festive little cocktails

In the words of Sandra Lee from Food Network.. it's cocktail time! These festive drinks from Real Simple Magazine definitely put me in a holiday mood. Plus, they are all pretty simple to make, and sound absolutely delicious!

Spiked Sparkling Cider: 

• 4 bottles cold Prosecco (or some other dry sparkling wine)
• 6 cups cold apple juice
• 3/4 cup cinnamon schnapps (such as Goldschlager)

Mix together in a large bowl and enjoy!

 

Pomegranate-Lime Fizz

• 1 liter club soda
• 1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice
• 1 1/2 cups vodka (12 ounces)
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, plus wedges for garnish
• 1/4 cup triple sec (2 ounces)

Mix together the club soda, pomegranate juice, vodka, lime juice, and triple sec in a large pitcher. Serve over ice, garnished with the lime wedges. 

 

 

Simple Cocktail

• 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) vodka, chilled
• 2 cups (16 ounces) cranberry juice cocktail, chilled
• 2 cups (16 ounces) pomegranate juice, chilled
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  

In a large punch bowl or pitcher, combine all the ingredients. (You can cover and refrigerate for up to several hours.) Add ice and ladle into martini glasses or plastic party cups.

 

 

 Winter Sangria

• 3 bottles fruity red wine (such as Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 2 liters black cherry soda
• 1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice
• 3/4 cup brandy
• 1/2 cup Triple Sec
• 4 pears, cored and thinly sliced
• 2 oranges, thinly sliced
• ice, for serving

In a large bowl, combine the wine, black cherry soda, pomegranate juice, brandy, Triple Sec, pears, and oranges. Serve over ice. 

 

 ENJOY!

so this is the new year...

Although the end of the year doesn't mean much in a biological sense, it's a great time to reflect on how your life has grown and changed in the past year. I, for one, know my life has flipped every which direction. I've learned so many lessons and made tons of mistakes. And I've changed.... for the better. I've grown more confident and less afraid to take risks... sometimes you just have to trust yourself and do the thing that's right for you. And then NOT WORRY. Everything will be okay.

So my goals for 2012 are to continue loving myself... and keep challenging myself to step outside my comfort zone. Lots of times, it can be easier said that done. But it always ends up being worth it.

via smartgirlconsulting.com

So cheers to you, my dear reader! Cheers to new experiences, new friendships, new memories, and new adventures. May your 2012 be full of laughter and fun. Letzzzz do this!