Sure, you might need a little mistletoe to incite that awkward first kiss, but let's be honest: Nothing will make your yuletide greetings more enjoyable than a friendly dose of peppermint. And with a bite as crisp as the frost outside, it's sure to be a fresh addition to every wintry endeavor-even if you're late-nighting in Lilly. So whether you'll be getting caffeinated, getting drunk or just getting with that special someone, TV offers a smattering of mint-flavored goodies to satisfy even the most discriminating palate this holiday season.
The staple:
Chapstick & lip gloss
Lip-chapped mint lovers looking to freshen up between brushes (or mistletoe encounters) should try C.O. Bigelow's "Mentha Lip Shine," available at Bath & Body Works. At $7.50 a pop, the lip gloss is infused with peppermint oil, so you can protect your lips while you freshen your breath. The perennial crowd favorite, though, is the waxier, more masculine take on peppermint lip balm from Burt's Bees. With a less glossy, smackless quality, it's also more local: headquarters are just minutes away in Bull City.
The study treat:
Mint hot chocolate
For a flirty twist on the traditional hot cocoa, head to McClendon Tower's Bella Union for a few pumps of peppermint in your Ghirardelli-chocolate drink. Plus, you can hit up several campus hot spots in your pre-exam food-point spree: Saladelia's version is nearly identical, and Trinity Café's is solid, too-much better than the hot chocolate alone. FYI: Though it's sure to warm you up, its smoothness was marred somewhat by a distinct lingering on the roof of testers' mouths.
The exam break:
Schnapps
Sometimes, though, there's nothing to get you in the holiday spirit like, well, spirits. If you prefer liquor-laced beverages, have an even merrier cocoa by spiking your drink with a splash of peppermint schnapps. At 27 percent alcohol by volume, it won't hurt tastebuds-or the bank. Arrow stocks their version for just $3.95 at most ABC stores. A kiss of Hershey's makes it go down even smoother, channeling York's well loved peppermint patties.
The party favor:
Shot glass
Pregames will begin to look a lot like Christmas if you funnel your drinks into the red-and-white striped Candy Cane Shot Glasses from Urban Outfitters or Target (less than $4 for two). Not your Mom's stocking stuffer, they could make a nice gift idea for friends and add an icy hint to whatever beverage they house. They make a pretty sweet chaser, too-these eco-friendly shot glasses are completely edible. The only drawback? Stickiness from spilt liquids makes these shooters kind of messy.
Late night:
Condoms
If the above still leave you wanting, or you find yourself craving an extra jolt during foreplay, look no further than the Student Health Center for mint-flavored condoms and dental dams. You might have to dig through fish bowls full of equally winsome vanilla or cherry latex products, but this faintly-flavored condom should appeal to the biggest menthol enthusiasts. Thumbs-down, though, for its borderline-creepy greenness-if you're looking to double your fun, you might be better off sticking with Ultra Thins.
-CHELSEA ALLISON
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