I love getting together for dinner with my extended family! We always have the best time catching up over some of the yummiest culinary creations. At our most recent family shin-dig, I was in charge of the cocktail hour. Here is the menu served:
- Simply Cranberry Cocktail Sangria
- Simply Cranberry Cocktail Mojitos (virgin and non)
- Cranberry Topped Brie with French Baguette Rounds
- Bacon-wrapped Apricots with Cranberry Dipping Sauce
- Strawberry Spinach Salad with Dried Cranberries, Feta, and Balsamic Vinaigrette
I’m a fan of Simply Orange® and Simply Lemonade® so was excited to try their latest addition to the Simply beverage family when they asked me to. Like their orange juice,Simply CranberryCocktail is gently pasteurized with no added preservatives and is always kept chilled from the time it’s blended to the refrigerated section of a store near you. The cocktail is made with 27% not-from-concentrate cranberry juice and has a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Best of all it tastes fantastic in many-a-mixed drink :).
Here is the recipe for my Cranberry Sangria.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine such as Zinfandel
- 5 cups of Simply Cranberry Cocktail
- 1 cup of orange juice
- 1 cup of orange liqueur
- 1/2 of an orange sliced
- 1 lime halved and sliced
- 1 green apple, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup of sliced strawberries
Combine all the ingredients and let chill for at least five hours. Serve over ice and enjoy!
In addition to Cranberry Sangria, I made virgin and non-virgin Cranberry Mojitos for everyone. We had trouble deciding which drink we liked better. Both were refreshing and delicious!
Ingredients:
- 3 wedges of lime
- 5 fresh mint leaves, washed
- ľ oz simple syrup (to make simple syrup take equal parts sugar and water and boil for a minute on the stove; cool and chill in refrigerator beforehand)
- cubed ice
- 1 oz Simply Cranberry Cocktail
- 2˝ oz vodka
- 1 oz soda water (or lemon/lime soda for a sweeter taste)
Directions:
- Combine the lime wedges, mint leaves and simple syrup in a bowl and crush with a mortar and pestle (or back of a fork).
- Transfer ingredients to a shaker and fill the shaker with ice.
- Add the vodka and Simply CranberryCocktail.
- Shake vigorously.
- Pour all of the ingredients into a wine glass without straining.
- Top with soda water and garnish with mint.
For our hors d’oeuvres, I first served some Cranberry Topped Brie with French Baguette Rounds. To make, simply heat 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1/2 cup of Simply CranberryCocktail in a pan over medium heat stirring frequently until mixture is syrupy. Pour cranberry mixture over your brie and serve with crackers or french bread.
And finally, I served the easiest yet most amazing appetizer that is a must try: Bacon-wrapped Apricots with Cranberry Dipping Sauce (recipe modified from Yummly.com).
Ingredients:
- 2 t cornstarch (mixed with) 2 t water
- 3/4 t mustard (grain)
- 1 1/2 t brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 t ground nutmeg
- 12 sliced bacon (sliced in half)
- 24 dried apricots
- 1 1/2 cups Simply CranberryCocktail
- Boil Simply CranberryCocktail in medium saucepan over high heat until reduced to 1 cup. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make a paste and add it to the pan. Next whisk in the brown sugar, mustard and nutmeg. Bring to a boil over medium heat and boil 1 minute until thickened. Cool to room temperature. Reserve 1/2 cup of the glaze for later dipping.
- Line rimmed baking sheet with foil; set wire rack over foil and spray with cooking spray. Wrap bacon halves around apricots and place on rack. Brush with cranberry glaze.
- Broil 3 to 7 minutes, or until bacon is browned. Place toothpicks in apricots and serve warm with the reserved Simply CranberryCocktail dipping sauce.
These recipes were all incredibly easy to make and the continuity of our Simply CranberryCocktail theme was so much fun! I hope you’re inspired to throw your own “cranberry party”!
“Simply Cranberry™” is a trademark of Simply Orange Juice Company.
Mari says
We play festive music and put up décor that creates an ambiance.
runningmatey at hotmail dot com
Erica Best says
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/210401703353266178
Erica Best says
I love having bring a dish party it help everyone feel like that are a part of it and it keep me from having to cook everything and every love to show of by bring the best dish.
purple_lover_04 at msn dot com
Debra F says
I do like entertaining and my favorite thing is to do theme parties. I customize my food, drinks and decorations/decor around a theme and everyone really enjoys it….I just try not to get too hokey!
ewhatley says
We have a theme for every event and encourage guests to dress accordingly.
angie lilly says
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/210042295184130048
angie lilly says
Have a theme! All of our parties have a theme and we try to make them as non-cliche as possible! We have done a party celebrating the Full Moon, celebrating the anniversary of the discovery of Uranus, celebrating the Silent Film era, etc. Keep your guests on their toes by doing the unexpected and decorate accordingly!
Jessica F says
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/jfong1130/status/209840016392859648
Jessica F says
I love having tons of little finger foods as the main course! You can have a huge variety of food to offer and appetizers are always delicious!
