Christmas

Here is the perfect present for those who indulge in holiday eggnog  — a mixture of spirit and spice to blend into the Christmas beverage. To make the gift complete, pour it into a beautiful bottle and tie a small nutmeg grater and some whole nutmegs around the neck with a festive ribbon.

Here's a rich version of a favorite warm-up.

This is also very good served hot.

Try floating some fresh strawberries in the punch for a nice presentation.

A lovely champagne cocktail.

The French often serve flavored wine as an aperitif. This one has a base of red wine infused with orange, lemon, vanilla and cloves; it is later mixed with raspberry brandy and sugar. The drink is best at cool room temperature, accompanied by nibbles such as olives, almonds and crudités. It also makes an excellent Christmas present  — just double or triple the recipe, and pour the drink into pretty bottles. Be sure to begin the "winemaking" process at least three weeks before you plan to have the wine or give it as a gift.

This cooked version of eggnog (without any booze) gets chilled overnight and up to two days, so you can make it ahead and serve it to anyone who comes through the door.