We are gearing up for the holiday season, and one thing I love are the seasonal cocktails we start to make as we entertain, even if it’s a few friends or neighbors. Throw in a seasonal, special drink and it feels so festive!

There is something really special about getting together for the holidays, or even just because, and having a cocktail (or mocktail) together! We love to do these get together with neighbors and friends. Or even just have a get together with one friend, make one of these cocktails and put out some cheese and crackers and there ya go!

These are my top three cocktail choices when I want to make a drink. Plus, I love them because these cocktails are simple enough that anyone can make them. Chad has bartended a lot over the years and I always left it up to him to make the drinks, but after trying some of these recipes by myself over the last year, I realized that hey… I can make one, too! And it’s actually super fun.

Okay, so here are my top three cocktail favorites this time of year!!! I make these on repeat for every occasion this time of year.

When we have our family over for Christmas eve, this bubbly holiday cocktail is what we serve! We did it the last 2 years and it was a HIT with everyone! The secret is in the rosemary simple syrup. It’s a rather simple drink, and that simple syrup really is the star. It’s very subtle, so even those who don’t love rosemary will enjoy this drink!

A Bubbly Holiday Cocktail

• 1 ounce 100% cranberry juice

• 1 ounce rosemary simple syrup (recipe below)

• Top with bubbles (Prosecco/champagne/etc)

• Garnish with a fresh cranberry & rosemary

Instructions:

1. Rosemary simple syrup: bring to boil 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a pot on stove. Remove from heat and add 4-6 Rosemary sprigs and let steep for about 30 minutes. Remove and let syrup cool completely and store in a container/jar in the fridge.

2. In a cocktail glass, add the cranberry juice, rosemary simple syrup and top with bubbles. (If you just a champagne flute, you can use 1/2 ounce of the cranberry juice and syrup.)

3. MOCKTAIL: Do sparkling water instead of the prosecco

This spritz I started making last year and was hooked. The star is the Fever Tree Sparkling Grapefruit drink, we find it online on Amazon or at Target. It really is the best. This is a great, refreshing cocktail that is fresh and bright.

Winter Grapefruit Spritz

• 1 ounce fresh lemon juice

• 1 ounce simple syrup

• 2 ounce vodka

• Top with Fever Tree sparking grapefruit drink

• Garnish with lemon peel

Instructions:

1. Simple Syrup: bring to boil 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a pot on stove. Remove and let syrup cool completely and store in a container/jar in the fridge.

2. In a cocktail shaker: Add lemon juice, simple syrup, vodka and add ice. Shake a few seconds. Pour/strain into glass and top with sparkling grapefruit drink and a lemon pee0l

3. MOCKTAIL: Do not add vodka.

Here is a fun one for a holiday brunch. You can be creative with the ice cubes and use any juice you prefer. Making them into ice cubes gives a fun twist on the drink!

Mistletoe Mimosa

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• 6 sprigs fresh rosemary

• 1/2 cup cranberry juice or pomegranate juice

• 1/2 cup apple juice

• 1 bottle Champagne/Prosecco

Instructions:

1. Add cranberries to the ice cube trays. Fill with cranberry and apple juice. Do not fill all of the way to the top, because the ice will expand as it freezes. Top with one small rosemary sprig (cut the sprigs into smaller pieces). Freeze until ice cubes form.

• Put an ice cube in a glass or flute and top with Prosecco/Champagne.

• MOCKTAIL: Add sparkling water or sparkling apple cider in place of prosecco/champagne

If you make any of these drinks, be sure to share it with me and connect on IG at @urban.apron… I love seeing it and hearing about it!

Happy holidays!

Anna