in oil until pieces are tender but not brown.

Brown meatballs on all sides; then remove (only if you made your own-skip this step if you use ready-made meatballs).

Add remaining sauce ingredients and bring to boil.

Add meatballs; cook over low heat until most of sauce is absorbed, add Dr. Pepper as needed to replace boiled-off liquid. (Optional: Transfer meatballs and sauce to a Crock-Pot and slow cook for another hour or two, stirring occasionally.) Makes 40-60 meatballs. Enjoy!