It's about time for Jolly Old St. Nick to come scurrying down the chimney again.

Are you ready for his visit?

Oh, I am sure all your stockings are hung by the chimney with care. It's all about you isn't it? The poor guy busts his antlers (well, the reindeer do that) to bring you stuff from your wish list, and all he gets in return is a measly snack. And usually the same darn thing! That's an awful lot of milk with those cookies. Enough to make even a jolly old soul a bit, um, lactose intolerant, shall we say?

Instead of the old standby, why not rock Santa all the way back to the North Pole with some new libations this Christmas Eve?

Here are some drink ideas submitted by readers that are sure to warm Santa's big ol' heart. Who knows? Maybe he will remember how good you were to him this year when he's making his list and checking it twice next year.

Lena wrote in with several concoctions. Two of them you can make ahead in large quantities, adding hot water before serving.

Russian Tea

1 ½ c. instant tea
2 c. Tang
1 pkg. Wylers lemonade mix
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves

Mix all ingredients together. Keep in a tightly closed container. To make 1 serving, use 2 heaping teaspoons per cup of boiling water.

Hot Chocolate Mix

1 (8 qt.) box Carnation instant milk
1 (16 oz.) can Hershey's chocolate (dry)
1 lb. box confectioners sugar
1 (8 oz.) jar Cremora

Mix all together. Add to cup of hot water to preferred taste. Sift all ingredients four times to prevent lumps when mixing.

By the way, a recent study by Cornell University said that hot chocolate is full of antioxidants -- more than red wine or tea. The study said that cocoa's antioxidants are almost two times stronger than red wine, two to three times stronger than green tea, and four to five times stronger than black tea, according to Science Daily. Antioxidants -- vitamins C and E and beta carotene -- are widely believed to fight cancer, heart disease, and aging. The key is "hot" chocolate. Apparently heat releases more of the antioxidants into the beverage.

A lot of readers submitted some yummy hot cocoa recipes. Most of them were of the "adult" variety. I am not sure whether alcohol has any affect on cocoa's benefits, but I do know that alcohol in moderation actually contributes many benefits of its own.

I have it on good authority that Santa enjoys a little nip or two during his appointed route (I give him beer each year), so the following recipes are sure to please.

Also, Santa doesn't have to worry about drinking and driving, that's what the reindeer are for. He just makes sure Blitzen isn't the designated driver.

On to more recipes. Faithful reader Jackie says this is her favorite "over 21" hot chocolate drink (it's simple, too):

Hot Chocolate (adult version)

Mix cocoa mix with milk, and simmer on stove until hot. Add a shot of Peppermint Schnapps to one cup of hot mix. Not only is the mint good tasting, it smells wonderful!

Cindy enjoys simplicity too. Here's what she might be serving Santa this year:

"To a mug of your favorite hot chocolate (most of the time, I just use the powdered mix in milk instead of water) add ½ shot of coffee liqueur and ½ shot of coconut rum. Stir and enjoy."

Hot cider is another favorite for Santa.

Jon wrote in with a yummy idea that is a cold drink. After all, Santa might enjoy a cool beverage after running up and down the rooftops all night. Jon said for his concoction, all you do is "mix 2 parts fresh apple cider with 1 part Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum over ice."

Jerred sent in this cider drink from her favorite pizza parlor:

Tuaca Hot Apple Pie

1 ½ oz. Tuaca (an orange-vanilla flavored liqueur) 5-6 oz. warm apple cider (the pizza parlor uses cider mix)

Pour all ingredients into a coffee mug. Garnish with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick.

And, finally, we will end with another "bulk" recipe from Lena. With all the holiday bustle going on, having a lot of mix on hand could come in handy. You don't want to have Santa waiting for you while you mix up his drink!

Hot Buttered Rum

1 lb. butter
1 lb. powdered sugar
1 lb. French vanilla ice cream
1 tbsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp. nutmeg
Myer's dark rum

Blend everything except rum. Put at least one heaping teaspoon in a mug. Mix 1 shot of rum, and hot water into each mug. Store mix in freezer.

To all of you who continue to contribute great drink recipes: Thanks for playin'!

If you've got a recipe you'd like to share, or if you just want to say hello, e-mail me. I love hearing from folks who enjoy exploring our liquid world. Or share your holiday drink recipes with other viewers.

Here's hoping your holidays are merry and bright!

Want More Creative Drink Ideas?

Warm Up To Winter Warmers
Hot Cider Recipes
Jolly Nonalcoholic Drink Recipes