Take a deep breath. Christmas is almost here. Then it’ll be New Years and — before you blink — 2016 will be halfway over.
Right now, at the darkest time of year, don’t forget to slow down from time to time and savor some time with your friends and family.
Here are three drinks that you can sip while catching up with your favorite people, watching a movie or reading a good book. All can be easily prepped in advance for one or for many. And the simple syrup will keep well in the fridge.
Cheers!
Blackberry sparkler
- Sparkling white wine of your choice
- 1 cup frozen blackberries
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- Sprig rosemary
Garnish: Rosemary and/or frozen blackberry
Make blackberry simple syrup: Combine blackberries, sugar, water and 5 inch length of rosemary branch together in a pot. Bring to a boil, lower to a simmer and let cook until sauce is deep purple, slightly thickened and very fragrant, about 10 minutes. Strain out the solids and let syrup cool.
Add 1 to 2 ounces syrup to a champagne flute. Top up with champagne. Garnish with rosemary and/or blackberry.
Ginger spice
- 1 ounce ginger liqueur
- 2 ounces whiskey
- Ginger beer
Pour ginger liqueur and whiskey over ice. Top up with ginger beer.
Kumquat sparkler
- Sparkling white wine of your choice
- 10 regular-sized kumquats
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- Vanilla bean
Cut kumquats in half or squash them. Combine them with sugar, water and vanilla bean in a pot. For a stronger vanilla flavor, split the bean and scrape out the insides, then add it all to the pot. Bring liquid to a boil and lower to a simmer. Let simmer until the kumquats are soft and the mixture is very fragrant. At least 10 minutes. Strain out the solids and let syrup cool.
Add ¾ ounce syrup (or to taste) to champagne flute and top up with champagne. Garnish with a slice of kumquat.
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