It’s time for a toast

Cocktail Recipes to Get You to 2023

Mixing a signature drink makes any moment feel more festive, whether you’re planning a quiet night by the fire or fireworks at the backyard with family and friends. But whether you choose to serve up a festive vodka cocktail or a warming whiskey punch for the cold evenings, these fun drinks are sure to help you celebrate the holidays in good spirits — with the help of a couple of, well, good spirits.

Fruity Red Sangria

 

We love our sangria in the summer, and this version, with apples and oranges, is just as delicious. It’s easy to make a pitcher or two before a gathering and let guests serve themselves, freeing you up to just enjoy instead of playing bartender.

 

Ingredients

 

1 bottle red wine e.g., Four Cousins, 4th Street

 

1/4-1/2 cup lemon juice, preferably freshly squeezed

 

1/3 cup orange juice

 

1/4 cup triple sec

 

1/2-3/4 cup brandy, to taste

 

Your choice of fruits—oranges, apples, maraschino cherries, strawberries, lemons, limes, pineapples

 

Optional: carbonated water

 

Instructions

 

1. Add red wine, lemon juice, orange juice, triple sec, and brandy into large pitcher.

 

2. Slice and dice fruit into small pieces and add to mixture.

 

3. Stir, chill, and marinate overnight (the colder the better).

 

4. For a fizzy drink, top with carbonated water just before serving.

 

Notes

 

Keep a bucket of ice near the pitcher so guests can help themselves. Slice the fruit into small enough pieces so they can be eaten comfortably. For a less tart taste, keep lemon and limes to a minimum.

 

Tip:

Get a beautiful pitcher from Chandarana Foodplus.

 

Candy Cane Cocktails

 

It doesn’t get more festive or fun than candy cane cocktails. Yes, you’re going to get a sugar high, but ‘tis the season, so you may as well just embrace it. Serve these rich yet refreshing minty cocktails as a liquid dessert.

 

Ingredients

 

1 oz (2 tbsp) white crème de cacao

 

1 oz (2 tbsp) heavy cream

 

1 oz (2 tbsp) vanilla vodka (Smirnoff)

 

1 oz (2 tbsp) peppermint schnapps

 

Optional Garnish: A drizzle of grenadine for color and dusting of crushed candy canes

 

Instructions

 

1. Combine all ingredients and shake well over ice.

 

2. Pour into a martini or shot glass and garnish. This recipe can be shaken in multiples to serve a crowd.

 

Tip:

How about a bottle of Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka from Interworld Liquor Store.

Spiced Rum-Spiked Hot Cider

 

Curl up with this warm, toasty drink, made even cozier by adding orange, cinnamon, and rum. The rum is added to each glass individually, so each person can choose how strong to make their drink. For those under 21 and non-drinkers, this tastes just as good without alcohol.

 

Ingredients

2-gallon jug apple cider

 

3-inch pieces of stick cinnamon

 

1 orange, peel scrubbed and cut into thin 1/2 moons

 

3 oz spiced rum per serving, about 1 1/2 jiggers

 

6 cinnamon sticks, to garnish

 

Instructions

 

1. Place the cider, cinnamon, and orange in a large pot and simmer together for 15 minutes.

 

2. Reduce heat to very low to keep warm. Ladle into 12-oz mugs and top with spiced rum and stir with stick cinnamon.

 

Tip:

Apple cider Vinegar & other garnishing available at Chandarana Foodplus.

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Method

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Cheers to the festive season!