Canada Dry Ginger Ale Cranberry Holiday Sparkler

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In our family, Hubby and I are known for our cocktails. For every party or occasion, we are the ones that make sure there is a signature drink for everyone to enjoy. This year, we did our annual cookie decorating party at my parents house and what makes cookie decorating even more fun? A holiday cocktail!
 

Luckily, they live right near a Vons Grocery store, so I stopped in there on the way to make sure I had all the ingredients I needed to mix up something festive and pretty to drink while we decorated gingerbread men and sugar cookies.
 

I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to do. I was starting with Canada Dry Ginger Ale to make it sparkly, and they carry their awesome "O Organics" brand of USDA organic Cranberry Juice Cocktail at Vons so I grabbed some of that for some holiday color and flavor.
 

This cup of ice awaits...

I had already confirmed that there was enough of a variety of liquor at the house to mix into any drink, but I picked up some Simple Syrup because that is really my secret ingredient in any mixed drink. Then I scored some gorgeous organic raspberries, limes, and some green parsley to make a little garnish bouquet. I LOVE the selection at Vons. They always have everything I need! This drink was really coming together on its own!

Hubby and I tried out a few different ideas, and had my brother be our taste tester. My other trick with mixing drinks is to have the biggest guy in the room taste the drinks and he clearly enjoys this task.
 

 

Another great tip is to use a measuring cup with ounces marked. 
I love this little one with a pouring spout!

Finally, we came up with a perfect concoction that was not too strong, really pretty, sparkly, and just the right amount of sweet!



We call it a Canada Dry Ginger Ale Cranberry Holiday Sparkler!  Everyone can enjoy it while painting a couple hundred cookies or whatever activity you want to enhance with a great tasting and beautiful beverage. It is also super easy to make this drink a "virgin" by leaving out the alcohol, or make it a double or triple if there are some macho dudes that need a little more coaxing to paint happy faces on 46 cookies while still making a happy face of their own.
 

We clearly needed a cookie tester, too!

What You Need:
4 oz Canada Dry Ginger Ale
2 oz Cranberry Juice Cocktail
1/2 oz Simple Syrup
1 oz Vodka (we used an orange vodka to make it really special)
1/2 oz Dark Rum
fruit and/or herbs for garnish

What You Do:
Fill a highball or goblet glass with ice.
Add 1 oz. Vodka and 1/2 oz. Dark Rum.
Add 4 oz. Canada Dry Ginger Ale and 2 oz. Cranberry Juice Cocktail
Add 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
Stir ingredients together and serve with festive garnish.

Enjoy Responsibly and
Find more fun holiday drink recipes and entertaining tips!