Cranberry Thyme Spritz

By Tieghan Gerard

This cranberry thyme spritz is this year's party punch. Not only is it extra festive and pretty, but it's sweet, hinted lightly with flavors of thyme, spiked with a little vodka, and made with my very favorite, elderflower liquor. It's basically the perfect sweet holiday drink.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
• 8 ounces vodka
• 4 ounces elderflower liquor
• 1/3 cup fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, plus slices for serving
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 4-6 ginger beers
• star anise, for serving ((optional))

Instructions

1. 1

   1. In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup water, the honey, cranberries, thyme, and ginger to a boil over high heat. Boil 5 minutes or until the cranberries begin to burst, then remove from the heat. Let cool. Remove the thyme and ginger. If desired, strain out the cranberries. 2. In a large pitcher, combine the cranberry syrup mix, vodka, elderflower liquor, grapefruit juice, and lime juice. Chill until ready to serve. 3. Add the ginger beer just before serving. Garnish each drink with a grapefruit slice and star anise, if desired.