Happy holidays foodie friends! I hope you’re having a wonderful festive Christmas season.
I have to admit, I am enjoying this low-key time. Not that I dislike the hustle and bustle of the holidays but I definitely appreciate not stressing over certain things.
Perhaps, that’s just a part of getting older? Who knows?
Either way, 2020 has presented the ability to really peel back the layers of the holidays and get straight to what matters most — spending quality time with those who matter most and following through with traditional favourites.
“What the new year brings to you will depend on what you bring the new year.” — Vern McLellan
Although, it may not be the typical Christmas festivities, all you need to do is modify in a safe manner. This might even be a time to try new things and make new traditions.
Like many, we plan on keeping it low-key this New Year’s.
We are going to get all gussied up, stick up decorations, filling the table with tasty nibbles, good music and make a signature cocktail.
Why? Why not? Just because it’s a party for two doesn’t mean you can’t make it special and super fun.
“It’s beginning to look a lot like cocktails.” — Unknown
I’m not here to promote alcohol. But, for those who love a special little swally on New Year’s Eve, well, this is for you. Specialty cocktails can add a bit of fun to the night. Forget about the same ol’ same ol’, try something new.
Our New Year’s bar menu is going to include a concoction called, Winter Sea Breeze Holiday Cocktail. The ingredients consist of one ounce of vodka, one ounce of grapefruit juice, a half ounce of tonic syrup, two ounces of soda water, pomegranate seeds and mint leaves for garnish.
Are you wondering what tonic syrup is?
So was I when I first saw this recipe. Honest to goodness, how did we live before Google? To bring it down to a Coles notes level, tonic syrup consists of all the wonderful flavours you enjoy in a tonic. The difference in tonic syrup verses tonic water is that the syrup is concentrated. Hence, the addition of soda or fizzy water for the much loved carbonated bubbly.
I’m a huge fan of tonic made by Third Place Cocktails, which, in my humble opinion, makes for the perfect G&T. So I didn’t have to go far (the dining room) to find the tonic syrup of choice. Added bonus, it’s local.
You’re not tied to this exact recipe either. Feel free to mix up some of the ingredients and make it your own. If you don’t like vodka, try gin. If you’d prefer to make this a non-alcoholic sober Santa bevvie, simply omit the alcohol and add something like 7-UP or Sprite in its place.
“Do what makes you feel fancy.” — Unknown
We’re going to go all fancy pants on this wobbly pop. There nothing I love more than dressing up a drink. The look of this drink is fairly bland left on its own. If we’re going to put on our Sunday best for New Year’s, well, we best show the same love for our special New Year’s cocktail. Before you even start making the drink, rim the top of the glass with lemon and dip it in a bowl of sugar for a frosty border. Then, make your drink and add about a dozen pomegranate seeds inside the glass and finish it off with a fresh sprig of mint.
Winter Sea Breeze Holiday Cocktail is a light, refreshing and flavourful beverage. A special New Year’s drink that’s definitely fit to… er’ drink.
“Cheers to a new year and another chance to get it right.” – Oprah Winfrey
As we look to ring in a new year (thank goodness) I want to wish you good health, happiness and an abundance of delicious food.
Thank you so much for reading and I look forward to bringing you more fun, tasty and helpful “Fit to Eat” columns in 2021.
Happy New Year!
Erin Sulley is a self-confessed foodie who lives in Mount Pearl. Instagram: @erinsulley
