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Strawberry Basil Smash (Gin Cocktail Recipe)

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Introducing the Strawberry Basil Smash, the perfect cocktail for the summer! Fresh basil leaves are mixed with homemade simple syrup and then mixed with gin for a floral, earthy cocktail that is guaranteed to impress! 

A Strawberry Basil Smash Cocktail with a jar of strawberry simple syrup.

Making elevated cocktails at home is one of my favorite pastimes. Since having children and moving away from Rehoboth, it is harder and harder to go out on a Friday night. I like to mix together a special drink to make the weekends feel special. This cocktail was inspired by my favorite herb that is growing in my garden, basil! 

In the mood for another summer cocktail? Try this Blackberry Sangria. This recipe makes a large batch and is perfect to serve at your next happy hour. Or, try this Spiked Cranberry Lemonade. This drink is my personal favorite and my take on Fishers Island Pink Lemonade. 

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It is light! This cocktail is topped with club soda for a drink that is light and refreshing. 
  • Tastes like summer! Fresh strawberries and basil are combined to make a drink that highlights the delightful tastes of the summer. 
  • The vibrant red and green hues make a beautiful drink! 

Ingredients

Ingredients needed to make a strawberry basil gin smash.
  • Gin is the alcohol used to give this cocktail a fresh, floral taste. 
  • Strawberry Simple Syrup adds a sweet flavor. 
  • Fresh basil leaves are muddled with lemon juice to create a peppery flavor and an aromatic scent. 
  • Club Soda tops the cocktail for fizz and lightness. 
  • Garnish the cocktail with strawberry slices and basil leaves.

Exact ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card below. 

Substitutions

  • Vodka or bourbon can be substituted for the gin. 
  • Substitute the basil with mint for a sweet and floral flavor. 
  • Muddle with the basil with fresh lime wedges or lime juice in place of the lemon juice. 
  • Use soda water or tonic water in place of the club soda. 

Mocktail Variation

Make this cocktail a mocktail by eliminating the gin. In place, muddle juicy strawberries to create more juice and add more club soda. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

A muddler in a mason jar with lemon juice and basil.

Step 1: In a cocktail shaker or mason jar, muddle the basil leaves with lemon juice. 

Ingredients are combined in a mason jar to make a gin smash.

Step 2: Add the gin and strawberry simple syrup to the basil leaves. 

Gin, strawberry simple syrup, lemon juice and basil combined over top of ice.

Step 3: Add ice to the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until the outside of the shaker is cold. Pour into an iced glass.

A gin smash cocktail topped with club soda.

Step 4: Top with club soda. Garnish with strawberry halves, basil leaves and/or lemon wedges. 

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Muddler. If you do not have a muddler, use the end of a wooden spoon. Here is the one that I use! 

FAQ

How do you make Strawberry Simple Syrup?

Strawberry Simple Syrup is easy to make by combining one cup of water, one cup of sugar, and one cup of sliced strawberries in a small pot over medium heat. Stir to melt the sugar and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes until the syrup thickens. Remove strawberry slices and store the syrup refrigerated in an airtight container. 

Can you use frozen strawberries to make strawberry simple syrup?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries to make strawberry simple syrup. Simply, use the same measurements to make the syrup. 

How can I make my Strawberry Basil Smash sweeter?

To make this Strawberry Basil Gin Smash sweeter, add more strawberry simple syrup. As written this recipe is not very sweet. Alternatively, you can muddle sweet strawberries with the basil for extra sweetness. 

Can I prepare this cocktail ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this cocktail ahead of time. I recommend combining the muddled basil, gin, and cocktail syrup without ice. Refrigerate until ready to serve. When ready to serve, shake together with ice. Pour drink in a glass over ice and top with club soda. Do not top with club soda until ready to serve as the club will become flat. 

Looking for other cocktail recipes? Try one of these:

Pairing

These are my favorite appetizers to pair with cocktails:

A Strawberry Basil Gin Smash garnished with strawberries, lemon wedges and basil leaves.
Print Recipe

Strawberry Basil Smash (Gin Cocktail Recipe)

Introducing the Strawberry Basil Smash, the perfect cocktail for this summer! Fresh basil leaves are mixed with homemade simple syrup and then mixed with gin for a floral, earthy cocktail that is guaranteed to impress! 
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1
Calories: 176kcal
Author: Lynne Kenton

Equipment

  • Muddler
  • Cocktail Shaker

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Gin
  • 1/2 ounce Strawberry Simple Syrup
  • 1 ounce Lemon Juice
  • 4-6 Fresh Basil Leaves
  • Club Soda
  • Ice
  • Strawberry Slices, Basil Leaves and Lemon Wedges to garnish

Instructions

  • Add the basil leaves and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker. Muddle the basil leaves.
  • Add ice, gin, and Strawberry Simple Syrup to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until the shaker is icy.
  • Pour over ice straining any remaining basil leaves. Top with club soda.
  • Garnish with strawberry slices, basil leaves and/or lemon wedges. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 176kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 44mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 86IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg

Honey Hot Sauce Margarita (4 Ingredient Cocktail)

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You have to try this Honey Hot Sauce Margarita! This 4 ingredient drink is a spin on the classic margarita with added heat from honey hot sauce! 

Margarita poured into a glass rimmed with salted lime salt and a lime wedge.

Summertime to me is all about enjoying the outdoors with friends and family. These happy hours are best spent with a cold drink in hand. 

I love a spicy margarita, however, jalapeno-infused tequila is not for everyone. I created this Honey Hot Sauce Margarita for nights when I was making drinks for a large group and some wanted a spicy margarita and some wanted a classic margarita. 

Here are some other fun tequila cocktail recipes! Try this Spicy Lemon Margarita for a tangy and spicy drink! Or, for another tequila drink, try this Rosemary Grapefruit Tequila Spritzer. This light cocktail is refreshing and full of flavor. 

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • 4 Ingredients, need I say more? 
  • No mixers. We are saying goodbye to the sugary margarita mix and using fresh lime juice and simple syrup. 
  • Inexpensive to make! Save $$$ by mixing this cocktail in the comfort of your home.
  • Make an optional salty lime rim that you can store for future cocktails.

Ingredients

Margarita ingredients including tequila, honey hot sauce, a lime and simple syrup.
  • Tequila is the alcohol of choice in this cocktail. I like to use a Blanco or silver tequila when making margaritas.
  • Freshly squeezed lime juice gives the cocktail a tangy flavor. 
  • Simple syrup is used to sweeten the drink. 
  • Honey Habanero Hot Sauce adds the heat! 

Salty Lime Zest Ingredients

Ingredients to make a salted lime rim including lime zest, sugar, salt and cayenne pepper.
  • Lime zest, salt, sugar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper are combined to make the perfect salty rim for this margarita!

Variations and Substitutions

  • Substitute the lime juice and simple syrup with store-bought margarita mix. 
  • If you can’t find honey hot sauce (here is the one that I used), add a dash of regular hot sauce with a 1/2 teaspoon of honey. 
  • Triple Sec can also be used in place of simple syrup. Using triple sec will add more alcohol to the cocktail. 
  • To make this cocktail skinny, omit the simple syrup and use agave nectar or orange juice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Lime zest, sugar, salt and cayenne pepper pulsed together in a food processor.

Step 1: Make the salted lime rim by combining lime zest, sugar, salt and cayenne pepper in a food processor. Pulse until combined.

Dipping a glass into a salted lime rim.

Step 2: Run a lime wedge around the rim of a glass. Dip the top of the glass into salt or tajin mix (optional).  

Pouring tequila into a cocktail shaker.

Step 3: Add tequila and simple syrup to the cocktail shaker. 

Squeezing lime juice into a cocktail shaker.

Step 4: Using a juicer, squeeze the lime juice into the shaker. 

Adding a dash of hot sauce to a cocktail shaker.

Step 5: Add the hot sauce to the cocktail shaker. Vigorously shake for 30 seconds or until the outside of the shaker is icy. 

Pouring a cocktail into a glass with ice.

Step 6: Pour the drink over ice and enjoy cold. Garnish with a lime wheel. 

Storage

If you have any leftover margarita, remove the ice and store it in an airtight container. I like to use a mason jar to store leftover cocktails. When ready to enjoy, add ice to a mason jar or cocktail shaker and shake to combine. The hot sauce may begin to separate from the other liquid so don’t skip on shaking the cocktail again.

Top tip

Store the leftover salted lime rim in the refrigerator and use it for future cocktails!

FAQ

Do I have to make the salted lime rim?

No, you do not have to make a homemade salted lime rim. If you want to skip this step, rim your margarita glass with Tajin or coarse sea salt.

How spicy will the hot sauce make my margarita?

The hot sauce gives the margarita a little heat that is balanced with sweet honey. This drink is not as spicy as a margarita made with jalapenos. Test the amount of heat by adding a little hot sauce at a time.

Is this margarita skinny?

Margaritas are considered skinny when they are not made with mixers. This hot sauce margarita is made with fresh lime juice and sweetened with simple syrup. To make this margarita skinnier, replace the simple syrup with a splash of orange juice or agave nectar.

Looking for other cocktail recipes? Try one of these summer sippers!

Pairing

Need a snack to pair with your drink? Try one of these tasty appetizers:

Margarita in a glass garnished with a lime wheel.
Print Recipe

Honey Hot Sauce Margarita (4 Ingredient Cocktail)

You have to try this Honey Hot Sauce Margarita! This 4 ingredient drink is a spin on the classic margarita with added heat from honey hot sauce! 
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1
Calories: 362kcal
Author: Lynne Kenton

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Handheld Citrus Press
  • Food Processor for salted lime rim

Ingredients

  • 3 ounces Tequila
  • 1 ounce Simple Syrup
  • 1 Lime juiced
  • 1 teaspoon Honey Hot Sauce

Salted Lime Rim

  • 1 Zest of Lime
  • 1 tablespoon Coarse Sea Salt
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar
  • Pinch of Cayenne Pepper

Instructions

  • Using a lime wedge, moisten the rim of a glass. Dip the glass into the salted lime zest. Add ice to the glass.
  • To a cocktail shaker with ice, add the tequila, simple syrup, lime juice, and honey hot sauce. Shake vigorously to combine.
  • Pour the cocktail into a glass over ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Salted Lime Zest

  • Add the lime zest, salt, sugar and cayenne pepper to a food processor. Pulse together until combined.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 362kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 7.101mg | Potassium: 162mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 73IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 2mg

Blackberry Martini Recipe (Outback Copycat Recipe)

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This Blackberry Martini Recipe is an Outback Copycat Recipe. Make this classic martini with a blackberry twist in the comfort of your own home!

Martini on a serving board with flowers and bowls of blackberries.


Recreating recipes from restaurants is always a fun challenge for me. I like to give the recipes my special touches and add ingredients that are healthier or that my family will enjoy. 

When I first had this martini at Outback Steakhouse, I knew that I wanted to make the fruity cocktail at home. I asked the bartender about it and he gave me the recipe! Now, I have made some slight changes to make this recipe less sweet and added a simple garnish. It is the perfect signature cocktail for summer BBQs and happy hours! 

Blackberries are a fun fruit to make cocktails with given their sweet and tart flavor. I also love the color that they give to drinks. Try this Blackberry Old Fashioned or this Blackberry Sangria! 

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy ingredients! You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make this martini. 
  • Simple! Even an amateur mixologist can mix up this drink. 
  • Inexpensive! Making this cocktail at home will save you money compared to drinking this at a restaurant! 

Ingredients


Grab the following ingredients and mix this martini in less than 5 minutes! 

Martini ingredients including vodka, blackberry simple syrup, pineapple juice and cranberry juice.
  • Vodka is the alcoholic base in this martini. 
  • Cranberry juice gives the drink a tart flavor.
  • Pineapple juice rounds out the tartness of the cranberry juice with a bright, sweet flavor. 
  • Blackberry simple syrup adds more sweetness to the drink and gives it a vibrant, dark hue. 
  • Garnish drink with blackberries and raspberries. 

Specific measurements are given below in the recipe card.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Outback Steakhouse uses Finlandia Raspberry Vodka in their martini. I chose to use regular vodka in this recipe to make for the convenience of the ingredients. If you have raspberry vodka on hand, use it in this recipe. 
  • Outback also uses Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice. I recommend using whatever cranberry juice you have as long as it is 100% juice, not a juice cocktail. A juice cocktail will add extra sugar and sweetness to the drink. 
  • Dole Pineapple Juice is used at Outback. I recommend using any fresh pineapple juice that you have. 
  • You can purchase Blackberry Simple Syrup from most syrup brands like Torani or Monin. Find Monin Blackberry Syrup here. Or, make your blackberry simple syrup at home! 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pouring blackberry simple syrup into a cocktail shaker.

