Cocktail Advent 6: Wild Cherry Peppermint Cosmo

Sips

There’s something about a Cosmo that makes it a great holiday drink. I think it might be the great color from the cranberry juice that makes you think festive.

Image via Devotion Vodka

Image via Devotion Vodka

Devotion Wild Cherry Peppermint Cosmo

  • 2.5 ounces of Devotion Wild Cherry Vodka
  • Dash of Peppermint Schnapps
  • 1.5 ounces of Diet Cranberry Juice

Combine over ice and shake until chilled. Strain into cocktail glass.

Now, I do have an issue with this particular recipe. It’s been shown in at least one study that the artificial sweeteners in diet drinks, when combined with alcohol, effectively get you drunk faster. Basically, the sugar in the regular mixers ‘gets in the way of’ the alcohol entering the bloodstream more than the artificial sweeteners. You still get the same amount of alcohol, you just feel the effects sooner.

There have been very few times I’ve wanted to be intoxicated faster versus enjoying a drink and keeping my faculties fully functioning, so this isn’t a plus, to me. Also, this recipe is being shopped around as a low-cal cocktail (read as: healthier) and, folks, alcohol is brimming with calories. If you want low-cal, drink water. Otherwise, pick a drink that’s worth the calories and enjoy the party.

Do with the information what you will.

***This recipe was provided by a representative of Devotion Vodka. I am not affiliate with the company nor was I compensated for this post, not even with review samples. As always, we encourage responsible refreshment and the use of the Designated Driver. No drunken monkeys, please!***

Cocktail Advent 1: The Cosmopolitan Pilgrim

Sips

To start off our Cocktail Advent, here’s a recipe that uses up a Thanksgiving leftover: cranberry sauce!

Now, it might sound odd, sure, but if you’ve ever used a syrup or preserve in your cocktail this isn’t all that different. Made your own cranberry sauce with, say, some orange zest and cinnamon? It could totally work! So will the canned/jarred stuff, just give it a whirl!

The Cosmopolitan Pilgrim

In a shaker combine:

  • 1.5 parts American Harvest
  • 2 scoops of leftover cranberry sauce
  • 3/4 parts fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 part orange liqueur

Add ice and shake well, strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

This recipe was sent in by a representative of American Harvest, which is a vodka distilled in Idaho and certified organic. Never tried it, so can’t speak to how good it is or how it compares to others. Have you tried it? Let me know what you think!

I have an issue with cocktail authors who use “parts” along with some other nebulous measurement (in this case “scoops”), leaving the entire recipe up to anyone’s guess as to how much of anything to use! I would suggest a part is an ounce, and I’d suggest a barspoon or teaspoon as the scoop measurement.

And if I have to tell you to use Cointreau over something like Triple Sec you need to read more of my cocktail archives!

Cheers!

***I have absolutely no affiliation with American Harvest Organic Spirit and was not compensated for posting this recipe, not even with samples for review. As always, we support responsible refreshment and the use of the Designated Driver. No drunk monkeys, please!***