How to Make a Clementine Stocking Stuffer Cocktail

When I was a child, Santa always filled our stockings primarily with tangerines or clementines. My brothers and I were up at the crack of dawn, and although we weren’t allowed to open any gifts before our parents got up, we could empty out our stockings. Now I realize that the fruit kept us busy for awhile and allowed my parents an extra half hour of sleep. To this day the fragrance of these citrus fruits takes me right back to Christmas morning.

Pick several fresh bay leaves.

Muddle two of the bay leaves in a mason jar using a wooden spoon or cocktail muddler.

Slice and squeeze the lemon and all of the clementines. Add the juice and rum into the jar with the muddled bay leaves. Shake well and pour over ice. Garnish with bay leaves.

The Garden Lady believes that cocktails should be simple to make, avoid day-ahead preparations, and whenever possible use organic herbs and vegetables from the garden.