I’m hosting this months Progressive Eats event and I had so hoped to spill the beans about my new cocktail blog and throw a party to celebrate. I’ve got the domain name (FridayCocktails.com) and a logo and almost everything is ready for prime time but then life happened and some local client sites were told their host was going to stop offering hosting and I now have a few too many sites to transfer to WordPress than I would care for at this time of year. Clients 1. Barb 0. Much like the cobbler and his kids my stuff does come last but it will happen and the good news is it will mean another party! So I get to enjoy this Pomegranate Izze-tini more than once and I’m OK with that!
Still, there is still a celebration to be had. Three years ago I posted a cocktail that I had made after visiting a local establishment. It was so simple; just vodka and rootbeer and it was called a Vootbeer. To say it was hugely popular is an understatement; that pup has been pinned Eleventy Million times on Pinterest and it’s just two simple ingredients! I had friends and readers clamor for more and it’s been a good fit and I was soon publishing a cocktail every Friday. I’ve missed one or two but I hope you won’t hold that against me; I’m no slacker, promise! By the way, if you missed my post yesterday when I made these Candied Walnuts to serve with this drink; be sure to take a peek. Those red walnuts were gorgeous and the combination of a brown sugar glaze with rosemary and cayenne made for some seriously addictive snacking.
I’ve always loved making cocktails and typically have a signature cocktail for friends whenever I entertain. Most recently I made this Bourbon and Apple Cider Cocktail for a group of women in my new neighborhood when we gathered at my home for some drinks and appetizers. Even the non bourbon drinkers loved it…now that’s what I call a success!
So for this event I wanted something festive that would carry us through the holidays and this one does that perfectly. A combination of a sparking pomegranate beverage mixed with vodka, Limoncello and orange liqueurs; it is perfect for holiday festivities. It tastes great, is easy to make and really as important as those two it is simply beautiful.
Instead of using just pomegranate juice, I decided to make something with Izze Sparkling Pomegranate. I remember so clearly when my daughter was still living at home when we would get a hankering for an Izze drink and make a trip that took us halfway downtown to Pearl Street in Denver to a cute ice cream shop just to get our fix. I was like a kid in my own candy shop with several boxes of Izze to choose from but I was powerless against the Pom. I love the flavor and the color and nothing is quite as festive for a party. So I hope you enjoy…and please do make sure you visit my friends who are joining me in this Progressive event. We’ve got appetizers, cocktails and desserts; something for everyone!
AND one more thing!
Even without a big launch announcement; celebrating three years of Friday Cocktails is a big deal. Take a peek at the bottom of the post for a chance to win the most gorgeous wine bottle opener I’ve ever seen. I have one and I know how special they are…so don’t forget to enter!
Now, on to the party! Nosh away and Cheers!
Appetizers
- Pepper Jelly Bites
- Smoked Salmon Roses with Endive and Creme Fraiche
- Spanish Style Garlic Shrimp
- Pepper Jelly and Brie Phyllo Cups
Beverages
- Northern Spy Cocktail
- Orange Pomegranate Moscato Cocktail
- Cranberry Martini
Desserts
Serves One cocktail
5 minPrep Time
5 minTotal Time
Save RecipeIngredients
- 3 oz Izze Sparkling Pomegranate
- 2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz Limoncello (or fresh lemon juice and 1 oz simple syrup)
- 1/2 oz Cointreau or other orange liqueur
- Orange slices for rimming
- Sparkling sugar (from Michaels in Cake Decorating supplies)
Instructions
- Chill cocktail glass(es).
- Rub rim of glasses with a cut orange segment and dip into sugar.
- Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. DO NOT SHAKE but stir until well chilled.
- Pour into glass and serve.
Welcome to another edition of Progressive Eats, our virtual version of a progressive dinner party. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, a progressive dinner involves going from house to house, enjoying a different course at each location. With Progressive Eats, a theme is chosen each month, members share recipes suitable for a delicious meal or party, and you can hop from blog to blog to check them out.
We have a core group of 12 bloggers, but we will always need substitutes and if there is enough interest would consider additional groups. To see our upcoming themes and how you can participate, please check out the schedule at Creative Culinary or contact me for more information.
This is a sponsored post; all commentary is my own.