Festive Cocktails to FEEL MERRY AND

A perfect reason to raise your glass through the holiday season: These sips are rich in nutrients that have been proven to banish the bah-humbugs in 20 minutes or less!

FOGGY? CHOOSE MULLED WINE

To fire up brainpower, reach for a glass of mulled red wine. Boston University scientists report that sipping just 6 oz. can increase overall brain function by 45 percent. To make a sip for two: In a pot, simmer 2 cups of dry red wine, ⁄ cup of orange juice, 3

1

3 whole cloves and 1 cinnamon stick for 1 hour. Serve in a heatproof mug with a sugared rim. Garnish with an orange slice.

TRY A MINT MARTINI

Mint stimulates the production of calming alpha brain waves, easing stress in just 3 minutes, British researchers report. For a minty tipple, combine 1 oz. of vodka, 1 oz. of white crème de cacao,

⁄4 oz. of peppermint 3 schnapps and a splash of chambord. Serve in a coconutrimmed glass.

BLEND IN PUMPKIN

A proven way to cut risk of viral infections by 33 percent, plus speed recovery if you do get sick: Add pumpkin to your diet. For a spiced delight, blend 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream, ⁄3 cup

2 of pumpkin, ⁄4 tsp. of

1 pumpkin pie spice, and 1 oz. of whiskey until smooth. Garnish with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice.