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Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Sour

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It's All In The Details

Expert Entertaining Tips from Forks and Fingers Catering

Forks and Fingers is a luxury catering company known for elevating every event—whether it's an intimate backyard gathering or a grand gala. Using only the highest-quality, locally sourced ingredients, their team infuses every menu with exceptional flavor and effortless style, adding a touch of chic to any occasion.

Getting ready to host for the holidays? Owner Stephanie Lefrancois shares her expert entertaining tips to help you create a home celebration everyone will remember. And when it comes time to plan your next special occasion, Forks and Fingers is the perfect partner to bring your vision to life.

With the holidays being a time of giving, there's no better way to show your gratitude for friends and family than putting a little extra time into your presentation.

  1. It's always a good idea to set your table the night before.  Doing this without time constraints makes it a pleasure and not a task.
  2. Feature florals that incorporate food elements, like an artichoke or citrus, for a creative, unexpected touch to your tablescape.
  3. While putting something on a tray is nice, adding a garnish and a few pieces of living or edible decor takes it to the next level.   
  4. Think out of the box by using everyday items that complement your display, such as using a cooling rack for the cocktail presentation.
  5. Put together a few menu items that can be prepared ahead of time and then finished the day of your gathering.
  6. Bringing in some help can afford time to be present with your company.  Consider having a florist prepare the centerpiece, someone to tend to the bar, or even bring in a chef to put the finishing touches on your meal.  
  7. Having one cocktail for everyone eliminates the need for additional ingredients.  

Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Sour

A bourbon-based drink featuring fresh cranberries, notes of citrus, star anise and egg whites.  If omitting alcohol, add a splash of sparkling water.

Makes one serving; recommend pre-batching simple syrup based on needs.  

Recipe:

Spiced Cranberry Simple Syrup

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup of sugar

1 cup fresh cranberries

1 cinnamon stick

1 whole star anise

1 teaspoon orange zest

Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Sour

2oz bourbon or whiskey

1oz fresh lemon juice

1oz spiced cranberry syrup

1-2 dashes or orange bitters

1-2 egg whites

Garnish: fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, fresh orange slices

Instructions:

In a small saucepan, add water, sugar, fresh cranberries, cinnamon, star anise & orange zest.  Stir, bring to a boil over medium heat for 3 minutes and continue stirring.  Do not let the cranberries burst.  Pour the mixture through a strainer into a glass jar and refrigerate for 5-10 minutes or until use.

In a cocktail shaker, add ice, bourbon, lemon juice, spiced cranberry syrup, cranberry juice, orange bitters & egg white.  Secure the top and shake vigorously until the shaker is frosty.  Strain into a coupe glass, top with fresh cranberries, rosemary sprig & orange slice

Happy Holidays! 

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