Homemade Gifts to Drink...

Chocolate Chunk Hot Cocoa Mix

2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ cup sugar
8 ounces chopped semisweet chocolate

In a bowl, combine the cocoa, sugar, and chocolate. Store in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 4 months.

Wrap it up...Transfer the cocoa mix to a resealable airtight container. Try a 25-ounce French Terrine glass jar available at containerstore.com ($6). Handwrite or download the following instructions on a gift tag or label to include with your gift: “In a small saucepan, whisk ¼ cup cocoa mix with ¾ cup milk. Bring to a bare simmer. Serves 1.” Tie a ribbon around the container, looping it through a measuring scoop and the gift tag with the instructions.


Infused Vodka

1 liter vodka
flavorings, such as 1½ cups fresh pineapple chunks, 4 vanilla beans, or 3 halved and seeded jalapeños
glass bottles with tight seals

Divide the vodka and desired flavorings among the bottles. Refrigerate until the vodka reaches the desired level of infusion, at least 3 days and up to 1 week. Remove the flavorings after 1 week or instruct the recipient to do so. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 months.

Wrap it up...Divide the vodka among glass bottles with tight seals. Try the Twenty-Ounce Spice Bottles ($10 each), Fishs Eddy, 201-420-8828. Tie a ribbon around the neck of each and attach a gift tag.

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