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Feast + West: Easy Elegant Entertaining

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Published about 11 hours ago • 2 min read

Welcome to the Feast + West Cup of Cheer Countdown! You’ll find a festive drink recipe in your inbox each day from Dec. 1 to 25. (Don't forget to download your printable copy.) We’re so excited to spread some holiday cheer with you! Miss a day? Find past recipes here.

Hi Reader!

It’s Day 5 of our Cup of Cheer Countdown advent calendar series.

Today’s recipe calls for one of the most underrated cocktail ingredients, IMO: beer.

Throughout the year I love trying seasonal beers from my favorite breweries, but none more than Christmas ale. And it makes a mean cocktail.

day 5: christmas ale shandy

Every brewery does theirs differently, but in general Christmas ale is a spiced beer that is oh-so-cozy.

(The most famous one is probably from Great Lakes Brewing Co. which has flavors of fresh honey, cinnamon and ginger.)

Beer purists like to drink it straight, but I challenge you to try beer in a shandy cocktail, which is a European drink of beer mixed with lemonade or juice.

It’s usually a refreshing summer style of drink, but it works well as a cozy wintertime drink too, especially with Christmas ale, apple cider and a cinnamon sugar rim for extra festive vibes. You’re going to love it!

make it a mocktail

Each day, I’m sharing a booze-free twist to enjoy with non-drinking friends and family.

Non-alcoholic version: Instead of Christmas beer, use non-alcoholic ginger beer or an alcohol-free beer.

I use my apple cider spice mix on the rim and add a little more to the cider for more flavor.

Prost! (That’s cheers in German.)

Susannah

P.S. Get your sleigh bells out for tomorrow’s drink…

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easy, elegant entertaining

about me

Hi! I’m Susannah, here to help you bring a touch of elegance to every gathering. From cocktails to quick bites, I share simple, stylish recipes that bring people together.

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Feast + West: Easy Elegant Entertaining

Susannah Brinkley Henry

I'm your cocktail bestie! Together we'll shake things up and make everything from classic cocktails to creative concoctions, and even mocktails from time to time. Follow me for delicious drink recipes, boozy desserts and appetizer pairings for easy, elegant entertaining.

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