Bring on the Booze!

It's no secret that we all tend to throw a few too many back around the holidays. Still trying to forget about your booze-fueled display at last year's office party huh? Well not to worry, because this year the team at 5s is arming you with tricks & tips to ensure you're just tipsy...not toppling over. During this year's festivities...focus on an old standby that never lets us down: Quality over quantity.Chances are you're not in college anymore....and even if you are, it's never cute to be the one at the party slinging back shots like your life depended on it! Rather, go for creative cocktails that combine good ingredients (Tip to avoiding a hangover ) that you can sip and savor. We've rounded up a few of our favorites courtesy of the Food Network, and of course....Martha. If you're hosting this year's get together, these are sure to impress. Going as a guest? Remember what we've talked about ;)



Pear & Cranberry Bellini

Ingredients:
1 cup pear nectar
1 cup cranberry juice cocktail
1 bottle Prosecco or other dry sparkling white wine



Directions:
In a small pitcher or large liquid measuring cup, combine pear nectar and cranberry juice cocktail. Pour 1/4 cup juice mixture into each of eight champagne glasses. Dividing evenly, top with Prosecco or other dry sparkling white wine.

Pear & Sparkling Cider Cocktail

Ingredients:
2 cups pear nectar, chilled
2 cups sparkling apple cider, chilled
2 cups seltzer, chilled
4 ounces (1/2 cup) bourbon whiskey, such as Knob Creek
1 Bosc pear, unpeeled, cored, and cut lengthwise into 8 wedges

Directions:
Stir together pear nectar, cider, seltzer, and whiskey in a pitcher. Divide pear wedges among glasses, and pour in cocktail. Serve immediately.

Poinsettia Cocktail


Ingredients:
1/4 cup vodka
1/4 cup Champagne
1/2 cup cranberry juice
Crushed ice
2 strips orange zest, each about 1/4-inch wide and 2 inches long

Directions:
Combine the vodka, Champagne and juice in a large-stemmed red wine glass. Add crushed ice and stir until the mixture is well chilled. Twist the orange strips over the glass, drop them in, and serve.

Cherry Gin-gria

Ingredients:
Ice cubes
2 ounces cherry syrup (recommended: Giammona)
2 ounces gin
5 to 6 ounces club soda
1 ounce red wine
Maraschino cherries
Fresh or frozen raspberries

Directions:
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour in the cherry syrup and the gin; stir to mix together. Lighten the drink with a generous splash of soda. Float a layer of red wine on top by pouring it over the back of a wide, flat spoon. (Don't worry if it doesn't float; it tastes great either way.) Drop a few maraschino cherries and raspberries into the glass. Drink.