Recipe: Cranberry gin and tonic

CRANBERRY GIN AND TONIC

Serves 10.

Note: Adapted from Gourmet magazine.

• 2 (12-oz.) bags fresh cranberries

• 1 c. granulated sugar

• 1/2 c. water

• 3 1/3 c. chilled tonic water

• 3 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. fresh lime juice

Directions

Bring cranberries, sugar and water to a simmer in a 3- to 31/2- quart saucepan. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until berries just begin to pop, about 2 minutes. Drain cranberries in a fine-mesh sieve set over a 1-quart glass measuring cup.

Measure and set aside 2 cups cooked cranberries. Force remaining berries through the sieve into the syrup. Discard solids remaining in sieve, then add reserved 2 cups cranberries to the syrup. Let cool to room temperature. Transfer to a pitcher; chill until cold, about 2 hours.

Add tonic water, gin and lime juice to syrup, stirring gently to combine. Serve over ice in 8- to 10-oz. glasses.

Serves 10.

Note: Adapted from "Champagne Cocktails" by A.J. Rathbun.

• Ice block or cracked ice

• 2 c. apple cider

• 1 c. vodka

• 1 apple, sliced

• 1 lemon, sliced

•1 (750 ml) bottle sparkling apple juice, chilled

• 1 (750 ml) bottle brut Champagne, or other sparkling wine, chilled

Directions

Carefully add sparkling apple juice and then Champagne. Stir. Serve in wine glasses or goblets.

BUBBLY POINSETTIA

Serves 2.

Note: Adapted from "Champagne Cocktails" by A.J. Rathbun.

• Ice cubes

• 3 tbsp. grenadine

• 2 tbsp. maraschino liqueur

• 1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice

• Chilled brut Champagne or other sparkling wine

• 2 lemon slices

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. Add gin, grenadine, maraschino liqueur and lemon juice. Shake vigorously.

Strain the liquid into two flute glasses. Top each with sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon slice.

AMARETTO-CRANBERRY KISS

Serves 8.

Note: Adapted from Bon Appetit magazine.

• 1 c. vodka

• 1/2 c. amaretto

• 3 tbsp. fresh orange juice

• Ice cubes

•1 clementine orange, peeled, and separated into segments

Mix cranberry juice, vodka, amaretto and orange juice in a pitcher. Cover and chill until ready to serve. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead.)

To make 2 drinks, fill cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Pour in scant 1 cup vodka mixture. Cover and shake vigorously. Strain into two martini glasses. Garnish each with a clementine segment.

NONALCOHOLIC APPLE SPARKLER

Serves 5.

Note: Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens.

• 10 unpeeled orange wedges or chunks

• 5 unpeeled lime wedges or chunks

• 5 (6-inch) wooden skewers

• 2/3 c. raspberry juice blend

• 1 (750 ml) bottle sparkling apple cider or sparkling pear-apple juice, chilled

Sprinkle colored sugar on a piece of waxed paper. Moisten the rims of five wine glasses, one at a time, with a little water. Dip each rim in sugar and set aside for 5 to 10 minutes to dry.

For fruit garnish, place 2 orange wedges and 1 lime wedge onto each skewer; set aside.