holiday mocktails & cocktails

Hi friends! Sooooo… I was a bit disappointed that Charleston didn’t get the slight dust of snow that swept through the east coast this week. But we experienced our own winter snap that got us in high spirits for the upcoming holidays. On Tuesday I attended an event in Charleston at the Out of Hand Warehouse that showcased holiday tablescapes paired with cocktails by some of Charleston’s finest creatives.

I wanted to share with you the inspirational mocktails & cocktails we enjoyed. Check out the hot chocolate bar! What a fabulous idea!!

www.clayaustinphotography.com

My friend Clint runs Squeeze OnSite and shared with me the sparkling mocktail recipes, so you can spice up your next holiday party:

Spiced Citrus
A Fresh and Spiced Welcome Mocktail For Your Holiday Gathering!
[makes 12-18 servings]Ingredients:
12 Lemons
3 Florida Navel Oranges
12 Star Anise
4 Cinnamon Sticks
10 Whole Cloves
1/4 Cup Local Honey
1 Cup Simple Syrup

2 Cups Water
3 Whole Lemons [garnish]
12-18 Star Anise [garnish]Process:
Zest the lemons into sauce pan. Cut Lemons in half and place in sauce pan. Juice oranges and place in sauce pan. Combine all other ingredients in saucepan and bring to boil on high heat, then turn to low and simmer for 30-45 mins. Remove from heat, allow to cool, then strain in china cap strainer. Place into squirt bottle and chill.

With remaining whole lemons, make 12-18 lemon twist for garnish.Combine 2oz. of spiced citrus concoction with sparkling water. Garnish with Lemon Twist and Star Anise.

Pear Cranberry
A Colorful and Fruity Neutral Mocktail For Your Holiday Gathering!
[makes 12-18 servings]Ingredients:
4 Cups of Pear Nectar
4 Cups Early Harvest White Cranberry
2 Cups Red Cranberry
2 Sprigs of Rosemary
1/2 Cup of Fresh Lemon Juice
1 Dozen Rosemary Sprigs [garnish]
2 Dozen Fresh Cranberries [garnish]

Process:
Combine all other ingredients in saucepan and bring to boil on high heat, then turn to low and simmer for 30-45 mins. Remove from heat, allow to cool, then strain in china cap strainer. Place into squirt bottle and chill.

Break remaining rosemary into small sprigs for garnish and set aside with fresh cranberries.Combine 2oz. of pear cranberry concoction with sparkling water. Garnish with Fresh Cranberry and Rosemary Sprigs.

Mulled Blackberry

A Festive Spice Berry Mocktail For Your Holiday Gathering!
[makes 12-18 servings]Ingredients:
2 lbs Fresh Blackberries
2 cups Pomegranate Juice
2 Florida Navel Oranges
12 Star Anise
4 Cinnamon Sticks
10 Whole Cloves
1/4 Cup Local Honey
1 Cup Simple Syrup

2 Cups Water
2 Dozen Fresh Blackberries [garnish]
1 Dozen Rosemary Sprigs [garnish]
3 Whole Lemons [garnish]Process:
Juice oranges and place in sauce pan. Combine all other ingredients in saucepan and bring to boil on high heat, then turn to low and simmer for 30-45 mins. Remove from heat, allow to cool, then strain in china cap strainer. Place into squirt bottle and chill.

Break remaining rosemary into small sprigs for garnish and set aside with fresh blackberries. With remaining whole lemons, make 12-18 lemon twist for garnish.Combine 2oz. of Mulled Blackberry concoction with sparkling water. Garnish with Fresh Blackberry, Rosemary sprig and Lemon Twist.

www.clayaustinphotography.com

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I am sure you are all pinning up a storm on Pinterest. Need inspiration? Check out the ah-mazing and inspiring tablescapes shared on the Candy Shop Vintage blog.

This Thanksgiving, put me at the kids table: