We ring in the New Year with Champagne. But before the clock strikes midnight, we dazzle guests with flaming egg nog.

1. Make or buy the nog. If you purchase it, spice it up with 1-1/2 ounces of spiced rum per 4 ounces of nog.

2. Chill and pour into a martini glass if you don’t have traditional glass cups.

3. Grind fresh nutmeg to garnish. (Check out these nutmeg tips.)

4. The key to flaming is using 150-proof rum (different from the spiced rum, or the 80-proof rum most people have in the house). Float half an ounce of this high-proof rum on top of the nog. Ignite the drink in front of the guest, using a long wooden fireplace match. It’s holiday magic!

5. If you don’t want to ignite the drinks, skip Step 4 and serv.

We love both Grey Goose La Poire pear-flavored vodka and Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur. They’ve been combined into one special cocktail with perfect holiday flavors that bring Ginger Joy to good (adult) girls and boys.

Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur is a stunning complement to Grey Goose La Poire, and the gorgeous bottle makes it a terrific gift.

In fact, if you need a gift to bring to a New Year’s Eve party, bring a bottle of each along with this recipe!

• Get the Ginger Joy cocktail recipe.
• Read our review of Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur.
• Find more cocktail recipes in our Cocktails & Spirits Section.

Joy to the world: This Ginger Joy
cocktail is delicious! Photo courtesy
Grey Goose.

It’s a perfect weekend to snuggle up
with homemade hot chocolate. Photo
courtesy Recchiuti Confections.

Here’s the scoop: Some of these top-tier products are simply chopped up bits of fine chocolate. You can make your own for far less money by chopping up a good chocolate bar. Just:

1. Combine 1 ounce (3 tablespoons) of chopped chocolate with 1 ounce of whole milk in mug.
2. Microwave for 30 seconds and whisk thoroughly to blend.
3. Add another 6 ounces of milk, stir, and heat for 60 seconds.

You can use any chocolate: dark, milk or white, including flavored bars (or add a dash of cinnamon, anise, nutmeg, and chili powder for “Aztec” hot chocolate using a plain chocolate bar).

• You can use chocolate morsels, but the key is, the finer the chocolate, the more delicious the drink.
• For a richer beverage, don’t use cream: The secret is to add a tablespoon of sweet butter to the milk before you heat it.

• Don’t try to make luxury hot chocolate with 2% or fat-free milk: The purpose is to enjoy a sumptuous beverage. If you’re cutting back, have a smaller portion—a demitasse cup. Or, use a luxury sugar-free mix with whole milk.

Read our reviews of the best diet and regular cocoa and hot chocolate.