Holiday cocktails: Making spirits bright

Kim Arispe is the Queen Anne creative genius who wrote “Liberal Libations,” the book that includes 85 cocktail recipes that range from classic to unique, and single servings to party size.

At a recent shopping event on Queen Anne Frame & Gift, she was serving up her Vermillion Punch. Arispe said that crafting cocktails for others is her love language. 

“The cocktail is merely the facilitator- our common ground- but the power of sharing a conversation inspires, comforts, and connects us. These connections can move mountains- one small, meaningful moment at a time,” she said. 

And in the spirit of the holidays, she is sharing one of her recipes for connection. For more recipes or to purchase a book, visit www.LiberalLibations.com.

 Vermillion Punch

(For one)

 • 2 oz bourbon

• 2 oz fresh-squeezed blood orange juice

• 1/2 oz cinnamon simple syrup

• 1 oz sparkling wine, such as Prosecco or Cava

• 1 oz sparkling water

• Blood orange wedge, for garnish

• Mint sprig, for garnish

1. Add bourbon, blood orange juice, and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well to combine, about 20 seconds.

2. Strain cocktail through mesh strainer into a glass filled with crushed or cubed ice.

3. Top with sparkling wine and sparkling water.

4. Garnish with a blood orange wedge and mint sprig.

(Batch; serves 12)  

• 750 ml bottle bourbon

• 24 oz blood orange juice (you can substitute fresh-squeezed with store-bought juice)

• 6 oz cinnamon simple syrup

• 12 oz sparkling wine, such as Prosecco or Cava

• 24 oz sparkling water, chilled

• Blood orange wedges, for garnish

• Mint leaves, for garnish

1. Add blood orange juice, bourbon, and simple syrup to a beverage dispenser or punch bowl. Stir to combine and chill until ready to serve.

2. Shortly before serving, stir the punch, then add the sparkling wine and sparkling water.

3. Fill glasses with crushed or cubed ice, then add the cocktail.

4. Garnish with blood orange wedges and mint leaves.