Martina's SIPS & SNACKS

Get your holiday started right with the country music star's seasonal drinks and heavenly starters

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Whiskey Smash

To make this a flavorful mocktail, opt for zero-proof whiskey in place of the traditional spirit

1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 lemons, cut into 8 wedges
16 fresh mint leaves
8 oz. whiskey
Ice cubes + crushed ice
Lemon wedges and mint leaves, for garnish

Bring 1/2 cup water just to simmering in small pot. Stir in sugar, stirring until dissolved, 2 min. Pour into heatproof container; cover and chill until cold.

Muddle half of lemon and half of mint in cocktail shaker. Add 1 1/2 oz. reserved syrup and 4 oz. whiskey. Fill shaker with ice cubes. Cover; shake 30 sec.

Strain into 2 cocktail glasses filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge and mint leaves. Repeat once. Makes 4 servings

Cranberry Margarita Martini

Fresh syrup adds extra tang

1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
2 Tbs. grated orange zest
16 oz. fresh orange juice
1/2 cup ice cubes
6 oz. fresh lime juice
18 oz. tequila

Combine cranberries, sugar, zest, 4 oz. juice and 4 oz. water in medium pot. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring, for 10–12 min. or until berries burst and sugar is dissolved.

Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a glass container, gently pushing mixture against mesh with back of spoon. Stir in ice. Chill 3 hrs.

Stir together lime juice, remaining 12 oz. orange juice, tequila and 8 oz. cranberry syrup in pitcher. Chill for at least 2 hrs. Serve with remaining simple syrup on the side. Makes 6 servings