Here's my Ruby Sparkler champagne cocktail recipe and some tips for fun holiday drinks. Ice can make the difference.
Holiday drinks chill out with fanciful ice and festive combinations of libations. Whether you're having a Holiday Open House or a small dinner party, this drink is a big hit.
One of my favorite holiday cocktails I call the Ruby Sparkler:
Drop the finished cubes into a flute of your favorite champagne or sparkling wine.
Rubies suspended on bubbly, divine!
More Sparkles Please:
Another fun sparkler is a combination of ice wine and sparkling wine. You can adjust the sweetness of the drink to the preference of the guest by adding more or less ice wine.
Easy Nibbles: Smoky Almonds are a great cocktail accompaniment, try my favorite Homemade Smoked Almonds. Another favorite cocktail snack uses Pasolivo's Tangerine Oil splashed lightly over marcona almonds with a sprinkle of za'atar spices. You can do the same light brush of oil and sprinkle of spices for a healthy chip. Just use your tortilla or pita triangles, and bake for a few minutes or run under the broiler for a crunchy treat.
Ice, Ice Baby:
If you're in a playful mood, how about penguin shaped ice cubes. Or if you really want people to play, how about giving them tons of ice in the shape of Legos? Be sure to have lots of bar towels handy.
For the hipsters on your list, stick with perfectly square cubes. When you just want a rock or two to open up your single malt or your small batch bourbon, a perfectly square cube makes you feel like Bette Davis or David Niven in an old film noir.
Marilyn more your style? How about Diamond Ice? Square-cut or pear-shaped, these rocks don't lose their shape, diamonds are a girl's best friend; get that ice or else no dice, diamonds are a girl's best friend.
A punchbowl filled with stars? It's easy with star ice cubes. Or, freeze cranberries in a ring mold for a deep red wreath for the punchbowl. For a great punch recipe, see Devy Stone's holiday drinks hot and cold.
Still thirsty? See Mary Luz Mejia's article for more Drinkable Desserts. For a fun gift idea, why not pair a shaker, a pair of nice glasses and a fancy ice cube tray? Or, two flutes, a pomegranate and my Ruby Sparkler recipe? More Christmas Cocktails here, too.Thanks, Carrie! We're a fun group here on the F&D page, June's bringing Exotic Drinks to the party.
The copyright of the article Ice, ice baby. Holiday Drinks Rock in Gourmet Food is owned by Jacqueline Church. Permission to republish Ice, ice baby. Holiday Drinks Rock must be granted by the author in writing.
Comments
Dec 7, 2006 7:34 AM
Devorah Stone
:
I'm a huge penguin fan. Love them. I have to get those penguin ice cubes! Great stuff!