New Year’s Eve celebrations are almost here! And it just wouldn’t be the same without a glass of champagne. A flute of champs is a classic go-to, but this year, why not switch things up by sipping on cocktails that are bubblicious!
My Bellini Manhattan combines two of my cocktail favorites. Just shake up bourbon, peach puree, sweet vermouth, and then top it with a splash of bubbly! And to make it extra swanky, garnish with Gold Cherries – just drain dark cherries and toss with gold luster dust. Ohh-la-la!
If a lighter spirit is more your style, try my Pear Thyme Sparkle– it’s a deliciously delicate holiday sip. Pear vodka, lemon elixir and fresh thyme, shaken ‘til icy cold, then strained into a martini glass – and of course topped with a splash of bubbly! The fresh thyme adds a lovely dry note to this cocktail and makes for a pretty garnish!
But my all-time favorite holiday cocktail is my Douglas Fir Sparkletini. Even the name is festive and fun! Made with Douglas Fir infused Gin, fresh lemon, white cranberry and of course- finished with a splash of bubbly…this zippy cocktail is a total crowd-pleaser. For a more herbaceous flavor, try making the Douglas Fir infusion with half gin, half vodka!
And for easy entertaining- you can pre-batch your Sparkletini by converting the ounce measurements to cups and storing in a sealed bottle. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply pour 3 ounces into a shaker tin, shake with ice, and strain into your favorite glass. Don’t forget the bubbly finish!
So break out the fizz and get ready to celebrate! Cheers to New Year!
-Kathy
Douglas Fir Sparkletini
This is absolutely my favorite holiday cocktail. The light essence of Douglas fir infusing the gin evokes a sleigh ride in the woods, and the pouf of Champagne adds a festive effervescence.
Makes 1 drink
1 1/2 ounces Douglas Fir–Infused Gin
3/4 ounce white cranberry juice
1 1/2 ounces Fresh Lemon Sour
Splash of brut Champagne or dry sparkling wine
For garnishing
Tiny sprig of Douglas fir
Fresh or frozen cranberry
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Measure in the infused gin, cranberry juice, and lemon sour. Cap and shake vigorously. Strain into a martini glass and top with a splash of Champagne. Garnish with a fir sprig and float a cranberry in the drink.
Douglas Fir–Infused Gin
Makes enough for about 16 drinks
1 (5- to 6-inch) sprig fresh-picked Douglas fir branch, rinsed
1 bottle (750 ml) gin
Put the fir branch into the gin bottle, cap, and let sit 24 hours. (Do not let it infuse for more than 24 hours.) Remove the branch and discard. The infused gin can be stored at room temperature for up to one year.
Tips: If fresh Douglas fir is not available in your area, then you can substitute a Douglas-fir tea bag. If using the tea, add the contents of the tea bag to the gin, let infuse, and then strain the gin through a very fine strainer. The infused gin also makes a good martini.
Fresh Lemon Sour
Makes 2 cups
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup Simple Syrup
In a medium container or pitcher with a lid, combine the ingredients. Cover and keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Simple Syrup
This is a bar staple and the most commonly used sweetener. Though you can purchase simple syrup, it is ordinarily sweeter than I prefer, so I highly recommend making your own. Proportions vary but it is easy.
Makes 3 cups
2 cups water
2 cups sugar
Mix the water and sugar together in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Let boil 1 minute then immediately remove from the heat. Let cool to room temperature before using. Store in a clean glass bottle or container, at room temperature, for up to 2 weeks or, refrigerated, for up to 3 months.
Recipe from Kathy Casey’s Sips & Apps cookbook
