It seems restrictions are getting tighter when it comes to going out and visiting our favorite bars. We understand, but that makes for challenging times when trying to come up with festive and great cocktails for the holiday season.
This year there will be no celebrations in the French Quarter, bars will be closed and alcohol sales end at 11 p.m. So, what are revelers to do this year?
Stay at home, enjoy small gatherings, and try your hand at making a great punch or a good stiff drink that will help you ring in a much need new year. After 2020, we all need one, right?
We have a few ideas for you that should inspire great conversation and a few trips back to the bar or the fridge.
If you are thinking of the standard champagne cocktail, try the Raspberry Royale, which is raspberry liqueur mixed with champagne; the Mimosa, which is your choice of fruit juice mixed with champagne; the Poinsettia, which is Cointreau and cranberry juice mixed with champagne; or the Classic, which is Angostura Bitters mixed with champagne and sugar.
Each are easy to make and all have a festive feel.
When making these fun bubbly drinks remember the basic rules of using champagnes. If you’re hosting, have a few different kinds of champagnes available so guests can pick their favorite. Champagne is obviously the main ingredient, so we wouldn’t recommend going the cheap route. Make sure you keep your ingredients chilled, use fresh fruit and juices, use champagne flutes because, not only do they look great, but they are designed to keep carbonation. Consider chilling the flutes before using them so the drinks stay cold longer. Remember, don’t stir these drinks, that will kill the bubbles. And lastly, keep the champagne chilled until the last minute so its extra fresh and bubbly.
Stay safe everyone, raise a glass, and hope we never see a year like this again. We will see y’all in 2021.
