Cocktail of the Week: Cranberry Caipirinha

I know that cranberries are a wonderful part of most people's Thanksgiving feasts. But I like to use them in ways other than just the ubiquitous sauce. Even in a pre-dinner cocktail. This one will bring a little summer to your almost-winter meal.

And it's excuse enough to buy some of those cranberries on sale right now and freeze them to serve this cocktail at a patio party in the heat of next summer.

Cranberry Caipirinha
Makes one cocktail.

1/2 lime, cut in wedges
1 small orange wedge
10 cranberries
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
1 1/2 ounces cachaca (I've been liking Leblon.)

Place the lime, orange and cranberries in a cocktail shaker. Add the brown sugar and muddle. Add crushed ice, lime juice and cachaca and shake vigorously.

Pour everything, fruit, ice and all, into a rocks glass and serve.

Cheers! I'm thankful for a refreshing cocktail like this one....