Step 1: Add ice cubes to a cocktail shaker. Add blackberry simple syrup, vodka, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice to a cocktail shaker. 

An icy cold martini shaker.

Step 2: Vigorously shake the cocktail shaker for 20-30 seconds until the outside of the shaker is cold and icy. 

Pouring a blackberry martini into a glass.

Step 3: Pour Blackberry Martini into a chilled martini glass and enjoy! 

Top tip

Add ice to your martini glass while you mix the cocktail. This will chill your glass and make the martini smooth as you sip!

FAQ

How can I make Blackberry Simple Syrup at home?

Making blackberry simple syrup at home is so easy to do. 
1. Simply, combine 8 oz fresh blackberries, 1 cup white sugar, and 1 cup water in a small pot over medium heat. 
2. Bring to a simmer and stir to combine the sugar. Let the syrup simmer for 5-10 minutes until it thickens. 
3. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool. Strain blackberries from syrup. While straining, press on the blackberries so that they release their juice. You may have to strain again if any seeds or pulp get into the syrup.
4. Store syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 

What else can I use Blackberry Simple Syrup for?

Use blackberry simple syrup to add a fruity hint of sweetness to lemonade, tea, or coffee. Or, drizzle blackberry simple syrup over ice cream. You can use blackberry simple syrup in this Blackberry Sangria Recipe or this Blackberry Old Fashioned Recipe. 

What can I use to garnish a Blackberry Martini?

Add a garnish such as fresh blackberries, fresh raspberries, or a lemon wheel as the finishing touch on this drink! 

Looking for another cocktail recipe? Try one of these:

Pairing

These are some of my favorite snacks to serve with cocktails:

Two martinis on tray with raspberries and blackberries on the side.
Print Recipe

Blackberry Martini Recipe (Outback Copycat Recipe)

This Blackberry Martini Recipe is an Outback Copycat Recipe. Make this classic martini with a blackberry twist in your own home. 
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: cocktail
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1
Calories: 197kcal
Author: Lynne Kenton

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Martini Glass

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Vodka
  • 1/2 ounce Blackberry Simple Syrup
  • 1 ounce Pineapple Juice
  • 1 ounce Cranberry Juice
  • Raspberries and Blackberries to garnish

Instructions

  • Add ice to a cocktail shaker. Add vodka, blackberry simple syrup, pineapple juice and cranberry juice.
  • Shake cocktail shaker vigorously for 20-30 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes cold and icy.
  • Pour the martini into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with fresh blackberries and raspberries. Enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 68mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg

Easy Blackberry Sangria (Copycat Carrabba’s Recipe)

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Impress your guests with this Easy Blackberry Sangria! This Carrabba’s copycat recipe is the perfect summer drink to elevate happy hour! 

A cold glass of Blackberry Sangria garnished with blackberries and oranges on a skewer.

Springtime and warmer weather has me craving time to be outside and with friends. What goes better with summer days than a cold glass of blackberry sangria and some girlfriends? Not much! 

I was lucky enough to have Carrabba’s Famous Blackberry Sangria while visiting Maryland a few years ago. I loved this sweet, fruity punch! There are no Carrabba’s in Delaware (yet!) so I decided to recreate this simple recipe at home. 

Feeling inspired to make and serve delicious sangria? Try this Blood Orange Tea Sangria. Homemade sweet tea is combined with white wine and a homemade orange honey simple syrup for the most refreshing porch drink. Or, try this Peach Sangria with Rose Wine. ​This sangria highlights the best of late summer produce, peaches! 

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Compared to a glass or a pitcher of sangria at Carrabba’s, this sangria is inexpensive to make at home. 
  • This recipe makes a large pitcher of sangria. It is perfect to make for a gathering.  
  • It is loaded with fresh fruit to add a healthy twist and extra flavor! 

Ingredients

A few simple ingredients are needed to make this flavorful drink! 

Blackberry Sangria ingredients including blackberry brandy, red wine, cranberry juice, blackberry simple syrup, oranges and lemon slices.
  • An Italian Red Wine is the base for this sangria. I chose a dry red wine. 
  • Blackberry Brandy adds extra blackberry flavor as well as a strong aromatic to the fun drink. 
  • A homemade Blackberry Syrup gives the drink extra blackberry flavor without any alcohol. 
  • The tartness of the Cranberry Juice balances the sweetness of the sangria. 
  • Fresh blackberries, orange slices and lemon slices are used to garnish. 
  • If you like a bubbly finish, top the sangria with your favorite lemon-lime soda such as sprite (not photographed).

For precise measurements, see below recipe card. 

Substitutions and Variations

  • If you do not enjoy dry red wine, use a sweet red Italian wine. 
  • For less alcohol content, eliminate the Blackberry Brandy and use more Blackberry Simple Syrup. 
  • Cranberry juice can be substituted with orange juice or grape juice. 
  • Substitute citrus fruits with other fresh fruits such as raspberries, apples or strawberries. 
  • Use Monin Blackberry Syrup instead of making your own simple syrup. Buy it here!
  • Substitute the sprite with ginger ale or club soda.  

Step-by-Step Instructions

Adding liquid ingredients to a pitcher.

Step 1: Add red wine, blackberry brandy, blackberry simple syrup and cranberry juice to a large pitcher. 

Adding citrus fruit slices to a pitcher of Blackberry Sangria.

Step 2: Add blackberries, orange slices and lemon slices to the pitcher.

Stirring Blackberry Sangria liquid ingredients together.

Step 3: Stir together all ingredients. Refrigerate for an hour.

Pouring a glass of cold Blackberry Sangria over ice cubes into a wine glass.

Step 4: Serve sangria over ice cubes. Garnish with a slice of lemon, orange and blackberries. 

FAQ

How do I make Blackberry Simple Syrup?

Blackberry Simple Syrup is easy to make at home. 

1. Simply combine 6 oz blackberries, 1 cup white sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat on the stove. 
2. Stir to dissolve sugar. 
3. Bring liquid to a low boil and then turn heat to low. Press down on blackberries so that they release their juice. Let syrup simmer for 5 minutes. 
4. Remove from heat and let cool.
5. Remove blackberries from the syrup. Store refrigerated in an airtight container. 

Can I make Blackberry Sangria using white wine?

Yes, you can make Blackberry Sangria using a white wine. This white sangria will be a refreshing drink with a softer flavor than the red version! Keep in mind, the blackberry simple syrup and blackberry brandy will darken the color of sangria. Using white wine will make this a lighter cocktail. 

Can I make sangria ahead of time?

Yes, you can make sangria ahead of time. Combine all liquid ingredients and refrigerate. For best results, add the fresh fruit a few hours before you plan to serve the sangria. When fruit is kept in the sangria for long periods of time (overnight), it can become mealy and withered. 

What red wine is best in sangria?

​The best red wine for sangria is one that you love! I like to use a cabernet sauvignon. 

How should I serve this sangria?

​Serve this sangria chilled over ice. Use a fun glass such as a mason jar or a stemless wine glass. Place blackberries on a skewer on top of the glass and fruit slices on the ice. Presentation is a everything with this delicious cocktail. 

Looking for other simple, large batch cocktails? Try one of these recipes:

Pairing

These are my favorite snacks to pair with sangria:

A refreshing glass of Blackberry Sangria garnished with blackberries and orange slices.
Print Recipe

Easy Blackberry Sangria (Copycat Carrabba’s Recipe)

Impress your guests with this Easy Blackberry Sangria! This Carrabba's copycat recipe is the perfect summer drink to elevate happy hour! 
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: cocktail
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 471kcal
Author: Lynne Kenton

Equipment

  • Large Pitcher
  • Large Spoon

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle Italian Red Wine
  • 1 cup Blackberry Brandy
  • 1/2 cup Blackberry Simple Syrup
  • 1 cup Cranberry Juice
  • 1 Lemon sliced
  • 1 Orange sliced
  • 1 cup Blackberries
  • Lemon Slices, Orange Slices, Blackberries to garnish

Instructions

  • Add red wine, blackberry brandy, blackberry simple syrup and cranberry juice to a large pitcher.
  • Stir to combine liquid ingredients.
  • Add blackberries, orange slices and lemon slices. Refrigerate for an hour.
  • Serve chilled sangria over ice with fresh fruit as a garish.

Nutrition

Serving: 4g | Calories: 471kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 34mg | Potassium: 433mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 44g | Vitamin A: 183IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 3mg

Rosemary Grapefruit Tequila Spritzer Cocktail Recipe

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This Rosemary Grapefruit Tequila Spritzer is a tequila lovers dream and a happy hour hero! This tequila cocktail comes together quickly with just a little prep work! 

A tequila spritzer garnished with rosemary.

If you are anything like me, you are longing for warmer weather and longer days. I was inspired to make this tequila spritzer for a drink that tastes like a hot day yet only required ingredients that I can easily get during cold winter months. The bright pinkish orange color of grapefruit reminds me of summer, however, grapefruit season hits its peak during the winter months. Adding a Rosemary Simple Syrup to the drink gives the drink a woodsy flavor to balance out the bright citrus taste. 

For another summer drink, try this refreshing Blood Orange Tea Sangria. Made with freshly brewed iced tea and topped with bubbly white wine, this will be your go to patio cocktail! This Blackberry Old Fashioned is my personal favorite cocktail and one that you can enjoy any time of year! 

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

  • You can make this recipe any time of year! There are no fancy ingredients or particularly seasonal ingredients required. 
  • Additionally, you can easily quadruple this recipe to make a large batch cocktail and serve in a large pitcher or punch bowl. 
  • Meanwhile, this recipe is easily adaptable and can be made into a mocktail! 

Ingredients

Tequila spritzer ingredients including rosemary simple syrup, club soda, grapefruit juice and tequila.
  • Grapefruit Juice ​is the star of this spritzer and gives the drink its sweet and sour flavor. 
  • The tequila adds a slightly sweet taste to the grapefruit tang. 
  • Rosemary Simple Syrup adds a little complexity to the cocktail. 
  • The club soda/soda water gives the drink a bubbly effect. 
  • Orange bitters add extra citrus.

Exact measurements and quantities are listed below in the recipe card. 

Substitutions

  • ​If you are not a tequila drinker, substitute the tequila with gin or vodka. 
  • Instead of using Rosemary Simple Syrup, use a regular simple syrup. Or, use triple sec for an alcoholic sweetener. 
  • Substitute the grapefruit juice with pineapple to make a pineapple tequila spritzer! 
  • You can also substitute the grapefruit juice for freshly squeezed cara cara oranges for a less acidic drink. 
  • The club soda can be replaced with a healthy splash of mineral water, tonic water or Sprite. 

Mocktail Option

Want to make this drink into a non-alcoholic mocktail? Simply, omit the tequila and use more grapefruit juice and club soda to your taste. I can promise you this mocktail is just as delicious and refreshing as the cocktail version. 

Instructions

Rimming a glass with coarse salt.

​Step 1: Rim the top of a cocktail glass with coarse salt (optional). 

Adding ice cubes to a glass.

Step 2: Fill the glass with a handful of ice cubes and set aside. 

Pouring grapefruit juice into a cocktail shaker.

Step 3: To a cocktail shaker, add the tequila, rosemary simple syrup, grapefruit juice and orange bitters. Shake for 30 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes icy. 

Pouring a tequila spritzer into a glass with cubes.

Step 4: Pour the shaken cocktail over top of the ice.

Topping a tequila spritzer with club soda.

Step 5: Top with club soda.

A tequila spritzer garnished with rosemary.

Step 6: Finally, garnish with a rosemary sprig and grapefruit wedges.

Top tip

Make this into a large batch tequila cocktail! To a pitcher, add 2 cups tequila, 4 cups grapefruit juice, roughly 1/2 cup Rosemary Simple Syrup and 2 teaspoons of orange bitters. Stir to combine. Serve over ice and top with club soda. This tequila cocktail is a crowd pleaser!

FAQ

How do I make Rosemary Simple Syrup?

Rosemary Simple Syrup is very easy to make and is the perfect addition to a good cocktail. Firstly, add one cup sugar, one cup water and a few rosemary sprigs to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir together to dissolve the sugar. Then, bring to a simmer. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool and thicken. Finally, store in an airtight container. 

Can I prepare this Tequila Spritzer ahead of time?

​You can make this tequila spritzer recipe ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. Combine the grapefruit juice, Rosemary Simple Syrup, tequila and orange bitters in a large pitcher. Do not add the club soda. Store refrigerated for up to a week. Before serving, give the cocktail a good stir. Pour over ice and top with club soda. 

What kind of tequila is best in a spritzer?

