Rich spice-infused simple syrup combined with Stirrings Blood Orange cocktail mixer, orange liquor, and apple brandy makes for a sweet, powerful holiday libation. Perfect after a long day out skiing or sledding or after an exhausting day being nice to relatives ;-).
I’ve never created an alcoholic drink before; I’ve always thought it would be super intimidating. But turns out it was pretty fun once I got going. Or maybe that was after a few sips!
“By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by Stirrings and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.”
The first few I made, well, those were pretty awful. One tasted like cough syrup….blech! Then I started to think of it more like baking, focusing on the flavors I like pairing together and seeing where it took me. Once I looked at it like that, deciding which liquors fit into the flavor profile, the idea for this Blood Orange Gingerbread Cocktail came together quickly.
The Stirrings Simple Blood Orange Martini Mixer is the perfect base for this drink. It brings the orange flavor to the front, and then combined with the apple brandy and gingerbread simple syrup, well, it’s enough to make you forget that winter exists :-). Which is what I was trying to do. While I was making it, it was snowing and cold outside and it was just imperative that I curl up on the couch with some old SNL and sip away the cold world.
Stirrings Cocktail Mixers can be found at Hannafords, which makes them super convenient to pick up while doing other holiday shopping. You can find more ideas and product information on their social media pages:
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The simple syrup is very easy to make and this recipe makes enough for more than just 2 drinks. You can save it for more drinks later or it also tastes great mixed with coffee or hot chocolate. It can be stored for weeks in the refrigerator.
| Prep Time | 10 |
| Servings |
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- 6 oz Stirrings Simple Blood Orange Martini Mixer
- 2 oz orange liquer
- 3 oz apple brandy
- 2 oz gingerbread simple syrup (recipe follows)
- gingerbread cookies, crushed (for around the rim)
- 1 cup cane sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cinnamon stick
- 6 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 8 whole peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon thin sliced fresh ginger
Ingredients
Blood Orange Gingerbread Cocktail
Gingerbread Simple Syrup
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- Spread crushed gingerbread on a plate. Brush the rim of the cocktail glasses with the simple syrup, then roll in the cookie crumbs.
- Fill a cocktail shaker 1/3 with ice. Add all the cocktail ingredients (except for the cookies!), shake well, and pour carefully into prepared glasses.
- Adorn with a cinnamon stick if desired.
- Combine all simple syrup ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and remove cinnamon stick, leaving remainder of spices. Let cool completely, then strain the syrup. Can be used immediately or stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Well that just sounds like the most crazy fantastic combo!