The holidays can be seriously stressful. There is almost always something begging to be done, whether it’s shopping for gifts, preparing food, entertaining guests or attending dozens of parties hosted by family and friends. The cold winter weather can also leave you especially prone to cold, cough and flu - not the way to spend such a merry time of the year.

Any guests that come to your home probably experience the same stresses that you do so why not give them drinks that can help improve their immune system and boost their energy to cope up with the hustle of this busy season?

Lavender Vanilla

Lavender has long been a relaxing spice of choice, not to mention improving the quality of your rest. To make this lavender-infused vodka number, you’ll need:

• Absolut Vanilla
• club soda
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of ground lavender

Heat the water, sugar and lavender together in the pan. When the sugar melts into the mix, allow it to simmer for 15 minutes. To make the cocktail, fill a shaker with ice and add three ounces of Absolut Vanilla. Take one ounce of syrup from the heated mix (it should make about 6 ounces) and add an ounce of club soda. Shake it and pour into a martini glass to make one stiff and relaxing drink.

Spicy Cognac

Vitamin A fortifies your mucus membranes, helping keep off the nasty viruses that often strike during winter. Two spoonfuls of chili powder contain almost all the daily dose of vitamin A your body needs. To make this sizzling cognac cocktail, you will need:

• Cognac (I prefer Hennessy)
• club soda
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of ground chili (add more or reduce depending on your tolerance for spice)

As with the lavender cocktail, you need to mix the water, sugar and spice together in the pan and heat it until it takes on a syrupy form. Fill a shaker with ice and add three ounces of the sweet cognac. Take one ounce of syrup from the sugary and spicy mix and add an ounce of club soda. Build your immune system, enjoy a good buzz and liven up your taste buds all in one glass!