Holiday gatherings are just around the corner as is the opportunity for festive beverage, libation and potations.  Personally, I’m not much of a cocktail drinker.  However, I love making them.  I love to start a party or event with a welcome or signature cocktail.  A cousin called last night for cocktail suggestions for a coming gathering.  Conversation ensued and eventually she said, “you should blog about your cocktails.”  So, here we go…

The holidays offer lots of options for fresh flavors and beautiful presentation.  I love using apples, pears, oranges and cranberries.  I really love sparkling wine but I also love the richness of bourbon.  The possibilities are endless. ***WARNING…I do everything to taste…sorry, there’s no measures***  If you need help, let me know.

A few years ago we did a party with a gold theme.  I did cocktails that were all gold…we don’t do big parties without Barbara and Theta.

SPARKLE AND SHINE

Sparkling Wine, Domaine de Canton, Cranberry Syrup and Pear Simple Syrup

GOLDEN SHOWER

Fresh Orange Juice, White Wine, Absolut Mandarin, Club Soda

24K

This is my party punch recipe…always a huge hit…with measures.

1 cup lemon juice dissolved in 1 cup sugar

1 fifth light rum

1 fifth dark rum

1 fifth brandy

1 bottle white wine

1 pint peach schnapps

1 pint apricot brandy

Add apple juice or cranberry juice to taste

I usually add 6 litres of juice and it’s still guarantees a PRETTY party!!!

Also, we change the name based on the occasion.

You saw my “Sweet Tea” at the wedding last week.  I love the idea of doing it in a mason jar, as well.  Here are some thoughts for a festive fall or Thanksgiving gathering.

SWEET TEA

Tea, Simple Syrup, Bourbon, Cointreau, Lemon Juice, Mint and Lemon Slices

This could be a FABULOUS hot toddy, as well.

HARVEST REST

Bourbon, Amaretto, Apple Juice, Simple Syrup, Lemon Juice, Club Soda

FALLING LEAVES

Dry White Wine, Southern Comfort Whiskey, Sprite, Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Lime Juice, Club Soda

Of course, Cranberry makes everything look festive for the holidays!!!

BERRY CHRISTMAS

Rose’ Wine, Ruby Port Wine, Cointreau and Cranberry Juice

Soak cranberries and granny smith apples in simple syrup, cointreau and ruby port overnight.

Add to liquid mixture, chill and serve.

Also, pretty served in a martini glass.

HOLLY JOLLY

Tequila, Lime Juice, Cointreau, Cranberry Simple Syrup

Garnish with sugar and salt rim and fresh cranberries

Hope this helps to make your house lovely and I know it will ensure a good time is had by all!!!