Breakfast at Tiffany's – Because I Do Not Know

Cocktail of the Week -- No Alcohol Edition

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Technically, the following recipe shouldn't be called a cocktail, as there's no alcohol. But that should make some people happy. And her, too, I suppose. But two me, two drinks are required at Christmas (or whatever holiday you celebrate or bastardize): egg nog (featured last week) and warm cider.

Now this isn't the cider you can buy bottled in a store, where they throw a little cinnamon into some weak apple juice and call it delicious. No, this is full of tasty ingredients and comes from the kitchen of famous Cajun chef John Folse, who I had the pleasure of meeting when I lived down there.

Ingredients

4 1/2 cups cranberry juice
1 1/2 cups orange juice
3 cups apple cider
2 tbsps packed dark brown sugar
1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
3 tbsps grenadine
3 cinnamon sticks
3/4 tsp whole cloves
1 orange thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
3 sprigs fresh rosemary, rinsed

Instructions

In a large pot, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, apple cider, brown sugar, rosemary, grenadine, cinnamon sticks, cloves and orange slices. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and add fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs. Serve in a decorative punch bowl immediately or keep heated by serving in a crock pot set on low.

If you just have to have alcohol, buy a bottle of Maker's Mark and sip on it while you cook the cider. Cheers, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

2 comments Jake McCafferty last posted at 11:51 AM
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2 Comments:

That sounds so good, now I just have to find a way to cram some alcohol in there.

By Matt S., at 1:15 PM

My good friend says his entire Christmas party rests on my shoulders with the last two recipes. My only advice to him then is: Buy more alcohol.

And Armi, the link didn't quite work right, but you are the "her" referenced above. I tried to post from another computer Friday, since I was out of town, and Blogger gave me fits.

By Jake McCafferty, at 6:06 PM