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Hot New Cocktails for the Holiday Season

NEW YORK, Dec. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The holidays are upon us and whether you are putting together a casual cocktail party or a New Year's Eve extravaganza, the key is to plan ahead. But planning the drinks menu can be as much work as planning the food itself. First, stock your bar with a plenty of mixers. Next, compliment your bar with the standards; a vodka, a rum, a scotch and a bourbon. With these staples on the bar shelf you'll be able to concoct dozens of drink combinations.

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Did you know that time can be saved mixing your favorite flavor by buying a vodka, like Smirnoff Green Apple Twist, that already comes in assorted flavors. Or try a 180-degree departure from the traditional whiskey by mixing Johnnie Walker Black with cream soda in a lowball glass rimmed with vanilla sugar. Even some non-traditional scotch drinkers have discovered a man named Johnnie Walker. Whether its Blue Label, Red Label, Green Label or Gold Label, the Johnnie Walker brand has a variety that is sure to appeal to almost any taste bud. And if you are worried about whether you'll have enough drinks for the entire length of your party, remember that it's about quality, not quantity. Having top quality brands like Crown Royal will leave a lasting impression.

A nice finishing touch to an evening with friends and loved ones is of course coffee and teas. But why not mix it up with a variety of after dinner cocktails such as a Bailey Frappe, which consists of Baileys, cold coffee and a scoop of coffee ice cream. Just blend the ingredients together and pour in a parfait glass. Some the hottest cocktail recipes this season include:

Red Zinger

* 1.5 oz Johnnie Walker Red Label

* 2 oz. ginger ale

* 1 twist lemon

Baileys Hot Cocoa

* 3.5 oz. Baileys Irish Cream

* 1 cup hot cocoa

Royal Flush

* 5 oz. Crown Royal

* 2 oz. cranberry juice

* 1 slice orange

Tanqueray and Tonic

* 2 parts Tanqueray Gin

* 1 part tonic

* 1 slice lime

Perfect Cuervo Margarita

* 1 oz. Jose Cuervo Especial

* 3 oz. Jose Cuervo Lime Margarita Mix

* 1 wedge lime

* 1 tsp. salt

However, whether you are hosting a cocktail party or attending one, always remember to drink responsibly. SOURCE Diageo