Bloody Mule
Sunday is Halloween, so I wanted to get one more creepy cocktail in before the month ended. Halloween drinks are big this time of year. I mean, Halloween is a great time to party (especially after last year), the drinks come in a variety of liquors and in every color under the full moon from black to the oh, so popular red.
I love brightly colored cocktails. Unfortunately color doesn’t always equal good. But there are several colored liquors that make delicious drinks: green chartreuse, the color changing Empress gin, you could even add activated charcoal or the classic red grenadine. While grenadine is definitely an important addition to every home bar, it’s not the only red option out there. You could use a nice red wine or port, or if you’re looking for a good mixer, look no further than the classic cranberry juice.
Cranberry juice is one of my favorite mixers. It’s sweet and tart, a gorgeous red and it’s perfect for the fall and winter seasons. Cranberry juice is my go to, even when I’m not drinking. If I’m the designated driver, or just not in the mood for a cocktail (I know, weird, right) I always order a cranberry and soda. They’re delicious and it looks like I’m enjoying a tipple or two.
While I’m a huge fan of this non-alcoholic version, I do enjoy cranberry juice with my liquor. Every so often I’ll add an ounce or two of vodka, magically turning the drink from a non-alcoholic one to a legit cocktail. But vodka isn’t the only thing I mix with my cranberry juice. I’ve added bourbon and even rum. They all make great combos. Even though the mixer goes well with numerous liquors, my favorite is still the classic vodka and cranberry. If I’m in the mood to mix up something up at home, that’s what I do because it’s just so easy.
Plain vodka and cranberry is great. But use a flavored vodka and it’s a whole new ball game. A flavored vodka, when used the right way, adds another layer, rounding out the whole drinking experience. While you could use a lemon or orange vodka (both great flavors that go with cranberry), I decided to go with ginger this time around. I wanted something with a little bite… it is Halloween after all. So, ginger and cranberry, red and spicy, could you get any more Halloweeny? But I didn’t stop there, it’s fall, so I added a hint of cinnamon. The end result is a delicious cocktail that’s perfect for this creepy weekend, but will carry you straight through the holidays.
Ingredients
- cinnamon sugar
- 1/2 ounce cinnamon simple syrup
- 2 ounces Infuse Ginger vodka
- 3-4 ounces cranberry juice
- ginger beer
Instructions
- Pour a little cinnamon simple syrup on a plate. On a second plate place a couple tablespoons of cinnamon sugar. Dip the rim of a rocks glass in the syrup, then the sugar and set aside.
- Pour the 1/2 ounce of cinnamon syrup and vodka into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake until chilled. Strain into prepared glass filled with ice.
- Top with cranberry juice and ginger beer. Garnish with a couple cranberries and serve.
