3 Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Cocktail Recipes & Entertaining Tips | As Seen on FOX 5 Vegas

Firstly, thank you all to tuned in this morning to our holiday segment on FOX 5 Vegas: 3 Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Cocktail Recipes & Entertaining Tips with Lifestyle Expert Brielle Galekovic and Mixologist Chris Militello! It means so much that you took the time to watch us provide you with recipes and tips for entertaining this holiday season.

One thing that makes holiday entertaining easier is having a go-to, crowd pleasing cocktail to serve. Here are 3 different libations that actually have base spirits derived from distilleries in Nevada! Plus, some must-know holiday entertainment tips. 

TIP #1: CREATE A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL.

Pomegranate Spritz

Ingredients:

2 oz Juniper Grove Gin 

1.5 oz pomegranate juice 

Fever Tree elderflower tonic 

Method:

Fill glass with ice. 

Add gin, pomegranate, and elderflower tonic.

Lightly stir with a spoon.

Garnish with a rosemary sprig and lemon wheel. 

TIP #2: SERVE IN GLITZY GLASSWARE.

Espresso Martini with Raspberries

Ingredients:

2oz Source One Sherry Vodka

2oz espresso or cold brew coffee

.5 oz simple syrup 

1 oz heavy cream

2 raspberries 

 Method:

Muddle raspberries in a mixing glass. 

Add all ingredients into the glass, then shake vigorously. 

Pour into glass. 

Garnish with a sprinkle of ground coffee, and raspberries on skewer. 

TIP #3: KEEP FOOD & DRINKS ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE ROOM WHEN SERVING BUFFET STYLE TO AVOID A TRAFFIC JAM AT THE STATION.

Whiskey Apple Cider

Ingredients:

2oz Smoke Wagon Bourbon 

8oz apple cider 

whipped cream (optional) 

Apple cider 

30 apples 

- a mix of sweet and tart. We used 10 Granny Smith, 10 gala, and 10 red delicious

2 tbsp of allspice 

2 tbsp of cloves 

2 cinnamon sticks 

4 inch piece of ginger 

2 whole oranges 

1 cup maple syrup 

 Method:

Apple Cider

1. Put everyone into a pot except the maple syrup. Fill the water till about 1 inch over all the solids. Bring everything to a boil and let simmer on low. 

2. Stir occasionally. As everything gets cooked, grab a spoon and smash all the solids in the pot. 

3. Let simmer for about 6 hours, the longer the better. Once done, filter out the solids. 

4. Then add the maple syrup slowly while stirring the cider. 

Whiskey Apple Cider

Follow recipe for homemade apple cider 

Pour whiskey in a mug. 

Add Apple cider then mix. 

Top with whipped cream

Glassware from Z Gallerie:

Victoria Stemware

Olympia Stemware

Bar Rescue's Jon Taffer Launched His Own Line of Craft Cocktail Mixes & Here's Why I'm Obsessed

It’s no question that Jon Taffer, host of Bar Rescue is the epitome of a true hospitality expert and entrepreneur. He has transformed thousands of hospitality operations around the world and is one of the most well-known experts to date. Now, he’s bringing his expertise straight to your home with the launch of his new line of craft cocktail mixes called Taffer’s Mixologist!

Jason Merritt/Radarpics/Shutterstock for Taffer’s Mixologist

I recently celebrated the launch of his new products at Palihouse West Hollywood and it’s safe to say I was truly impressed. Everything tasted fresh and not overly sweet like a lot of other mixers typically are made. In fact, Taffer’s Mixologist is low calorie, made with natural ingredients and fresh flavors, is mixologist tested, is low cost, and is of course: Taffer approved. The result of these meticulously crafted flavors? A consistent blend that turns the entertainer into the ultimate host.

Jason Merritt/Radarpics/Shutterstock for Taffer’s Mixologist

The line includes several flavors fit for any occasion: Bloody Mary, Cosmopolitan, Margarita, Mojito, Piña Colada, Skinny ‘Rita, and Strawberry Margarita. They can be combined with just about any liquor and make for a tantalizing sipper. My favorite has to be the Strawberry Margarita!

Jason Merritt/Radarpics/Shutterstock for Taffer’s Mixologist

Another exciting venture in Taffer’s empire is the launch of his Sparkling Craft Cocktail Seltzers, launching soon in October! I was lucky enough to try these too and all I can say is… Taffer can do no wrong. They’re not typical spiked seltzers - just like the mixers, they are an elevated beverage that boasts 5% alcohol, is 100 calories and is made with no added sugar! Aka no guilt when sipping on Cucumber Jalapeño, Pineapple Coconut and Strawberry Basil.

Jason Merritt/Radarpics/Shutterstock for Taffer’s Mixologist

Jason Merritt/Radarpics/Shutterstock for Taffer’s Mixologist

Jason Merritt/Radarpics/Shutterstock for Taffer’s Mixologist

Needless to say, Taffer’s Mixologist is definitely going to be a staple of mine for a long time - it’s a necessity that everyone should have on their bar carts at home! I can’t wait to stock up on all the flavors and help introduce this awesome line to friends when I entertain next.

8 Mimosa Makeover Recipes | Re-Vamping the Traditional Brunch Staple

If you're a religious bruncher like me, you know that the mimosa is probably the number one brunch staple (besides the bellini of course!). But if you brunch every weekend, after a while the traditional bubbly beverage can get... boring. Hate to say it, but it's true! I always try to look for creative spins on the mimosa at every brunch spot I go to. When I do find them, I always wish I could take them home with me! 

Luckily, now you can! My friends at Tipsy Bartender created 8 mimosa makeover recipes that will turn the traditional up a couple notches... and these are ALL The Gilded Bellini approved!

Check out these VERY untraditional mimosa concoctions - which one are you intrigued by?