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‘Tis the season for celebrations. Holiday gatherings and festive meals call for cheerful atmospheres and perfect pairings. Seasonal produce from the table can, literally, set the bar.
Memorable cocktails require more creativity than mixing more simple sips. To help fill our glass, we spoke with a few local mixologists - those who study the field of bartending and mix more innovative concoctions.
Peter Lupo of Circa suggested the ‘Raspberry Infused Martini’ as a quick and easy holiday cocktail staple.
You’ll need:
1 ½ oz raspberry infused vodka
¼ oz raspberry puree
½ oz simple syrup
How to make it:
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and pour in glass.
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Dennis Asaka recommends his newly created ‘Pom from Ipanema’ now on the menu at Hudson. According to Asaka, “It’s a [great] seasonal drink because pomegranate is only available for the next few months.” We expect you'll love the festive red color all the way through Valentine’s Day!
You’ll need:
1 ½ oz. Leblon cachaca
½ oz. Pama liqueur
8 fresh pomegranate seeds
3 fresh limes wedges
½ oz. pomegranate simple syrup
sweet lime espuma
How to make it:
In a small metal shaker combine the pomegranate seeds, fresh lime wedges, and pomegranate simple syrup. Add ice, then Leblon cachaca and Pama liqueur. Top the small metal shaker with a large metal shaker and shake vigorously. Pour drink into into double rocks glass filled with ice and top with sweet lime espuma.
But you may be surprised to hear what traditional drink remains #1 for holiday happenings – punch! “A punch is a classic way for guests to enjoy the variety of locally available fall produce with a beautiful presentation,” claims Josh Durr of Molecular Bartending, LLC. Punches are generally prepared in batch, easing the duties of a holiday host or hostess. And with most consisting of 5 ingredients or less, they are the simplest solution of the season.
Cheers!