Jessica thought it would be fun to whip up some holiday cocktails. Drink writer and blogger Prairie Rose came over to share some special drinks for this time of year. Prairie, who has a blog and podcast called “Bit by a Fox,” said people are drawn to dark spirits, spice and richer flavors during the holidays. Some of the recipes she shared are perfect for ringing the new year, or a fun holiday brunch with friends. For more information about Bit by a Fox, visit Prairie’s website. This segment aired on California Cooking With Jessica Holmes Episode 53. Winter Sangria, courtesy of Reed’s Ginger Beer Ingredients

• 1 bottle of medium bodied dry red wine
• 1 bottle of Reed’s Strongest Ginger Beer
• 1 cup of brandy
• 1/2 cup of orange liqueur
• 1/2 cup of lemon juice
• 1/2 cup of maple syrup
• 1 diced apple
• Orange sliced into rounds
• Served in balloon wine glass with blood oranges, star anise, cloves
• 6 cinnamon sticks (garnish)

Instructions

1. In a large carafe, add all ingredients except ginger beer and cinnamon and let sit overnight.
2. Serve in an ice-filled glass, top with ginger beer, and garnish with cinnamon sticks. ​

French 75

• Brandy
• Lemon juice
• Simple syrup
• Sparkling wine
• Lemon twist garnish

Instructions

1. In an ice-filled shaker, add brandy, lemon juice and simple syrup and shake until chilled.
2. Strain into a couple glass and top with sparkling wine.
3. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Pomegranate Mimosa

• 1 ounce of pomegranate juice
• Sparkling wine
• Pomegranate seeds

Instructions

1. In a flute glass, add pomegranate juice, top with sparkling wine and garnish with floating pomegranate seeds.

Honey Crisp Harvest Mule, courtesy of Reed’s Ginger Beer Ingredients

• 2 ounces of Honeycrisp apple cider
• 2 ounces of vodka
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice
• 3 to 4 ounces of Reed’s Strongest Ginger Beer
• Candied ginger

Instructions

1. Add cider, vodka and lemon juice and ice to a shaker and shake until chilled. Strain into an ice-filled copper mule cup and garnish with candied ginger.