Three Wise Cocktails.

by Al Butler

Poor Brian.

This week we are offering up not one, but three cocktails that will brighten your holiday celebrations, and bring good cheer to your family and friends. With Christmas (that's right) just around the corner we decided to experiment with some more festive drinks. These three drinks are wise choices in that they blend with the theme of the holiday very well. Easy to craft, and consume, you cannot go wrong when serving any of these up at your gatherings. Some may look at these cocktails as effeminate, girly, and not suitable for men of any age. I believe that such branding, though fun, is foolish. I base not my belief in personal tastes or fancy, but rather on experience. Back in the 1980's while all my "Tough Guy" friends were drinking straight whiskey or simply beer, I ordered a Vodka Cranberry instead. Yup I got laughed at, but come the end of the night it was I who had spent most of the evening with a pretty girl while my friends were stuck talking to themselves. So say what you will about the looks of these Christmas cocktails, because in the end, its not what fills your glass that makes you a man, but your lower parts. And I'd rather smile with a fair maiden, than grouse with an angry workman any day of the week.

Crantini.

The Crantini; not really a Martini but the name stuck somehow. A very pretty festive red cocktail.

Ingredients;
2 oz. Vodka or Gin
1 oz. Triple sec
2 oz. Cranberry Juice (not the cocktail kind)
1/4 oz. Dry Vermouth
Real cranberries or lemon peel for garnish

Method:
Chill a cocktail glass. Next fill your shaker with Ice and add Spirit, Triple Sec, Juice, and Vermouth. Shake, then strain into chilled glass. Garnish with skewered cranberries, a lemon peel or both.

You're a mean one Mr. Grinch.

The "Appletini" used to be all the rage with up and comers and Hipsters, however these days it's popularity has waned somewhat. This cocktails vibrant green color makes me think on my favorite Christmas character the Grinch.

Ingredients:
2 oz. Vodka
1 oz. of Sour Apple Pucker
1/4 oz. of lemon or lime juice
Maraschino Cherry for garnish

Method:
Chill a cocktail glass. Fill your shaker with ice, add Juice, Vodka and Schnapps, and shake till cold. Strain into your chilled glass and drop one or two maraschino cherries for a very cool looking cocktail for the holiday.

Winter's Chill.

The vibrant blue of a Winter's Chill really stands out in a crowd, and though many may be afraid to try it, everyone will notice and ask what it is, as you slide it across the bar.

Ingredients:
1 oz. Vodka (citrus Vodka if you have it)
1 oz. Blue Curacao
1 oz. Lime Juice
1 oz. Triple Sec
lime peel or wheel for garnish (very optional)

Method:
Chill a Cocktail glass!!! (do you guys get it yet?). Next fill a shaker with ice and add; vodka, curacao, lime juice, and triple sec. Shake and strain into your chilled glass. You can garnish this if you like with a lime wheel or twist but I think the simple look of this blue eye popper is better left as is.


So my friends there you have three, easy and rather tasty cocktails that you can serve during the upcoming holiday that will be sure to please just about anyone. I do hope that some of you will give at least one of these festive drinks a try, and if you cannot, well at least I can extend a Merry Christmas to you and wish you all the best.

Cheers
AL