LinhC says
We love the Simply lemonade drinks too! I make sure we have plenty of food and drinks.
Emily N. says
tweeted https://twitter.com/prizepuzzle/status/209465715563040768
Betty C says
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/209194678174760960
Betty C says
I like to do themed potlucks. It so much fun to see how creative people can get when everything has to be sandwiches from appetizers to dessert.
Denise L says
tweet!
https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/208770253499539457
Denise L says
I always like to have a theme for the food & drink. We did a taco bar one year for my daughter’s birthday and all the appetizers and drinks were authentic Mexican too.
Jennifer says
My favorite way to make my home ready for a party is with fragrant fresh flowers.
Jennifer says
I love cranberries, thanks for all the great recipes.
Jen @ Four Marrs & One Venus says
https://twitter.com/JenniferMarrs/status/207855410772844544
Thank you!
Jen @ Four Marrs & One Venus says
Looks like the perfect beverage/food and Location! 🙂 My kind of Hanging out! Whoohoo!
-Jen
Gina M Maddox says
I love to add great music and lighting to make a gathering more festive.
gina.m.maddox (AT) gmail (DOT) com
Gina M Maddox says
tweet-https://twitter.com/CrazyItalian0/status/207634210872246272
gina.m.maddox (AT) gmail (DOT) com
Maria Cantu says
I try to provide a variety of foods and drinks.
Priscilla Concepcion says
Thanks for the chance to win!!! 🙂
Krystle @ Color Transformed Family.com says
https://twitter.com/Krystle_CTF/status/207508516594917376
I tweeted it.
Krystle @ Color Transformed Family.com says
I love cranberry juice!
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
I Tweeted! https://twitter.com/SerenityNowGirl/status/207499564402479104
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
I am for sure Pinning your Sangria recipe…thanks for sharing! 🙂 I like to make get-togethers more festive with some fun music and trying to coordinate the serving ware/plates/decorations. 🙂
ANGEL JACKLYN says
2ND ENTRY TWEET! https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/207240166274895872
ANGEL JACKLYN says
WITH LOT’S OF FOOD & FAMILY! =)
Christina Tong says
I tweeted about this giveaway: https://twitter.com/ctong2/status/207028418485813248
ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com
Christina Tong says
My favorite way to make a party or get-together at my home more festive is selecting a theme but with simple decorations. I love to prepare homemade finger food, nice dessert and drinks. Thanks for the giveaway.
ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com
Kerry says
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/206936688872792064
Kerry says
I always make sure I have a lot of different foods to suit everyone’s taste.
Dee says
tweeted http://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/206814716406931456
Dee says
I love making a party more festive by making cupcakes catered to the theme of the get together as well as themed ice cubes! 🙂
Amanda Sakovitz says
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/206805523616632832
Amanda Sakovitz says
we love to decorate and have tons of desserts
Tiffany Winner says
tweet https://twitter.com/thismomwins2/status/206510221399572482
thismomwins@gmail.com
GatheringEggs says
P*A*R*T*Y Recipe
Mix:
A lil family.n.friends
love.n.laughter
a dash of spring, winter or fall ~
a pinch~o~revelry
games.n.sports
yummy treats.n.snacks of sorts…
sippin’s or brew,
a lil bubbly or two,
candles@night
or sweet twinklee lights
music.n.drum
a smidgen of “hum”
hugs.n.sharing
lots of caring~
Simmer in a pan until done!
Heather says
Yum! Your drink recipes sound great! I like to have themed drinks on hand to get everyone in a more festive mood. And of course decorations!
Kellie Rose Wilson says
tweeted here:
https://twitter.com/kelliechio/status/205528511354638337
Kellie Rose Wilson says
We like to have dress up theme nights like jimmy buffet night, nautical night, True Blood night..fun fun!
Debbie B says
tweeted here:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/205267226641711105
Debbie B says
we don’t entertain a lot but when we do – good food and music make it festive
Stephanie says
https://twitter.com/#!/akronugurl/status/204925762946600961
Stephanie says
I love all the Simply beverages!!
Tabathia B says
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/204794140670701568
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B says
I love plugging up the Wii and putting in Dance Revolution
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Sunshyn V says
I tweeted this
https://twitter.com/The_Sunshyn/status/204767729171968002
Sunshyn V says
A crackling fire and music always seems to make things more festive for us.
Hilani-Handmade by Hilani says
Awesome, My mouth is watering! 😉
beth says
Thank you Hilani!
Tiffany Winner says
i think almost every party or get-together needs a game of some kind
thismomwins@gmail.com
cw says
Can’t do much entertaining in the home right now because our house is sooo tiny, but we do like to have BBQs in our back yard (when things warm up more). The music helps things be more festive and I love to put xmas lights in the trees.
MelissaO says
Homemade sangria, Mexican food, and music by Manu Chao always works!
wolverina401 at gmail dot com
Wehaf says
I find that a few fancier dishes makes the whole affair more festive!
