Cocktails, Mocktails, and Holiday Grogs

So often, holiday-inspired drinks are reserved for Christmas. Why can’t we eat, drink, and be merry 12 months out of the year?! I’m here to tell you, we can!  Here are some fun recipes to get you thru the next few months.

My favorite thing about “grogs” is that there isn’t a set recipe. Historically, grog was rum cut with water – courtesy of the Royal Navy after the sailors had one too many rum rations….

Springtime Grog

• 2 bottles dry white wine (750ml) (Sauvignon Blanc is my first choice)
• 3 cups white rum
• 2 16oz bottles Kiwi Cucumber water (Wanu is my favorite brand)
• 1 cup lime juice
• ¾ cup Turbinado Sugar Syrup (or more/less to taste)
• Food coloring as desired
• 2 liters club soda

Combine all ingredients and chill for 2 hours. Either pour over ice and serve immediately, or add cold grog to ice in a large dispenser like this Tablecraft #175 Silouette Beverage Dispense for self service. I like garnishing either with a lime or kiwi slice.

I have an (almost) 3-year-old son. He just wants what is mine…it doesn’t matter what is in my cup. Here is a fun mocktail recipe – it is kid friendly and delicious enough to even tempt adults.

Sangria Mocktail (kid friendly)

• ¼ cup agave nectar
• ½ cup orange juice
• 2 cups white grape juice
• 2 cups berry juice (we use cranberry)
• 1 cup ginger ale
• 1 sliced orange
• 1 sliced pear
• ½ cup each blackberries and raspberries

Add everything except the ginger ale. Mix well and refrigerate 1-2 hours (the longer it marinates, the better the flavor). Before serving, add ginger ale. Serve chilled or over ice.

If you aren’t worried about the kid friendly aspect, try this revamped recipe to make it a little more adult-oriented.

Springtime Sangria (adults only!)

• ¼ cup agave nectar
• ¼ cup brandy
• ¼ cup Grand Marnier
• 1 bottle dry red wine
• 1 cup ginger ale
• 1 sliced orange
• 1 sliced pear
• ½ cup each blackberries and raspberries

Add everything except the ginger ale. Mix well and refrigerate 1-2 hours (preferably overnight). Before serving, add ginger ale. Serve chilled or over ice.

Cheers! Kristi