Bar None – New Year, New Vessel

Maura Sullivan

As I was working hard playing bartender at my most recent holiday get together, I thought to myself, “I either need to stop volunteering or I need a tip jar.” Neither one is a fair solution when it’s not your actual job. My favorite thing about attending parties is sharing my passion for tasty beverages. Sure, I could settle for a nice bottle of wine or be really lazy and bring a handle of something that’ll get dusty in the back of someone’s cabinet, but that’s no fun.

A few days later, I was preparing for yet another gathering. I was out of ideas and frankly was turning from a volunteer bartender to a bar wench. I thought I’d treat myself to one of my favorite activities on my way home from work. I stopped into my local thrift shop and gandered through the glassware aisle. This is where I purchase all my cocktail vessels. You’re sure to always find at least a two-glass set of some of the most intricate glass for as little as $3. From Tiffany Blue to carnival orange with an iridescent finish. They make for great glasses for any of my cocktail recipes and, if you’re feeling fancy and free after a bottle of champagne, to pour up a miller high life. Who’s to know? Pinky up!

On this shopping trip of mine, I came across the resolution to all my party problems. I found a punch bowl! Next to the Pyrex casserole dishes on the bottom shelf were a few glistening crystal bowls; some in emerald green, others in garnet red. So many to choose from. I picked up a clear crystal bowl with glass cups to match. Each punch cup had little grapes etched into the sides. I quickly purchased these beauties for $10 and ran home to soak and prep!

It’s a new year! And we’re working smarter, not harder.

This punch bowl recipe is a fresh take on the cosmopolitan, without the gender specific flare.

White Winter Cosmopolitan

Ice is key here! If you can, quickly rinse the outside of the bowl and place it in your freezer while prepping.

Creating your own large ice cube will help keep the punch cool without watering it down too much. Using a large plastic cup or even a small round cake pan is a great way to create your large ice.

Once your bowl is chilled, add your ingredients. Start with your vodka, Tito’s is a personal favorite, but Kettle One can also be a great option.

INGREDIENTS:

4 cups of vodka

1 ½ cups of St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur

½ cup of Cointreau

32 oz of White Cranberry Juice

¼ cup of Fresh Lime Juice

Stir slowly and add your large ice. To garnish, add a few mint leaves and a few frozen cranberries to the bowl or cup. (consumer preference)