We’ve always loved cocktails that bring a festive sparkle to any gathering, and the Ornament Cocktail is our go-to for holiday cheer. This vibrant drink draws inspiration from shimmering ornaments, blending smooth spirits with seasonal flavors for a truly magical touch.
In our kitchen, we’ve crafted a simple version that’s perfect for beginners yet impressive for guests. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night, it’s the ideal way to add some elegance to your celebrations.
Ingredients
For our Ornament Cocktail, we select high-quality ingredients that blend smooth spirits with seasonal flavors to deliver a vibrant, festive experience perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Vodka: 2 oz – Choose a premium, smooth vodka as the base spirit for its clean profile.
- Cranberry juice: 1 oz – Opt for 100% pure juice to add tart, seasonal berry notes that evoke holiday cheer.
- Orange liqueur: 1 oz – We recommend a high-quality triple sec or Cointreau for its citrusy sweetness and depth.
- Fresh lime juice: 0.5 oz – Squeeze it fresh from a lime for a zesty, balancing acidity that brightens the cocktail.
- Sparkling water: 2 oz – Use chilled, plain sparkling water to top off and create a refreshing fizz.
- Garnishes: 1 orange twist and a handful of fresh cranberries – Prepare by twisting the orange peel to release oils, then add cranberries for a festive, visual pop that enhances the drink’s appeal.
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our Ornament Cocktail with precision and ease, we rely on a few key tools and equipment that ensure a smooth mixing process and enhance the drink’s vibrant flavors and presentation. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cocktail Shaker: We use this essential tool to vigorously shake the ingredients together, blending the vodka, cranberry juice, and other components for a perfectly chilled and well-mixed cocktail.
- Jigger or Measuring Cup: For accurate measurements, we recommend a jigger to measure out the 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of cranberry juice, and other precise amounts, ensuring consistency every time.
- Strainer: We always include a Hawthorne or fine-mesh strainer to pour the shaken mixture into glasses, removing any ice shards or pulp for a smooth, professional finish.
- Highball or Martini Glass: Serving our cocktail in a chilled highball glass highlights its festive appearance, allowing the sparkling water to add a refreshing fizz while keeping the drink visually appealing.
- Bar Spoon or Stirrer: We use this for gently stirring if needed, especially when adding the sparkling water at the end, to preserve the effervescence without over-agitating the mixture.
- Citrus Juicer or Reamer: To extract fresh lime juice, we opt for a manual juicer, which yields the best tangy flavor and ensures the 0.5 oz measurement is pure and pulp-free.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For preparing garnishes like the orange twist and fresh cranberries, we use a sharp knife to create elegant slices that add visual sparkle and aromatic notes to our cocktail.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to transition seamlessly from measuring ingredients to crafting a delightful, holiday-inspired drink that impresses at any gathering.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through crafting the Ornament Cocktail with precision and ease for a vibrant, holiday-inspired delight.
Prepare Ingredients
First, we measure out all components accurately using our jigger to ensure balanced flavors. Gather the following and prepare as needed:
- 2 oz premium vodka: Pour into a small measuring cup or directly into the cocktail shaker for a smooth base.
- 1 oz 100% pure cranberry juice: Measure and set aside to add its tart, festive tang that evokes holiday cheer.
- 1 oz orange liqueur (such as triple sec or Cointreau): Pour to introduce a citrusy sweetness that complements the cocktail’s seasonal profile.
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice: Squeeze using a citrus juicer for a zesty, fresh acidity that brightens the mix.
- 2 oz chilled sparkling water: Keep refrigerated until use to maintain its effervescent fizz.
- Garnishes: Slice an orange twist from a fresh orange and rinse a handful of fresh cranberries to enhance visual appeal and subtle flavor notes.
Mix the Cocktail
We begin by combining the liquids in our cocktail shaker to create a harmonious blend. Add the 2 oz premium vodka, 1 oz 100% pure cranberry juice, 1 oz orange liqueur, and 0.5 oz fresh lime juice into the shaker filled with ice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and slightly frothy, allowing the flavors to meld into a refreshing, spirited fusion. Strain the contents into a prepared glass, then gently pour in the 2 oz chilled sparkling water to add a lively sparkle that awakens the senses with its crisp bubbles.
Garnish and Serve
To elevate the presentation, we add the garnishes for a festive finish that impresses. Place the orange twist on the rim of the glass and drop in a few fresh cranberries to float on top, creating a shimmering, holiday ornament effect that highlights the cocktail’s vibrant red hue and aromatic citrus notes. Serve immediately in chilled glassware to preserve the effervescence, inviting guests to savor its smooth, tangy profile during gatherings or cozy evenings.
Conclusion
We’ve crafted the Ornament Cocktail to bring effortless holiday magic into your home. It’s a simple way to elevate any gathering with its vibrant spirit and charm.
As we wrap up let’s encourage you to experiment and make it your own—cheers to creating lasting memories with every sip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ornament Cocktail?
The Ornament Cocktail is a festive drink inspired by holiday ornaments, blending smooth spirits with seasonal flavors like cranberry and citrus. It’s perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings, offering a vibrant mix that’s easy to make and visually appealing.
What ingredients are needed for the Ornament Cocktail?
You’ll need 2 oz premium vodka, 1 oz pure cranberry juice, 1 oz orange liqueur (like triple sec), 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, and 2 oz chilled sparkling water. Garnish with an orange twist and fresh cranberries for added flavor and festivity.
What tools are required to prepare the Ornament Cocktail?
Essential tools include a cocktail shaker for mixing, a jigger for measuring, a strainer for pouring, and glassware for serving. You’ll also need a bar spoon, citrus juicer, and a knife for garnishes to ensure precise and easy preparation.
How do I make the Ornament Cocktail?
Start by measuring ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a glass. Add sparkling water for fizz, and garnish with an orange twist and cranberries. This simple process takes minutes and is ideal for beginners.
Is the Ornament Cocktail suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s beginner-friendly with a straightforward recipe that requires basic measuring and shaking. The article provides clear steps, making it easy to impress guests while enjoying the process, without needing advanced bartending skills.
How should I garnish the Ornament Cocktail?
Garnish with an orange twist and fresh cranberries. This adds a festive look and enhances flavors—twist the orange peel over the drink to release oils, then place it on the rim with cranberries for a shimmering, holiday-inspired finish.