Perfect Holiday Cocktails – Gotta Try These!

Merry Christmas!

Okay, I’m taking a break from my “break” to share a quick recipe for a delicious cranberry cocktail — you’re welcome! 🙂  These are just so perfect for this time of year that I had to share.  And hey, the cranberry juice and whole organic cranberries make this drink pretty darn close to taking your vitamins — so go for it!

We made a non-alcaholic version for the kiddos.  So enjoy these with the people you love!

Sparkling Cranberry Ginger Cocktails:

1 ½ cups vodka.
1 cup cranberry juice (we used Trader Joe’s unsweetened pure cranberry juice).
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice.
1 cup ginger beer or ginger ale – maybe more  (we used ginger ale to balance the bitter).
1 cup fresh cranberries and lime wedges for garnish.

I was also able to put to immediate use a gift from my kids — I highly recommend the “chef’n” brand citrus squeezer.  Usually I feel like an arthritic after squeezing juice out of limes — but no more! It’s amazing!

Now how to put it all together.  First, assemble the garnishes — aren’t they just so darn cute?  Then in a pitcher combine the cranberry juice, cranberries, lime juice (I also added lime zest), and vodka.  Set this aside in fridge or cold spot outside.

For the kids, I obviously omitted the vodka, and kept in a pitcher.  Find some nice fancy glasses that you wouldn’t cry over if they happen to break. 🙁

At the last minute put ice in your glasses, divide cranberry alcoholic version in 4 to 6 glasses — honestly, you’re probably going to want to make a second pitcher because they are just so darn good — and top with ginger ale in each glass to the individual’s liking.  Top with garnish.

Enjoy! Enjoy!

Wait! Wait!  Before you take your first sip, you have to get down to the littlest one’s height and make a good old heartfelt toast — raise a glass and have some fun with it!

~Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!~