​Tequila Blanco (also known as silver tequila) goes best in a spritzer because of its smooth, bold flavor. Do not be afraid to try a Reposado in a spritzer. You want to taste the tequila so use a tequila that you enjoy. 

Looking for other cocktail recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with cocktails:

Rosemary Grapefruit Spritzer with grapefruit slices and rosemary sprigs.
Print Recipe

Rosemary Grapefruit Tequila Spritzer Cocktail Recipe

This Rosemary Grapefruit Tequila Spritzer is a tequila lovers dream and a happy hour hero! This tequila cocktail comes together quickly with just a little prep work! 
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1
Calories: 232kcal
Author: Lynne Kenton

Equipment

  • 1 Cocktail Shaker

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Tequila
  • 4 ounces Grapefruit Juice
  • 1/2 – 1 ounce Rosemary Simple Syrup
  • 2 dashes Orange Bitters
  • Club Soda to top
  • Grapefruit Slices and Rosemary Sprig to garnish
  • Coarse Salt to rim glass

Rosemary Simple Syrup

  • 1 cup White Sugar
  • 1 cup Water
  • 3 Rosemary Sprigs

Instructions

  • Rim the top of a cocktail glass with coarse salt and add ice cubes.
  • To a cocktail shaker, add grapefruit juice, tequila, Rosemary Simple Syrup and orange bitters. Shake for 30 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes cold and icy.
  • Pour cocktail mixture over top of ice. Top with club soda.
  • Finally garnish drink with grapefruit slices and rosemary sprig.

Rosemary Simple Syrup

  • Add water, sugar and rosemary springs to a small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Stir together to dissolve sugar. Bring to a simmer.
  • Simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat to allow the syrup to cool and thicken.
  • After cooling, store refrigerated in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 193mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

Almond Joy Martini Recipe (Vodka Cocktail with Chocolate)

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Try this delicious Almond Joy Martini Recipe! This vodka cocktail with chocolate tastes just like an Almond Joy candy bar in chilled martini glass! 

Looking for a fancy, after dinner drink? An Almond Joy Martini is a versatile drink that could be served at Christmas (the coconut flakes will resemble snow) or at Halloween so the adults can enjoy halloween candy in a glass! 

This recipe was inspired by my other candy themed recipes! Try this Payday Bar Chex Mix for a handheld snack that tastes like the nostalgic peanut caramel bar. Or, try these Browned Butter S’mores Bars. Think of a rice krispy treat mixed golden graham cereal and you will dream up these squares! 

Jump to:

Almond Joy Martini Details

Taste: ​Sweet! This martini tastes like a classic Almond Joy candy bar in liquid form. With flavors of chocolate, coconut and hazelnut, you won’t be able to resist this sweet drink. 

Time: ​Make this martini in 5 minutes or less! 

Level of Difficulty: ​Simple! All that is required is adding the ingredients to a mixer, shaking and straining into martini glasses! 

Ingredients

Almond Joy Martini ingredients: vodka, coconut rum, amaretto, creme de cacao and creme of coconut.
  • Vodka
  • Coconut-Flavored Rum
  • Amaretto Liqueur: ​I like to use Disaronno Amaretto. 
  • Creme de Cacao: This is a chocolate-flavored liqueur. Godiva Chocolate Liqueur is a delicious option! If you do not have this ingredient, you could use a chocolate vodka.
  • Creme of Coconut: ​This is coconut cream that has been sweetened and processed to create a very thick syrup. If you do not like sweet drinks, substitute this ingredient for coconut milk, light cream or milk. 
  • Shredded Coconut: ​Optional, however, coconut is great as a garnish!
  • Chocolate Syrup: ​The syrup would also be used to decorate the interior of the glass. 

How to make an Almond Joy Martini

  1. Chill Martini Glass. ​If using the chocolate syrup, pour syrup around the rim of the glass. Tilt glass in your hands so that the syrup runs down the inside of the glass. Dip glass into shredded coconut. Place glass in freezer. 
  2. Add ingredients. ​Fill a cocktail shaker half way with ice. Add the vodka, coconut rum, amaretto liqueur, Creme de Cacao and Creme of Coconut to the shaker. Secure the lid. 
  3. Shake martini. ​Vigorously shake the cocktail shaker for 20-30 seconds until the exterior of the cocktail shaker is cold and icy. 
  4. Serve drink. Pour contents of the shaker into the prepared cocktail glass and enjoy! 

Variations

  • For a more Chocolatey martini, use Three Olives Chocolate Vodka in place of the regular vodka and the Creme de Cacao! 
  • For a lighter version, do not use the Creme of Coconut and use almond milk or coconut milk in place. 
  • For a nuttier version, rim the martini glass with chopped almonds in place of coconut. 

Equipment

​Minimal equipment is needed for this easy cocktail recipe! 

  • Martini Glass
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Jigger or Shot Glass
  • Small Plate (to garnish) 

Storage

If you have leftovers of this delicious Almond Joy cocktail, store refrigerated in an airtight container. Before serving, add drink mix to a cocktail shaker and mix again. Pour into a chilled glass and enjoy!

Top tip

​If making these Almond Joy Martinis for a crowd, prepare the glasses ahead of time by pouring chocolate sauce into glasses and rimming the glasses with coconut flakes. Have the cocktail mixed in a large shaker and shake when ready! 

Almond Joy Martini showing a frothy top with a coconut rim.

FAQ

What is an Almond Joy?

An Almond Joy is a candy bar that contains almonds, shredded coconut and is covered in hardened dark chocolate. 

When should I serve an Almond Joy Martini?

You can serve an Almond Joy Martini any time! This is a sweet drink so it would be delicious after dinner. It would also be a fun Christmas cocktail to serve as the coconut flakes can resemble snow! Or, serve it at a Halloween party so that the adults can enjoy an alcoholic candy bar in a glass!

How can I garnish an Almond Joy Martini?

Garnish an Almond Joy Martini with chocolate syrup and shaved coconut. Or, add chopped almonds to the rim. Flavored sugar is always a hit! Try this Coconut Sugar Cookie or this Dark Chocolate Drizzle Sugar ​from Coffee Rendezbrew! 

Looking for other tasty cocktail recipes like this? Try one of these:

Pairing

Pair this sweet cocktail with one of these equally sweet desserts:

An Almond Joy Martini with a cocktail shaker and Almond Joy candy bars on a wooden tray.
Print Recipe

Almond Joy Martini Recipe (Vodka Cocktail with Chocolate)

Try this delicious Almond Joy Martini Recipe! This vodka cocktail with chocolate tastes just like an Almond Joy candy bar in chilled martini glass! 
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1
Calories: 293kcal
Author: Lynne Kenton

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Jigger or Shot Glass
  • Martini Glass
  • Small Plate

Ingredients

  • 1 oz Vodka
  • 1 oz Coconut Rum
  • 1/2 oz Amaretto or Hazelnut Liqueur
  • 1/2 oz Creme de Cocoa
  • 1 oz Cream of Coconut
  • Chocolate Syrup for garnish
  • Coconut Flakes for garnish

Instructions

  • If garnishing the martini glass, pour chocolate around glass rim and tilt to spread chocolate sauce inside glass. Press glass into coconut. Place in freezer.
  • Add ice to a cocktail shaker.
  • Add all ingredients into cocktail shaker and shake vigourously for 20 seconds until the outside of the glass becomes cold and icy.
  • Pour into a chilled martini glass. Enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 0.3mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g

Blackberry Old Fashioned (easy bourbon cocktail)

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Blackberry Old Fashioned (a bourbon cocktail) is a classic drink with a sweet twist! With a dark color, this is the perfect spooky Halloween spirit. 

As soon as the weather turns cool, whiskey lovers (including myself) get excited for the sweet and spicy flavor of an Old Fashioned. Pair an Old Fashioned with blackberries and you have a festive cocktail for a cooler time of year. 

If you are looking for another classic cocktail, try this Classic Espresso Martini Recipe (using Rum) or this Spiked Apple Cider. Both recipes are simple and perfect for Halloween parties. 

Jump to:

Blackberry Old Fashioned Details

Flavor: Sweet! The homemade Peach Simple Syrup balances out the spiciness of the bourbon. 

Level of Difficulty: Simple! If you can use a cocktail shaker, you can make this recipe! You do have to make the homemade simple syrup but that is also easy and can be prepared ahead of time. 

Time: Less than 5 minutes! Just make sure that you prepare the Peach Simple Syrup ahead of time so that you shake up this perfect cocktail in no time! 

Ingredients & Substitutions

No fancy ingredients are required to whip up this Blackberry Old Fashioned!

  • Bourbon: This is a classic ingredient in an Old Fashioned! If you don’t have bourbon on hand, you can substitute a rye whiskey. 
  • Peach Simple Syrup: The peach flavor adds a sweetness to the semi tart blackberry flavor. 
  • Blackberries: I recommend using fresh blackberries.
  • Orange Bitters: If you do not have orange bitters on hand, substitute traditional angostura bitters. You could substitute a squeeze of orange juice or a drop of orange liqueur. 

How to make a Blackberry Old Fashioned

  1. Start by making the Peach Simple Syrup. Making homemade simple syrup is as simple as it sounds! Add a chopped peach, white sugar, water and cinnamon sticks to pot over medium high heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil for 1 minute. Remove pot from heat. Let syrup cool and thicken for 20-30 minutes. 
  2. Muddle and Strain the Blackberries. Add blackberries to a tall mixing glass. Muddle the blackberries to allow them to release their juice. Place a strainer over top of a clean glass or mixing cup. Using a spoon, press down on blackberries to release all juice into clean glass. If needed, double strain. Discard blackberry pulp. 
  3. Shake up the cocktail! To an iced cocktail shaker, add blackberry juice, bourbon, Peach Simple Syrup and bitters. Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds until the outside of the shaker is cold and icy. 
  4. Pour cocktail. Pour Blackberry Old Fashioned into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. 
  5. Garnish (optional). Use a fun garnish such as an orange peel, orange slices or peach slices. 

Variations

While these variations will not make a traditional Old Fashioned, they still will make a delicious and tasty cocktail! 

  • Use Brandy. Peach or Apple Brandy would be an excellent substitute for bourbon. 
  • Use Cinnamon Whiskey to make a cozy cocktail. 
  • Sweeten with Maple Syrup or Honey Syrup in place of the Peach Simple Syrup. 
  • Make a large batch of witches brew! To make a spooky drink, leave some small chunks of blackberries in the punch and place plastic spiders on the outside of the punch bowl. 

Equipment

Standard mixology equipment is required! 

  • Cutting Board
  • Knife: To slice the peach. 
  • Pot
  • Muddler: If you don’t have a muddler, you could use a wooden spoon to mash the berries. 
  • Strainer 
  • Cocktail Shaker 
  • Whiskey Glass 

Storage

If preparing this Blackberry Old Fashioned in advance, add all ingredients to the cocktail shaker. Do not add ice! Store refrigerated until ready to serve. Once ready to serve, add ice to the cocktail and shake the cocktail up! 

The Peach Simple Syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month. Looking for another recipe to use the Peach Simple Syrup? Try this Iced Pink Latte (with Beetroot Powder). The Peach Simple Syrup gives a sweet kick to an original and earthy breakfast drink! 

Top tip

Be sure to remove all of the blackberry pulp! If not, the blackberry pulp and seeds will get stuck in your teeth (which could be perfect for halloween festivities, just kidding!). Start by muddling the blackberries to release all of the juices. Then, place the blackberries into a strainer over top of a glass. Press down on the blackberries to release all fruit juices. If needed, strain again. 

FAQ

Does an Old Fashioned have muddled fruit? 

A traditional Old Fashioned does not have muddled fruit. Lemon slices, orange slices and sugar cubes are used. However, to make this drink blackberry flavor, we muddle the blackberries. 

How can you muddle berries without a muddler? 

If you don’t have a muddler, don’t worry! Simply use a spoon to press down on the fruit to release all of the juices. 

What mixes well with bourbon whiskey? 

Bourbon whiskey mixes well with vermouth (to make a Manhattan), ginger beer, fresh lemon juice, ginger ale, mint and hard apple cider to name a few! 

How should I garish a Blackberry Old Fashioned? 

Garnishing a Blackberry Old Fashioned is simple! What better way than to place an entire blackberry on a cocktail skewer. You could also add mint or rosemary leaves, a fresh orange slice or a peach slice. 

