Bubby and Bean ::: Living Creatively: Festive Organic Cranberry Cucumber Vodka Spritzers

This post is sponsored by Prairie Organic Spirits, but all opinions are my own. 21+ Drink Responsibly.

Thanksgiving and the holiday season are upon us, my friends. I don't like to rush things, but I'd be lying if I said there weren't visions of sugarplums dancing in my head pretty much the second the clock strikes midnight on Halloween night. And by sugarplums, I mean the sheer delights of the food and drink that accompany this time of year.

Last year, I came up with a festive cranberry vodka spritzer that became my go-to cocktail for Thanksgiving and holiday entertaining. This year, I decided to change it up a little and add an ingredient usually reserved for my summer beverages: Prairie Cucumber Flavored Organic Vodka from Prairie Organic Spirits. Maybe this sounds unusual, but adding the crisp taste of cucumber to a cocktail normally reserved for the colder months gives it a delicious freshness that takes the spritzer to a whole new level. And, the spritzer is almost entirely organic! Try it and I think you'll agree it's pretty incredible.

Organic Cranberry Cucumber Vodka Spritzer
Servings: 1

1.5 fluid ounces Prairie Cucumber Flavored Organic Vodka
4 fluid ounces organic cranberry juice, chilled
1 ounce simple syrup (equal parts parts sugar and water; instructions below)
Splash of soda/sparkling water, chilled
Ice
Organic cucumber slice (for garnish)
Organic orange slice (for garnish)
Fresh organic mint sprig (for garnish)
Organic cranberries (for garnish)

To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a medium sauce pan. (I recommend one cup of each so you have more on hand than enough for just one spritzer). Bring to a boil, stirring consistently until the sugar has dissolved. Allow to cool.

Combine Prairie Cucumber Flavored Organic Vodka, organic cranberry juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker and shake well. Fill a glass half way with ice cubes, and pour cocktail over ice. Top with a splash or two of soda. Garnish with a cucumber slice, an orange slice, a sprig of fresh mint, and few fresh cranberries. You can also easy quadruple this recipe to make a pitcher for guests.

It's the combination of high quality, organic ingredients in this festive cocktail that make it exceptionally delicious, but the key ingredient for me is the the Prairie Cucumber Flavored Organic Vodka. You might already be familiar with my undying love for Prairie Organic Spirits from a yummy pineapple vodka refresher cocktail recipe I shared over the summer, but if not, allow me to gush for a minute. The company itself is fantastic for many reasons: they are Midwest made (in Minnesota), they have a passion for true craftsmanship and put great care into choosing their ingredients and making their spirits, they're USDA certified organic, and they give 1% back to help more farmers go organic. And truly, their products speak for themselves. Prairie Cucumber Flavored Organic Vodka has a delightfully crisp taste that is refreshing, smooth, and distinctly delicious. (Did I mention that it's gluten free?) I'm also a big fan of Prairie Organic Vodka and Prairie Organic Gin (makes the best martini you'll ever have). It's no wonder that Prairie Organic Spirits is the #1 Organic Spirit.