Sips & Synopsis - This Weeks Makings

• Easy Ideas to Celebrate

• Trivia Question

• Drink of the Week - Pomegranate Fizz

• DIY Gifts And Games

Hello, holiday hosts and gift-givers! With some vacation time just around the corner, we’ve gathered some easy and creative ideas to help you celebrate in style. This week, we’re sharing simple holiday games, quick DIY gift ideas, and festive cocktails that will make your gatherings merry and bright. So, let’s spread some cheer, sip on something delicious, and make this holiday season unforgettable!

Trivia Question❓

The French 75 cocktail was first created at a Parisian bar called the New York Bar in 1915 during what global conflict that ended on November 11, 1918?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Drink of the Week

Light, sparkling, and a little fruity, this cocktail is perfect for holiday parties or as a last-minute signature drink. Simple to make, and easy to scale up for larger gatherings!

Bar Hack of the Week:

Batch Cocktails in Pitchers
Hosting a crowd? Skip making individual cocktails and pre-batch a festive drink in a large pitcher. Chill ahead of time and let guests serve themselves—it’s a lifesaver for busy holiday hosts!

Here are two festive, crowd-pleasing batch cocktail recipes that are perfect for holiday gatherings:

1. Festive Cranberry Punch

A tart and refreshing punch that’s easy to scale up for a crowd.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cranberry juice

• 2 cups orange juice

• 1 cup vodka (optional)

• 1 bottle sparkling water or ginger ale

• Fresh cranberries and orange slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, and vodka (if using).

2. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

3. Just before serving, add sparkling water or ginger ale.

4. Garnish with cranberries and orange slices.

Tip: For a mocktail version, skip the vodka and let guests add it themselves.

2. Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

A warm, spiced take on sangria, perfect for cozy holiday evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)

• 2 cups apple cider

• 1/4 cup brandy

• 1 apple, thinly sliced

• 1 orange, thinly sliced

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher or bowl, combine wine, apple cider, brandy, and sliced fruit.

2. Add cinnamon sticks and nutmeg, then stir well.

3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.

4. Serve chilled or warm it gently for a mulled sangria effect.

Tip: For added flavor, let the sangria sit overnight in the fridge.

DIY: Holiday Gifts

1. Cocktail Kit in a Jar
Create a custom cocktail kit for a loved one by filling a mason jar with small bottles of spirits, mixers, and garnishes. Attach a recipe card to complete the gift!
Example: Mini vodka bottle + Small cranberry juice + lime + a recipe for a Cosmo.

2. Infused Sugars
Mix granulated sugar with citrus zest, cinnamon, or vanilla bean, and store it in small jars. Perfect for coffee, tea, or holiday baking.

3. Personalized Bar Tools
Buy a set of bar tools (like a shaker or muddler) and engrave them with the recipient’s initials for a thoughtful, personal gift.

Fun & Easy Games

1. Oven Mitts Unwrap: Players wear oven mitts while unwrapping gifts, making it a hilarious challenge.

2. Pass the Prize: Read "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and pass a wrapped gift every time you hear "who." The last person holding it wins!

3. Holiday Trivia: Host your own Holiday Trivia game night with family and friends! Here are 75 holiday themed questions for you to use.