COCKTAIL RECIPES
Looking for some unique cocktail ideas? Here are a few to ignite your creativity.
Sparkling Cocktails
Sparkling cocktails are a slam dunk for the holidays, and many are easy to make. Add a splash of Chambord to a Champagne flute, top with sparkling wine, float some raspberries, and you have a Kir Royale. It really can’t get any easier.
But for a sparkling cocktail that will get guests talking, try incorporating a lesserknown spirit or liqueur such as Sorel, a hibiscus liqueur that tastes like the holidays. It’s sweet and exotic with hints of ginger, cinnamon, and clove, and it’s fun to play with. It would even work with club soda—just add an artful garnish or use a vintage glass.
Sorel Spritzer Combine 2 ounces sparkling wine and 1 ounce Sorel in a Champagne flute and garnish with an edible hibiscus flower.
Sweet Cocktails
Sweet treats are a big part of the holidays. Try a dessert cocktail and double the fun.
Mozart Dessert Pumpkin
Chocolate Cheesecake
4 ounces Mozart Pumpkin Spice Liqueur 1 ounce maple syrup
(plus more for rim garnish) 6 teaspoons yogurt
Cookie crumbles
Roasted and chopped pumpkin seeds Ground nutmeg
Combine first three ingredients in a shaker with ice.
Rim garnish: Mix cookie crumbles and pumpkin seeds on a small plate. Add a small amount of syrup to a shallow bowl. Dip the rim of a shot glass into the syrup, and then the cookie topping. Top with ground nutmeg. Strain the “choctail” into the glass. Yields four drinks.
No Alcohol
It’s always wise to have nonalcoholic options for guests. In addition, this one can easily accommodate those who like a splash of spirits as well. The key is using superior juices such as those from Fresh Victor, and this one with pomegranate has the holidays written all over it.
Fresh Victor Pom Paloma
3 ounces Fresh Victor Cactus Pear &
Pomegranate
3 ounces grapefruit soda or grapefruit seltzer such as Q Spectacular Grapefruit or Spindrift Grapefruit (or substitute with 1 ounce each fresh grapefruit juice and soda water)
Pinch of salt
Squeeze of lime wedge (⅛ of a lime /
⅛ ounce of lime juice)
In a tall glass full of ice, add all ingredients, stir gently, garnish with squeezed lime wedge, and serve.
This is also super easy to doctor up for those who enjoy tequila. Just cut the juices by 1 ounce each, and add 1½ ounces of blanco or reposado tequila.
Mixologist’s notes: The addition of cactus pear and pomegranate flavors to the classic paloma cocktail provides a complementary juiciness to the grapefruit that is exceptional. A drier style of grapefruit soda or a grapefruit-flavored sparkling water/ seltzer provides the best balance.