Recipes 171

Transforming your cocktails for a New Year’s Eve bash can be simple and fun, especially with the touch of edible glitter. This food-safe decoration is available in a variety of colors, allowing you to match it with your cocktail of choice. Adding glitter elevates your drinks from ordinary to extraordinary, making them perfect for a celebration.

For a crowd-pleasing option, consider making a batch of Ina Garten’s iconic Cosmopolitan enhanced with some pink edible glitter. Other creative ideas include spiking Negronis with red glitter, swirling orange glitter into homemade spiced apple cider, or sprinkling green glitter into your Margarita mix. You can also turn a classic punch into a glittery centerpiece by adding a sprinkle of shimmer.

If you’re not planning to mix cocktails from scratch, use edible glitter to enhance a DIY drink station. Serve store-bought juices like cranberry and lemonade with a touch of sparkle, alongside a selection of liquors and mixers for guests to create their own festive drinks.

Beyond drinks, edible glitter can add flair to garnishes. Brushing glitter onto dehydrated citrus or fresh fruit makes for an elegant presentation. It can also be used on classic cocktails—try adding some glitter to olives for an eye-catching garnish for Martinis or mix it into salt or sugar rims.

An especially charming application of edible glitter is for the midnight toast on New Year’s Eve. Sprinkle some gold or silver glitter into the bottom of your champagne flutes, and watch it dance as you pour the sparkling wine, enhancing the celebratory moment right from the first sip.

For more festive cocktail inspirations, explore this exploration of unusual craft cocktail ingredients to keep your New Year’s gathering exciting.

This Cyber Monday, a notable discount has been spotted on the Bev by Black+Decker, often referred to as the "Keurig of cocktails." With a price drop to $169.99 from its original $300, this cocktail-making machine presents an attractive option for those who enjoy mixing drinks without the complicated steps of muddling or measuring ingredients.

Designed to deliver bar-quality cocktails with ease, the Bev requires nothing more than a drink pod and your choice of spirits. While reviews mention that the cocktail quality can vary, the significant discount makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to elevate their home happy hour experience.

For additional details on the Bev cocktail machine and to grab the deal, check out Amazon’s Cyber Monday page.

Clemente Bar, a new venture stemming from the acclaimed three Michelin star restaurant Eleven Madison Park, presents a cocktail experience that is both accessible and sophisticated. Emphasizing culinary creativity and sustainability, Clemente Bar merges innovative drink crafting with responsible practices, offering patrons a unique and elevated approach to cocktails.

If you’re in charge of mixing cocktails for Thanksgiving, there’s no reason to feel overwhelmed. The mixologists at First for Women have curated a list of fantastic cocktail recipes to elevate your holiday gathering. Whether you prefer something warm and cozy or a refreshing chilled drink, this selection has you covered. Here are ten cocktails that promise to make your Thanksgiving memorable:

1. Apple Cider Spritz

This cocktail combines the sweetness of apple cider with sparkling fizz, creating a delightful drink to enjoy while preparing the feast.

CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

2. Spiced Cranberry Punch

Perfect for a large crowd, this punch features warm, fruity flavors and is infused with vodka for an extra kick. Make it ahead of time for convenience.

CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

3. Buttered Rum and Apple Hot Toddy

When the temperature drops, a warm apple hot toddy with butter and spices can be the perfect remedy, taking just 15 minutes to prepare.

CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

4. Smirnoff Holiday Cosmo

A festive twist on the classic cosmopolitan, this drink features a candy rim and cranberries, offering a deliciously sweet, tart taste.

CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

5. Sparkling Elderflower Sip

Make a toast with this light and floral drink combining prosecco and elderflower liqueur. It’s perfect for pre-dinner celebrations.

CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

6. Lemon Rosemary Refresher

This refreshing cocktail blends lemon juice and rosemary, topped with club soda for a fizzy finish that’s sure to please.

CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

7. Cinnamon Apple-Tini

Delight in the bold flavors of fall with this spiced apple-tini, featuring a sugar rim to enhance every sip.

CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

8. Honey Bourbon Cider Cocktail

This cocktail mixes honey, bourbon, and cider for a perfectly sweet and warming beverage, great for celebrating with family.

CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

9. Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

Set it and forget it with this mulled wine that brews cozily in your slow cooker, offering a delicious and aromatic option.

CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

10. Berry-Orange Sangria

Redefine your idea of sangria with this berry and orange-infused recipe, ensuring a refreshing sip any time of the year.

CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

For more delightful cocktail ideas, explore options for Christmas or try a flavorful Coquito recipe that’s creamy yet egg-free. Enjoy crafting the perfect drinks for a fantastic Thanksgiving celebration!

Thanksgiving is a celebration filled with delicious food, but the drinks can elevate the experience even further. While turkey and sides are essential, serving festive cocktails can make the holiday meal even more special. Whether you’re an experienced mixologist or a novice, there’s a cocktail to suit every taste and skill level—ranging from simple mixers to intricate creations.

Thanksgiving Cocktails to Try

1. French Fall 75

   • Ingredients: Gray Whale Gin, fresh lemon juice, apple cider, honey syrup, and Prosecco.
   • Method: Shake all ingredients except Prosecco with ice, strain, and top with Prosecco.

2. Sparkling Holiday Punch

   • Ingredients: Empress 1908 Gin, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, lime juice, and Prosecco.
   • Method: Combine ingredients in a pitcher. Serve chilled and top with Prosecco.

3. Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini

   • Ingredients: Ketel One Vodka, coffee liqueur, pumpkin allspice syrup, and coffee concentrate.
   • Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with pumpkin spice.

4. Autumn Appletini

   • Ingredients: Ketel One Vodka, fresh lemon juice, cinnamon syrup, and apple cider.
   • Method: Shake all ingredients with ice, strain, and garnish with an apple slice.

5. Hard Apple Toddy

   • Ingredients: Dulce Vida Organic Reposado Tequila, hot apple cider, fresh lime juice, and agave.
   • Method: Combine ingredients in a mug and stir. Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.

6. Mezcal Amarás Bitter Love

   • Ingredients: Mezcal Amarás, basil honey, passion fruit, lemon juice, and orange bitters.
   • Method: Mix ingredients, shake with ice, and serve over ice topped with tonic.

7. Dos Maderes Hot Buttered Rum

   • Ingredients: Dos Maderas Rum, butter, demerara sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
   • Method: Combine ingredients in a heated glass, add boiling water, and garnish.

8. Aviation Gin Espresso Martini

   • Ingredients: Aviation American Gin, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup.
   • Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.

9. Proper Apple Pie Martini

   • Ingredients: Proper Irish Apple Whiskey, Irish cream liqueur, and cinnamon.
   • Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a glass.

For those who prefer convenience, consider serving pre-made cocktails like the Cutwater Spirits Fireside Variety Pack, which offers flavors perfect for the holiday season. Brands like the Cocktail Collection and Betty Booze also provide ready-to-serve options that can add festive flair without the hassle of mixing drinks.

Elevate your Thanksgiving feast with these cocktail recipes and help your guests enjoy a spirited celebration!

With the holiday season approaching, eggnog is a beloved drink that can easily be transformed into festive cocktails. However, there are several tips to keep in mind to ensure your eggnog cocktails impress your friends and family.

Maintain Flavor Balance

When using eggnog as a cocktail base, remember that it is rich and sweet. To create balance, pair it with spirits that have a bolder profile. Dark, aged liquors like rum, bourbon, or brandy can complement the sweetness without being overpowered. Use liqueurs in moderation to enhance flavors without adding too much sweetness.

Control Alcohol Content

Eggnog’s creamy texture can mask the strength of alcohol, potentially leading to overserving. Focus on incorporating spirits that elevate flavors rather than just adding more alcohol. Liqueurs with lower alcohol content can add depth without overwhelming the drink.

Consider Temperature

While eggnog is typically enjoyed cold, it can also be served warm. However, be cautious when adding other spirits to warm eggnog. Avoid spirits with botanical flavors like gin, as they can taste unpleasant when heated. Stick to aged spirits for better flavor compatibility.

Use Lighter Dairy

To avoid an overly rich cocktail, consider using lighter dairy options. Swapping regular cream for half-and-half or alternative milks can maintain the delicious texture while allowing for easier mixing with other ingredients.