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with a cocktail:

Blackberry Old Fashioned in a rocks glass with blackberry garnish
Print Recipe

Blackberry Old Fashioned (easy bourbon cocktail)

Blackberry Old Fashioned (a bourbon cocktail) is a classic drink with a sweet twist! With a dark color, this is the perfect spooky Halloween spirit. 
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1
Calories: 220kcal
Author: Lynne Kenton

Equipment

  • Muddler
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Whiskey Glass

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • 4 Blackberries Muddled and Strained
  • 1 oz Peach Simple Syrup
  • 2 dashes Orange Bitters

Peach Simple Syrup

  • 1 Peach Diced
  • 1 cup White Sugar
  • 1 cup Water
  • 2 Cinnamon Sticks

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until the cocktail shaker becomes cold and icy.
  • Pour into a whiskey glass over ice. Garnish with extra cinnamon sticks.

Peach Simple Syrup

  • Add all ingredients to a pot over medium heat.
  • Stir until sugar dissolves.
  • Bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
  • Let syrup sit and cool for 20 minutes. Syrup will thicken.
  • Once syrup has come to room temperature, store refrigerated in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 17mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg

Classic Espresso Martini Recipe (using Rum)

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Classic Espresso Martini Recipe (using Rum) is a tasty spin on the classic espresso martini recipe! Made with only 3 ingredients, anyone can make this martini at home!

Espresso Martinis have become popular over the past few years especially during the holidays. For me, espresso martinis have become popular ever since becoming a mom (3 1/2 years ago).

This cocktail recipe was inspired by the famous Espresso Martini recipe at Starboard Raw in Dewey Beach, Delaware. This is not the exact recipe (their recipe is top secret), I do think that this Espresso Martini using Rum comes close to cracking their secret!

Who doesn’t like making martinis at home? Try these Party Cosmopolitans. This is a large batch recipe for a classic Cosmopolitan. The perfect drink for holiday parties! Or, try these White Christmas Cosmos! For a lighter holiday martini, this recipe uses white cranberry juice and elderberry liqueur for a fun spin on a classic cocktail!

Jump to:

Classic Espresso Martini (using Rum) Details

Flavor: Sweet! Using dark rum in this martini gives the drink a slightly sweet taste.

Time: Less than 5 minutes! Be sure to prepare your espresso ahead of time to allow for it to cool down.

Level of difficulty: Simple! Just measure, pour and shake it up for an easy espresso martini at home!

Ingredients

With only 3 ingredients, this Espresso Martini is simple to make.

  • Espresso: If you don’t have espresso, substitute very strong coffee or cold brew coffee. Don’t be intimidated to brew espresso at home. Try using this Stovetop Espresso Maker to make espresso in minutes!
  • Dark Rum: I like to use a dark spiced rum because it has hints of vanilla and warm spices which boosts the flavor in this martini. Try Captain Morgan, Bacardi or Sailor Jerry’s in this recipe.
  • Coffee Liqueur: The most well known coffee liqueur is Kahlua. Don’t be scared to try a different coffee liqueur!

How to Make an Espresso Martini (using Rum)

Make this classic martini in just 3 simple steps!

  1. Add espresso, rum and coffee liqueur to a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Shake vigorously for 1 minute until outside of shaker becomes cold and icy.
  3. Pour directly into a chilled martini glass and enjoy!

Can I make this drink into a mocktail?

The dark rum is what really makes this Espresso Martini (using Rum). Substitute a non-alcoholic rum such as Ritual’s Zero Proof Rum and use Lyre’s Coffee Originale Non-Alcoholic Spirit to create an Espresso Martini Mocktail with a rum flavor!

Drink Tips!

  • Espresso is different from strongly brewed coffee and cold brew! To get a classic espresso martini flavor, use espresso.
  • This martini is best served immediately. If you want to make this ahead of time, add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker without the ice. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Add the ice before shaking and serving.
  • To get a frothy martini, shake the cocktail vigorously! Immediately pour into a chilled espresso martini glass for a beautiful and frothy martini!
Two espresso martinis topped with froth and espresso beans

Equipment

Only basic equipment is needed to make this Espresso Martini using Rum!

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Shot Glass or Jigger
  • Martini Glass

Storage

Store any leftover espresso martini in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If preparing this cocktail ahead of time, add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Do not add ice. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Add ice and shake cocktail vigorously before serving.

Top tip

For the frothiest espresso martini, shake the cocktail shaker up and down and back and forth. Set a timer to be sure to shake for at least one minute. The outside of the cocktail shaker should be cold and icy. If your hands are too cold, cover the cocktail shaker with a towel while you shake. Immediately pour the espresso martini into a martini glass.

FAQ

What is an espresso martini made of?

Traditional espresso martinis are made of vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur such as Kahlua and, often, a simple syrup. This recipe replaces the vodka with a spiced rum for a sweet and smooth taste!

Can you use rum in an espresso martini instead of vodka?

Yes, you can use rum in an espresso martini instead of vodka, just try this recipe! Rum gives an espresso martini a vanilla flavor with subtle spices such as cinnamon, cardamon and anise.

Help! My espresso martini isn’t frothy!

If your espresso martini is not frothy, it may be because you have not shaken the cocktail shaker hard enough or long enough. I recommend shaking for at least 1 minute to activate the oils in the coffee beans to begin to froth. Shake up and down and back and forth. The cocktail shaker should be visibly icy.

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with martinis!

Print Recipe

Classic Espresso Martini Recipe (using Rum)

Classic Espresso Martini Recipe (using Rum) is a tasty spin on an espresso martini! Made with only 3 ingredients, everyone can make this martini at home!
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1
Calories: 233kcal
Author: Lynne Kenton

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Shot Glass or Jigger
  • Espresso Maker if making own espresso
  • Martini Glass

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Espresso Room Temperature or Chilled
  • 2 oz Dark Rum
  • 1 oz Coffee Liqueur

Instructions

  • Add espresso, rum and coffee liqueur to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for a minute until outside of cocktail shaker is cold. Pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with coffee beans.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 233kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 66mg | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Blood Orange Tea Sangria

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Blood Orange Tea Sangria is made with fresh brewed Blood Orange Iced Tea, a homemade Orange Honey simple syrup and white wine. Top this drink with fresh fruit for the ultimate refreshing summer cocktail.

Blood Orange Tea Sangria with orange halves

Summer is the time for sipping iced tea outside or enjoying a cocktail on the patio. Why not combine refreshing iced tea with a white wine for a light, slightly sweet cocktail?

This Blood Orange Tea Sangria pairs perfectly with these Easy Melon Caprese Skewers with Crispy Proscuitto. If you are looking for another light and cooling drink, try this Refreshing Cucumber Cocktail with Mint and Lime. With the option to make it into a mocktail, this drink can be enjoyed by everyone!

Jump to:

Ingredients

Use just a few ingredients to make a delicious pitcher of Blood Orange Tea Sangria! –

  • Brewed Blood Orange Iced Tea- get the tea from Coffee Rendezbrew here!
  • White Wine- use a wine that you like. I tested this recipe with Riesling and Pinot Gris.
  • Blood Oranges- to infuse flavor into the tea sangria and to use as garnishes. If you can’t get blood oranges, use Cara Cara oranges
  • Sugar- you can use regular white sugar or try Sister’s Sunshine Sugar from Coffee Rendezbrew!
  • Honey- substitute agave nectar or more sugar in place of honey.
  • Water
  • Strawberries- substitute raspberries if you don’t have strawberries. Fresh or frozen can be used.

Instructions

  1. Start by brewing the Blood Orange Tea overnight. Place the tea bag in a quart of water. Refrigerate overnight. Discard tea bag.
  2. Make the Orange Honey Simple Syrup. Add sugar, water, honey, blood orange and strawberries to a small pot over medium heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Turn the heat up to bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow the syrup to simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Let syrup thicken and cool (about 20 minutes). Using a strainer, press down on the oranges and strawberries to release all of the juice into the syrup. Store refrigerated.
  3. In a large pitcher, combine the tea, wine and Orange Honey Simple Syrup. Stir to combine.
  4. Add orange slices to the sangria. Refrigerate for at least an hour prior to serving.
  5. Serve garnished with blood oranges and strawberries.

Hint: Make the Orange Honey Simple Syrup ahead of time and make extra! You can use this to sweeten individual glasses of tea or to put on top of muffins, ice cream, you name it!

A glass of Blood Orange Tea Sangria with an orange slice and Sunrise Sugar in the background.

Substitutions

As the recipe is written, this Blood Orange Tea Sangria is naturally vegetarian and dairy free. It is not vegan.

To make this Tea Sangria vegan, replace the honey with sugar or agave nectar.

If you want to make this Tea Sangria into a mocktail, omit the wine and add white grape juice to taste.

Variations

Try these fun variations on Tea Sangria:

  • Less Sweet – to make this recipe less sweet, use less Orange Honey Simple Syrup.
  • Different Fruit- The Orange Honey Simple Syrup uses strawberries. Substitute the strawberries with raspberries, blackberries or cranberries.
  • Mocktail Version- Remove the wine and substitute with white grape juice. Be careful when adding the grape juice as it is sweet. Add the grape juice to taste.
  • Make it rosé! Substitute the white wine with a rosé wine for the best of summer taste!

Equipment

It doesn’t take much to make Blood Orange Tea Sangria!

  • Small Pot to make the simple syrup
  • A large pitcher
  • Loose Leaf Tea Filters- buy one here! These are great if you are brewing tea at home often!

Storage

Store Tea Sangria covered and refrigerated. Sangria is best served 12-24 hours after it is made. Sangria will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

If serving sangria, over a day later, remove any mushy fruit and replace with fresh fruit.

Top tip

Serve in a cute wine glass over ice. Garnish with blood orange slices inside the glass and strawberries on the rim of the glass.

FAQ

What does Blood Orange Tea Sangria taste like?

Blood Orange Tea Sangria tastes like an herby tea flavor that is sweetened with orange in the tea and simple syrup. The wine adds in a tang. This Tea Sangria has a slightly sweet, refreshing taste.

Is Tea Sangria strong?

No, Tea Sangria is not strong. This cocktail is made with a bottle of wine and a quart of tea. You are drinking roughly a half glass of wine with each glass of this tea sangria. If you want to make this tea less strong, use less wine and more tea.

Does Tea Sangria have caffeine?

Yes, Tea Sangria does have caffeine. The tea that I chose to use has caffeine in it. If you choose a non-caffeinated tea in your sangria, the drink would not contain caffeine.

Similar Recipes

Here are some additional, fun cocktails and mocktails for all of your entertaining!

Print Recipe

Blood Orange Tea Sangria

Blood Orange Tea Sangria is made with fresh brewed Blood Orange Iced Tea, a homemade Orange Honey simple syrup and white wine. Top this drink with fresh fruit for the ultimate refreshing summer cocktail.
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: cocktail
Cuisine: American
Servings: 5
Calories: 173kcal
Author: Lynne Kenton

Equipment

  • Small pot
  • Pitcher

Ingredients

  • 1 qt Blood Orange Iced Tea- brewed
  • 1 bottle Riesling or other white wine
  • 1/2 cup Orange Honey Simple Syrup
  • Orange Slices

Orange Honey Simple Syrup

  • 1/4 cup White Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Honey
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1 Blood Orange- sliced
  • 3/4 cup Strawberries- chopped

Instructions

  • Start by brewing the Blood Orange Tea overnight. Discard tea bag.
  • To the tea pitcher, add white wine and Orange Honey Simple Syrup. Stir to combine.
  • Add Blood Orange slices. Refrigerate for an hour or up to overnight.
  • Serve over ice with orange slices.

Orange Honey Simple Syrup

  • Add all ingredients to a small pot over medium heat. Stir to allow the sugar to dissolve.
  • Turn the heat up and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn heat down to a simmer. Allow syrup to simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let syrup thicken and cool (about 20 minutes).
  • Using a strainer, press down on the oranges and strawberries to release all of the juices into the syrup.
  • Store refrigerated in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Serving: 5g | Calories: 173kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.004g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 29mg | Potassium: 78mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 44g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

Kentucky Coffee with Maple Simple Syrup

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Kentucky Coffee with Maple Simple Syrup is an iced alcoholic drink with a caffeinated kick! This coffee and bourbon cocktail is sweetened with a homemade Maple Simple Syrup and is easy to make at home!

Coffee drinks never get old! Looking for a new, twist on coffee? Try this Maple Pecan Coffee with Cold Brew or this Butter Pecan Coffee Milkshake!

Pouring Maple Coffee Cocktail out of a cocktail shaker into a whiskey glass

Do you ever get bored of grabbing a beer from the refrigerator or pouring yourself a glass of wine? Sometimes, it feels like making a cocktail is too much work after a long day. I totally get that! When you are tired and need a little pick me up, try this Kentucky Coffee with Maple Simple Syrup! Make the simple syrup ahead of time (don’t worry, you can use it in other recipes!) and all you have to do is pour, shake and drink!

