Cocktail Ideas for the Holidays

As we approach the holidays and start planning our gatherings, one way to add distinction to your event is by having one or more cocktails that appeal to your guests.  I said "appeal to your guests" because often such cocktails don't.  Truth is, cocktails with a lot of hard liquor don't appeal to many besides perhaps very young men and women (still in college drinking mode?).

Here are some great cocktail party beverage ideas for the holidays that will please a wide range of folks:

• Bellinis--Remembering our days in NYC, when Chef Jesús would work the Sunday brunch at the Stanhope Hotel where the Bellinis flowed like the proverbial water...Mix 1/3 amt. of Prosecco with 2/3 amt. of peach nectar for the classic Italian Bellini; or, our take on it, which is wildly popular with guests at our events, 1/3 amt. of Spanish cava with 2/3 amt. of imported Mexican peach nectar.  For many, domestic U.S. peach nectar is too sweet, but the imported juicelike Mexican peach nectar is just right for a Bellini.  At one of our events last week several guests mentioned that after tasting a Bellini they no longer want mimosas!
• Striped Mimosa--Pour 2 oz. passionfruit juice in a flute or goblet, then 3 oz. champagne, Prosecco, or cava, then 1/2 tsp. grenadine, pom, or cranberry juice.  Don't stir if you like the striped effect, or shake in a shaker for an iridescent effect.
• Juice Spritzers--Create a cool juice spritzer bar with fresh organic juices and champagne, cava, or Prosecco.  Mix as for a mimosa.  You must try this! And to up the cool factor, put the juices in carafes in a beverage tub with ice, and in another tub put the champagne, Prosecco, or cava, also on ice. 

Set out cool glasses like martini glasses or, trendy now, round or square low tumblers, and mod, monogrammed, or linen on a roll napkins (the latter from MyDrap, for example).  And if any guest wants only any of these juices with no alcohol, no problem.

Enjoy!

Kristina

Fandango Catering and Events
(713) 522-0077
www.fandango-catering.com