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8 Hanukkah-themed cocktails — and one perfect biscuit — to light up the nights

Holiday gatherings are certain to be smaller this year, but they needn’t feel less festive.

These colorful Hanukkah-inspired concoctions are almost as much fun to make as they are to drink. Whether you’re a traditionalist, an adventurer, or a teetotaler, there’s something here for everyone.

Mix them up for your pandemic pod, or consider sharing recipes with remote family and friends, then organizing an online celebration to compare notes, light respective menorahs, and nibble latkes or Joan Nathan’s delectable olive biscuits.

Most of the recipes yield a single cocktail, because as nice as it is to gather in groups — and we will again — there’s no shame in sipping solo this year.

The Recipes:

The Hanukkah Candle (recipe) is a spicy-hot (and bright blue) take on a margarita.

The Jelly Doughnut (recipe) dares to pair raspberry “Jell-o” shots with store-bought doughnuts, resulting in sufganiyot-like sweet treats.

Apple Sauce (recipe) is a warming whiskey-based beverage spiced with ginger and cinnamon.

The Miracle Martini(recipe) manages to make olives last for at least eight sips.

The Manhattan Deli (recipe) makes a traditional tipple smell like a sandwich.

Olive Oil Gibson (recipe) gets its name from olive-infused gin, and its oomph from homemade pickled onion.

The Chocolate Gelt Martini (recipe) is dangerously delicious and should probably be saved for dessert.

Tahini Hot Chocolate (recipe) is Molly Yeh’s take on a winter staple, and is equally delicious spiked or left alone.

Liza Schoenfein is a former food editor of the Forward and the author of the blog Life, Death & Dinner. Follow her on Instagram @lifedeathdinner

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