Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

At our house, it goes without saying that spiked drinks must accompany holiday festivities. So, when we trim our tree, I always want a nice hot something to really get us in the winter mood (well, as winter as Georgia will allow). A few years back while on vacation in Breckenridge, we tasted a drink called German Chocolate Cake. Not only is it the perfect hot toddy to complement tree trimming, frankly, it’s the sole reason to have Malibu rum in your liquor cabinet (otherwise, ick)! It’s also one of the few times I can condone not whipping your own cream…the high-pressure crazy-can stuff just tastes better in this (otherwise, again, double ick. Seriously).

German Chocolate Cake

• 8 oz. hot chocolate (For you overachievers, go ahead and make the real thing from real chocolate – but if you think just trimming the tree is effort enough and want to get your drink on already, use a good quality mix. I’m not saying you need to rival Serendipity chocolate here, but no Hershey’s or Nestlé’s Quick – after all you’re not 8.)

• 1 oz. Malibu rum

• Whipped cream to top (As much as your mug can handle.)