Holiday Cocktail: The Cranberry Claus

Thanks to you, my wonderful readers, the holiday cocktail I posted last year was very successful. So I thought I would make it a little tradition here on the blog to post an annual holiday cocktail.

This.One.Is.GOOD!!!

I wish I could take credit for the recipe, but I actually found it on one of the last few pages of the December issue of InStyle magazine. My idea of a good drink is something that colorful, simple, different and most importantly, extra tasty. This drink meets all of those requirements. The puree makes the drink sweet and slightly tart. The burbon adds that extra little kick and offsets the tartness of the cranberries. Oh so good. The puree can also be made ahead of time- which I love.

Here is what you need and what to do:

Drink 

(makes 1)

2 oz light-syle burbon

1/2 oz St. Germain liqueur

2 oz cranberry puree 

Cranberry Puree

1 12 oz bag frozen cranberries

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

3 whole cloves

1 cinnamon stick

1 orange, zested

Add all of the ingredients for the puree to a small saucepan. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Your house will smell amazing...

Remove the cinnamon stick and pour the mixture into a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. Strain the mixture into a bowl and chill in the refrigerator. 

To make the drink, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all of the ingredients for the drink to the shaker. Shake until your fingers feel like they are going to fall off, about 15 seconds. :) Strain the drink into a slightly frosted martini glass and garnish with cranberries and sliced oranges. 

TIP: The puree can also be used a base for a cranberry mimosa. Just add a little of the puree to the bottom of a champagne glass. Top it off with your favorite champagne!

Update: I'm sharing this recipe with Natasha at Schue Love! She is hosting a Holiday Recipe Party, so be sure to stop by!