Photography by Hudi Greenberger

L’Chaim!

Who says the men get to have all of the fun on Purim? Here are some drinks that we ladies can enjoy while keeping us in the “spirit” of the day!

Sparkling Peach Spritzer

I know what you’re thinking, Canned peaches? Old school! But out of the several fruits that I tested (think mango and strawberry), this flavor paired so well with the fruity champagne that I simply had to stick with it as the winner. And who are we kidding… It can’t get easier than this one!

SERVES 8

• 1 15-oz (425-g) can sliced peaches in heavy syrup, chilled, not drained
• ½ tsp lemon juice
• 1 750-ml bottle white sparkling wine such as Bartenura Rose or Moscato D’Asti, chilled
• fresh mint leaves, washed well

Puree peaches with syrup and add lemon juice, mixing well. At this point you can refrigerate or freeze the puree.

When ready to serve, place about 3 Tbsp of peach purée into 8 chilled champagne glasses. Slowly add ⅓ cup sparkling wine to each glass and stir gently. Place a mint leaf in the center of each cocktail to garnish, and serve immediately.

Tip: For a nonalcoholic version, use Sprite instead of the wine.

Salted Caramel Fusion

Chocolate, coffee, caramel, and cream?? This combination of flavors is a no-brainer in my book.

SERVES 8 

• 1 10.5-oz (300-g) jar pareve caramel cream (I used Best Select)
• 1 16-oz (450-g) container nondairy creamer, chilled
• 1 cup chocolate liqueur (I use Godiva or Schmerling)
• 1 cup coffee liqueur (I use Peter Heering)
• ½ cup vodka
• ice
• 8 long pretzel rods
• flaked sea salt, for sprinkling

Warm caramel cream in the microwave and spoon into a shallow bowl. Lightly dip the edges of 8 glasses into the cream to coat the rims. Drizzle caramel around the inside of each glass.

Place nondairy creamer, chocolate and coffee liqueurs, and vodka in a cocktail shaker or a large container. Cover and shake well.

Fill the glasses halfway with ice. Pour the liqueur and cream mixture over the ice. Place a pretzel rod into the glass and sprinkle with a pinch of flaked sea salt. Serve immediately.

Fruity English Pimm’s Punch

I was introduced to this drink in Spain while vacationing there with friends. I still remember how refreshing it was in the heat of the summer. Since then, I’ve been serving it to my guests on special occasions, and it always gets rave reviews! Don’t forget to eat the spiked fruit once you drain your glass. It’s my absolutely favorite part!

SERVES 12

• 1 cup Pimm’s No. 1 liqueur (sold in most kosher liquor stores)
• 1 large apple, unpeeled and cored, sliced thinly
• ½ large orange, unpeeled and sliced into half-circles
• 8 oz (225 g) fresh or frozen strawberry slices
• 1 Persian cucumber, unpeeled and sliced into rounds
• 1 liter Sprite (about 4 cups)
• ice cubes
• mint leaves, for garnish

Place Pimm’s liqueur into a large pitcher. Add fruit and cucumber slices. Mix well and place in the refrigerator to marinate and chill.

When ready to serve, add the entire bottle of Sprite, ice cubes to fill, and mint leaves. Stir gently. Serve immediately.

(Originally featured in Family Table, Issue 732)