Happy Holidays from Allianz Partners

Ingredients

• ½ lb (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten

Flavoring:

• 2 tsp grated orange peel or
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 3 ½ cups flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp baking powder
• Milk, for brushing
• Sugar or sprinkles, for topping

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs and your choice of orange peel or vanilla, mixing until combined.
3. Stir in the flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix thoroughly until a smooth dough forms.
4. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap, and chill until firm.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Pinch off small portions of the dough and roll them out as thin as possible on a floured surface.
7. Cut into holiday shapes using cookie cutters.
8. Place on a baking sheet, brush lightly with milk.
9. Decorate the cookies – dust with sugar, add sprinkles, or use any festive toppings you like
10. Bake for 8–10 minutes.
11. Cool on a rack and enjoy!

Ingredients (1 cocktail)

• 2 oz vodka
• ½–1 oz cranberry juice (100% juice is best)
• ½ oz lime juice (fresh)
• Ginger beer (to top)
• Ice
• Garnishes: fresh cranberries, rosemary sprig, lime wheel

Preparation

1. Fill a copper mug with ice.
2. Add vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
3. Top with ginger beer and gently stir.
4. Garnish with cranberries, a lime wheel, and a sprig of rosemary for that classic Christmas look.

Optional Variations

• Spiced Mule: Add a dash of cinnamon or use spiced cranberry.
• Pomegranate Mule: Swap cranberry juice for pomegranate juice.
• Holiday Punch Mule: Multiply ingredients and serve in a punch bowl with floating rosemary and cranberries.