Glamorous Holiday Hosting: The Glam Cocktail

Glamorous Cocktail Recipe: Lambrusco Punch

Your Google Maps is heavily pinned with your favorite cocktail bars that you have visited (and dream of visiting). You eagerly read through Liquor’s 2022 Awards list, and have added even more pins. You know the difference between Champagne and sparkling wine, and aren’t afraid to politely point it out when the former is offered and the latter shows up in your glass. It’s no wonder you gravitate towards cocktails when you enter a party or host your own.

A perfectly crafted cocktail is a thing you make yourself, and perhaps a few guests. But the idea of hosting a larger party, standing by your (well-stocked) home bar cart all night long, dry-shaking and stirring for 20 guests is just too much for anyone. Enter: The punch bowl, brimming with Lambrusco Punch.

Get the Recipe: Glamorous Holiday Lambrusco Punch

The Recipes

• Crab Stuffed Mushrooms: Crab and mushrooms are best friends and this sheet pan appetizer is ready in under 45 minutes.

• Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Three ingredients and a little assembly is all it takes to make these bite-sized, umami-packed treats.
  
• Cheese Balls: Whether you opt for the classic nut, or go off-script with a salmon or  pineapple version, this make-ahead, one bowl recipe is easier than putting together a cheese plate.
• Cranberry Brie Bites: Store-bought puff pastry, brie, and jam are all you need to make these decadent bites. If the walnut glaze in this recipe feels intimidating or too much trouble to make, you can skip it altogether or simply sprinkle some walnuts on top after baking the bites.

• Party Ham Rolls: Store-bought everything and some sheet tray magic will yield 24 mini ham rolls all in one go, without the fiddling effort of most finger food.

The Recipes

• Crab Fondue: Once you gather the ingredients, this is as simple as dump, heat, and stir. If you don’t want to get a fondue pot, a small slow cooker set to low is a great way to keep the fondue warm. Lay out pieces of bread, cubes of salami, and a variety of veggies and boiled potatoes for a filling main.
• Braised Chicken: Braising meat is a surefire way to get a tender and flavorful meal, and the fact that this cooks in the oven means no need to stand over a stove watching and wondering. 

• Skillet Pasta: Cozy and filling, this one pot meal can be made using frozen meatballs or your favorite meatless vegetarian brand.
• Leek Pie: Store-bought phyllo sends this easy to assemble sheet pan leek pie to a whole other level. No need to fuss over making pie crust, and the finished product is flaky and light.
• Clam Pasta: Our simple, yet satisfying recipe lets you serve your guests what some consider to be a restaurant-only meal. You can make the sauce in advance, and when you are ready to serve, simply toss in the pre-cleaned clams and boil the pasta.

The Recipes

• Affogato: Store-bought gelato or ice cream and some espresso is all you need to make this dessert. Offer guests some Amaro or Kahlua to spike their mugs.
• Vegan Chocolate Mousse: These individual mousse cups are perfect for smaller gatherings, and this vegan version takes only 10 minutes of your time, chilling overnight so that dessert is ready to go when you are.
  

• Sugar Cookie Bars: Infinitely customizable, this sheet pan version of the classic sugar cookie removes all the single scooping and multiple sheet tray fuss.
• Hot Chocolate Bar: A pot of cozy hot chocolate (store-bought packets are fine!) is the springboard for this dessert. Lay out a tray of marshmallows, peppermint candies, purchased cookies, and liquors like Bailey’s or Creme de Menthe and let guests build their own perfect mug. It’s also a great chance to encourage guests to contribute an offering to the hot chocolate dessert bar.
• Baked Alaska: Hear me out! This retro showstopper can be easy. Store-bought ice cream. Store-bought pound cake. Store-bought jam. Whip up the meringue before the guests arrive so that when it’s time for dessert, you can simply “frost” your ice cream log and bake. If you want to skip the oven all together, you can use a kitchen torch to brown the exterior and make the meringue with dry meringue powder, rather than fresh egg whites, for a foolproof result.