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Santa Claus is coming to town….Impress Santa (and your guests) with this “Peppermint Milk” drink combo paired with white chocolate peppermint cookies. This delicious minty drink is for the adults in the crowd, however, this drink can be made easily by omitting the alcohol. In lieu of alcohol, you can experiment with clear vanilla extract to give the drink an added depth of flavor, and add a candy cane colored straw for sipping for a festive vibe the kids will love!

Here is what you’ll need:

• 1 gallon 2 % milk, can use Lactaid

• two boxen* mini candy canes

• one bottle Kahlua, or clear vanilla extract to make it non-alcoholic

• mint infused simple syrup, see recipe below

• corriander to taste

• 6-8 moscow mule mugs or sample 3 ounce plastic cups for a big crowd

• one bag white chocolate chips

• extra candy canes for crushing

• store bought white chocolate cookies with crushed candy canes or make your own using Oreos, melted white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes
• One bunch organic Rosemary, for decorations
• 8 ounce mason jars with lids for mixing and shaking the drink, and storing in the frig. (you may combine the drinks into one large mason jar as well)
• red food coloring, a little tiny bit goes a LONG way

Mint infused Simple Syrup Ingredients:

1 cup water

1 cup granulated sugar

A few mint leaves

Stir together equal parts water and sugar. Bring to a boil, stir and let sugar dissolve. Stir until liquid is translucent. This creates a simple syrup, then you can infuse flavor. Take it off the burner, add in the Mint leaves and give it a quick stir, and cover. Let steep until it’s cool, strain, discard Mint leaves and then refrigerate. Use the Mint infused simple syrup for cocktails, cakes, cookies. Store in an air-tight container. Will last 1-2 weeks

Here are the directions for assembling this festive and delicious drink:

Start by melting a few handfuls of white chocolate chips in the microwave. Once melted, stir until all the lumps are gone. Then dip the glasses into the chocolate. Have the crushed candy canes spread out onto a plate for dipping. Let this sit and harden. I think it looks best when the chocolate is dripping down the glass to create a snow effect. These you can keep in the refrigerator to keep cold.

Next, using a mason jar, pour 8 ounces of milk add in 3-4 mini candy canes, 1/2 of a shot glass (about 1 ounce) of Kahlua (or clear vanilla extract you may experiment with or omit it altogether), 2 tablespoons of cold mint infused simple syrup, and a TINY drop red food coloring. You want the drink to be a light pink, to have that milk vibe. Last add in a few shakes of Corriander. Put the lid on tightly and shake well!!! Store a few of these in batches in the refrigerator.

If you use the mini candy canes, they will likely dissolve in a 2 hours, otherwise strain the drink into the moscow mules. Add a candy cane to side of each glass/mug and a Rosemary Sprig as seem in this photo or a candy cane colored straw for sipping.

I prepare these in small batches in 8 ounce mason jars to maintain the quality of the drink, but you may prepare this in one large mason jar, just adjust your ingredients accordingly.

Serve with white chocolate peppermint cookies, and serve this drink cold, no ice necessary. The moscow mule mugs will keep the milk cold, just be sure you refrigerate them before you serve!

Assemble everything with some white chocolate chips, candy canes, and Rosemary sprigs to create a festive look. We eat and drink with our eyes too. This drink will give your next holiday party that fun, festive vibe that will keep everyone happy, especially Santa!

*Boxen is a little Brian Reagan comedy!