by Tiffany Maleshefski

We’re as big of fans of holiday spirit as the next person. It’s true we get giddy when we pass the lighted Christmas tree on Union Square, turn a tad crazy for egg nog (especially when properly balanced with whisky or brandy), and it’s right about this time that you’d be hard-pressed to pull that steaming mug of mulled wine from our clenched fist.

It would also be equally as hard to tear us away from that hot buttered rum, mimosa, Poinsettia, grain alcohol…ok, so maybe the holidays kill buzzes rather than make them. So, in an attempt to reverse this unfortunate trend, we are going to spike our holiday spirit this year and provide you with a daily dose of liquid courage that’ll get you though this year’s holiday season. Check her every single day for a recommended cocktail that’ll have you looking so forward to the holidays, you won’t want them to end. (Hangover remedies posting date TBD.)

The Gobbler

1 ½ oz. Plymouth gin

¾ oz. triple sec

¾ oz. fresh lemon juice

1 heaping tsp. cranberry relish

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with several dried cranberries or grated orange zest.

Do: Start out your Turkey Day with this lovely beverage (either over appetizers, or before you leave the house) with a sweet-tart kick in the pants.

Do Not: Suggest the cocktail is named after anyone in your family.