Merry Christmas! I can't believe it's December and Christmas is around the corner! It's been a busy November/December for me with wedding planning and holiday content, getting settled into wife life, and everything in between! Adam and I are worn out! We are planning to do some small family entertaining in our home, but are trying not to go out too much during the rest of December! Honestly, I'm looking forward to a slower paced December than in years past!
I wanted to create a couple signature cocktails to serve when we entertain, and I had so much fun! This is a seasonal twist on a simple "cranny vod" but the garnish the rosemary are *everything!* I hope this gives you some holiday inspo this season! Cheers!
Christmas Cranberry Cocktail
Ingredients:
Simple syrup:
2 1/4 cups cranberries
2 rosemary sprigs
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
Other ingredients:
Wheatley Vodka
rosemary for garnish
cranberries for garnish
sugar for sugar rim
Directions:
First things first: we need to make our cranberry simple syrup! Having a larger batch of flavored simple syrup on-hand keeps you from needing to make syrup every time you make a cocktail; this syrup recipe makes about 8 servings.
Syrup: add your cranberries, sugar, and water to a saucepan and bring to a simmer; reduce heat to low-medium and simmer for about 10 minutes; cranberries should be tender, but should not burst. Remove from heat, let cool, strain and remove the cranberries - you're left with your cranberry simple syrup! Set cranberries aside to muddle and add to cocktail, if desired.
Next, you're ready to shake!
Add 2 parts Wheatley Vodka and 4 parts simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice and SHAKE! Shake it good!
Strain into coupe glass and garnish with rosemary and fresh cranberries. Add muddled cranberries to taste.
I added a sugar rim because I think it adds a festive touch, but you can skip that if you're not feeling it.
Mistletoe Martini
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Wheatley Vodka
1.5 oz Peppermint Schnapps
1 oz heavy cream
crushed peppermint for rim (or sprinkles)
Directions:
First, rim your glass with your crushed peppermint. I like to chill my glass!
Next, combine vodka, schnapps and cream in a shaker with ice. Shake!
Pour into chilled glass and garnish with mistletoe or candy cane to serve. Enjoy!
I used Wheatley Vodka and you can purchase it online and have it delivered. Or you can pick up a bottle of Wheatley Vodka at your local Spec's, Twin Liquors, Goody Goody, or Total Wine!