Cosmic Crisp®-Mas Punch

Directions

1. Pour Cosmic Crisp® apple juice into a pitcher. Add gin, Campari and vermouth. Stir well. 
2. Fill a small bowl with room temperature water. Fill a small plate with sparkling or granulated sugar. Carefully dip the rims of the cocktail glasses in water, about ½-inch deep. Then, roll the edges of the glasses in the sugar. Fill the glasses with 3-4 cubes of ice. Pour the cocktail in the glasses. Garnish with spruce tips or small pieces of fresh rosemary. Serve.

Cosmic Crisp® Apple Juice – Two Ways

When used to make fresh apple juice, Cosmic Crisp® apples create this striking, pink-red color – perfect for festive, holiday drinks. Apple juice can be made two ways: simply on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot. Either way works beautifully, it just depends on what equipment you have close at hand and are most comfortable with. Because of Cosmic Crisp® apples’ naturally high acidity, no lemon juice or citric acid is needed to prevent browning.

Makes 1 quart

Directions

For the Stove Top

1. Wash the apples really well. Using a paring knife, remove the cores along with the stems and blossom end as well as any bad spots; discard. 
2. Cut the apples into large chunks. Place them in a large stock pot and add the water.
3. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to medium. Simmer for 2 hours.
4. Transfer all the contents to doubled up cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer. Place over a mixing bowl or other large container and let the juice drip for 1 hour. Press the solids with a wooden spoon to release any more juice; discard.
5. Store juice in a clean, 1-quart jar. Refrigerate until ready to use.

For the Instant Pot

1. Prepare the apples as above in Step 1.
2. Cut the apples into large chunks. Place into the inner cooking pot. Pour in the water.
3. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and close to seal. Set to Pressure Cook on Normal for 6 minutes. Set the valve on Natural Release.
4. Transfer all the contents in the inner cooking pot to doubled up cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer. Place over a mixing bowl or other large container and let the juice drip for 1 hour. Press the solids with a wooden spoon to release any more juice; discard.
5. Store juice in a clean, 1-quart jar. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Toast the season with this festive cocktail that gets its special color from Cosmic Crisp® apples. Bonus points for serving in round glasses rimmed with a sweet and sparkly sugar.