A Holiday Cocktail with Sweet Paul

During his recent visit to terrain at Styer's for an evening of cocktails and crafts, Paul Lowe of Sweet Paul Magazine mixed up his signature "Norwegian Wood" cocktail that got rave reviews from attendees. Paul told us, "This cocktail works perfectly for big parties, because it's an easy, 'throw everything into a large bowl' recipe. It's sweet, with a little kick from the rosemary, so everyone loves it. Originially, I called it the "Anne-Frid," after my favorite ABBA singer-- she's from Norway, like me. I changed the name a while back to something more earthy that matches the flavors of the drink."

Customize your cocktail with seasonal berries and fruits, or spice things up with a flavored simple syrup. To make your own syrup, boil equal parts sugar and water with cinnamon, lemongrass, herbs, chili, or any other ingredient you like, then cool before it's time to mix your drinks. 

Sweet Paul's Norwegian Wood Cocktail
(measurements per individual serving)

Fresh berries
Rosemary sprigs
Limes
Simple syrup
Vodka
Soda water

1. Muddle some fresh berries and a sprig of rosemary in a glass.
2. Add the juice from half a lime, 2 cl. of simple syrup, and vodka to taste.
3. Top with soda water. Serve over ice, garnished with additional rosemary and berries.

Paul also had a suggestion for continuing the fun once your cocktails have been sipped: "When all the liquid is gone and only berries are left, add a bottle of red wine and put the mixture in the fridge overnight. The next day, you'll have a sangria-style drink to enjoy."

Pick up the latest issue of Sweet Paul Magazine for more holiday recipes and entertaining tips.