If I take the stairs instead of the elevator today, I can treat myself to a Christmas cookie…or four. But how can I factor in my necessary holiday cocktail? It’s not like I can really walk anywhere for exercise—this is LA, land of lazy luxuries and inescapable valet parking. Life is about compromise, after all. Certainly, I was on Santa’s “good” list, and I always try to maintain a balance between holiday celebrations and diligent workouts. Asking me to limit my delicious holiday treats—or dare I say choose between the two, is akin to waking up on Christmas morning to a present-less tree and a stocking stuffed with Styrofoam. Simply unfair! In the spirit of self-negotiations (and being a “good girl” all year), I was determined to find a way to actually have it all... and Santa be proud, I succeeded!Turning any of your other favorite treats into a liquid libation may prove to be a terrible mistake-- a pizza martini or a Dorito mojito are probably best left to an iron-stomach’s imagination and not served at your holiday soiree. Uniting baked goods and booze, however, have proven to be the perfect solution for any holiday celebration. Not only does it combine two of your favorite seasonal indulgences (cookies…and cocktails) into one delicious treat, but also allows those of us self-negotiators to savor the satisfaction of having our cookie and drinking it too. Spicy and sweet, this Gingerbread Sidecar will warm your soul without worrying your figure. Cognac, fresh lemon and orange juices, a splash of Cointreau, a touch of bitters and a gingerbread flavored simple syrup make this liquid cookie cocktail a perfect holiday compromise. So go ahead and take the stairs—you can still enjoy both your cookie and your cocktail at the very same time—you actually can have it all.