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a cocktail and a mocktail | for spring or winter

Cocktails and mocktails (non-alcoholic, or “virgin” versions) are great party refreshments. Impress your guests with drinks with a fresh fruit twist. The blood orange citrus, with it’s sweet-tart flavor and stunning crimson flesh, is in season from December to March. The kiwi fruit, with a subtle and unique sweetness when ripe, is available from November to May; make the best of both fruits in the fall/winter and early spring months with these simple mixed drinks.

Ingredients to make one blood orange margarita drink; Juice from one blood orange (or large navel orange if you cannot find blood oranges), Juice from one lime, 8 fl oz (1 cup) 100% agave tequila, 8 fl oz (1 cup) orange liqueur, such as Cointreau, Kosher salt, 1 blood orange or orange wedge, plus 1 thin blood orange or orange slice, ice.

1. In a blender or cocktail shaker, mix the blood orange juice, lime juice, tequila, and Cointreau. Blend or shake well. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 30 minutes.
2. Spread a small mound of salt on a plate. Moisten the outer rim of a margarita glass with the blood orange wedge, then dip the rim into the salt to lightly coat.
3. Add ice and stir well. Strain into prepared glass. Garnish each margarita with a blood orange slice or twist peel.

Ingredients to make one Kiwi Smoothie (Mocktail) drink; 2 kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced, reserve one slice as a garnish. 3/4 cup plain yogurt, 1/4 cup milk, 2 teaspoons honey, 1 teaspoon sugar, 3-4 ice cubes.

Puree sliced kiwi fruit in a blender. Add yogurt, milk, honey, sugar, and ice cubes to kiwi and blend on high until smooth. Serve in a glass and garnish with a kiwi slice.

Editorial styling and photography by Athena Plichta for Styled. magazine issue five.

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