Citrus Fruit Trees

Serving festive holiday drinks this season is extra easy when you can pick the fresh fruit from your own citrus plants. If you aren’t fortunate enough to be able to grow your own citrus trees, be sure to shop in bulk for big juicy lemons, limes, oranges and even grapefruits to add to your holiday drinks. From individual drinks to merry holiday punches, a little extra citrus flavor makes every drink more festive. Here are three super easy, super tasty holiday drinks to add to your menu.

Lemon Martini with real Lemon Drops

This is a fun but sophisticated drink that’s so easy to use when entertaining. The added bits of lemon rind and lemon drops bring out the kid in anybody…even while enjoying such a grown up drink! Even Oprah is a lover of this fun and festive beverage!

1.5 ounces vodka
1 ounce triple sec
1 tsp. Superfine Sugar
2 ounces fresh lemon juice
Lemon zest or peel for garnish
Lemon drop candies

Place first four ingredients in a martini shaker filled with ice. Shake gently until sugar is dissolved. Place a couple of lemon drop candies in the bottom of a sugar rimmed martini glass. Add cocktail mix and garnish with lemon peel or zest and a fresh mint leaf if desired. Sip and enjoy!

Non Alcoholic Lemon Breeze

This drink can be served up in a special glass such as one that you might use for a lemon martini, but it is completely non alcoholic for those who choose not to have any alcohol at all. It’s simple and quick and oh so pretty. In a glass, pour 1/3 lemonade, 1/3 pineapple juice, and 1/3 soda. Add some crushed ice and top with a piece of candied lemon rind, or a fresh lemon wedge.

Lemon Mint Cocktail

Believe it or not, the combination of lemon and mint is very intriguing. If you’re looking for a holiday drink this season that’s light, refreshing and a little bit different, be sure to give this one a try! It couldn’t be any easier to prepare, and served up in a nice Collins glass, it adds a really special holiday touch!

In a tall glass such as a Collins glass, combine over crushed ice, 1 ounce peppermint schnapps and 6 ounces lemonade. Garnish with a red cherry, green mint leaf and a wedge of fresh lemon.