Thanksgiving Brawl (and Cocktails)

It's Happy Hour! In this episode Matthew is presenting the perfect Thanksgiving dinner cocktail the Fireside 75. Its light, refreshing, and warming to the soul. Meanwhile Ben is showing off his May I Have Another Punch. The perfect punch for a large party. They also get down to gravy, give tips on alcohol free cocktails, and discuss elbows to the throat one last time. Recipes below.

Fireside 75

• 1/2 oz Brandy or Cognac
• 1/2 oz Gin
• 1/2 oz Lemon Juice
• 1/2 oz Cinnamon Syrup
• 2 oz Sparkling White Wine

Add first 4 ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled. Double strain into a coupe glass or champagne flute and top with sparkling white wine. Garnish with a lemon twist.

May I Have Another Punch

• 1 cup Spiced Apple Syrup
• 1/2 cup Lemon Juice
• 1/2 cup Orange Liqueur
• 1 cup - 1 1/2 cups White Rum
• 2 cups Pomegranate Juice
• 2 cups Club Soda

Combine Spiced Apple Syrup, lemon juice, rum, orange liqueur, and pomegranate juice in a sealed container and chill in refrigerator. Top with club soda when serving.

Spiced Apple Syrup

• 2 cups unfiltered apple cider
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4-8 cloves
• 4 cardamom pods
• Nutmeg for grating

Bring apple cider to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low. Add spices. Simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Let steep for at least 15 minutes. Return to low heat and add sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Allow syrup to cool completely before using. Makes ~4 cups, adjust as desired.