Wednesday, December 9

My Favorite Holiday Cocktail

It has been busy around the Dream A Little Dream Events office lately! Besides signing and planning weddings for 2010, we had our next Dream Bridal Tour tickets released, picking finalists for the SF Dream Wedding Giveaway, sending out holiday cards, and don't even get me started on all the parties!

This weekend I am doing my annual open house at my home in Marin. We just put out tons of food, watch football and have lots of beverages. I always make one cocktail that can be easily refreshed and self served, since I'm never a fan of having to offer every single liquor and mixer out there. I am still putting together the food menu, but getting some help from La Boulange Catering that just launched their online ordering catering menu. I just love when throwing a party can be this easy!

Anyway, I've decided to serve the same cocktail that I did last year. It is so incredibly festive and yummy, it was a hit at both the office and home parties that I just had to do it again. If you want a simple cocktail that you don't need to much too much effort into, I suggest you try this.

Cranberry Chill-ade - Makes about 6 servings (you can double, triple or quadruple the recipe as needed)

1 cup cranberry juice
1 cup lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups water
1 cup ice
1 cup vodka
1 red jalapeno pepper (we did half red and half green)

1) In a large bowl combine the lemon juice, sugar and cranberry juice
2) Stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar is dissolved
3) Add the water
4) In a pitcher, fill the bottom with the ice
5) Pour the vodka in first, then mixture over it
6) Add the peppers, stir and serve

It is so simple, and all you need is a beautiful pitcher, some festive glassware, and you are done. I always make a few batches and leave them in the fridge during the party so when it runs out, I can quickly add more ice and mixture, and I can get back to the party.

This time of the season is wonderful, so enjoy it, and if you are worried about throwing together a party or have any questions or comments, let me know!

Happy Planning!

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