Kelly Massman says
I like to make things ahead so I can focus on the guests at the party!!! Thanks for a chance to win and have a great day!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom
Melissa says
I love throwing a themed party, everyone gets into mood, Arabian Night, Summer in the Hamptons, Breakfast at Tiffanys it doesnt matter, a theme makes everything so much more fun. 🙂 of course good music, great friends, delicious drinks and food too 😉 xx
Melissa says
https://twitter.com/#!/abitnerdy/status/203186554963902464 tweet tweet
anash says
Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/#!/anashct3/status/203080039875616768
Thanks for the chance to win!
email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com
anash says
the decorations really set the tone! Thanks for a super giveaway!
Judy B. says
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/BBirdie2/status/202849629056942081
Judy B. says
A theme, plus good food & drink, and happy friends.
Tina M says
https://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/202556843917185026
Tina M says
lots of games and foods
sy says
tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/syytta/status/202290396972331008
songyueyu at gmail
sy says
I put on upbeat music and lots of snacks. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
songyueyu at gmail
Richella @ Imparting Grace says
Oh, my goodness. These cocktails sound so good! I love Simply Orange, but I didn’t know they made a cranberry juice! I must say I make a killer Cosmopolitan–I’ll have to try one with this nice fresh juice! And for a non-alcoholic option, I love 1/2 cran juice and 1/2 ginger ale. Now I need to try your Sangria recipe! 🙂
Jessie C. says
https://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/202159369394196480
Jessie C. says
Plenty of all sorts of desserts and music always help.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Karina Lee says
i like having a party theme
Karina Lee says
https://twitter.com/#!/karinaroselee/status/202153363478020096
Erika says
I like to hang decorations, put on some music, and make way too much dessert! 🙂
chambanachik@gmail.com
Tricia says
A theme and/or music!
Nancy K says
MMMMMMMM… I LOVE sangria !!!
sandra says
games and partyware
Teresa C says
Music always makes a get-together more festive!
steph says
https://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/200401765114454020
steph says
i play party music!
Amy Tong says
tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/uTry_it/status/200336894108774400
Amy [at] utry [dot] it
Amy Tong says
My favorite way to make a party at my home more festive is selecting a theme. So, the decorations, food, drink, party favor and maybe dress code too, would all follow the same theme. It’s really festive and fun!
Amy [at] utry [dot] it
Kathy :) says
YUM I sooo love a good sangria !!!
Kathy 🙂
anna pry says
https://twitter.com/#!/thepryfamily2/status/200273756978024448
thepryfamily@gmail.com
anna pry says
music and decorations make it more festive
thepryfamily@gmail.com
Rebecca Graham says
I like to do a theme party with decorations.
Ashley H. says
I make sure we have great music.
Donna Olander says
Engaging my guests in the food prep adds to the fun & festivity! And of course – always – upbeat music.
Mindy says
well that was a hidden giveaway! You need a theme for sure to bring all the elements (food, drink, decor) together!
Chris N says
We tend to have late spring and fall parties to go along with the university academic calendar (celebrating the end of one semester and the beginning of another). Loads of people are invited and we lean toward potluck (because you never know how many people are going to be there and because we have some good cooks in our crowd).
Last year we celebrated student graduations and the coming of spring by having a crazy semi-impromptu ceremony where graduating students held various props (like a flash light to represent the light of knowledge, another held some plastic fruit to represent the fruit of their labor, etc.) while my husband read a crazy poem. Sounds weird – it probably was – but we all had fun.
Our parties are always informal with lots of music, as much food as we can get on the table, some wine and beer, and lots of fun.
Ashley Tucker says
https://twitter.com/#!/ajoy1332/status/199854174400299010
Ashley Tucker says
I like to play music to make things more festive!
Cheryl B. says
When we celebrate something big (like birthdays, family reunions, etc) I try to make a special cake breaking out all of my Wilton supplies to do it.
Rosa says
twitted:
https://twitter.com/#!/roso1946/status/199830643272720384
Rosa says
Music and festive decorations can enhance ambiance.
Elena says
https://twitter.com/#!/ElenaIstomina/status/199685200278585344
Elena says
Nice music and fresh flowers make party more festive
yby5 says
Reading your post at 9pm probably wasn’tthe best idea…I’m hungry and want a mojito in my hand 🙂 Looks like a great time with delicious food, but those drink look to die for. The mojito will be on my list for a get together.
To make my get together special I try to serve a variety of foods so to please everyone. I really like the presentation almost more than the food…it’s fun putting them on different cake stands, platters etc..
Mami2jcn says
tweet–https://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/199663891670773760
Mami2jcn says
Lively music makes things more festive!
jessica@fourgenerationsoneroof says
Looks like you guys had a great time. We are big wine drinkers so I’m not that crafty with the mixed drinks but love making fun drinks for the kiddos 🙂
Beth @A to Z says
Well my Cranberry Sangria has an entire bottle of wine in it :).
Emily says
Yum! Thanks for the inspiration.