Sunset Sips Happy Hour Recipe
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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Ingredients
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Citrus Sunset Cocktail (makes 2 servings)
Happy Hour Snack: Spiced Citrus Nuts (serves 4)
Method
Citrus Sunset Cocktail (makes 2 servings)
Juice and Prep
If not using store-bought juice, squeeze fresh oranges and grapefruit until you have 1 cup each. Measure and chill the juices. Zest an orange and lime if using for garnish.
Build the Cocktail
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice (about 1 cup). Pour in 6 tablespoons vodka, 1 cup fresh orange juice, 1 cup fresh grapefruit juice, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 1 tablespoon simple syrup. Secure the lid.
Shake and Strain
Vigorously shake for 10–12 seconds until the shaker is cold to the touch and the exterior is frosty. Strain evenly into two 10–12 oz glasses filled with fresh ice (about 0.5 cup ice per glass).
Add the Sunset Layer
Slowly pour 1 tablespoon grenadine into each glass over the back of a spoon or directly down the inside of the glass so it sinks and creates a red-to-orange gradient (sunset effect).
Happy Hour Snack: Spiced Citrus Nuts (serves 4)
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Toast Nuts
Spread 2 cups mixed nuts in a single layer on the prepared pan. Toast in the oven for 6–8 minutes, stirring once halfway, until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
Make Spiced Glaze
While nuts toast, melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture becomes syrupy, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest and lime zest.
Coat Nuts
Return the toasted nuts to a mixing bowl. Pour the warm spiced glaze over the nuts and toss quickly with a spatula until evenly coated. Spread nuts back onto the baking sheet in a single layer.
Finish and Cool
Place the glazed nuts back in the oven for 4–6 minutes to set the glaze (watch closely to prevent burning). Remove and let cool completely; the glaze will harden as they cool. Once cool, break apart any clusters and transfer to a serving bowl.