Santa's Favorite (Cranberry Gin Cocktail with Thyme)

Santa’s Favorite

Forget the milk and cookies. Leave Santa the Christmas Eve treat he really wants.

Santa’s Favorite (Cranberry gin cocktail with thyme)

Well, I didn't really ask him, but in my head, this is what Santa wants for his holiday refreshment. I mean, he must get really tired of eggnog, right? And I think he must be a gin kind of guy.

SERVES 4 SANTAS

1 sprig fresh thyme

ice

2 cups cranberry juice

juice from 1 orange

1/2 cup gin (Santa likes a strong cocktail)

1/4 cup Grand Marnier

FOR SERVING:

fresh ice

frozen cranberries

orange peel, julienned or thinly sliced

fresh thyme

1. Place the thyme in a cocktail shaker and bruise it gently using a muddler or a spoon.

2. Add ice, cranberry juice, orange juice, gin, and Grand Marnier.

3. Shake well.

4. Fill 4 glasses with ice, pour in the cocktail, and garnish with frozen cranberries, orange peel, and fresh thyme.

Cheers, Santa! (I have been so good this year, by the way.)