Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Cranberry Mint Vodka Punch

 

    The New Year is right around the corner and there is no better way to start the year off than with a great cocktail made to be shared with friends.  That's right, this cocktail is made in a batch and can be served to all your holiday guests.  Make this one mocktail for those underage or the designated driver. 

 

    Personally, I'm not a big fan of champagnes, so the bubbles in this drink are provided by the ginger beer.  The melding of flavors of the ginger, cranberry and lemonade make this drink one you can sip at any time of the year, but we chose to help you ring in the New Year with this drink.  

    It's easy to mix and prepare for your guests ahead of time that way you can sit back and enjoy your time with friends and family.  Just be sure to mark your pitchers if you choose to make one without the alcohol, that way little hands who wants to enjoy do not end up with the wrong mixer.  

    Let's get down to business, this will be a new holiday favorite that you will want to pull out each year.  Here is what you will need to get started.

   Cranberry Mint Vodka Punch

2 cups Cranberry Juice

1 cup Lemonade

1 cup Vodka

1 cup Ginger Beer

Garnish with mint and cranberries

Tear off some mint leaves and drop into your pitcher.  Pour each ingredient into a large pitcher.  Mix it up and set in the fridge to chill.  When you are ready to serve fill glasses with ice, cranberry and mint, pour in the drink and enjoy.  If you are going to set your drink out, fill the pitcher with ice as well to help keep your drink chilled.  

    This is such a fun and festive drink you won't want to miss mixing it up at your next party.  If you do not want to mix this drink yourself, stop by the Tipsy Oak Lounge, by the Oaks Bed and Breakfast and ask for the cocktail of the month.  We will be serving this drink all month long in January.  As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver. Cheers!

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Guava Ginger Screwdriver

 

    This month's cocktail was a little unexpected for me.  I figured that it would have a more fruity flavor and be too sweet but it turns out the spice of the ginger beer mellows the sweetness quite well and brings about a satisfyingly, refreshing drink.  The Guava Ginger Screwdriver might have a few layers to it but is very easy to make. The tropical flavor of the guava melds well with the fruit flavor of the Hpnotiq.  Not being a big fan of fruity or tropical drinks, I know I'm probably one of very few people who do not like pina coladas.  I purchased the smallest bottle of Hpnotiq I could find since I was not sure about the flavor or the likelihood I would use it in the future.  

    While not a romantic drink,  it still fits well with the holiday season, as what I would refer to as a girly drink.  Fruity notes, and flavors, with a splash of pink family color.  This drink will satisfy all your flavor needs, from first taste to last taste.  As with all the cocktails we make, use your favorite liquors to create a drink that you will enjoy the most.  

Guava Ginger Screwdriver

1.5 ounces Vodka

1 ounces Hpnotiq

4 ounces Ginger beer

2 ounces Guava Nectar

Spring of fresh Thyme

Pour all your ingredients into a shaker cup that is filled with ice.  Cap it off and give it a vigorous shake.  Once the cup is extra cold to the touch, pour into a Martini glass, or glass of your choice and garnish with a fresh sprig of thyme.  

    It's that simple to be transported away from your everyday life to some place tropical.  You will not be disappointed with this cocktail.  Be sure to not over fill your shaker, otherwise it might get a little leaky when shaken.  Personal experience here, I think I was a little heavy on the ginger beer.  But that might have helped me to enjoy it more. You can enjoy our short video of how to make this cocktail on our YouTube Channel. 

 

    As always please drink responsibly and always use a designated driver when drinking.  Until next month please enjoy and let us know if you try this cocktail out. Cheers from the Oaks Bed and Breakfast.