Christmas lights? Check. Tree? Check. Wrapping paper? Check. Extra cash for holiday presents? hmmm... sounds like someone needs a cocktail to fight off  "the most wonderful time of the year" stress. Here are a few of our personal favorites: the first two Midori concoctions are courtesy of Mixologist Victoria D'Amato Moran, and the three that follow are thanks to Debi Lilly of A Perfect Event. Happy Holidays!

Midori Merry Berry Bowl (above)

Makes 1 Serving, multiply by 8 for a punch bowl

1 oz Midori Melon Liqueur

1/2  oz Flor de Cana Rum Platino

½ oz Pear Liqueur

1 oz Pear Juice

1 oz White Cranberry

To make a punch Bowl: Mix the liquid ingredients in a bowl. Then, add cranberries, pear slices pierced with cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks and winter melon balls. You may also add Champagne, Prosecco or Sparkling water.

Midori Peppermint Kiss

1 oz Midori Melon Liqueur

1 oz Skyy Vodka

3 oz Pineapple juice

¼ oz fresh lemon juice

¼ oz Peppermint Schnapps

6 Basil Leaves, gently torn in half, (to release oils)

Preparation:

In a chilled shaker glass, add all the above ingredients.  Add ice, shake for 15 seconds, and then strain into a Collins glass.  Garnish with a basil leaf and one raspberry sitting in front of basil in glass.

Red Sparkling Sangria

Makes one pitcher

1-2 apples

1-2 pears

handful of grapes

Prosecco

Pomegranate Cherry Juice

Preparation:

1. Finely chop apples, pears and grapes to yield 1-2 cups of fruit. Scoop chopped fruit into pitcher and fill halfway with Prosecco. Then, fill to top with Pomegranate Cherry Juice. Serve by pouring  into champagne glasses.

Pomertia (Red Margarita)

1 container frozen Limeade

6 oz. Tequila

6 oz. Pomegranate juice

6 oz. Club soda

6 oz. light beer

ice

salt and lime to garnish

Preparation:

1. In a pitcher, combine all ingredients (you can measure 6 oz. of each ingredient by filling the empty Limeade container). Serve in glasses filled with ice, with or without salt and sliced lime garnish.

Merry Cosmo

1/3 Vodka

1/3 Cherry Limeade

1/3 Ginger Ale

juice of one lime

ice

fresh cranberries (optional)

wooden skewers (optional)

Preparation:

1. In a martini shaker half filled with ice, combine ingredients and shake. Then, pour into a martini glass and garnish with a thread of fresh cranberries on a short wooden skewer.

Want an easier way to mix drinks? Check out the Ninja Ninja Master Prep at ninjakitchen.com.

For more festive cocktails, check out our Recipe File.