Don't see red over oranges in your Christmas stocking

When I was little I loved coming down the stairs on Christmas morning and finding a bulging stocking.

I'd eagerly dump the contents — Avon cologne, colorful toe socks — but there seemed to always be something that remained wedged in the toe. Reaching my arm in, I'd excitedly pull out ...

An orange?

Seriously? The jolly old man thought I wanted fruit? Did last year's disappointment not register with him?

I didn't know it at the time, but oranges have a strong link with this festive time of year.

Oranges represent balls of gold, according to the people at Sunkist, who say the tradition started when Saint Nicholas placed bags of gold in the stockings hung by three girls whose father needed money for their marriage dowry. In the Middle Ages, oranges were seen as a sign of happiness and prosperity; it was a luxury to receive fresh fruit in winter because of high shipping costs. And those clove-pierced orange pomander balls? The natural air fresheners date back to the 15th century when they signaled the start of the holiday season.

Now that I'm older, I appreciate citrus for the bright flavors they bring gray winter days. I also appreciate the tangy kick they lend to cocktails, like Tis the Season, a holiday libation from Sunkist.

In a small sauce pan over medium heat, combine ½ cup sugar and ½ cup water; bring to a quick simmer and remove from heat (do not reduce). Cool to room temperature then add 1½ cups vodka, 1 cup white cranberry juice, ¾ cup fresh squeezed grapefruit juice and ¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

To serve, pour ½ cup of the cocktail mixture into shaker filled with ice; shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass. You'll have enough for eight cocktails. Garnish with a small sprig of rosemary and a fresh cranberry. For a nonalcoholic version, leave out the vodka and increase the cranberry juice to 1½ cups and the grapefruit juice to 1¾ cups.

Cheers to chocolate: Need a last-minute gift for your girlfriend's parents or the neighbor who snow-blows the side walk in front of your house? How about a bottle of Dorda Double Chocolate Liqueur?

Made with Chopin Rye Vodka, this beverage is more than chocolate-flavored vodka. It's thick and creamy; more like vodka-spiked melted chocolate. It's nice over ice, but also delish drizzled into a piping hot mug of coffee or splashed into espresso. A 750 mL bottle costs $24.99.

Look for it at Binny's Beverage Depot in the suburbs and Chicago.

Come to think of it, it would also make a nice gift for your favorite food editor.

• Contact Food Editor Deborah Pankey at dpankey@dailyherald.com or (847) 427-4524. Be her friend at Facebook.com/DebPankey.DailyHerald or follow her on Pinterest, Instagram or Twitter @PankeysPlate.