This drink tastes like the holidays. A simple syrup infused with allspice, cloves, fresh ginger, cinnamon and fresh cranberries give this drink it’s spiced cranberry flavor. It took six variations to come up with the end result. Luckily, I’m visiting my parents right now so I had plenty of adults to help me sample and offer feedback! 😉 Whether you are looking to add something new to your Thanksgiving cocktails or are entertaining for the upcoming Christmas season this festive and beautiful drink is sure to please. I hope you enjoy!

Spiced Cranberry Cocktail

Spiced Cranberry Simple Syrup:

This can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 12 whole allspice berries
• 12 whole cloves
• 1 – 1 1/2 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries

Place water, sugar, allspice, cloves, ginger and cinnamon in a small saucepan.Bring to a simmer. As soon as the sugar has dissolved, add the cranberries.

Bring to a boil until the berries have popped. About 3 minutes.Remove from heat and allow to steep for one hour. Strain mixture through a fine sieve.Gently press with the back of a rubber spatula to get all the juices out.For the Cocktails:

For each drink:

• 1 oz Spiced Cranberry Syrup
• 2 oz Vodka
• 2 oz Club Soda

Pour the Spiced Cranberry syrup and vodka into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds.

Fill a lowball glass with ice. Strain the contents of the cocktail shaker into the glass and top with the Club Soda. If desired, garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of mint. If you like your drink a little sweeter you can add more of the cranberry syrup, 1/2 ounce of Triple Sec, or squeeze the juice from an orange wedge into it.