I had such a great time with Bob DeCastro on Good Day LA: Fox News 11 discussing Mocktails & Cocktails for Kwanzaa and New Year’s Celebrations.

Be sure to watch the video here: Melanie, The Cocktail Curator on Good Day LA

Here are the recipes I shared:

Kwanzaa Mocktail/Cocktail:

  • 3 oz Pomegranate Juice
  • 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
  • 0.25 – 0.5 oz of Grenadine
  • 5-6 Mint Leaves
  • Ginger Beer
  • Ice
  • Garnish: Mint Sprig
  • Cocktail: Add in 2-3 ounces of your favorite Spirit (Tequila, Vodka, or Bourbon)
Instructions: In a Shaker, add in Ice, Pomegranate Juice (100% Pomegranate Juice is preferred), Fresh Lime Juice, and Mint Leaves. Shake all ingredients together. Strain contents into a fresh glass with Ice. Add in Grenadine. Stir. Top with Ginger Beer. Garnish with a Mint Sprig. If you are making this as a cocktail, after adding in Grenadine, you can add in 2-3 ounces of your favorite Tequila, Voda, or Bourbon (not all three). Stir the cocktail. Then, top with Ginger Beer and garnish with a Mint Sprig.

New Years Countdown Mimosa Mocktail/Cocktail

  • 2 ounces of Mango Nectar
  • 0.25 – 0.5 ounces of Grenadine (optional)
  • Top with Sparkling Apple Cider, Sparkling Wine, Champagne

Instructions: In a champagne flute, add in 2 ounces of Mango Nectar. Please note, you can use any fruit nectar or juice that you prefer. For a touch of sweetness or to add color, add in Grenadine. To layer the Grenadine with the nectar, use the back of a spoon, placing it just above the nectar, and slowly pour the grenadine over the back of the spoon, guiding it down the side of the glass. The Grenadine will layer on the bottom giving a nice splash of red color. Next, top with Apple Cider for a mocktail. To make this a cocktail, top with your favorite Sparkling Wine or Champagne.

And if you’re looking for a really simple and easy Sangria that you can make today and carry you through the New Year (if no one drinks it all up before). here is a recipe you may enjoy!

Simple Holiday Sangria

  • 1 bottle of Merlot Red Wine
  • 1/3 cup Brandy
  • 1/2 Apple (chopped)
  • 1/2 Orange (chopped)
  • 3-4 tablespoons of Sugar
  • Optional: 1 cup of White Rum
  • Optional: 2 cups of Ginger Ale
Instructions: Place all ingredients into a pitcher and store the Sangria in the refrigerator. You can chill the Sangria for 3-4 hours or overnight. Optional, you can add in 1 cup of Rum if you want the Sangria a little stronger. You can also add in 2 cups of Ginger Ale if you like a little fizz. Sangria will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Need Mocktail or Cocktail tools to make your own recipes at home, try me Essential Cocktail Tool Kit. Get all of the tools together, or purchase them individually. Don’t forget your Limited Edition MB Craft Cocktails Shaker! Once these are sold out, they will no longer be available for sale to the public. We’ll introduce a new shaker in the spring/summer.
I hope you have safe and enjoyable Kwanzaa and New Year Celebrations.
Cheers to you, your friends, and your loved ones!

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