Cheers! A Very Yummy Raw Holiday Beverage

'Tis the season! For holiday parties, family, food...and for many people, yummy holiday cocktails. Raw foodies don't have to be left out when it comes to drinking fancy, celebratory beverages...we just have to be a little more creative!

Here's a recipe for a drink inspired by one I had - with booze - many many years ago. Back when we were young New York gals, my friend Megan and I made a tradition of going out for yummy holiday cocktails around Christmas time. A bartender at the Blue Water Grill in Union Square made us his specialty concoction, a spicy, creamy spiked martini. Megan and I disagree on what it was called...I say "The Spice Route," while she insists it was "The Spice Rack." But we agree, and have reminisced many times, that it was delicious, and certainly a very good holiday drink.

This one's for you, Megan! The Raw Spice Route:

1/2 cup cashews (or almonds)

2 cups water

3-4 medjool dates

One vanilla bean (or a teaspoon or so of vanilla extract)

1 teaspoons cinnamon (or more, to taste)

1/4 teaspoons or more each of nutmeg, allspice, ground cloves

First, blend the cashews, dates and water until very smooth. Check for consistency and desired creaminess and sweetness. Add a few more dates for more sweetness. I used very soft medjools, so they blended easily, but if your dates are a little drier, you may want to pit and soak them for a half hour or so first. Also, cashews will work best if you are using a regular blender, because they are softer. Almonds will probably work fine in a high speed blender, although you may want to strain the milk after you blend it. Add more cashews for creaminess, or a little more water for a thinner drink.

Blend in the seeds of one vanilla bean, or vanilla extract, as well as the spices. Start with a little on the spices, and add more if you want a spicier drink.

Serve at room temperature, chilled and/or over ice, or warmed slightly in the blender.

I got fancy and garnished with a vanilla beans...you could sprinkle on a little cinnamon or nutmeg. Enjoy with someone you love! Happy Holidays!