SIGNATURE DRINKS FRIDAY: RED!

This signature drink collection is all about the color "RED"! Anyone using red as part of their color theme for an upcoming wedding or soiree? Then you just might try to find a way to incorporate these fabulous and delicious drinks into your event!
Even if you just one of the ones that love the color red, then that's alright too! Join the party! :o)

1. Disaronno Cosmo

• 1 ounce amaretto di saronno liqueur
• 1 ounce Bacardi Limon
• 1 ounce cranberry juice (recipe calls for a dash, more folks seem to prefer an ounce)

2. Divatini

• 1 ounce limoncello
• 1 ounce premium vodka
• 1/2 ounce ruby red grapefruit juice
• 1/2 ounce cranberry juice
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice
• 1 lemon twist, garnish

3. Jamaica Margarita
Ingredients:
1 cup dried hibiscus blossoms (about 2 ounces) 3 cups water 3/4 cup sugar 1 1/4 cups
tequila 1/2 cup fresh lime juice 1/3 cup Triple Sec or other orange-flavored liqueur 8 lime slices

Directions:
Place blossoms in a strainer; rinse under cold water. Combine blossoms,

water, and sugar in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Strain; discard blossoms. Cover and chill hibiscus mixture.

Combine hibiscus mixture, tequila, juice, and Triple Sec. Serve over ice. Garnish with lime slices.

4. POM-ELA

30

mls of 42 BELOW Kiwifruit

3 Lime wedge

1 dash of Lime Juice

60 mls of Pomegranate Juice

60 mls of Soda Water

1 bar spoon of Sugar

In a Highball glass, combine sugar and 42 BELOW Kiwifruit, stir well, and fill with ice. Add juices, top with soda, and stir to serve.

5. Cranberry Margarita

1-1/2 shots JOSE CUERVO ESPECIAL TEQUILA

1 shot cranberry juice cocktail

1/4 cup whole cranberry sauce

1/2 shot Cointreau

Ice

Whole fresh cranberries — for garnish

Lime wheel — for garnish

Combine all ingredients, except garnish, in a blender. Blend on high until smooth and frothy. Pour into a margarita glass. Garnish with cranberries skewered with a toothpick and a lime wheel.

(The last two, the POM-ELA and the Cranberry Margarita were found at the fabulous blog http://intoxicologist.files.wordpress.com)

6. Basic Sangria

• 1 Bottle of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rioja reds, Zinfandel, Shiraz)
• 1 Lemon cut into wedges
• 1 Orange cut into wedges
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1 Shot brandy
• 2 Cups ginger ale or club soda

Preparation:

Pour wine in the pitcher and squeeze the juice wedges from the lemon and orange into the wine. Toss in the fruit wedges (leaving out seeds if possible) and add sugar and brandy. Chill overnight. Add ginger ale or club soda just before serving.

If you’d like to serve right away, use chilled red wine and serve over lots of ice.

Addition ideas: sliced strawberries, peaches, handful of fresh blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, a shot or two of gin, brandy or rum, a cup of ginger ale, citrus soda pop or lime juice.
***These are just some samples of what you and your guests can have at your wedding or next party! Remember: think about the ones that don't drink as well....be sure to get creative and make some of the drinks non-alcoholic as well! It works out both ways! Enjoy & be sure to share any of your favorite red cocktails! :o)