Santa's Sleigh

This is a drink I originally wanted to make for Christmas but the recipe (courtesy of Zahra Bates/Providence) wasn't cutting it for me.  I think the printed version of the recipe wrongfully omitted a few things and the ratio of ingredients given, weren't jiving with me.  It was for that reason that I chose not to bring this drink to the holiday table.  Originally called Santa's Sidecar, I tweaked the recipe and dubbed it "Santa's Sleigh."  I didn't like the results when I followed her recipe but I didn't want one of the components that I made for the drink, to go completely to waste.  This is how I made my festive cocktail.

Santa's Sleigh  

Superfine Sugar for rimming the glass

2 oz Brandy

Juice from half a Lemon

1/4 oz Grand Marnier 

  2 Heaping Tbsp Cranberry Compote*

Moisten the outer lip of the glass with a lemon wedge (or water).  Rim with sugar and chill the glass in the freezer while you assemble the drink.  In a cocktail shaker, add all the ingredients with crushed ice (or a few ice cubes) and shake.  Pour the entire drink into your already prepared glass and top with fresh crushed ice.      

*Cranberry Compote

1/2 Lb  Fresh Cranberries (1 bag)

1 oz  Fresh Orange Juice

2 oz  Fresh Lemon Juice

1/2  cup Sugar

  3  Tbls Fresh Sage Leaves

1 oz  Peeled Ginger, Sliced

1 1/2 cups Water

In a saucepan, combine all the ingredients. Cover and bring to a boil.  Then, remove the cover and simmer for 20 minutes while stirring occasionally.  Remove from heat and cool completely.  This yields about 3 cups of compote.  Good for the cocktail and turkey!  

Santa's Sleigh.