The tart flavor of cranberry is a great base for cocktails and one that people are subconsciously craving as they experience Thanksgiving withdrawal. And with just a bit of preparation and the magic of simple syrup, we can do better than the standard Cosmopolitan or Sex on the Beach.
After the jump are two cocktail recipes -- one alcoholic, one non-alcoholic -- that are perfect for before or after dinner. Both could be served as punch or via individual servings.
On the off chance you can't find fresh cranberries -- although some were still available at Hy-Vee (7620 State Line Road, Prairie Village) -- the O Fizz uses cranberry juice. This combination of champagne, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, mint and simple syrup, is a perfect aperitif with a nice color.
The non-alcoholic Cranberry-Lime Sparkler is an updated take on the classic Lime Rickey. It's essentially a combination of a lime and cranberry-infused simple
syrup added to the sparkling drink of your choice at a ratio of 1:3. It can work with either a base of sparkling water or ginger beer -- I'd opt for ginger beer.
The carbonation in both drinks works well with cranberry and lime -- it's the same principle at work in the limeades at Topy's, Winstead's and Sonic. In a pinch, you could always just add a splash of vodka to a cranberry limeade from Sonic -- kindly wait until you're back home to do so.
[Image via Flickr: bitchbuzz]
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