- 12
Ingredients
- 11 ⁄2 cups fresh or thawed frozen cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons grated orange zest
- 1 ⁄2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 ⁄2 cup water
- 1 ⁄2 cup ice cubes
- 3 ⁄4 cup fresh lime juice
- 11 ⁄2 cups fresh orange juice
- 21 ⁄4 cups tequila
- 11 ⁄2 cups cranberry simple syrup
Preparation
Step 1
This is a martini, if only for the glass in which it’s served. Cranberry syrup is a colorful cocktail infusion for the holidays, especially when cranberries are so abundant. Stock up now, because they keep in the freezer up to nine months. When it’s party time, serve this in a pitcher placed in an ice-filled bowl or bucket so the drink can be served “up” chilled without ice. Makes 12 4-ounce cocktails, plus
extra cranberry simple syrup for guests who prefer a sweeter cocktail.
Combine the cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange
juice, and the water in medium saucepan. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring
frequently, for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cranberries start to burst and
the sugar is dissolved. Pour the cranberry mixture through a fine-mesh strainer
into a glass container, gently pushing the cranberry mixture against the mesh
of the strainer with the back of a wooden spoon. Add the ice cubes and stir.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours.
Combine the lime juice, orange juice, tequila, and 1 cup of the
cranberry simple syrup in a large pitcher, stirring to mix. Chill the cocktail
mixture for at least 2 hours. Serve aside the remaining simple syrup, so guests
can sweeten to taste.