Cocktails to usher in the holiday season

Every year as the holidays approach, I become so excited at the thought of entertaining that it’s imperative I throw at least one pre-holiday cocktail soiree to usher in the season.  Tomorrow we will focus on appetizers for the bash, today the recipes presented are cocktails.

I have included a link to each recipe so that you can go in to each site and poke around a bit.  There are many good things to find on each one, and you might see an idea or three that will be an exact fit for your holiday party.

There are times a cocktail gathering requires a theme and there are times it needs to be a bit simpler with a sample or two for each guest.  For these moments a variety of flavors will delight every one in attendance.   The first recipe is Martha Stewart’s,  you will see at least one of hers here today.

Mulled White-Wine Sangria ~ Serves 12

With ingredients such as Orange-blossom honey, zest of two lemons plus the juice,  star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, dry white wine, orange Muscat, apples, pears, and kumquats you know it’s going to be as gorgeous to look at, as it tastes.  Recipe….

Food and Wine is a favorite site of mine that I peruse daily.  Their cocktail list has an international flair and you will find recipes of all nationalities to delight your taste buds.

Vin d’Orange ~ Serves 8

This little beauty is a simple wine cocktail that will be a delight for your guests.  The ingredient list is simple, chilled Orange Wine, ( link on site with this recipe) Simple Syrup.  This particular recipe will serve 8, pour in to a martini glass and garnish each with an elegant orange twist.  Recipe….

Champagne Mojitos ~ Serves 12

I personally do not feel a gathering is complete unless there is Champagne and even though this recipe calls for only a splash per glass, it qualifies.  This can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator over night.  Add the splash of Champagne and mint sprigs upon serving.  Recipe….

The last on my list today is another of Martha’s gorgeous creations.  This sophisticated cocktail blends the apple and cognac flavors I so adore.

Cognac Sparklers

Ingredients

• 1 ounce ( 2 tablespoons ) Cognac
• 1 cup chilled hard sparkling apple cider
• A few dashes biters

Directions

1. Pour 1/2 ounce ( 1 tablespoon ) Cognac into each of 2 glass.  Top each with 1/2 cup chilled sparkling apple cider, and finish with a few dashes bitters.  Recipe….