A Mistletoe Kiss (Cranberry French 75)

I am not someone who typically likes gin. Honestly, I never even tasted it until this year. How that came about was we originally had a trip booked for South Africa in November of 2020. After several years of planning and saving, my 2 week dream vacation was finally happening! I was told by several people that gin was actually a big deal in South Africa. I am still unsure if that is true as pandemic 2020 decided to happen and we had to reschedule. Well, my brother, who is all about gin, finally convinced me to try it out. After several tastings, its actually pretty good!

Of course this meant I had to incorporate it into a holiday cocktail for you all. This drink is honestly a mistletoe kiss. Sweet and loving in every way!

Homemade Simple Syrup

If you are entertaining with cocktails, I highly recommend making your own simple syrup. First of all, it is super easy and made with just 2 ingredients, water and sugar. Second, you can always add additional ingredients and create fun flavors to keep on hand! Below is an easy plain simple syrup recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 C water
• 1 C sugar

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine your water and sugar and bring to a simmer. Stir until sugar has dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
3. Pour into a glass jar and keep in fridge for up to 4 weeks.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz Gin
• 1/2 oz cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 simple syrup
• Champagne to top

DIRECTIONS

1. Add all the ingredients, except the champagne, into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled
2. Strain into a champagne flute
3. Top with champagne and garnish with sugared cranberries