With just seven days left to finish your holiday shopping, baking and decorating, we wanted to share a few fun, but simple cocktail recipes you can enjoy during the last minute rush and serve to friends and family.

Candy Cane Coffeetini
2 oz. Van Gogh Espresso Vodka
1 oz. Peppermint Schnapps
½ oz. Cream
Grenadine
Add ingredients to cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, then pour and swirl in a touch of grenadine for color. Edge the glass with grenadine and crushed peppermint candies and garnish with a mini candy cane.

Peach Pomegranate Holiday Martini
1 1/2 oz. Van Gogh Pomegranate Vodka
1/2 oz. Peach Schnapps
1 oz. Orange Juice
Splash of Lemon Juice
Mix ingredients and ice in cocktail shaker, then pour and serve with a lemon twist.

Gingerbread Cookie
1 1/2 oz. Van Gogh Espresso or Double Espresso® Vodka
1 1/2 oz. Goldschlager
1 1/2 oz. Irish Cream
Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker with crushed ice. Shake for five seconds, then strain into glass rimmed with crushed ginger snap cookies and sprinkle with nutmeg.

And don’t forget to spike your holiday party spread with a delicious dish that features Van Gogh Vodka like this one:

Sautéed Apples with Espresso Caramel Sauce (makes 8 servings)
6 ripe, but firm, golden delicious apples, cored and quartered
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup Van Gogh Espresso Vodka
2 tablespoons butter
Vanilla ice cream
Garnish sprigs of mint (optional)

Caramelize the sugar in a medium sized pan placed over medium heat. The sugar will liquefy. When it reaches a dark, golden color, carefully add the Van Gogh Espresso Vodka and cream, then reduce heat. Stir in six tablespoons of butter. Let the butter melt and remove the pan from the heat.

Melt two tablespoons of butter in a sauté or frying pan over medium heat. Shower the apples with powdered sugar and place them in the pan. Cover the pan and cook for approximately 10 minutes or until tender. Turn them once, halfway through the cooking time. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with the sautéed apples and drizzled with the Van Gogh Espresso Vodka caramel sauce. Garnish with mint, if desired.

Wishing you a holiday infused with flavor and cheer! Happy Holidays from Van Gogh Vodka!