3 Unusually Southwest Cocktails

It seems like the winter here in Durango just can’t make up its mind. Is it snowing? Is it raining? Is it Spring? Not long ago we reached a mild temperature of 50 degrees and this week it was sleeting again. Who knows. But! One thing we do know is that when the weather is indecisive, it sure makes us feel that way, too. So we’ve gathered up these three cocktails just for this very reason – when you can’t make up your mind but you want something delicious and fresh and new. All of these recipes were previously featured on our Instagram, and have been updated for new wintry weather flavors!

Apple & Cranberry Sangria:

Make 1 day ahead so the ingredients can blend and meld.

Pour into a large pitcher:

• 1 750ml oaky chardonnay of your choice
• 2 cups frozen whole cranberries
• 1 granny smith apple cored and sliced thin
• 2 honey crisp red apples cored and sliced thin
• 1 large orange sliced into wedges, juice of another large orange
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 Tblsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brandy if desired

Refrigerate overnight in the pitcher. Taste for sweetness and add honey or agave if you like. Serve over ice with freshly sliced apple wedge garnishes that have been rubbed with lemon juice to keep their crisp color. 

**Updated for winter: Add a stick of cinnamon before you refrigerate to give it more warmth and a little bit of depth. If you’re making this for a party, leave the cinnamon stick in the pitcher for an added flair.

Apricot Amaretto Margarita:

You will need:

• Crushed ice
• One 1 oz shot of tequila
• Shooter bottle of Amaretto liqueur
• 2 tsp fresh lime juice
• Apricot juice or nectar – about 1/2 cup depending on size of your glass
• Apricot and/or lime slices for garnish

Fill glass with crushed or cubed ice. Pour in the tequila, fresh lime juice, and enough apricot juice or nectar to reach 1/2 inch below the rim. Give it a quick stir with a straw or spoon. Garnish with apricot and lime slices. Twist off the tiny Amaretto bottle top, turn it bottoms up into the drink, resting on the edge of the rim. Watch for the bubbles and if placed at the proper angle, the liqueur will switch places with the apricot mix. Magic! Remove the bottle and sip away!

**Updated for winter: Add a splash of tangerine juice or slices for garnish. It’ll add more citrus zing.  Or a splash of pomegranate juice for a rosy – orange color and more flavor.

The Meteorite Martini:

This is probably one of the coolest cocktails as the vodka we’re using has been filtered through four-billion year old meteorites. Can you believe it?

You’ll need:

• 2 tsp fresh lime juice
• Outerspace Vodka, 50 ml bottle
• 1/2 tsp agave syrup
• 1 slice cucumber
• Lime soda
• Slice lime for garnish
• Melon balls, optional, but really delicious garnish!

Fill a large heavy-bottomed glass with ice. Add fresh lime juice, agave syrup, and wedge a large cucumber slice into the ice. Fill with sparkling lime soda to 1/2-inch of the top rim, leaving room for the space vodka. Garnish with the lime wedge and skewered honeydew melon balls. Place the 50 ml alien head vodka bottoms up into the ice. Serve immediately, remove the bottle and sip away!

No matter the weather, one of these will surely hit the spot!

Cheers!  xo Amy, Mr.D and the SWD Team