How To Make The Best Holiday Cocktail and Vegan Cookies

Last week, we had a little holiday celebration at the shop. Cocktail, cookies (vegan), and fairy hair. It was the perfect little teaser for tomorrow. And it gave me a chance to try out some recipes I’ve been wanting to test out. 

I made vegan gingersnap cookies and an easy elderberry champagne cocktail. The cookies were a vegan take on my grandmother’s recipe, and they turned out fabulous! Make these vegan gingersnap cookies for any holiday party (plant-based or not). They’re sure to be a big hit. And moreover, these cookies are perfect if you’re trying to watch what you’re eating while still enjoying the holidays—the only sugar I used in these cookies was the “coating sugar.”

Vegan holiday spread

The elderberry champagne cocktail is pretty self-explanatory, and it’s an easy drink to whip up. But it does have one special component that makes it unique. The elderberry syrup in the cocktail gives it an extra punch of flavor. But more than its delicious flavor, elderberry syrup is chock full of antioxidants and vitamins to strengthen your immune system. And with COVID-19 and flu season upon us, elderberry is just what everyone needs. So, yes you might be drinking. However, at least you’re getting your vitamins in while enjoying the holidays.

Love this elderberry syrup for healthier cocktails

Vegan Gingersnap Cookie Ingredients:   

Wet Ingredients

• ¾ cup of vegetable oil 

• ¼ cup of maple syrup 

• 1 egg’s worth of egg replacer 

• ¼ cup of tahini

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour 

• 1 tbsp of powdered ginger spice 

• 1 tsp of cinnamon 

• 2 tsp of baking soda 

• ½ tsp of salt   

Additional

• White sugar 

My favorite vegan cookies

Vegan Gingersnap Cookie Directions:   

To start out with your cookies, you first want to preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, line a cookie pan with parchment paper. You can use oil, but I prefer parchment paper because it helps the cookie bake more evenly, and it also eliminates extra calories.  

Now, you’re going to want to mix your “wet” ingredients together. Make sure all ingredients are fully mixed and evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, sift together your dry ingredients. Just like with the wet ingredients, you’re going to want to make sure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed. 

Next, fold the wet mixture into your dry mixture. Mix until there are no visible lumps. You want the mixture smooth so that the cookie bakes evenly. Now scoop out a tablespoon’s worth of dough and roll into a ball. 

Then, pour your white sugar into a separate dish. And now, roll the ball of dough in the sugar to completely coat the top of the cookie. You can coat the entire cookie if you want, but I prefer only the tops of my gingersnaps to have sugar.  

Repeat until you run out of dough. With these measurements, you should be able to make about 24 cookies. Now, bake for 10-12 minutes. And then you’ll have delicious vegan gingersnap cookies everyone is sure to love. 

champagne+elderberry syrup=your favorite Christmas cocktail

Elderberry Cocktail Ingredients:  

• Champagne  

• Elderberry Syrup 

• Cranberries 

Elderberry Cocktail Directions:   

As you can see, this is a ridiculously simple cocktail. Start out with a standard champagne flute. Pour the champagne into the glass until ¾ full. Next, add 1 tablespoon of elderberry syrup. Mix thoroughly, and throw in some cranberries for garnish. That’s it! Now enjoy you’re slightly healthier holiday cocktail.