We slide into the diner booth, scooting along the faux leather benches as our server hands us an impossibly large menu. My husband sits next to me and my dad in the seat across from us. Going to a place like this reminds me of my childhood. I grew up in New Jersey where diners are about as common as Starbucks in the Chicago suburbs. There's one on every corner, each with giant, plastic-covered menus showcasing all kinds of omelettes, skillets, French toast, crepes, sandwiches, and anything else you could possibly think to eat for breakfast or lunch.

This cocktail is made with eggnog, vodka (it's extra good if you use vanilla flavored vodka!), and cold brew coffee. It's comforting, creamy, and has the hit of caffeine you need (or use decaf cold brew if you prefer). Make a batch for a crowd if you're entertaining, or just shake up one drink for yourself. (And if you're looking for the mocktail version, you can omit the vodka. The combo of cold brew and eggnog is still soooo good!)

OK, let me start off by admitting that I'm not a huge fan of cherry-flavored things. Whether it's Cherry Coke, Cherry Jolly Ranchers or cherry liqueur, I can't help but think about the cherry-flavored cough syrup I had to take when I was sick as a kid. That fake cherry flavoring simply isn't my thing.

I realize it's probably not the best to begin a blog post by explaining why I don't like the flavors I'm using, but this drink is nothing like that childhood medicine. There are no artificial flavorings happening here and it makes all the difference! Real cherries. Real vanilla. Really good.