Last fall, when Eric & I spent a week on Oahu in Hawaii, I got my first taste of St. Germain Elderflower liqueur. It was in a drink that I enjoyed one evening after an adventure packed day. As soon as we got back to the contiguous 48 states & I got to the spirit & wine store, I bought myself a bottle, then went to work recreating the cocktail. I called it a Celebration Sparkler and we toasted in Christmas & the New Year with it. This year, we’re going to ring in the holidays with St. Germain again, but this time the cocktail is made with gin, Ruby Red grapefruit juice, and cranberry juice added to the St. Germain. The juices give the cocktail a beautiful, festive holiday color and the subtly herby taste of gin allows the sweet and aromatic flavors that hint of pear and lychee in the liqueur to shine through.

Poinsettia Cocktail

Poinsettia Cocktail (adapted from merrygourmet.com) Makes 2 drinks

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces St. Germain liqueur
• 4 ounces gin
• 4 ounces Ruby Red grapefruit juice
• 2 ounces cranberry juice
• lemon peel & cranberries for garnish

Directions:

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the St. Germain, gin, and juices. Shake well. Strain the drink into a chilled martini glass or old-fashioned glass and garnish with the lemon peel and a cranberry. Serve.

Shake the alcohol & juices together then serve!

Merry Christmas Weekend!  ~Linda

Poinsettia Cocktail (adapted from merrygourmet.com) Makes 2 drinks

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces St. Germain Elderflower liqueur
• 4 ounces gin
• 4 ounces Ruby Red grapefruit juice
• 2 ounces cranberry juice
• lemon peel & cranberries for garnish

Directions:

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the St. Germain, gin, and juices. Shake well. Strain the drink into a chilled martini glass or old-fashioned glass and garnish with the lemon peel and a cranberry. Serve.