Will you be leaving cookies out for Santa this year? If so, I have a holiday cocktail recipe I think he’ll really enjoy! Although the Sugar Cookie cocktail isn’t necessarily what old Saint Nick is used to finding next to the fireplace, I promise this libation is just as good–if not better–than the traditional baked goods he knows so well. The best part? This recipe is quick and easy. In fact, you’re only going to need two ingredients: Amaretto and vanilla vodka. But don’t let the simplicity fool you, this sipper is a real crowd pleaser and the perfect drink for those with a bit of a sweet tooth.

Amaretto is truly one of my favorite liqueurs. This versatile ingredient adds a delicious, almond-like flavor to any drink and is what gives the Sugar Cookie cocktail its classic cookie-like taste. Plus, Amaretto is steeped in interesting–although, admittedly unconfirmed–history.

One tale of Amaretto’s invention dates all the way back to 1525 in Saronno, Italy. There, a church hired one of Leonardo da Vinci’s students (Bernardino Luini) to paint their sanctuary. But to get the job done, Luini needed a model, a person whose likeness he could use to render his version of the Madonna on the church walls. After the design was complete, the woman he worked with wanted to give Luini a gift, but didn’t have the resources to purchase something that could adequately show her gratitude and appreciation. Instead, the story goes that she steeped apricot kernels in brandy, essentially creating the first batch of the beloved liqueur we know today.

Now I know that some of you may be wondering: how in the world can I get those sprinkles to stay on the rim of the glass? Don’t worry! Anyone can do a sprinkle garnish.

Here’s the trick: instead of using buttercream or other cake frosting, pick up a tube of decorating icing. The stuff hardens quickly and will keep the sprinkles in place as you sip your delicious drink down to it’s last drop. I recommend squeezing the icing out of its tube onto a plate, spreading it into a circle roughly the size of the glass’ rim, and then lightly pressing the edge of the glass into the icing until it is fully rimmed. Repeat on a plate of sprinkles and voila! You’ve got a perfectly garnished glass for your Sugar Cookie cocktail.