Herbal Cocktails Anyone?

The holidays are drawing to a close, and let's face it.  Most of us probably need a drink.

In preparation for the final party of the year, I thought I'd highlight some delicious herbal cocktails.  Sure you can serve the traditional beer, wine, and champagne.  But hey, why not throw some glitzy drinks in the mix, that add both pizazz and just a bit of health into your evening.  They range from simple to complicated in preparation, and somewhat healthy to gluttonous.

And here they are, in that order:

Elderflower Champagne Cocktail

Basic Recipe:
3/4 glass of Champagne or Prosecco
1/4 glass of St. Germain (Elderflower liqueur)
1 sprig of mint

*Fill a tumbler with ice (or use a chilled champagne flute).  Pour in the Champagne, then top with St. Germain.  Mix well and top with mint sprig.  To look even fancier you can put a raspberry or cherry in the bottom for a sweet finish to the drink.

Did I mention that elderflower is a great herb to use when you feel a cold or flu coming on?

Lemon-Ginger Hot Toddy

Basic Recipe:
1 oz Whiskey
1 slice lemon
1 slice of Ginger
1 tablespoon of honey
Top with hot water

*Mix well and serve in your favorite mug.  Feeling sick?  Add some Echinacea Tincture, sprigs of thyme, cinnamon stick or any other herb that will make you feel better.  This is a great winter staple!

Raspberry Lavender Margarita

Basic Recipe:

1 1/2 ounces silver tequila, such as Patron
1/2 ounce Cointreau
1 1/2 ounces raspberry puree
1/2 ounce Lime Juice
3 fresh raspberries
1 dried lavender stem

*Mix together first 4 ingredients over ice in a shaker. Shake. Salt or sugar the rim of a chilled martini glass. Strain ingredients into the glass. Garnish with raspberries skewered onto a dried lavender stem.

Chocolate Mintini

Basic Recipe:
2-5 leaves fresh mint
1/2 ounce vodka
1 1/2 ounces Chocolate Liqueur
1/2 ounce Kahlúa®

*Muddle mint leaves and vodka, add chocolate liqueur and Kahlúa® over ice in a shaker. Shake well. Swirl chocolate sauce in the inside of the martini glass, strain in mixture and garnish with more mint leaves.



Three....two....one....Happy New Year!!!!

Be well friends,
Kristin