There’s nothing like holiday cocktail parties. It’s the best time of year! But let’s be honest— it’s a stressful time too. So much to do, so little time! It’s easy for me to put entertaining on the back burner. But instead of wimping out, I find ways to make holiday entertaining more doable. One of my shortcuts is to serve one (and only one) crowd-pleasing party cocktail that can be made in seconds flat.
Last year, I gave you all a sparkling three-ingredient cocktail to make your holiday parties chic and easy. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: never play bartender at your own parties! Large-format signature cocktails are the way to go!
While you could do something classic like eggnog, mulled cider, or spiced punch for your holiday bash, I think you’re better off with my Pomegranate-Rosemary Fizz. Most holiday drinks are heavy and strong, but this one is refreshingly light–something I crave at a bustling cocktail party.
The secret to this drink is twofold: homemade rosemary-infused gin and canned pomegranate-orange soda. You might be intimidated by infusing your own spirits, but you shouldn’t be! All it takes is a little time. You just let your gin sit with a couple sprigs of rosemary for a few days and that’s it!
When I discovered San Pellegrino’s Pomegranate Orange spritzer I fell in love. It’s very dry and the perfect way to add lots of flavor to cocktails without any mixing. A little squeeze of lime over the top of the drink is the perfect final touch. I like to serve these drinks in highball glasses with a sprig of rosemary in the class. It’s a festive garnish that also adds aroma to the drink.
Put down your cocktail shakers and make this incredibly simple yet elegant cocktail for your holiday entertaining. You’ll thank me later!
Lastly, let’s not forget that this is the season of giving. I’ve recently committed myself to raising money for Teens for Food Justice, an organization I truly believe in. Read below to learn about their incredible mission. Please, if you can, click here to help me support this cause. All children deserve access to fresh, healthy food.
“Through our unique Teens for Food Justice model, volunteers work together to build and manage hydroponic farms that grow food for families in underserved, food desert communities. They also get the training, skills and confidence to help others improve their nutrition, fitness, and wellness and empower those at greatest risk to advocate for their own health. Volunteers learn and serve together in a hands-on entrepreneurial environment, gaining the collaborative, critical-thinking skills needed by tomorrow’s leaders and developing an ongoing commitment to lasting social change.”
Pomegranate-Rosemary Fizz
Makes 1 drink
1.5 oz rosemary infused gin (recipe below)
5 oz San Pellegrino Pomegranate-Orange Soda
Squeeze of lime
Rosemary sprig, for garnish
To a highball glass filled with ice, add gin and pomegranate orange soda. Squeeze a lime over top and drop it into the glass. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
To make rosemary infused gin: Add 4 large sprigs rosemary to 750 ml of gin. Let sit at least 3 days at room temperature, or up to a week.
