Last couple of holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas), our house has all of a sudden become the go-to for family holidays. Wifey tried some complicated tequila thing back in 2013 that bombed at Christmas (I think we just stuck to Champagne for Thanksgiving). Last year, it was some complicated Cointreau thing she saw on some cooking show for Thanksgiving and "Cosmos" for Christmas. They both were horrible. She tried yet ANOTHER cosmo a few weeks ago with a group of friends. From what I heard -- thumbs down. Personally, I am at the age where I prefer to sip a nice cognac, or a decent (doesn't have to be all that expensive) whiskey or tequila. But, anyone have any decent suggestions. I actually make a pretty good mint julep, but she only lets me make those during the triple crown races.
Here's my cosmo recipe that my wife loves. It's a diluted down version, but after 2 of these, she's feeling pretty good. In a martini shaker, add: 1/2 tsp sugar 3 - 4 ice cubes (will strain out later) 2.5 oz cold water 1 oz triple sec 1.5 oz vodka (good stuff, I keep it in the freezer) lime juice (my wife likes her cosmo tart, experiment with quantity) cranberry juice (add till you get that nice, pink cosmo color) Stir, let the ice chill everything down while you add some lemon rind to a martini glass. Pour off cosmo, using a cocktail strainer to remove the ice cubes. Enjoy! For something really easy, Black cherry martini, using Mike's Hard Lemonade in black cherry flavor: Pour off half a bottle of cold Mike's Hard Lemonade (black cherry flavor) into a martini glass. Add 2 Tbs (Tablespoons) of that vodka from the freezer. Mix. She will love her black cherry martini!
I'm not sure alcohol is the right drug for a gathering of in-laws and out-laws. People tend to get depressed and argumentative. especially when there are bad or repressed feelings involved. And with families, that's pretty much inevitable. Maybe what you need is a tray of special brownies....
It's too good... My son is a rootbeer fan big time, but he doesn't drink... I didn't tell him it had alcohol in it until he was nearly done. He said it does not smell or taste like a beer... but the label says 5.9% I can't wait for the Not Your Father's Ginger Ale to come out...