Coffee Drink Details

Level of Difficulty: Simple! For this recipe, you only have to make the Maple Simple Syrup. All this entails is mixing the ingredients on the stove. Brew coffee. Then, mix the ingredients together, shake, pour and enjoy!

Flavor: This Kentucky Coffee has a lightly sweet flavor combined with floral notes from the bourbon. The coffee gives the cocktail a nutty flavor. You do not taste strong alcohol in this drink.

Time: If all of the ingredients are prepared (coffee brewed and cooled and Maple Simple Syrup made), this recipe takes about 5 minutes to mix up. The Maple Simple Syrup takes about 10 minutes to make. I recommend brewing the coffee ahead of time so that it has time to cool.

Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Coffee: Use a coffee that you enjoy drinking! I recommend using Coffee Rendezbrew’s Dewey Beach Roast. This roast has bourbon and pecan flavor notes and pairs perfectly with the bourbon and Maple Simple Syrup!
  • Bourbon: Just like with the coffee, use a bourbon that you enjoy drinking! I used Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon because I enjoy the nutty hints. I don’t recommend using a flavored bourbon as the flavor may compete with the Maple Simple Syrup.
  • Water
  • Maple Syrup: Use authentic maple syrup, not pancake syrup.
  • Brown Sugar
  • Maple Nut Sugar: I chose to use this Maple Nut Sugar from Coffee Rendezbrew in the Maple Simple Syrup and to rim my whiskey glass. I like how the sweet nuttiness compliments the coffee cocktail. If you cannot find this sugar, replace with brown sugar.

How To Make

  1. Brew Coffee. This Kentucky Coffee is served chilled. I recommend brewing your coffee ahead of time and allowing to cool to room temperature or refrigerating before you make the cocktail.
  2. Make Maple Simple Syrup. This step can be done ahead of time. Add water, maple syrup, brown sugar and Maple Nut Sugar to a small pot and turn heat to medium. Allow water to warm and stir to combine the water with the maple syrup and the sugars. Once bubbles begin to form, remove pot from the heat and let cool. While the syrup cools, it will thicken. Store refrigerated in an airtight container.
  3. Combine Cocktail. Add ice to a cocktail shaker. Add coffee, bourbon and Maple Simple Syrup. Shake cocktail shaker for about 15 seconds until the exterior of the shaker becomes cold. Pour coffee cocktail over ice in a whiskey glass.
  4. Enjoy your Bourbon Coffee Cocktail! 

Grabbing a maple coffee cocktail with bourbon- the perfect afternoon pick me up!

What kind of coffee should I use in a coffee cocktail?

Use a coffee that you enjoy and that pairs with the alcohol in the coffee! In this Kentucky Coffee, I chose a coffee that has bourbon and pecan notes. This perfectly paired with the nutty Maple Simple Syrup. Try the coffee here!

What else can I do with Maple Simple Syrup?

Use Maple Simple Syrup to replace the sugar in your coffee or tea, on top of ice cream, pancakes or waffles. Another option is to mix the Maple Simple Syrup with butter when sautéing vegetables. The Maple Simple Syrup can be kept in refrigerated for up to 3 weeks (if it last’s that long).

What is a Kentucky Coffee?

A Kentucky Coffee is a coffee cocktail that mixes bourbon and coffee. This cocktail is similar to an Irish Coffee that mixes whiskey and coffee.

Expert Tips

  • If you are looking for more caffeine, use cold brew coffee instead of cooled drip coffee!
  • Prepare the Maple Simple Syrup ahead of time so that you can quickly whip up this Kentucky Coffee!

Looking for another cocktail recipe? Try one of these! 

Spiked Cranberry Lemonade (Fisher’s Island Copycat Recipe) 

Chai Cider Whiskey

Party Cosmopolitans (Large Batch Recipe)

If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and tag @delmarvaliciousdishes on Instagram. Cheers!

Maple Coffee Cocktail with Bourbon and a Maple Nut Sugar rim
Print Recipe
5 from 8 votes

Kentucky Coffee with Maple Simple Syrup

Kentucky Coffee with Maple Simple Syrup is an iced alcoholic drink with a caffeinated kick! This coffee and bourbon cocktail is sweetened with a homemade Maple Simple Syrup and is easy to make at home!
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: cocktail
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1
Calories: 105kcal
Author: Lynne Kenton

Equipment

  • 1 Cocktail Shaker

Ingredients

  • 4 oz Coffee Cold or Room Temperature
  • 1-2 oz Bourbon
  • 1/2 - 1 oz Maple Simple Syrup
  • Maple Nut Sugar to rim on glass Optional

Maple Nut Simple Syrup Recipe

  • 1 cup Water
  • 1/2 cup Maple Syrup
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Maple Nut Sugar

Instructions

Maple Bourbon Coffee Cocktail

  • Combine coffee, bourbon and Maple Simple Syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Shake to blend until the outside of the cocktail shaker is cold (about 15 seconds).
  • Rim a whiskey glass with maple nut sugar.
  • Serve cocktail over ice.

Maple Nut Simple Syrup

  • Add water, maple syrup, brown sugar and maple nut sugar to a pot over medium heat.
  • Allow water to warm. Stir to combine brown sugar, maple nut sugar and maple syrup.
  • Once bubbles begin to form on the edge of the pot, remove from heat.
  • Let syrup cool. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 105kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 65mg | Sugar: 10g | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

Spiked Cranberry Lemonade (Fisher’s Island Copycat Recipe)

by 2 Comments

This Spiked Cranberry Lemonade Recipe is a copycat recipe of the ‘Pink Flamingo’ canned cocktail made by Fishers Island. This drink is simple and sweet! With just 4 ingredients, this refreshing cocktail will become your new favorite!

Thirsty for more? Try this Simple Peach Sangria with Rose Wine! This smooth and sweet sangria is perfect for large crowds. Or, try this Refreshing Cucumber Cocktail with Mint and Lime. It is easy and light, perfect for a hot summer night!

Spiked Cranberry Lemonade in a glass with extra lemons, cocktail shaker and lemonade

Have you tried a Fisher’s Island Lemonade? I am obsessed with their Pink Lemonade version called ‘Pink Flamingo.’ It comes in a can, is slightly sweet with a little tang and goes down easy. Better yet, it is 7% alcohol. While this is a high percentage, it is lower than the traditional Fisher’s Island Lemonade at 9%!

While I have been enjoying these canned cocktails all summer, I knew that this recipe is one that I could easily recreate at home. Making this Spiked Cranberry Lemonade is significantly less expensive than buying the original canned version and I can control the sweetness level and sugar. It is a win-win! While this drink is very similar to the ‘Pink Flamingo’ by Fisher’s Island, it is not the exact recipe and it is my take on the ‘Pink Flamingo.’

Spiked Cranberry Lemonade Details

Flavor: This Spiked Cranberry Lemonade is the perfect mix of sweet and tangy. The alcohol taste is very subtle, however, the honey whiskey shines through! This sweet cocktail tastes light and refreshing.

Level of Difficulty: Simple! All that is required is adding the ingredients to the shaker, shaking the cocktail up and pouring over ice.

Time: It will only take you about 5 minutes to shake up this Spiked Cranberry Lemonade! Those 5 minutes include gathering your ingredients.

Cocktail Ingredients & Substitutions

The best part about this Spiked Cranberry Lemonade is that it uses only 4 simple ingredients!

  • Lemonade: In my opinion, the most difficult part about testing this recipe was finding the right lemonade! Make sure to use a yellow lemonade (not a pink lemonade) in this recipe and one that is not too sweet. I have been using this Nature’s Nectar Not from Concentrate Homestyle Lemonade from Aldi to make this Cranberry Lemonade Cocktail.
  • Cranberry Juice: This recipe does not use a lot of cranberry juice so make sure that you are using real cranberry juice and not one that is mixed with other flavors.
  • Vodka: I used regular Tito’s Vodka in this recipe. For extra flavor, you could use a Lemon or Cranberry flavored vodka. Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka is a great option!
  • Whiskey: Finding the right whiskey was also difficult in this recipe. The whiskey that complimented the lemonade best was Seagram’s Dark Honey Whiskey. The honey adds the perfect amount of sweetness to the tart lemonade.

Spiked Cranberry Lemonade Ingredients: Whiskey, Cranberry Juice, Lemonade and Vodka

How To Make

  1. Add ice to a cocktail shaker.
  2. Add lemonade, cranberry juice, vodka and whiskey.
  3. Mix until the outside of the cocktail shaker becomes cold, around 15 seconds.
  4. Pour cocktail into cocktail glass over top of ice.
  5. Garnish with fresh mint (optional).
  6. Enjoy!

Recipe Variations

Make it bubbly: Top the cocktail with club soda or Sprite for a cocktail spritzer.

Make it a mocktail: To make this recipe into a mocktail, simply omit the vodka and whiskey. Increase the lemonade proportion to 9.5 oz and the whiskey proportion to 2.5 oz. This will make a pretty pink lemonade!

Spiked Cranberry Lemonade with lemons, mint and cranberry juice

What is the best whiskey to use?

The best whiskey to use in this Spiked Cranberry Lemonade is one with subtle flavors. Because you are mixing the whiskey and not drinking it neat, you want to use a whiskey that is also affordable. I used Seagram’s Dark Honey Whiskey in this recipe because I like how the honey complimented the tanginess of the lemonade. Four Roses and Maker’s Mark are also good in this cocktail. Most importantly, you should use  a whiskey that you enjoy drinking.

What is the best vodka to use?

The best vodka to use is one that is neutral in flavor and that you enjoy. The vodka taste is lost in the lemonade and cranberry juice. I like using Tito’s Vodka in this cocktail because it is smooth in taste and is affordable. If you want to add extra flavor or sweetness, use a flavored vodka like Deep Eddy Lemon.

FAQ

What is Fisher’s Island Lemonade? Fisher’s Island Lemonade is a canned cocktail made with lemonade, vodka, whiskey and honey. They have a few different flavors. This recipe is created after their ‘Pink Flamingo’ canned cocktail.

Can I make this drink with less calories? If looking for a lighter cocktail, try using Diet Lemonade and Diet Cranberry Juice. This will reduce the amount of sugar and calories in the drink.

Can I make this drink with less alcohol? Absolutely! Simply, use less vodka and whiskey. You could use only an ounce of vodka and 1/4 oz of whiskey and increase the lemonade proportion to 8.5 oz and the cranberry juice to 2.25 oz.

What to serve with this cocktail?

Try these Happy Hour recipe favorites:

Crispy Old Bay Wings

Melon Caprese Skewers with Crispy Prosciutto

Vegetable Bruschetta with Cherry Tomatoes and Squash

If you try this recipe, please comment below and tag @delmarvaliciousdishes on Instagram!

Spiked Cranberry Lemonade in a glass with extra lemons, cocktail shaker and lemonade
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Spiked Cranberry Lemonade (Fisher's Island Copycat)

This Spiked Cranberry Lemonade Recipe is a copycat recipe of the 'Pink Flamingo' canned drink made by Fishers Island. This cocktail is simple and sweet! With just 4 ingredients, this refreshing cocktail will become your new favorite!
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: cocktail
Servings: 1
Calories: 614kcal
Author: Lynne Kenton

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Cocktail Glass

Ingredients

  • 7 oz Lemonade
  • 2.5 oz Vodka
  • 1/2 oz Whiskey
  • 2 oz Cranberry Juice
  • Mint & Lemon Slices To Garnish
  • Ice

Instructions

  • Add ice to a cocktail shaker.
  • Add lemonade, cranberry juice, vodka and whiskey.
  • Shake cocktail to combine for about 15 seconds until exterior of shaker is cold.
  • Pour drink over top of ice.
  • Garnish with mint and lemon slices.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 614kcal | Carbohydrates: 106g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 187mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 95g | Vitamin A: 26IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Simple Peach Sangria with Rosé Wine

by 5 Comments

Peach Sangria with Rosé Wine is a fresh, light and simple cocktail. This drink captures the sweet flavors of summer and can be made for a crowd!

 

Need another summer cocktail? This Refreshing Cucumber Cocktail with Mint and Lime can be made as a cocktail or a mocktail! Or try this Spiked Cranberry Lemonade (Fisher’s Island Copycat Recipe). It has vodka and a little whiskey and is so simple to make at home!

 

Peach Sangria in glasses with peaches and strawberries

 

Peach Sangria with Rosé Wine Details

 

Level of Difficulty: Simple! All that you need to do is chop, pour and mix to make this easy and fresh cocktail!

Time: This peach sangria requires 5 minutes of chopping, 30 minutes of waiting and less than 5 minutes to mix all the ingredients together. It is perfect to prepare ahead of time of a large crowd.

