Ditch the Disposables for a Cool Yule

Eliminate the ever-present red Solo cup at this year's holiday party by stocking up on reusable drinkware instead. In partnership with Klean Kanteen, another 1% for the Planet company, Ridge stainless steel cups are the answer to eliminating waste and serving the coolest drinks this holiday season. 

While you're at it, check out these tasty, super-chill recipes to step up your cocktail game.  

JINGLE BELL CHAMPAGNE

Ingredients:

For Cranberry Rosemary Syrup:

• Cranberries
• Lemon juice
• Cinnamon sticks
• Sugar
• Water
• Rosemary

For drink: 

• Orange juice 
• Champagne

Instructions:

Make the Cranberry Rosemary Syrup:

• 8 ounces fresh cranberries (2 heaping cups)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 4 large sprigs fresh rosemary
• Bring ingredients to boil. Then reduce heat and simmer until mixture thickens.
• Add 3 tablespoons of Cranberry Rosemary Syrup to glass
• Add 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
• Pour 6 oz. champagne, sparkling wine, or Prosecco on top. Gently stir all ingredients.
• For Garnish: rosemary sprig and frozen cranberries to keep it cold (cinnamon stick and orange slice optional)

PEPPERMINT WHITE RUSSIAN

Ingredients:

• ¾ oz Kahlúa
• ¾ oz Vodka
• ¾ oz Peppermint Schnapps
• Half and half
• Ice

For the Garnish: (optional)

• Crushed candy canes
• Small candy cane

Instructions:

1. Carefully wet the rim of the glass with water, then dip the glass into crushed candy canes (on a plate) to garnish.
2. Fill glass with ice. 
3. Pour in Kahlúa, vodka and Peppermint Schnapps. Top off the glass with half and half.

HOLIDAY OLD FASHIONED

Ingredients:

• 2 sugar cubes
• Fresh cranberries
• Dash of Angostura Bitters
• 2 oz. bourbon
• Orange twist
• Large ice cube (or crushed ice)
• Water

Instructions:

Combine sugar cubes, cranberries, splash of water, and bitters in empty rocks glass. Muddle sugar and cranberries until softened. Add 2 oz. of bourbon and ice, stir for 30 seconds to combine. Garnish with whole cranberries and orange wedge. 

NON-ALCOHOLIC SANGRIA

Ingredients:

• Favorite fruit. Apples, pears, oranges, strawberries, blackberries work great.
• 3 cups grape juice
• 3/4 cup orange juice 
• 3/4 cup apple juice
• 1/4 cup cranberry juice
• 1 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2-3 cups soda water or sparkling mineral water
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Cut up your favorite fruit into bite-size pieces. Pile fruit in glass pitcher.
2. Pour grape juice, orange juice, apple juice, cranberry juice in pitcher.
3. Add lemon juice.
4. Gently mix together. Refrigerate 4-6 hours, so flavors blend together.
5. After refrigerating and just before serving, add soda or sparkling mineral water.
6. Add ice, mix and serve immediately.

Also in Blog: View From The Ridge