Libations: Cranberry Ginger Fizz

I spotted the image below on Pinterest and knew I MUST make something similar for Thanksgiving.  Ours will be a quiet affair this year, sticking close to home, movies and cleaning in anticipation of tree trimming.  But even though it’s low key I still want it to be special and festive. I’ve got some fancy cheese, some scaled down versions of our favorite dishes (Brussels sprouts with bacon! Sweet potatoes with marshmallows!), fancy plates from vintage shops and the bounty of the Goodwill.

This is a totally simple and elegant drink to whip up for us or for guests who drop by.  The original recipe called for creating a cranberry syrup and muddling fruit.  While it sounds A-MAZ-ING, I’m pretty sure I won’t have the energy for all that fuss, so I’m opting for a streamlined cocktail I’ve made before. It’s a crowd pleaser, easy to adjust for bigger crowds or designated drivers.  (Just mix up the fruit juice, simple syrup and ginger ale and have the gin (or vodka) on the side.)  Crisp, tart, refreshing and festive.  Do you have a favorite holiday drink to add to my list?  I’m always looking for good ones!

Cranberry Ginger Fizz Cocktail
Ingredients

1 cups real cranberry juice
1/4 cup simple syrup
1 lemon, juiced
1/2 orange, juiced
1 1/2 cups dry gin
1 cup chilled Ginger Ale
Mint & cranberries to garnish

Preparation

Put all ingredients in a pitcher with ice, stir, strain into glasses filled with crushed ice.  Garnish with mint and cranberries.

For the link to the original recipe and lots of other ideas, check out our Pinterest boards!