Thyme Cranberry Cocktail

For my #12DaysOfChristmas cocktail, I wanted to do something really different. I got the idea for this “Christmasthyme” Christmas ornament cocktail from Inspired by Charm’s  “A Very Merry Ornamentini.” I went with his idea for the vessel and garnishes (a clear glass ornament and rosemary and Sparkling Sugared Cranberries). I made a completely different cocktail, as I wanted something less sweet and a little herbal. And what a cocktail it is!

This Christmas ornament cocktail requires a few steps, but I love that it is easily made ahead. You can store them in the fridge until the moment when you can wow all your guests. As Inspired by Charm mentioned, this is not a cocktail to make for a party of fifty. Keep it to under ten for your sanity.

First, a day ahead, make the Sparkling Sugared Cranberries. Then pour a cup of gin in a jar and add a handful of dried cranberries. Make a thyme simple syrup. Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan, simmer until the sugar is dissolved, remove from heat, and then toss in a few sprigs of thyme. When it’s cool, strain and discard thyme and store in the fridge.

Although not required, this Christmas ornament cocktail looks so cute and festive served in a clear ornament and garnished with rosemary and Sparkling Sugared Cranberries. For a gift exchange party I hosted this week, I picked up a few packs of clear plastic ornaments from the dollar section at Target. I whipped up the Christmas ornament cocktail (I multiplied the ingredients by 10 and mixed it up in a pitcher) and carefully poured it into the ornaments. It’s best to do this over the sink. I popped the tops back on and stashed them in the fridge in their packaging so they wouldn’t roll around. Right before the party started, I arranged several glasses, popped an ornament in each one and garnished. The delight of my guests made all the effort worth it!

0 from 0 votes
Print

"ChristmasThyme" Christmas Ornament Cocktail

Served in a clear glass or plastic ornament, this Christmas ornament cocktail gin and cranberry cocktail will wow your holiday party guests.

Servings 1 cocktail
Author Amanda

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce cranberry-infused gin See Note
  • 1 ounce lemon juice
  • 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/2 ounce thyme simple syrup See Note
  • Sprigs of rosemary
  • Sugared Cranberries

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients into a measuring cup and stir.
  2. Carefully pour into a clean, clear ornament.
  3. Place into glass and chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
  4. When ready to serve, pour cocktail into an ice filled shaker and shake, straining back into glass.
  5. Garnish with three sugared cranberries and rosemary sprig.

Recipe Notes

For cranberry-infused gin: pour a cup of gin in a jar and add a handful of dried cranberries.

For thyme simple syrup: combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan, simmering until the sugar is dissolved, removing from heat, and then tossing in a few sprigs of thyme. When it's cool, strain and discard thyme and store in the fridge.Â