CK's Kitchen: Ring in the new year with a mistletoe kiss

Who doesn't want that magical kiss under the mistletoe?! But don't worry if your significant other didn't read your mind this year, or if you're still looking for your special someone, I have just the kiss worth puckering up for: The mistletoe kiss cocktail. The beauty of this seasonal creation is more than skin deep, although she is quite lovely. This drink is the total package with a great personality, herby sass and one you won't regret bringing to the holiday gathering to meet the family. And she is sure to charm even the most hardened skeptic against public displays of affection. Simple + rosemary This wintry white affection is made with vodka, lemon juice and club soda and sweetened with a secret sugary weapon — a homemade rosemary simple syrup that makes this creation really shine. Simple syrup is just as its name suggests: simple. Equal parts water and sugar, you boil the combo for 5 minutes. Then, you take it up a notch here by adding a sprig of rosemary to steep and infuse its fragrant flavor into the sugar water. Cool the simple syrup completely — we tucked ours outside on the deck to leverage the cold temps to our advantage — and then it's time to mix and mingle! Cranberry float Since we planned to make more than one signature cocktail this particular night, we decided on a small batch. Using my favorite beveled stainless-steel shaker filled with ice, we poured in our Tito's, fresh squeezed lemon juice and just-cooled rosemary simple syrup and gave it all a good shake. We split the spirits between two well-iced rocks glasses and topped with club soda, some cranberries and a rosemary sprig stirrer. After a clink of our glasses, we puckered up for our first sip. We found the mistletoe kiss to be very tasteful in every way! We did add a bit more of the incredible rosemary syrup (highly recommend) to notch up the sweetness a bit, but we were so excited to have plenty of simple syrup left over to ring in the New Year with these holiday kisses! Contact Chrissy Kadleck at ckadleck@sbcglobal.net. Mistletoe kiss For the rosemary simple syrup*: ½ cup water ½ cup granulated sugar 1 sprig rosemary For a small batch: 6 oz vodka (I love Tito's) 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 oz rosemary simple syrup Club soda Handful of fresh cranberries (whole frozen berries are OK) 2 sprigs of rosemary For a large batch: 30 oz. vodka (3¾ cups or approx 1 liter from which you'll have a couple ounces leftover) 5 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice 10 oz. (1¼ cups) rosemary simple syrup (triple the recipe above) 1 liter club soda ½ bag of fresh cranberries (whole frozen berries are OK) 10 sprigs of rosemary To make the rosemary simple syrup: Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan set over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil while stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Allow the mixture to boil for 5 minutes then remove from the heat and drop in the sprig of rosemary. Allow the rosemary to steep for about 15 minutes and then discard the rosemary. Pour the simple syrup into a glass jar or bottle, cool to room temperature, cover and refrigerate. To make a small batch: Pour vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a drink shaker filled with ice. Cover and shake well to blend. Divide drink mix between 2 rocks glasses filled with ice, straining the ice from the shaker as you pour. You'll only want to fill the glasses ¾-full. Top with club soda and a few cranberries for garnish. Add a sprig of rosemary to use as a stirrer. To make a large batch: Pour vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a pitcher filled with ice and stir well to combine. When ready to serve, pour the drink mix into an ice-filled rocks glass to ¾-full. Top each drink with club soda and a few cranberries for garnish. Add a sprig of rosemary to each drink as they are served to use as a stirrer. Notes: *The rosemary simple syrup recipe above will make more than you need for a small batch but the leftovers will store well in an airtight container, like a mason jar, in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If you make the large batch before your guests arrive, be sure to keep the pitcher in the fridge to ensure the drinks are icy cold when they arrive. Source: smellslikehome.com