Holiday Inspired Cocktails

With the Holidays kicking off this week I am definitely thinking about all the food- the pumpkin pie, the turkey & stuffing but, I am also thinking about all of the Holiday inspired cocktails. I have been saving quite a few on my "Cheers to That" board on Pinterest and am hoping to make a few as I host a few friends this coming weekend for a Friendsgiving Dinner. I love how festive holiday cocktails are and how much they add to your special gatherings.

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Holiday Inspired Cocktails:

Cranberry Orange Margarita photo & recipe via Half Baked Harvest

SUGARED CRANBERRIES

2 cups sugar divided
2 cups fresh cranberries

BIG BATCH MARGARITAS

1 1/2 cups silver tequila 12 ounces
2 cups cranberry juice 16 ounces, not cranberry cocktail
1/2 cup orange juice 4 ounces
1/2 cup orange liquor 4 ounces
3/4 cups fresh lime juice
2-4 tablespoons sugar or to taste * or use sugared cranberries OPTIONAL
salt for the rim
sparkling water to top the drinks with (OPTIONAL)
slices lime + orange for serving

SUGARED CRANBERRIES

Bring 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar to a boil until the sugar is dissolved, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Stir in the cranberries and let the cranberries sit in the sugar water for 1-2 hour or over night.
Strain the cranberries thoroughly, then add them to a parchment lined cookie sheet with sides. Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups sugar and gently toss until all the cranberries are coated in sugar. Allow the cranberries to dry, in a single layer for at least one hour.

BIG BATCH MARGARITA

Combine all the ingredients in a pitcher and stir to combine. Keep chilled in the fridge until ready to serve. When ready to serve, salt the rims of 4-6 glasses. Add ice to each glass and pour the margaritas over the ice. Top off with sparkling water if desired. Add the sugared cranberries and a lime wedge.

Apple Pie Sangria photo & recipe via Inspired by Charm

serve 4-6

1 green apple, cored and cubed
1 red apple, cored and cubed
1 pear, cored and cubed
1/2 orange, cut into small wedges
1 750ml bottle Pinot Grigio (or you favorite mild white wine)
1 cup salted caramel (or caramel) vodka
3 cups apple cider
1/4 cup apple pie spice simple syrup*
2 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish

In a large pitcher, add the apple cubes, pear cubes, and orange wedges. Top with wine, vodka, apple cider, and simple syrup.

Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. Stir before serving.

*Apple Pie Spice Simple Syrup
Here's what you will need:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
1/8 teaspoon allspice

Combine water, sugar, and spices in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Simmer for about 10 minutes or until the sugar is dissolved and a thicker syrup forms. Chill and store in the refrigerator until use.

Blackberry Ombre Sparkler photo & recipe via Enchanting by Mon Cheri

1 cup fresh blackberries
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
1 bottle champagne

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar and water.  Bring to a boil on high heat and then reduce to a simmer and let cook for 12 ~ 15 minutes.  The blackberries will become soft and bright in color and a pinkish purple syrup will form.  Take off the heat and drain the blackberries, keeping the syrup in a separate bowl.  Set both aside and allow to cool.
2. Once blackberries and simple syrup are cooled, spoon about 4 tablespoons of syrup into the bottom of each champagne flute.
3. Top with champagne.
4. Garnish with fresh blackberries or the cooked blackberries and a spring of rosemary ~ enjoy!

Recipe ~ Becky Hardin - The Cookie Rookie 

North Pole Cocktail photo & recipe via Half Baked Harvest

4 ounces vodka
2 ounces Kahlúa or more to taste
4 tablespoons chocolate syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 teaspoons molasses
1/8 teaspoon ginger
1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
whipped cream candy canes and gingerbread cookies, for serving (optional)

In a cocktail shaker combine the vodka, Kahlúa, chocolate syrup, vanilla, molasses, and ginger. Shake until well combined. Add ice and shake again. Strain into 4 glasses. Top off each glass with heavy cream. Dollop with whipped cream and garnish as desired. DRINK!