GIN IS IN FOR CHRISTMAS 2019

For the holidays, it is a magical time of year where we hope and sometimes have, a fluffy white gush of snow that we celebrate when it falls in December. I do love the snow at Christmas. It brings such coziness to our home. Along with my favorite winter candle, we always incorporate must-have traditions. The season is not complete without watching those holiday movie classics like How the grinch stole Christmas (the Jim Carey one) and our Christmas eve favorite The Polar Express.

I love trying new recipes during the holiday season, whether it starts with a great cocktail and ends with an amazing dessert.

Gin. My husband Sean loves gin. Mix it in with some pink lemonade and there you have it, a perfect refreshing beverage on a hot summer’s day. I came across a light Christmas Gin drink, that interested me enough to try. I am usually a red wine drinker. It doesn’t get more exciting than that. However, I do recognize there are so many options out there for some delicious recipes to sip. I thought I would share this with you.

It is called a Merry Christmas Cocktail. It is quite delightful to drink and puts you in a festive mood. So easy to mix up and so tasty. Plus, it’s really pretty.

Merry Christmas Cocktail

Ingredients

1-ounce Gin (I use Bombay Sapphire Gin, but you can use your favorite)

1-ounce cranberry juice

1 teaspoon lemon juice

6 ounces (or till the glass is filled) club soda

Garnish with cranberries.

Steps

Gather the ingredients

Pour into a tall boy glass filled with ice

Stir

Top with club soda and garnish.

I like using cranberry and pomegranate juice, and incorporating mint leaves in mine.

You could add a cinnamon stick, and infuse the spice into your drink.

Fresh or frozen cranberries are suggested.

I really enjoy this drink as it is light on taste plus easy on the calories.

Gin is a fantastic sipping option, but don't stop there – you can also incorporate it into some yummy recipes for salads too. It adds a floral hit to any dishes, where a little goes such a long way.

I found this recipe in a Canadian Living magazine and was intrigued to try it. I am so happy I did. It is a very hearty salad that you can enjoy on its own, or pair it with your favorite dish.

Winter fruit and vegetable salad with gin vinaigrette

Gin Vinaigrette

¼ cup Olive Oil

2 tbsp Orange juice

2 tbsp Gin

2 tbsp Maple syrup

2 tsp Dijon mustard

1 shallot, thinly sliced

Pinch Salt and Pepper.

Salad

4 oranges, peeled and cut into rounds

2 pink grapefruit, peeled and cut into rounds

2 avocados, peeled, pitted and cut into slices

2 ripe pears, cored and thinly sliced

1 small cantaloupe, peeled, seeded and cut into half-moons

1 bunch of Tuscan Kale, chopped

½ cup fresh mint and basil leaves

¼ cup pomegranate seeds

¼ cup shaved parmesan cheese

In a small bowl, whisk together ingredients for the vinaigrette. Let stand for 10-15 minutes.

For the salad, on a large serving platter, arrange the oranges, grapefruit, avocados, pears, cantaloupe, and kale. Drizzle the vinaigrette over top. Scatter the mint, basil, pomegranate seeds and cheese shavings over top.

Enjoy.

You guys know me for bringing you all the best that one’s lifestyle can bring, from living your best life to creating the perfect home, eating well and living your dreams.

I hope you love these recipes as much as I do.

Live simple, love your space.

Cheers!

Tracy x