Flavor: Sweet! The peaches and the strawberries give the cocktail a sweet, summer flavor. Depending on your taste, you can use a sweet rosé  wine for a sweeter drink or use a dry rosé wine  to balance the sweetness.

 

Ingredients and Substitutions

 

  • Rosé Wine: This recipe calls for a 750 ml bottle. However, you can simply double this recipe by using a large bottle of wine. Choose a rosé wine that you enjoy drinking. Keep in mind, the peaches and strawberries combined with sugar will add more sweetness to the peach sangria.
  • Peach Schnapps: If you do not have peach schnapps on hand, you could use peach vodka. The peach sangria will be less sweet if using vodka. Add more sugar to the drink if needed. You could also use peach juice. This will result in a peach sangria with less alcohol.
  • Peaches: Use canned peaches or frozen peaches if you cannot use fresh peaches. Canned peaches do not need to be mixed with sugar before adding to the pitcher.
  • Strawberries: Substitute raspberries or watermelon.
  • White Sugar
  • Sparkling Water: The sparkling water makes the peach sangria fizzy. You could substitute club soda, Sprite or ginger ale. Additionally, you could top the sangria with prosecco. This will add more alcohol content to the cocktail.

 

Peach Sangria Ingredients: Rosé Wine, Peach Schnapps, Peaches, Strawberries, Sugar and Sparkling Water

 

How to Make Peach Sangria with Rosé Wine

 

  1. Start with clean produce. Chop peaches and strawberries into bite size pieces.
  2. Add 2 chopped peaches and 1 cup chopped strawberries to a medium mixing bowl. Sprinkle fruit with granulated sugar. Gently stir in sugar to coat the fruit. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Place the remaining 1 chopped peach and 1/2 cup chopped strawberries on medium size skewers. These fruit skewers will be used as cocktail garnishes.
  4. Add rosé wine, peach schnapps and sugar coated fruit to a large pitcher. Stir to combine.
  5. To serve, fill wine glasses half way with ice cubes. Pour peach sangria to cover ice cubes. Add chopped fruit from the pitcher to each glass. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a peach-strawberry skewer.

 

Expert Tips

 

  • Add the sparkling water right before serving and add directly to the glass that you are serving the sangria in. If you add the sparkling water to the pitcher and it sits, the water will go flat resulting in a sangria that tastes watered down and not fizzy.
  • Use a large bottle of wine (a 1.5 liter bottle) to double this recipe. This amount is perfect to quench a crowd’s thirst. Serve the peach sangria in a beverage dispenser or a punch bowl. This cocktail is perfect for a summer bridal shower or baby shower.
  • Add additional fruit! Everyone loves a fruity drink especially when it is hot outside. Add chopped mango, watermelon or raspberries for a fun summer treat!
  • Make sangria ice cubes! If you are serving this peach sangria outside, add some sangria to ice cube trays. Place in freezer. The ice cubes will not completely freeze due to the alcohol, however, they will firm up to become cubes. Use these as ice cubes and keep your peach sangria from becoming watered down.

 

peach sangria in glasses with peach strawberry garnish

FAQ

 

How do I store peach sangria? Sangria is best enjoyed within 24 hours of making. Store sangria covered and refrigerated. The sangria is still consumable after 24 hours, however, the fruit may become mushy.

Help! I don’t have rosé wine! If you do not have rosé wine, you can still make this peach sangria! Substitute your favorite white wine. I would recommend using a drier white wine such as sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio.

Can I make this peach sangria non-alcoholic? Yes! The best way to make this sangria non-alcoholic would be to use a white peach juice in place of the rosé wine and remove the peach schnapps from the recipe. You may need to add additional sugar to drink depending on your preferred sweetness level. You could also use a non-alcoholic rosé wine like this Surely Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rose.

What is the best rosé wine to use in peach sangria? Use a dry rosé wine in sangria. The sugared fruit and the peach schnapps add extra sugar and sweetness to the cocktail. A dry rosé wine will keep the sangria from being too sweet.

What should I serve with this cocktail? Here are some fun, summer recipes to go with the peach sangria:

Easy Melon Caprese Skewers with Crispy Prosciutto

Cherry Tomato Toast with Whipped Ricotta 

Easy Watermelon Salsa with Mint and Kiwi

 

If you try this Simple Peach Sangria with Rosé Wine, be sure to leave a comment and tag @delmarvaliciousdishes on Instagram!

Peach Sangria in glasses with peaches and strawberries
Print Recipe
5 from 4 votes

Simple Peach Sangria with Rosé Wine

Peach Sangria with Rosé Wine is a fresh, light and simple cocktail. This drink captures the sweet flavors of summer and can be made for a crowd!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: cocktail, Drinks
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 170kcal
Author: Lynne Kenton

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pitcher
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Medium Bowl
  • Medium Wooden Skewers

Ingredients

  • 750 ml Bottle of Rosé wine
  • 1/2 cup Peach Schnapps
  • 3 Peaches
  • 1 1/2 cups Strawberries
  • 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
  • Sparkling Water

Instructions

  • Slice 2 peaches and 1 cup of strawberries into bite size pieces. Place in a medium size bowl.
  • Sprinkle fruit with sugar and gently mix together to coat. Place fruit in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  • Slice 1 peach and 1/2 cup strawberries into bite size pieces. Put fruit on medium sized skewers.
  • Add rosé, peach schnapps and sugar coated fruit to a large pitcher. Stir to combine.
  • To serve, pour sangria into wine glasses over ice. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with peach strawberry skewer.

Nutrition

Serving: 6g | Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 256mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 249IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

Refreshing Cucumber Cocktail (with Mint and Lime)

by 8 Comments

This Refreshing Cucumber Cocktail with Mint and Lime is an easy and light drink. This cocktail is made with vodka (cucumber vodka optional) and cucumber simple syrup. It can easily be made into a mocktail to please all of your happy hour guests!

If you love easy cocktail and happy hour recipes, try my Spicy Lemon Margarita paired with these Easy Melon Caprese Skewers with Crispy Prosciutto!

Cucumber Cocktail with Cucumber Peel and Mint Garnish
This cocktail looks impressive but is simple to make!

Cucumber Cocktail Ingredients

  • Vodka: I prefer to use regular (non-flavored vodka). Use your vodka of choice here. I used Tito’s. You can use cucumber flavored vodka for a stronger cucumber flavor.
  • Cucumber Simple Syrup: If you decide to use cucumber vodka, you can use regular simple syrup.
  • Lime Juice
  • Sparkling Water
  • Mint
  • Lime wedges, mint leaves and cucumber peels to garnish

What is Cucumber Simple Syrup?

Cucumber Simple Syrup is simple syrup flavored with a cucumber twist! Homemade simple syrups are the easiest way to upgrade your at home cocktail game! Not only are they so easy to make, you can customize the flavor to what you like to drink! It is much less expensive to make a homemade cucumber simple syrup than it is to buy a bottle of cucumber vodka.

To make Cucumber Simple Syrup, add cucumber slices, water and sugar to a medium bowl over medium heat. Heat water and stir until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Remove cucumber slices and store refrigerated in an airtight container.

Cucumber Vodka

If you do not want to make homemade cucumber simple syrup, use cucumber vodka in your drink! I like to use Effen Cucumber Vodka. This vodka is smooth, fruity and refreshing.

Overview: How to Make a Refreshing Cucumber Cocktail

  1. Muddle mint leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
  2. Add vodka, cucumber simple syrup, lime juice and ice. Shake to combine.
  3. Pour into a glass over ice.
  4. Fill remaining glass with sparkling water.
  5. Garnish with mint leaves, cucumber peels and lime wedges.

Cucumber Cocktail garnished with limes and cucumber peels
This drink is so light and refreshing!

How to garnish your Cucumber Cocktail?

Cucumbers make a simple, fun and delicious cocktail garnish! You can simply slice the cucumber into rounds and use on the side of the glass. Or you can get fancy and use a peeler to make a cucumber swirl or curl! I like to thinly peel my cucumber and place inside the glass. You can use the ice cubes to keep the cucumber in place until the ice starts to melt. Another option is to garnish the outside of the glass with your cucumber peel. You can arrange your cucumber in a swirl on a toothpick to make a simple fun cucumber cocktail garnish.

FAQ

What if I don’t want to make Cucumber Simple Syrup?

If you don’t have time or don’t want to make cucumber simple syrup, simply use Cucumber Vodka! This will allow you to get the refreshing cucumber taste. You can simply use regular simple syrup or omit the sweetener all together.

What can I use Cucumber Simple Syrup in?

You can use Cucumber Simple Syrup in any drink that calls for a sweetener. The cucumber simple syrup will give the drink a refreshing and sweet flavor! You could also add a teaspoon of the simple syrup to your water for added sweetness.

Can I make Cucumber Vodka at home?

Yes, you can make cucumber vodka at home! Simply slice a cucumber and place in a sealed jar of vodka. Allow to marinate for at least 24 hours. Remove the cucumber before serving.

What flavors pair with cucumber?

Watermelon, mint and basil compliment cucumber for a different flavor twist!

How do I make this Cucumber Cocktail into a mocktail?

You can make this cucumber cocktail into a cucumber mocktail simply by omitting the vodka! The bubbly sparkling water and the sweet cucumber, lime and mint flavor make this a refreshing non-alcoholic option!

Looking for more summer cocktails?

Try this Spiked Cranberry Lemonade (Fisher’s Island Copycat Recipe)   or this Simple Peach Sangria with Rosé Wine!

If you love this cocktail as much as I do, please leave a rating and tag @delmavaliciousdishes on Instagram!

Cucumber Cocktail with Cucumber Peel and Mint Garnish
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5 from 4 votes

Refreshing Cucumber Cocktail with Mint and Lime

This Refreshing Cucumber Cocktail is made with vodka, homemade simple syrup and flavored with mint and lime! It is a perfect, light cocktail to grab on a hot summer day!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time2 minutes
Total Time7 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1
Calories: 255kcal
Author: Lynne Kenton

Equipment

  • 1 Cocktail Shaker

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Vodka
  • 1.5 oz Cucumber Simple Syrup
  • 1 oz Lime Juice
  • 4 Mint Leaves
  • Sparkling Water
  • Lime and Cucumber to garnish

Cucumber Simple Syrup

  • 1 Small Cucumber (about 1/2 cup slices)
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 1 cup Water

Instructions

  • Muddle mint in cocktail shaker. Add ice to cocktail shaker.
  • Add cucumber simple syrup, vodka and lime juice. Shake to combine.
  • Pour over ice in a glass. Use sparkling water to fill glass to brim.
  • Garnish with cucumber slices and lime wedge.

Cucumber Simple Syrup

  • Add cucumber slices, water and sugar to a medium bowl over medium heat.
  • Allow the water to warm and the sugar to dissolve. Stir occasionally.
  • Once sugar dissolves, remove from heat and let cool.
  • Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 255kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 184IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 2mg

White Christmas Cosmo

by Leave a Comment

White Christmas Cosmo is a sweet, floral flavored cocktail that packs a punch. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time of year!

 

Need another delicious cocktail recipe? Try this Spiked Cranberry Lemonade (Fisher’s Island Copycat Recipe). Made with just 4 ingredients, this simple cocktail will please everyone at happy hour!

 

Here is my last recipe for 2021! Last January, I had an internal push that told me to start sharing my recipes and food tips. I had been reading food blogs and scouring Pinterest for years. The problem was (and still is) that I am a very private person so it is way out of my comfort zone to have this platform. I still cannot believe that I hit the PUBLISH button to have my website go live and that people are actually reading and pinning recipes! While I am nowhere near a trained chef, I love being in the kitchen and trying new things. Delmarvalicious Dishes was born as my way to share the recipes that work and the ones that don’t work….Thank you for reading and supporting me in this new, sometimes challenging, adventure!

 

Now, onto the recipe! While I know Christmas was almost a week ago, this drink is too good not to share! Plus, I feel like Christmas is a season and the week in between Christmas and New Years is still in the Christmas zone. I have had some sort of Christmas celebration every day since Christmas so I am really merry these days 🙂

 

White Christmas Cosmo Ingredients

White Christmas Cosmo is my take on a classic Cosmopolitan cocktail. Here are the ingredients you will need:

  • White Cranberry Juice
  • Vodka
  • Elderflower Liqueur
  • Lime Juice

 

Instead of regular cranberry juice, this drink uses white cranberry juice. White cranberry juice is sweeter and less tart than regular red cranberry juice. Use your vodka of choice in this drink. I do not recommend using a flavored vodka here as the drink has a sweet, floral flavors.