Avoid Acidic Ingredients

Acidic components like citrus can curdle the dairy in eggnog, creating an unappealing texture. If you want to introduce acidity, it’s best to avoid directly mixing it into your eggnog cocktail.

Dilution May Be Necessary

Without proper dilution, your eggnog cocktail may taste too strong. If you’re not shaking or stirring your drink with ice, consider adding a small amount of water or another mixer to bring the flavors into balance.

Prioritize Safety

To prevent the risk of foodborne illnesses associated with raw eggs, always use pasteurized eggs in your recipes. This simple step can help ensure your cocktails are both delicious and safe.

Vegan Options

For guests who don’t consume animal products, consider a plant-based eggnog. Coconut milk can serve as a fantastic base, and aquafaba (chickpea brine) can replicate the frothiness of egg whites in cocktails.

Achieve the Perfect Texture

For a fluffy mouthfeel, explore shaking cocktails with egg whites or aquafaba. Consider using a technique called dry-shaking—first shaking without ice for maximum froth, then adding ice for chilling before serving.

Enhance with Bitters

Bitters can elevate your eggnog cocktails by adding complexity and enhancing the overall flavor. Classic flavors like orange or aromatic bitters work exceptionally well with the creamy richness of eggnog.

Pre-Batching for Convenience

If hosting a gathering, pre-batching your eggnog cocktails can save time. As long as the alcohol content is high enough (over 20%), the mixture can be safely stored in the refrigerator for longer periods.

Choose the Right Glassware

Serving in suitable glassware enhances the drinking experience. Using smaller glasses allows guests to enjoy their drinks without overindulging, and the right shape can enhance aroma and flavor.

Don’t Forget the Garnish

Garnishes not only beautify cocktails but can also accentuate flavors. Consider using a light dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon to complement the eggnog’s flavor profile. Creative rim options, like graham cracker crumbs or festive sugars, can add a fun touch to your cocktails.

By following these guidelines, you can create delightful eggnog cocktails that will surely impress at your holiday gatherings.

After a tightly contested election, Vice President Kamala Harris faces a pivotal moment as she navigates her final days in office before Donald Trump’s anticipated return as president. Fresh from a significant defeat in the elections, Harris is reportedly preparing to head to Capitol Hill to confront Trump in what may be her last major legislative effort.

In this fraught political climate, Trump’s administration is expressedly critical of Biden’s decisions to provide Ukraine with long-range missiles, suggesting it could escalate hostilities dangerously. This ongoing conflict in Ukraine is compounded by rising tensions in other geopolitical areas.

Adding to the political storm, there are debates surrounding the recent policy shifts in the U.S., notably impacting issues such as bathroom access for transgender individuals, a historical perspective on controversial figures like Susan Smith and Charles Manson, and public pushback against Biden to fulfill certain campaign promises.

Political analysts are keeping an eye on how these various threads will weave into the larger narrative heading into the next term, as Harris appears poised to make her presence felt even amidst a tumultuous backdrop.

There will likely be heightened scrutiny as the coming days unfold, especially surrounding Trump’s response to legislative actions taken by Harris in the nearing end of her vice presidency. This situation continues to evolve, suggesting a deeply charged atmosphere in American politics as both parties prepare for what lies ahead.

For more details, keep an eye on the latest updates on these unfolding events.

Important links:

• 2024 Election
• Politics
• US News

When planning holiday gatherings, providing an array of beverage options is crucial—especially for those who prefer to celebrate without alcohol. The rise of nonalcoholic options from diverse sectors means it’s easier to cater to these preferences. The appeal of crafting your own festive beverage is unparalleled, combining fun, flavor, and enjoyment without the buzz.

Here are ten delightful nonalcoholic cocktails that promise to keep the holiday cheer alive:

1. Non-Alcoholic Negroni
   This variation of the classic Negroni employs a gin alternative and a non-alcoholic aperitif, offering a complex blend of herbal and citrus notes that capture the essence of the original drink.

2. Sharab Rose Raspberry Shrub Cocktail
   Inspired by a Lebanese drink, this tart cocktail features a vibrant combination of raspberry and rose water, making for an elegant and floral choice.

