Feliz Navidad Punch

Feliz Navidad...I want to wish you a Merry Christmas!

'Tis the season for being merry, experiencing joy, spending time with friends and family, and hearing every Christmas song possible. This is one of my favorites - I can't help but sing along! I've deviated from Brussels sprouts for this final series post (I hope you are thanking me!) as I couldn't imagine creating a drink or dessert with them. So, instead, I'm celebrating the season with a rainbow drink. It's perfect for the Christmas holiday.

This punch combines pomegranate, orange, and lime juice with tequila and orange liquor for a festive mix of citrus and salt. I say salt because tequila has a nice briny quality to it (hence why we add salt to margaritas) and it's noticeable in this cocktail. Hearkening back to earlier times I serve this drink in a punch bowl with a citrus ice ring. And, finish it off with a lime-sugar rim. I suggest serving this up in a margarita glass. Cheers to a happy holiday season and Merry Christmas!

Ingredients - Serves 10-12
Punch:
2 (32 oz.) Bottles 100% Pomegranate Juice
1/2 C Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice (2 oranges)
1/4 C Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice (2 Limes)
1 1/2 C Silver Tequila
1/2 C Orange Flavored Liquor (suggest Cointreau)

Ice Ring & Garnish:
1 Orange, sliced into rings
1 Lime, sliced into rings
Garnish: granulated sugar & lime zest

Directions
Make the ice ring: Place the sliced orange and lime into a bundt pan. Fill halfway with cold water and freeze.

Make the punch: Combine the pomegranate, orange, and lime juice in a pitcher. Add the tequila and orange liquor, stir. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Note: Zest the lime prior to juicing to use for the garnish!

Serve: Pour the punch into a bowl and carefully add the ice ring. Mix the sugar and lime zest in a shallow dish. Wet the rim of a margarita glass (or other), press into the lime sugar, and ladle in the punch. Cheers to the holiday season! Enjoy!!

Long Island Peach Iced Tea

cheers to my 100th post...

Summer is coming to a close. The kids are going back to school, the weather is changing, and the days are getting shorter. It's amazing just how quickly summer flies by; and just time in general. Sitting on the front porch is a pass-time few can enjoy these days. It's a luxury really. But, if you can find the time, this is the perfect cocktail.

My Long Island Peach Iced Tea should be enjoyed in these final weeks of summer. A fruit forward, chilled drink, perfect for relaxing and sipping, this cocktail is like summer in a glass. The peach flavored vodka, schnapps, and nectar take this classic cocktail to the next level. Make this drink to relax, reflect, and slow down for the final bit of summer. Here's how...

Ingredients - Makes 2 Drinks
1 oz. Peach Flavored Vodka (suggest Pinnacle)
1 oz. Gin
1 oz. White Rum
1 oz. Sliver Tequila
1/2 oz. Peach Schnapps
2 T Peach Nectar
1/2 C Cola, to taste
Garnish: 1 Peach, cut into wedges

Directions
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the vodka, gin, rum, tequila, schnapps, and nectar. Cover and shake vigorously to mix well and chill. Divide the mixture between two glasses (ice too) and top off with the cola and more ice, as needed. Garnish with a peach slice. Serve and slowly sip. Cheers!