Luckless Life — shots

Let's be honest. For most of us, we're going to need a little alcohol to get through this holiday season. Whether it's dealing with the in-laws or going to that snoozefest of a company Christmas party, a little booze can go a long way. Check out these ingenious ways to incorporate your favorite adult beverage into the holiday season:

Budweiser's Limited-Time Holiday Beer Cans

First of all, have you seen the new Budweiser holiday cans? The holiday-inspired cans are out for a limited time but can make you feel extra fancy when you are chugging your favorite Budweiser. The cans feature gorgeous snow-covered landscapes and the signature Budweiser Clydesdale horses, and are the perfect addition to your next holiday party. According to the website, these holiday beer cans will be available in 24 and 30 packs until the end of the year. 

Adult's Only Hot Chocolate

There's only one thing better than sipping hot chocolate around a bonfire to help get you in the mood for Christmas. And that's spiked hot chocolate. Pull out your favorite tin cups, a couple of fluffy marshmallows, and a few simple ingredients, and you've got a classic hot chocolate with a twist. Here's the recipe: 

• Whisk together milk, half-and-half, dulce de leche, and cinnamon sticks.
• Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 10 minutes.
• Return mixture to a simmer. Gradually whisk in finely chopped dark chocolate, whisking until melted and smooth.
• Remove from heat and stir in pure vanilla extract, kosher salt, and bourbon, Discard cinnamon sticks. Serve warm.

Christmas Shots

While you can't go wrong with tequila shots around the Christmas Tree, we found a few festive shot recipes that will warm everybody else on a cold winter evening. The Snowshoe is a classic whiskey shot (typically made with Wild Turkey Bourbon) and offset by the refreshing flavor of peppermint schnapps. The Polar Bear is the perfect mix of white crème de cacao liqueur and peppermint schnapps, and The Oatmeal Cookie is a delicate balance of butterscotch schnapps, Irish cream, Jägermeister and cinnamon schnapps. If you've got an experienced bartender in your group of friends, challenge them to a Santa Shot: A carefully layered drink of grenadine, green crème de menthe, and peppermint schnapps.

Seasonal And Festive Holiday Beers

If you don't have time to make a creative holiday cocktail, swing by the local grocery store and pick up some festive holiday beers. Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, Highland Cold Mountain Winter Ale, and Samuel Adams Winter Lager All have bold flavors that pair well with all of the rich foods on your holiday menu. 

Whether you're hosting a holiday bonfire with friends, or just trying to make it through another dinner with your nagging Aunt Lou, these holiday-inspired alcoholic drinks are the perfect addition to your holiday wish list.