OK…we certainly aren’t the hardest partiers, but like most people, we do enjoy a nice evening out with friends, date-night with the hubs, vacations and long weekends away, and really any special occasion or celebratory event. And for better or worse, alcohol is almost always a player in some capacity. That said, we have both always had a very low tolerance for any type of alcohol, and once we hit 40 (within a few months of each other), we found our ability to metabolize drinks plummeted even more. Even two wine spritzers or diluted cocktails would lead to terrible headaches or nausea...
INGREDIENTS:3 Gala or Fuji apples, chopped½ tsp cinnamon2 cinnamon sticks2 c organic unfiltered apple cider2 c seltzer or club soda½ c gluten-free vodka750 ml Bonterra Pinot Grigio (or any organic dry white wine)¼ c apple brandy (optional)¼ c organic frozen cranberries DIRECTIONS: In a large pitcher or clear serving bowl, combine white wine, vodka, apple cider, seltzer and apple brandy (optional). Mix in chopped apples, cinnamon + cinnamon sticks. Cover + refrigerate for 2-24 hours. Serve over ice, and garnish with pre-frozen cranberries.
This is one of our favorite summer happy hour cocktails—satisfyingly sweet yet tart, super refreshing, and joyously reminiscent of our younger years in the South. However, unlike traditional “lemonade”-based cocktails, this one contains no sugary syrups or artificial flavors so you can sip freely (but responsibly!) without all the guilt. Cheers!