When it comes to assembling the bar for your holiday party, there's a certain list of basics you must have on hand--vodka, gin, whiskey, cola, tonic, etc. Such a bar will certainly serve to make a decent drink and satisfy most customers, but won't add anything special to the festivities. The easiest--and cheapest--way to add a little magic is with unusual mixers. Here's five that will add a twist to your cocktail menu.1. Canada Dry Sparkling Green Tea Ginger Ale
It mixes equally well with bourbon, vodka and light rum and works nicely in a punch. The antioxidants listed on the bottle may come in handy when battling the holidays' excesses, but the large amount of sugar won't help with that Christmas waistline.
2. Sence Rose Petal Nectar
If you wish to offer chick drinks that are more Deneuve/Dietrich than Carrie Bradshaw, rose petal nectar can come in handy. Try the elegant American Beauty--not the brandy version, but one made with vanilla vodka, lemon juice and rose petal nectar.
3. Stirrings Organic Sour Cherry
Made with Morello cherries and other organic ingredients, this mixer is marvelous at putting a new spin on traditional drinks like Manhattans or daiquiris.
4. Blood Orange Soda
There are several different brands of this, including Trader Joe's, San Pellegrino and Archer Farms (aka Target). It's a pleasant mix with vodka, or serve it as a chaser for some kind of Midori shot for the full red-and-green Christmas effect.
5. Fee Brothers Peach Bitters
While not technically a mixer, bitters are mixed in, so we'll include it. Peach bitters add a nice southern finish to a bourbon Manhattan; for your non-drinking friends, try a few dashes in a glass of club soda.
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