The White Christmas Cosmo calls for Elderflower Liqueur. There are a few options on the market. I always use St. Germain. If you don’t have Elderflower Liqueur on hand and don’t want to buy it, you could use Triple Sec. This will add the sweetness that the Elderflower Liqueur would offer, however, you will not get the floral notes that the elderflower would provide.

The last ingredient is lime juice. Use fresh squeezed lime juice or bottled lime juice. If using fresh squeezed, measure the liquid before adding to the shaker.

 

Let’s Shake It Up!

This is a simple cocktail recipe which is exactly what we need after a long week of Christmas! Simply add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake, shake, shake!!!

A few tips:

  • Put ice cubes into your martini glasses when you begin preparing your drink. You want your glass to be ice cold.
  • Replace ice in between making drinks.

 

White Christmas Cosmo Garnishes

A sweet sugar glass rim would be delicious and festive on this drink. A simple option would be a lime slice.

I used sugared cranberries when making my White Christmas Cosmo. The red cranberries give the drink a nice pop of color and the cranberries are fun to munch on! The sugar balances out the tartness in the cranberries. Rachel Bakes at Home gives a simple recipe to make Sugared Cranberries!

 

Looking for something a little different?

Try one of these Delmarvalicous Cocktails!

 

If you make this White Christmas Cosmo, please leave a comment or tag @delmarvaliciousdishes! Have a safe and Happy New Year!

 

White Christmas Cocktail
Print Recipe

White Christmas Cosmo

White Christmas Cosmo is a sweet, floral flavored cocktail that packs a punch. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time of year!
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: cocktail
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1
Calories: 280kcal
Author: Lynne Kenton

Ingredients

  • 3 oz White Cranberry Juice
  • 2 oz Vodka
  • 1 oz Elderflower Liqueur
  • 1 oz Lime Juice

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to an iced cocktail shaker. Shake to combine.
  • Serve in chilled martini glass.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 99mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 52IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Spicy Lemon Margarita Recipe (with Jalapeno Tequila)

by 2 Comments


This Spicy Lemon Margarita Recipe is made using jalapeno tequila for a spicy kick! This twist on the classic cocktail is perfect for a hot day, summer celebrations, and Cinco de Mayo. 

Two margaritas with a sweet and salty rim.

I was inspired to make this drink after having a similar margarita in New York City. Spicy margs are my go-to drink but I had never had a lemon version before. I knew that I had to recreate the recipe at home. 

If you are looking for another perfect cocktail recipe, try one of these! This Rosemary Grapefruit Tequila Spritzer tastes like a bubbly sip of summer! Or, try this Blackberry Sangria for a cocktail recipe that will please a crowd. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavor! This drink has a sweet and spicy kick. 
  • Simple. You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this margarita.  
  • Inexpensive. Compared to drinks out on the town, this cocktail is inexpensive to make at home. 

Ingredients

With just a few simple ingredients from your local grocery store, you can have a Spicy Lemon Margarita in less than 5 minutes! 

Margarita Ingredients including lemonade, limoncello, jalapeno tequila, agave nectar, salt, sugar, cayenne pepper and mint.
  • Blanco Tequila is infused with fresh jalapeno slices to make a spicy tequila. 
  • Limoncello is used to sweeten the drink. 
  • Lemonade is used to balance the drink and give it a bright citrus kick! 
  • For extra sweetness, agave nectar is added. 
  • Sugar, salt, cayenne pepper, and lemon zest are mixed to make a sweet and salty rim! 

For exact ingredient measurements, please see the recipe card below! 

Substitutions and Variations

  • Blanco Tequila, also known as silver tequila, is the traditional tequila choice when mixing margaritas. However, use your favorite tequila in this drink! 
  • Substitute triple sec for limoncello. Triple sec is an orange liqueur that gives the drink a citrus taste with alcohol. 
  • Honey or a homemade simple syrup can be used for the agave nectar. Or, omit the agave nectar for a less sweet drink. 
  • To make this margarita more traditional, use fresh lime juice in place of the lemonade or a combination of lime and lemon juice. 
  • To make the rim very easy, use tajin seasoning. This seasoning is already combined and adds a little kick of heat! 
  • For more heat on the rim, add chili powder to the mix. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the jalapeno tequila. Fill up a small jar with tequila and slices of jalapeño. Refrigerate overnight. 

Step 2: Make the sweet and spicy rim. To a small food processor, add the sugar, salt, cayenne pepper, and lemon zest. Pulse until combined. Place on a shallow plate. Use lemon slices to moisten the glass rim and then swirl the glass into the lemon mixture. 

Step 3: Combine tequila, limoncello, lemonade, and agave nectar in an iced cocktail shaker. Shake for 30 seconds until the shaker is icy. 

Step 4: Pour the margarita mixture into the prepared glass over ice. 

Equipment

  • A microplane zester 
  • Small food processor 
  • Cocktail shaker 

Storage

Store jalapeño tequila in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Remove the jalapeño slices after one or two days. Store the lemon salt rim in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The extra salt rim is great for when you want to enjoy a tequila quickly. 

FAQ

How should I garnish my margarita?

Garnish your margarita with fresh lemon slices, jalapeño slices, mint sprigs, or a lime wedge. Because this is a spicy cocktail, you could also garnish the drink with slices of hot peppers. 

How do I make a spicy margarita with less heat?

Make a spicy margarita with less heat by not using infused tequila. When the jalapeño slices are marinated in the tequila, the tequila becomes spicier. To lessen the heat, add one or two jalapeño slices to the cocktail shaker with regular tequila. Combine all ingredients and pour the cocktail into an iced glass. Be sure to remove the jalapeno slices before serving. 

What other drinks can you use jalapeno tequila in?

Use jalapeño tequila in a bloody mary, a grapefruit margarita, or a paloma. Any drink that you add a little spice to will pair with jalapeño tequila! 

Looking for other cocktail recipes? Try one of these!

Pairing

These are my favorite recipes to serve with margaritas:

Spicy Lemon Margarita
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Spicy Lemon Margarita Recipe (with Jalapeno Tequila)

This Spicy Lemon Margarita Recipe is made using jalapeno tequila for a spicy kick! This twist on the classic cocktail is perfect for a hot day, summer celebrations, and Cinco de Mayo. 
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: cocktail
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1
Calories: 560kcal
Author: Lynne Kenton

Equipment

  • Small Food Processor
  • Micro Zester
  • Cocktail Shaker

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Spicy Tequila
  • 1 oz Limoncello
  • 3 oz Lemonade
  • 1 tbsp Agave Nectar

Sweet and Spicy Rim

  • 2 tbsp Sea Salt
  • 2 tbsp Sugar
  • 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper
  • Zest of a lemon

Instructions

Sweet and Spicy Rim

  • Add lemon zest, sugar, salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a food processor. Pulse until well blended.

Spicy Lemon Margarita

  • Use a lemon slice to moisten the rim of a margarita glass. Dip glass into the sugar and salt rim.
  • Add ice to the glass.
  • Combine tequila, limoncello, lemonade, and agave nectar in a cocktail shaker. Shake to combine. Pour over ice in the rimmed glass.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 560kcal | Carbohydrates: 93g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 13.96mg | Potassium: 67mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 87g | Vitamin A: 42IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Large Batch Cosmopolitan Recipe (Party Cocktail)

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This Large Batch Cosmopolitan Recipe is a classic cocktail recipe scaled up for a crowd! No more mixing and shaking one drink at a time. Make a large batch, sit back and sip!

A Cosmopolitan in a martini glass with a large pitcher of cosmos.

Signature cocktails are one of the best part of hosting a party. Sure, beer and wine are fine, but everyone likes a signature cocktail. The thing about cocktails is they can be hard to make and time consuming. You don’t want to be mixing up drink after drink when everyone else is having fun. This Large Batch Cosmopolitan Recipe has been a savior for dinner parties and girls nights. 

Next time you are hosting, use this recipe to make a large batch of cosmopolitans before your guests arrive! You can serve these vodka cocktails at happy hour, for Christmas, a birthday celebration, at any girls night or at a fun ‘Galentine’s Day’ celebration. As Carrie Bradshaw would say, a Cosmopolitan never goes out of style. 


Need more classic cocktail recipes? Try this Classic Espresso Martini (using Rum). Everyone loves an espresso martini and this one is perfect amount of sweet! Or, try this Spiked Cranberry Lemonade. This vodka based cocktails tastes just like a Fisher’s Island Pink Lemonade from the can! 

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It is a time-saver! Make this cosmopolitan cocktail recipe ahead of time and enjoy your guests. 
  • It will keep your kitchen from getting dirty! Think about spilled drinks, ice dripping and sweaty cocktail shakers. You will not have any of those when you pre-make your drinks. 
  • This recipe is simple! This is the perfect recipe to keep in your back pocket when hosting! 

Recipe Ingredients

Here are the ingredients that you will need to make this Large Batch Cosmo Recipe: 

The ingredients to make a large batch cosmopolitan: vodka, triple sec, lime juice and cranberry juice.

Ingredient Notes

  • Vodka is the main liquor in this drink. I prefer to use an an unflavored vodka. Tito’s and Grey Goose are my preferred brands.
  • Triple Sec is an orange liqueur used to sweeten the cocktail.
  • The juice base is Unsweetened Cranberry Juice.  Use Cranberry Juice that is labeled 100% juice not Cranberry Juice Cocktail. The Cranberry Juice Cocktail has extra sugars added to it. 
  • Add a little zest to the Cosmartmo with Fresh Lime Juice. 

See recipe card for full list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Use a flavored vodka such as a citrus vodka for a vodka twist. 
  • Use white cranberry juice to make a White Cosmo. Get the recipe here!
  • Replace the fresh lime juice with fresh lemon juice for a lemon twist! 
  • Instead of garnishing the drink with a lime, garnish with an orange peel.

Equipment

Simple barware equipment is needed to make this large batch Cosmo:

  • A large cocktail shaker. Use one that has enough space for 18 ounces of liquid plus ice. This is a great large cocktail shaker!
  • ​Jigger or measuring cup
  • Martini glass

How To Make Large Batch Cosmopolitans

Ice being poured into a large cocktail shaker.

Step 1: Add ice cubes to the martini glasses and cocktail shaker to chill them. 

Pouring vodka into a cocktail shaker to make a cosmopolitan.

Step 2: ​To an iced cocktail shaker, add vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and lime juice. 

An icy cocktail shaker after being shaken to combine the cosmopolitan ingredients.

Step 3: ​Shake cocktail shaker for 30 seconds until the outside of the shaker is icy. 

A Cosmopolitan being poured into a martini glass.

Step 4: Remove ice from martini glasses. Pour the Cosmopolitan mixture into each glass. Garnish with a twisted lime peel. 

Expert Tips

  1. ​Use a very large cocktail shaker to mix this cocktail. Alternatively, you could use a 3 cup mason jar to shake the cocktail. If you do not have a large cocktail shaker, you could mix the drink in a large pitcher. Use a long bar spoon to mix the drink together if mixing in a big pitcher. 
  2. Be sure to have lots of ice on hand as you will need ice to chill the martini glasses and ice to shake the cocktail. 
  3. Prepare your garnishes ahead of time. Use a vegetable peeler to cut a thin piece of the lime peel or orange peel. Wrap the peel around a pen to give it a twist. 

Storage

If preparing these batch cocktails ahead of time, add all the ingredients to the cocktail shaker without ice. Refrigerate the cocktail shaker until ready to serve then add ice, shake and serve. 

​Store any leftover cosmopolitans in the refrigerator. After mixing, pour the drink into a separate container or glass as to not water down the cocktail from the ice. 

Recipe FAQ’s

What is in a Cosmo?

Vodka, Triple Sec, Cranberry Juice and Lime Juice are the ingredients in a Cosmo. These 4 ingredients are simple and give the right balance of sweet and tart. 

What is the difference between a Cosmo and Cosmopolitan?

Cosmo is short for Cosmopolitan! It is as simple as that. Cosmos became popular in the 1990’s when Sex and the City became popular. 

Can I make this Large Batch Cosmopolitan into a mocktail?

Make this Large Batch Cosmopolitan into a mocktail by eliminating the vodka and the triple sec. Increase the cranberry juice and add ginger ale for a non-alcoholic punch. 

Looking for other cocktail recipes to make at home? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with cocktails:

A Cosmopolitan in a martini glass garnished with lime zest
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Large Batch Cosmopolitan Recipe (Party Cocktail)

This Large Batch Cosmopolitan Recipe is a classic cocktail recipe scaled up for a crowd! No more mixing and shaking one drink at a time. Make a large batch, sit back and sip!
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: cocktail
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 235kcal
Author: Lynne Kenton

Equipment

  • Large Cocktail Shaker
  • Jigger or Measuring Cup
  • Martini Glass

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces Vodka
  • 4 ounces Triple Sec
  • 4 ounces Cranberry Juice
  • 2 ounces Lime Juice

Instructions

  • Add ice to martini glass to chill.
  • Add ice to a large cocktail shaker. Add vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and lime juice.
  • Shake cocktail shaker for 30 seconds or until the exterior of the shaker is icy.
  • Remove ice from martini glasses. Pour Cosmopolitan mixture into glasses.

