Clean Cocktails for Festive Entertaining

This past week I have been scrambling around ensuring that I have a fully stocked family friendly bar, and gave my cocktail/mocktail menu allot of thought to ensure that everyone felt festive regardless of their drinking habits.   With the menu planned, the bar stoked, I am finally ready to road test my stain free Thanksgiving cocktail menu.  The red wine, port and cranberry mixers are all locked away and have been replaced  with clear drinks that will eliminate any worry about spills and stains … after all, we all long to be that host that shrugs off a cocktail spill like it was only water, with these clever clear drink ideas that long for shrug is only a cocktail (or two) away.

Ginger Sidecar Run an orange slice around the rim of a martini glass, then rotate the glass on a plate of caster sugar to coat the rim.  Add 2-3 slices of fresh ginger, one pinch of fresh orange zest, 2 ounces of brandy, 1 ounce of Cointreau, 2 table spoons of fresh lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of maple syrup and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake, and then strain into your prepared glass.

Vodka Gibson Add 1 ounce vermouth, 4 ounces of vodka, and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker. Strain into a chilled martini glass with a cocktail onion as garnish.

White Cosmo Add 1/2 ounce of Cointreau, 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice, 1 ounce of vodka, 2 ounces of white cranberryjuice and handful of ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with lime.

St-Germain and Champagne Pour 1 1/2 ounces of St. Germain and 1 ounce of soda water into a Champagne flute, then top with champagne.

My Family’s Christmas Bliss Toast Add 1/4 shot of triple sec and a splash of white cranberry juice to a Champagne flute, and then top with Champagne.

From my house to yours, wishing you a festive holiday season filled with laughter, love and memories to keep you warm all winter long.  Happy Thanksgiving!

psst….did you enter the stationary giveaway?