Autumn is here, officially. In Wisconsin the weather has been warm and mild in the day and cool and crisp in the evening…pretty much perfect September weather. Today I am sharing three creative cocktail recipes that will keep you cozy in the coming weeks. Perfect for get-togethers, parties, dinner parties, holidays, date night in or even simply 5 o’clock on a Tuesday. If you would rather have mocktails you can omit the alcohol or replace it with seltzer water. Cheers!
Crisp Cranberry Cocktail
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh or frozen (thawed) Cranberries
3/4 cup Honey
1 cup Water
Ice
Vodka
Sparkling Wine or Club Soda
Dried Cranberries (for garnish)
Add Cranberries, honey and water to a small saucepan and bring to a bowl. Lower heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes (before they start to pop or burst). Using a large spoon or potato masher smash the fruit a bit and stir during simmering. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes. Pour contents of saucepan through a mesh sieve or strainer pushing on the fruit to get all of the liquid out and set aside. The remaining fruit makes a great (chunky) jam and will keep in a airtight container in the fridge or freezer. Allow fruit syrup to cool. Mix the cocktails by adding the cooled fruit syrup, vodka, and sparkling wine over ice, garnish with dried cranberries.
Rosemary Martini
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Dry White Wine
1/2 cup Gin
Fresh Rosemary
Green Olives, pitted
Ice, optional
Shake gin, wine and ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a glass and garnish with olives and rosemary. The flavor of the rosemary really comes through in this cocktail. Perfect drink to compliment appetizers or dinner, makes about 2 cocktails.
Pumpkin Rum Punch
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup Pumpkin Purée (unsweetened)
2 cups Apple Cider
1 1/2 cup dark Rum
1 tsp pure Vanilla
1/4 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Nutmeg
Ice
Apple Slices, for garnish
Add all of the ingredients to a punch bowl (except ice) and whisk well. Add Ice and gently stir. Garnish punch bowl or glasses with apple slices. Serves about 10. The perfect addition to any autumn party.
