Santa needs an upgrade. Set out THIS “milk” and cookies for the big guy in the suit this year. OR stick with the usual and enjoy all this goodness with the fam.

Earlier this month when seeing the most amazing show, “Waitress” (DM me if you want to gush about how insanely well done it is, please), I tried a cocktail in the lounge that tasted like an adult chocolate milk + liquor.

I’d had white Russians before–years ago­­–but this one was made with egg nog and was the best thing I’ve ever been served in a plastic cup. So, the roomie and I decided to recreate it for the holidays. And it’s so easy!

Combine:

1 part Absolut Vodka
1 part Kahlua
1 part Egg Nog*
Top with Ground Cinnamon

*If Egg Nog doesn’t make you weak in the knees, I suggest trying Milk Nog if your store offers it! However, this drink is not overwhelmingly nog-gy. Not even sure I like Egg Nog plain, but I loved it in this drink.

Now for the cookies.

I love baking, but after spending an entire day baking Christmas cookies this year, I’ve had it with the oven. Plus, I still have gifts to wrap. There’s no time!! I suggest hitting Panera and picking up some absolutely divine Kitchen Sink cookies.

If you’ve never had one, they are massive. Like, size-of-your-head large. And they’re packed with huge chunks of chocolate, caramel bits, chunks of pretzel, and topped with flaky sea salt pieces (my favorite part).

Full Disclosure: these cookies are over $3 each. But, you can split them to share and Santa doesn’t need that many. They’re worth it (and I rarely say buy cookies instead of bake your own).

When you’re making that last-minute mall run, hit Panera quick. And when you’re buying groceries last-minute for some obscure ingredient (or alcohol to survive the holidays), pick up the ingredients for this creamy cocktail.

I hope your holiday brings you candlelight, family, mistletoe, and a reminder of Jesus Christ’s powerful impact on the world. Let me know what you think of this festive drink in the comments. Merry Christmas!