3. Safran Şerbeti (Saffron Cordial)
   A bright and floral Turkish cordial, this drink combines saffron, sugar, and lemon for a refreshing option that dates back to Ottoman times.

4. Nonalcoholic Champagne Spritz
   Crafted with sparkling nonalcoholic rosé and a strawberry-based nonalcoholic aperitif, this spritz offers fruity notes and effervescence — perfect for festive toasts.

5. Coffee Cooler
   A refreshing drink featuring freshly brewed coffee and floral notes from cardamom and orange juice, this cooler is ideal for energizing your guests.

6. Ghia Sour
   Utilizing Ghia’s signature nonalcoholic aperitif, this sour combines fruity and bitter elements with citrus for a colorful and festive drink.

7. Pumpkin Shrub
   This fall-inspired shrub incorporates pumpkin puree and apple cider vinegar for a flavorful syrup that can elevate sodas or coffee.

8. Nonalcoholic Cranberry-Pomegranate Punch
   A holiday staple, this punch marries cranberry, pomegranate, and spices with a nonalcoholic sparkling wine for a zesty kick.

9. Ginger-Lemon Tonic
   This simple and refreshing tonic combines ginger syrup, lemon juice, and tonic water for a fizzy drink with nostalgic roots.

10. Vegan “Eggnog”
    A delightful egg-free variation of the classic treat that relies on creamy basmati rice and warm spices to deliver a rich, satisfying experience.

With these enticing options, you’ll ensure all guests feel included in the festivities, regardless of their drink preferences.

Cocktail mixology has found its way into many homes, with people enjoying the chance to craft their beverages. One classic pairing that stands the test of time is vodka and cranberry juice. Traditionally adored in drinks like the Cape Cod and Bay Breeze, this duo can be enhanced by a surprise ingredient often found at the breakfast table: maple syrup.

Incorporating maple syrup into a vodka cranberry cocktail not only adds a unique flavor profile but also enriches the drink’s sweetness. Maple syrup offers a depth that simple syrup cannot replicate, enhancing the drink with caramel and toffee notes. Vodka’s clarity allows it to blend seamlessly with this sweet addition, beautifully balancing the tartness of the cranberry juice.

To make the perfect vodka cranberry with maple syrup, start with real cranberry juice—avoid sugary cocktails that contain corn syrup. A respectable rule is to mix about ½ ounce of maple syrup with vodka, fresh lime juice, and cranberry juice. This blend creates a refreshing drink with layers of flavor.

For those looking to elevate their cocktail further, experimenting with other ingredients can introduce exciting new facets. Adding carbonation with tonic water or sparkling water lightens the drink and enhances its zest. Alternatively, a hint of vanilla from vanilla-flavored vodka or vanilla syrup can introduce a buttery, creamy element to the mix, creating a delightful complexity.

Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves can also be included to infuse warmth and merge beautifully with the sweetness of the maple syrup. With a few creative tweaks, the vodka cranberry can transform into a show-stopping cocktail that impresses guests and provides a unique twist on a beloved classic.

For more on enhancing vodka cranberry cocktails, read the original article on Tasting Table.

Two Australian teenagers are currently in serious condition after consuming poisoned cocktails during their backpacking trip in Thailand. The incident occurred at their hostel in Udon Thani, close to the Laos border, where they had been enjoying their travels.

The girls, both believed to be 19 years old, began feeling unwell after drinking cocktails that were reportedly laced with methanol, a dangerous substance often used as a cheaper alternative to ethanol in alcoholic beverages. One of the victims has been transported to a hospital in Bangkok, where she is reportedly in "grave" condition, according to her father.

The two were part of a larger group of around ten women traveling together, and the incident has raised alarms within the backpacking community, particularly due to warnings about methanol poisoning. A report indicated that just 25-90 milliliters of methanol could be lethal.

Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are providing consular assistance to the families of the affected teenagers, expressing their heartfelt concern during this distressing time.

Travelers in the area have been warned against consuming local spirits, particularly after reports emerged of others experiencing similar symptoms after being offered complimentary shots at a bar in Vang Vieng, a well-known tourist spot in Laos. Symptoms of methanol poisoning can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, blindness, and seizures.