Classic Cocktail Recipes

I recently shared a few holiday cocktails that I thought would take your entertaining to the next level at Thanksgiving. Naturally, Christmas is another time of the year we find ourselves searching for ways to be creative when entertaining and serving classic cocktails.

I’ve been seeing Aperol used as an ingredient in many of the newer craft cocktails. I wasn’t quite sure what it was, so I did a little research. I hope you don’t think that’s bad that I’m researching alcoholic beverages. However, it seems to be very popular with the millennials (a.k.a our adult children) and I want to be in the know when I’m around them.

Apparently, there’s a new term out there called “O.K. Boomer”. This internet catchphrase is used to dismiss or mock some of the attitudes and ideas of our baby boomer generation. Of course, it’s typically meant to be used with humor, but it also indicates that we are out of touch. Well, I decided that the best way to defeat this mentality is to serve them drinks. It livens up the party and age isn’t a factor any longer.

How to Make an Aperol Spritz

An Aperol Spritz is very easy to make. No fancy equipment required! Aperol is a classic bitter that has a strong zesty orange flavor. When mixed with a club soda and prosecco you get a light refreshing cocktail.

You’ll simply fill a wine glass with ice, then add the ingredients below. The generally accepted ratio is equal parts Aperol and Prosecco plus a splash of club soda. However, you can play around with the ratio until your Aperol spritz tastes exactly the way you like it.

• 3-parts prosecco
• 2-parts Aperol
• 1-part Fever Tree Club Soda
• Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice

Classic Mule

A classic mule is made with ginger beer and vodka. It’s actually been around for a few years but it’s popularity keeps growing. It’s served in a distinctive copper mug which helps keep it cold. These copper mugs will also make a great gift for your adult children. For a unique gift idea, you can make a gift basket with all the ingredients and include the recipe.  

• 4 oz. Fever Tree Ginger Beer
• 2 ounces vodka
• Garnish with a lime

Pour the vodka and ginger beer. Garnish and serve in a copper mug filled with ice and stir gently.

Cheers and have a very Merry Christmas!