Happy Friday my dear friends and readers! I'm so thankful for another season here on the blog sharing recipes that I love and that will hopefully inspire a truly magical holiday season for you and your family. Today, Sparkling Cranberry Gin Holiday Cocktails. Refreshing and light and perfect for pairing with all of the rich holiday offerings.

Sparkling Cranberry Gin Holiday Cocktails

When I was dreaming up holiday cocktails for this year's holiday season, I realized that the blog is severely lacking gin cocktails. Surprising to be honest as gin is one of my favorite alcohols to use in mixed drinks. A classic Gin & Tonic with tons of fresh squeezed lime juice is a go-to. 

The Best Gin for Mixed Drinks

Gin is one of those interesting alcohols that varies SO much from brand to brand and even bottle to bottle based on the botanical blend used to craft it. While I am by no means an expert in the subtleties of gin, I do know that there are a few brands I prefer. My three favorites are:

1. Bombay Sapphire - I'm partial to the flavor of this gin because it's what my Dad buys and therefore the first gin I ever drank in a very delicious Gin & Tonic made by him. It's sort of a staple in the Culpepper house. Must be the British roots.
2. Hendricks Gin - this bottle is a lot pricer but I really enjoy the unique flavors in this Gin.
3. Beefeater - also a favorite for mixed drinks!

If you want to read more about the differences in gin flavors, nuances and prices, there is a great blog post about it on The Spruce Eats!

Cranberry Cocktails for the Holidays

Cranberry Cocktails are so classic for the holidays and I guess you could argue that they've been done a time or two too many. In my opinion, that's like saying that a little black dress has been overdone...it just can't happen. Cranberry has long been a classic cocktail flavor and for good reason, it's tart, sweet and pairs with so many different alcohols. The cranberry flavor in this cocktail comes from cranberry juice and a small spoon full of cranberry sauce. You can use homemade cranberry sauce if you have it in the fridge or buy a store-bought variety just for these cocktails. I would NOT recommend a canned cranberry but Trader Joe's makes a Cranberry Relish that's tasty! 

Prosecco and Gin

Now for the sparkling part, Prosecco! I love the combination of Prosecco and gin because it really does make the lightest most refreshing cocktail plus bubbles always feel celebratory and festive. Perfect for adding some sparkle around the holidays.

To make this fabulous holiday drink fill a tall cocktail glass with ice to the brim. I have these Plaid Ralph Lauren Highball Glasses and absolutely love them for the holidays. Next pour in your gin, cranberry juice, scoop of cranberry sauce and stir to combine with a long cocktail spoon. Top with a splash of Prosecco and garnish with a long sprig of rosemary and a couple of fresh cranberries + another dollop of cranberry sauce on top of the ice. So pretty!

This cocktail would be perfect for serving on Thanksgiving, Christmas and essentially all holiday season long when the moment calls for celebration. I hope you love this drink as much as I do. As always, if you make this recipe, please leave a comment in the section below and share a photo on Instagram #freutcake @freutcake so that I can cheers with you!