Nutrition

Serving: 4g | Calories: 235kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 47mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Chai Spiced Apple Cider (Easy Crockpot Recipe)

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Chai Spiced Apple Cider is an easy crockpot recipe perfect for the holidays! This warm cider can be served as a mocktail or a cocktail this holiday season! 

Two clear mugs filled with hot cider garnished with orange slices. The mugs rest on a wooden coaster with a cinnamon stick and cloves nearby. Fresh oranges and a striped cloth in the background create a cozy setting.

Whenever I host a holiday, I like to have a signature drink. My kids like to enjoy the signature drink as well so I need one that everyone can drink. This slow-cooker apple cider recipe is the easiest way to have a drink that everyone can enjoy! It is warm, festive, and only requires a few minutes of prep time. 

If you need more signature drink ideas, try this Spiced Chai Cider Bourbon. This 4-ingredient cocktail is the perfect mix of warm chai spices, bourbon, and apple cider. Or, if you are feeding a crowd, try this Large Batch Cosmopolitan Recipe. This cocktail recipe is perfect for a holiday party. Make sure that you have an extra large cocktail shaker ready because this recipe makes a large batch!

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Warm and cozy! There is nothing better than a warm drink to cozy up with on a cold day. 
  • Option to add alcohol. Kids and adults alike can enjoy this cider. Serve alcohol on the side so that everyone can make their perfect drink. 
  • Simple ingredients. Chances are, you have most of these simple ingredients in your refrigerator and pantry to make this crock pot apple cider recipe!  

Chai Spiced Apple Cider Ingredients

Head to your local grocery store to stock up on these simple ingredients to make hot cider: 

A cozy wooden surface showcases ingredients for hot cider: a jug of apple cider, slices of apple, lemon, and orange, a bowl of maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, Chai tea bags, and whole oranges.
  • Store-bought apple cider is used. If you can, support local farms. My Delaware favorite is Fifer’s Orchards! 
  • Whole cloves and whole cinnamon sticks add sweet and spicy aromas that compliment the apple cider. 
  • Freshly squeezed orange juice compliments the warm spices. 
  • Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness to the cider to balance the acidity. 
  • Chai tea is seeped with the cider to add extra notes of warmth to the cider. 
  • Freshly grated ginger adds spicy notes to the cider. 
  • Lemon slices, apple slices, and orange slices are mixed with the cider for extra flavor and to act as a garnish. 

See the below recipe card for the exact measurements. 

Substitutions

  • If you cannot find apple cider, use apple juice. 
  • Store-bought orange juice can be used instead of freshly squeezed orange juice. 
  • Replace the maple syrup with agave nectar or a little bit of apple butter. 
  • If you do not have chai tea bags, use extra cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ginger. I do not recommend using another type of tea bag. 

Variations

  • Make this recipe on the stovetop instead of the crockpot. Add all ingredients to a large pot on the stove and set to a low simmer. Simmer the ingredients for at least 30 minutes. The longer that you simmer the cider, the more flavor it will have. Avoid bringing the cider to a boil as that will evaporate the liquid and reduce the flavor. 
  • To make this drink look extra festive, serve with star anise and cinnamon sticks in the mug. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

A white crockpot brimming with fragrant hot cider, its golden-brown liquid adorned with floating slices of lemons and apples. Two tea bags steep on the left side, infusing warmth. The crockpot sits invitingly on a light wood surface, perfect for cozy gatherings.

Step 1: Add all ingredients to a crockpot and stir to combine. Cook on low for 3-4 hours.

Two clear mugs filled with hot cider garnished with orange slices. The mugs rest on a wooden coaster with a cinnamon stick and cloves nearby. Fresh oranges and a striped cloth in the background create a cozy setting.

Step 2: Remove the cloves, tea bags, and cinnamon sticks from the crockpot. Serve warm and garnish with lemon, orange, and apple slices.

Storage

If you have leftover cider, store it refrigerated in an airtight container. Remove the apple, orange, and lemon slices from the cider before storing. Enjoy cold cider or reheat in the microwave. 

 

FAQ

Can I serve this cider cold?

Yes, you can serve this cider cold! I recommend making it in the crockpot or on the stovetop in advance and then refrigerating until ready to serve. Serve this in a large pitcher with the fruit slices and pour over ice for a cold cider. 

What alcohol pairs with hot apple cider?

Bourbon and rum are my favorite alcohol accompaniments to pair with the cider. Whiskey and bourbon add warm, smoky hints to the cider. Rum adds an extra layer of sweetness. You can also add a splash of red wine to make a simple mulled cider! 

How can I keep my cider from becoming too sweet?

If you are worried about the cider tasting too sweet, omit the maple syrup. The orange juice will balance out the sweetness of the cider. You can also add extra orange juice and lemon juice to balance out the sweetness. 

 

Spiced Hot Cider
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Chai Spiced Apple Cider (Easy Crockpot Recipe)

Chai Spiced Apple Cider is an easy crockpot recipe perfect for the holidays! This warm cider can be served as a mocktail or a cocktail this holiday season! 
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time3 hours
Total Time3 hours 10 minutes
Course: cocktail, Drinks
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Calories: 129kcal
Author: Lynne Kenton

Equipment

  • Crockpot

Ingredients

  • 12 cups Apple Cider
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice (from about 2 oranges)
  • 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
  • 3 Chai Tea Bags
  • 1 teaspoon Whole Cloves
  • 2 Cinnamon Sticks
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Grated Ginger
  • Lemon Slices, Orange Slices and Apple Slices
  • Bourbon, Vodka or Tequila to serve (optional)

Instructions

  • To a crock pot, add apple cider, orange juice, maple syrup, chai tea bags, grated ginger, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, orange slices, apple slices, and lemon slices. Allow to cook for about 3 hours. Once ready to serve, remove the tea bags and whole cloves.
  • Serve warm in a mug. Garnish with apple slices, lemon slices, and orange slices.
  • Add alcohol when ready to serve (optional). Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 8g | Calories: 129kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 22mg | Potassium: 370mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 39IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 1mg

Spiced Chai Cider Bourbon (4 Ingredient Cocktail)

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This Spiced Chai Bourbon Cider Cocktail is a simple fall cocktail made with only 4 ingredients! This cozy cocktail can be served cold or warm. 

Two glasses of iced apple cider garnished with apple slices sit on wooden coasters with a sugared rim. Cinnamon sticks and apple slices are placed on the table beside the glasses. The background features a blurred pot and a yellow lemon, making it the perfect fall cocktail scene.

The warm chai flavor is one that I can drink all year long. Yet, it seems that I only drink them during colder months in coffee or tea. I knew that I needed a cocktail that combined chai and bourbon. 

For another cool-weather cocktail, try this Kentucky Coffee. Made with a homemade maple simple syrup, this drink is perfect for the fall season. Or, try this Almond Joy Martini. This dessert cocktail is the perfect addition to any holiday menu!

Why You’ll Love This Cocktail

  • Simple! Simmering and shaking is all that is required to make a delicious chai cocktail. 
  • Comes together quickly. Make the Chai Simple Syrup ahead of time and whip up this cocktail at home in less than 5 minutes.
  • Not too sweet. Control the level of sweetness by making this drink yourself.  

Ingredients

An arrangement of drink ingredients perfect for a fall cocktail: a bottle of bourbon, a gallon jug of apple cider, a jar of chai simple syrup, a container of cinnamon sugar, and a lemon. The background features a decorative pattern.
  • Bourbon is the alcohol used in this cocktail. 
  • Apple cider is used to add sweetness and a fall touch.
  • The chai simple syrup adds the warm and cozy flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and pepper to the drink. 
  • Lemon juice balances out the cocktail with a little tang.

Full ingredients and measurements are listed below in the recipe card. 

Substitutions

  • If you are not a bourbon lover, replace the bourbon with a dark rum or a whiskey. 
  • If apple cider is not in season, use apple juice. 
  • In place of the Chai Simple Syrup, you can make a very strong cup of chai tea or a chai tea concentrate. 
  • You could also sweeten the drink with maple syrup in place of the simple syrup. 
  • Orange juice can be used in place of lemon juice for a tangy kick. 

Variations

  • Make this a mocktail by omitting the bourbon and using 1 additional tablespoon of apple cider and 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice. 
  • Make this a hot drink! Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat. If making a large batch, combine all ingredients in a crockpot and set the temperature to warm. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

A pot of hot dark liquid with a cinnamon stick and two tea bags soaking in it, resembling a cozy fall cocktail. The background is white, and the pot has a handle visible at the bottom.

Step 1: Make the chai simple syrup. Add the water and dark brown sugar to a small saucepan. Stir to dissolve the sugar and bring to a boil. Once boiling, simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add chai tea bags, vanilla, and cinnamon. Allow tea bags to seep for 10 minutes. 

A mason jar filled with iced tea sits on a coaster. The tea is a light brown color, with ice cubes floating on top. In the background, there are out-of-focus elements, including a bowl of lemon wedges and apple slices, giving it the look of a refreshing fall cocktail.

Step 2: Add the bourbon, apple cider, chai simple syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker full of ice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until the exterior of the shaker is cold and icy. 

Two elegant, clear crystal glasses lightly rimmed with cinnamon sugar are shown. In the foreground, a bowl of peach slices and a separate grey dish filled with granulated cinnamon sugar are visible on a white surface—perfect ingredients for a refreshing fall cocktail.

Step 3: Wet the rim of a glass and dip into the cinnamon sugar. 

Two glasses of a refreshing iced beverage sit on a wooden surface, each garnished with a sugared rim. This fall cocktail appears to be citrus-based. Nearby, there are lemons, cinnamon sticks, and apple slices, adding a touch of rustic charm to the scene.

Step 4: Pour the cocktail into the rimmed glass over ice and enjoy!

Top tip

  • Use a high-quality bourbon that you enjoy drinking. 
  • The leftover chai simple syrup can be used in coffee or tea!

FAQ

Can I make this Chai Cider Bourbon in advance?

Yes, you can make this Chai Bourbon Cocktail in advance. Simply, combine all ingredients in a shaker without adding the ice and refrigerate. When ready to serve, add ice to the cocktail shaker and shake it up! 

What is the best bourbon to use to make a chai bourbon cocktail? 

The best bourbon to use in a cocktail is one that you love. Because there are so few ingredients in this drink, I do recommend using a high-quality bourbon. I like to use High West Bourbon, Makers Mark Cask Strength or Henry McKenna Single Barrel. 

How can I garnish this bourbon apple cider cocktail? 

Garnish this fall cocktail with a cinnamon stick or star anise in the drink. Use a lemon wedge, orange wedge, or apple slice on the glass. And don’t forget to rim the cocktail with cinnamon sugar for a fun and festive look! 

Related

Looking for other simple cocktail recipes? Try one of these:

Pairing

Pair your Chai Cider Bourbon with one of these simple appetizers:

Two elegantly carved glass tumblers filled with a golden-orange fall cocktail, garnished with apple slices and cinnamon sticks. The glasses have sugar rims, and there are apple slices, a lemon, and a cinnamon stick on the wooden surface.
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Spiced Chai Cider Bourbon (4 Ingredient Cocktail)

This Spiced Chai Bourbon Cider Cocktail is a simple fall cocktail made with only 4 ingredients! This cozy cocktail can be served cold or warm. 
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: cocktail, Drinks
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1
Calories: 198kcal
Author: Lynne Kenton

Equipment

  • Small pot
  • Cocktail Shaker

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Bourbon Whiskey
  • 2 ounces Apple Cider
  • 1 ounce Lemon Juice
  • 0.5 ounce Chai Simple Syrup
  • Cinnamon Sugar

Chai Simple Syrup

  • 1 cup Water
  • 3/4 cup Dark Brown Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 3 Chai Tea Bags
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick

Instructions

  • Add the bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and Chai Simple Syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  • Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until the exterior of the shaker becomes cold.
  • Rim glass with cinnamon sugar (optional).
  • Pour cocktail over ice and enjoy.

Chai Simple Syrup

  • To a small pot, add water and brown sugar. Bring to a boil.
  • Once boiling, turn the heat down to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Add the vanilla, chai tea bags and cinnamon stick. Allow to seep for 10 minutes.
  • Remove and discard the tea bags and cinnamon stick. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 198kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 80mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg