Raising the Bar: Artisanal Holiday Cocktails

Visually stunning and astonishingly tasty, artisanal cocktails combine premium spirits with seasonal fruits, herbs, and other just-picked ingredients. "The perfect cocktail not only pleases the palate, but looks like a work of art," says Jonathan Pogash, who creates signature drinks for restaurants across the country. "And don't be afraid to make one at home. If you think certain flavor combos work well in food, chances are they will in a glass." Get shaking and stirring with these holiday-flavored drinks.

Recipes from Jonathan Pogash, "The Cocktail Guru," and the Family Circle food editors

view all thumbnails

Levi Brown

6 of 7

Cranberry Spice Champagne

5 cranberries

1 teaspoon pumpkin spice agave nectar**

1/4 ounce fresh lemon juice

3 ounces Moet & Chandon Champagne (or sparkling wine)

Directions: At the bottom of a mixing glass, muddle the cranberries in the pumpkin pie agave nectar and lemon juice. Add the champagne with ice and fold briefly. Strain into a chilled champagne flute.

Garnish: 3 floating cranberries

**Pumpkin spice agave nectar: For every 1 cup of agave nectar, combine 5 teaspoons of store-bought pumpkin pie spice and stir well.

Originally published in the December 2011 and 2010 issues of Family Circle magazine.

6 of 7

Shop Related Products