Every girl should be skilled in the art of the cocktail. Good food feeds the soul, but a good cocktail embodies spirits. Holiday celebrations are always a good time to channel your inner bar tender. Let’s get pouring, shall we?
The Bellini is traditionally a summer drink made with white peach puree and Prosecco; a sparkling Italian wine. It is the Italian answer to the Mimosa. In summer months, this drink is best made with fresh white peaches, while they are still in season. For this time of year, frozen peach puree is your best bet. (If you can’t find white peach puree, a yellow peach puree will do) The crisp bubbles and bright peach flavor are indicative of summer. Adding pomegranate to this classic will make it a welcome addition to all of your winter festivities; perfect for brunches and desserts.
Pomegranate Bellini
2 bottles of chilled Prosecco
1 package (2.2 lbs) frozen white peach puree, thawed
2 cups chilled pomegranate juice
Chill a large glass pitcher and several champagne flutes in the freezer 1 hour prior to making this cocktail. It is best served cold.
Combine all ingredients in the pitcher and serve in chilled glasses. Make sure to hold your glass at an angle when pouring to prevent overflow.
No one loves a good accessory or a good drink more than I do. When I can get my accessories in the form of a drink, *Le sigh*
Raspberry Beret
2 pounds ripe raspberries (fresh or frozen)
Zest of 2 oranges
1 qt. good quality vodka
Triple sec
Orange zest curls for garnish
Combine raspberries, orange zest and vodka in a large jar with a tight fitting lid. Refrigerate for one week. The raspberries will break down, infusing the vodka with flavor and a blushing red color.
When ready to serve, shake the jar to evenly mix the flavors. Coat the rim of several martini glasses with sugar. Fill glasses 1/4 of the way with triple sec. Fill the rest of
the way with the raspberry vodka and give a light stir. Hang an orange zest curl from the edge of each glass and serve.
I realize that not everyone indulges in alcoholic bliss during the holidays. Whether you’re the designated driver, or you just don’t want that infamous drunk relative passing out under your Christmas tree, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a non-alcoholic cocktail that still manages to pack a punch.
Cranberry Ginger Fizz
1 can frozen cranberry juice concentrate, partially thawed
1 chilled bottle of ginger beer
1 chilled bottle of ginger ale
2 limes juiced
Lime wedges (and fresh cranberries, optional) for garnish
Follow the instructions for mixing the cranberry juice, but substitute the ginger beer and ginger ale in equal amounts, for the water. Add the lime juice and stir. Serve over ice with lime wedges for garnish.
