I was recently interviewed by a local newspaper about holiday cocktail traditions and was inspired to create a few new ones to add to my spirited stockpile. Most of these may be adjusted for alcohol-free versions for the kiddos and designated drivers, and for those who simply do not partake. Cheers.
“Poinsettia Punch” 1 quart Cranberry Juice cocktail 1 quart pink lemonade 1 can frozen pink grapefruit juice, thawed 1/4 cup grapefruit liqueur (creme de pamplemousse…preferred brand is Giffard..available at most fine wine and spirit shops) 1 750ml bottle Prosecco, Cava, or other high quality sparkling wine Combine 1st 4 ingredients in a large punch bowl or whatever container you will be using. Add the sparkling wine and serve. Garnish each cup with few cranberries on a cocktail stirrer or threaded through a thin straw. For the Non-Alcoholic version: Simply omit the grapefruit liqueur, use sparkling water in place of sparking wine, and add a pint of rainbow sherbet to the punch bowl. Strawberry Sangria Punch 2 750ml bottles fruity red wine, such as Beaujolais or Red Zinfandel 1 cup Cointreau or Triple Sec 1 cup strawberry liqueur (such as Giffard) 1 cup best quality orange vodka (such as Stoli) 1 cup strawberry nectar 1 cup sliced strawberries 1 cup sliced oranges club soda (may use plain club soda…or your favorite flavor of sparkling seltzer…lime works well) The Elf Fell OFF The TOP Shelf The Elf Fell Off The Top Shelf 2 parts Grey Goose Cherry Noir 1 part Luxardo Cherry Liqueur 1 part Cran-Cherry juice splash freshly squeezed lime juice garnish: 1 maraschino cherry and 2 cranberries threaded onto a cocktail pick. Mix first 4 ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with crushed ice. Mix. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish appropriately. Coole YULE 1 1/2 parts Coole Swan Irish Dairy Cream Liqueur 1/2 part green creme de menthe 1/2 part white creme de cacao Garnish: sprig of fresh mint and chocolate shavings on top. Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with shaved ice. Strain into a frosted martini glass and garnish with mint and chocolate shavings. Those chocolate stirrers also make a festive garnish! Enjoy!!! |