Recipe: Cran-Razz Holiday Punch!

Thank you to my friend and fellow blogger Camper English for his amazing cocktails and spirits blog called Alcademics.com! He is a prolific writer and published author out of San Francisco and shares this article called "Punch Party" at CHOW.com with lots of yummy punch recipes. Thanks Camper! :)

Here is my recipe for Cran-Razz Holiday Punch:
2 Cups Vodka
4 Cups Cranberry-Raspberry Juice
1/4 Cup Rose's Lime Juice
1/2 Cup Pomegranate Liquer
2 Cups Lime Flavored Seltzer Water

Combine all ingredients in a large punch bowl. Add a large block of ice or molded ice ring to keep it cold. Garnish with sliced limes, oranges and frozen raspberry cubes. Serves about 20 people, or 10 very thirsty (and tipsy) party goers!

To make frozen raspberry cubes: The night before the party, take a few empty ice cube trays, put a raspberry in each cube, fill with cran-raspberry juice and freeze overnight.

OPTION: Instead of serving in a punch bowl, you can just pour into martini glasses! :)

Pomegranate-Key Lime Vodka Martinis

Have a great weekend! Enjoy this luscious cocktail recipe! :) mel

Ingredients:
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 cup club soda
1 cup unsweetened pomegranate juice
1/2 cup vodka
3 tablespoons fresh Key lime juice (about 3 limes)
Crushed ice
Key lime slices (optional)

Preparation: Combine sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 2 minutes or just until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; cool. Combine sugar syrup, club soda, pomegranate juice, vodka, and lime juice. Place crushed ice in a martini shaker; add about 3/4 cup pomegranate mixture. Cover and shake. Strain into a glass. Garnish with lime slice, if desired. Repeat procedure with remaining pomegranate mixture. Makes 4 cocktails.

NOTE: Key limes are perfect for this drink, but you can substitute 1/4 cup regular lime juice. Prepare the syrup a day ahead, and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to mix the cocktails. For a festive touch, sugar the rims of the glasses. (Credit: Jeff Gremillion, Cooking Light, DECEMBER 2007)