Holly Jolly Cocktail

​This is a Christmassy kind of drink that I like to make in batches and bottle up as gifts. I’m not a huge fan of cranberries, but cranberries and alcoholic beverages is a match in my book. The sweetness and tartness not only adds a bite to the drink, but also takes the edge off the alcohol.

One of the ingredients is Fernet, which can be a bit polarizing because it is an intensely bitter and spicy alcohol. It’s an Italian liqueur that is made from herbs and spices, and was originally a medicine. Like cilantro, folks seem to either LOVE it or they HATE it, with no in-between. The herbs and spices here are a great add to this drink.
​

---

Another ingredient is simple syrup, which is quite simple to make. Add 1 Cup of sugar to 1 Cup of water, heat for about 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for about a month. (This is the recipe for the simplest of simple syrups—don’t be afraid to experiment. Adding a handful of cranberries while cooking will add a great flavor to the syrup.)


​The batch recipe makes about five servings. The single-serving recipe is pretty close. Serve over a glass of ice with a sprig of rosemary.
 

---

Batch recipe Vodka – 2 ¼ Cups Lemon Juice – ¾ Cups Simple Syrup – ¾ Cups Cranberry Juice – 4 ½ Cups Fernet – 1 ¼ Cups

Single-Serve recipe Vodka – 2 oz Lemon Juice – ½ oz Simple Syrup – ½ oz Cranberry Juice – 3 ½ oz Fernet – 1 oz