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For those of you partying at home to avoid the crowds, expense, and scary drivers, there is no reason why you can't enjoy elegant and delicious cocktails. These are mostly holiday punches, but don't be afraid to get that shaker out. Even the weird-sounding ingredients are available at any store. We tested out the new X-rated Fusion liquor, a passionfruit-flavored vodka, and it was delicious. Although almost everyone who saw the pink bottle asked, "Where are the high school girls?"
Bessito
(originally served at Asia de Cuba New York)
1 oz. X Rated Fusion Liqueur
1 oz. Grapefruit Juice
Top with Champagne, serve in a flute.
Santa Sangria from Susan Feniger's Street
To one bottle of semi-dry reisiling, add one orange diced in chunks, one pink lady apple diced in chunks, one not-quite-ripe pear diced in chunks, three cinnamon sticks, a teaspoon each of cardamom and clove, a quarter cup of spiced rum. Mix and let sit overnight. Garnish with an orange slice and fresh cranberries. Yum!
Mexican Punch
By Toby Maloney
15 ounces Tequila Don Julio Blanco
12 ounces 7-Up® soda
7 ounces simple syrup
7 ounces fresh lime juice
6 ounces Grenadine
7 dashes bitters
3 limes
2 lemons
1 orange
Ice cubes
Lime wedge for garnish
Muddle limes, lemons and orange at the bottom of the pitcher.
Add Tequila Don Julio, simple syrup, lime juice, Grenadine and bitters to pitcher. Stir to incorporate fruits.
Add ice, top with 7-Up and stir gently.
Pour contents evenly into 6 rocks glasses and garnish each with lime wedge.
Dieci E Lode
Originally served at No 9 Park in Boston, created by mixologist Jon Gertsen
0.5 ounce Campari
2.5 ounces Gin
1.5 ounces Grapefruit Juice
Lime Wedge
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add Campari and grapefruit juice and shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with lime wedge.
Passion Punch
2 parts X-Rated Fusion Liqueur
1 part SKYY Infusions Passion Fruit
0.5 parts Passion Fruit or Mango Puree (or orange juice)
Top with Champagne, serve in a flute.
Moet Imperial Berry
3 ounces Moet champagne
1 ounce raspberry puree
Splash of Grand Marnier
Garnish: a raspberry and a mint leaf
Stir ingredients with 2 ounces of Moet. Stir into a chilled rocks glass and top with remaining champagne
Mulled Gin / Hot Gin Punch
Created by London mixologist Nick Strangeway
1 part Beefeater 24
2 parts full bodied red wine
1 teaspoon honey
Orange slice
Lemon slice
Orange peel stuck with cloves
1 cinnamon stick
Heat all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer till honey has dissolved. Pour into a toddy glass and drink whilst still warm.
Photo of Bessito courtesy of X-rated Fusion liquer
