cran-apple tequila punch with smoked oranges
INGREDIENTS
6 Cup apple juice, chilled
6 Cup light cranberry cocktail
1 Cup cranberries, fresh or thawed
3 Large oranges, halved
1 Cup sugar, for rimming glasses
2 Tablespoon lemon juice
2 Cup reposado tequila
1 Cup orange-flavored liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau
2 Bottle sparkling wine (such as prosecco) or sparkling water
PREPARATION
Steps
1
Combine 1 cup each of the apple and cranberry juices, then pour into ice cube trays. If the cube molds are big enough, place a few cranberries into each cube. Freeze for 6 hours to overnight.
2
When ready to cook, set Z Grill temperature to 180℉ and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes. For optimal flavor, use Pellet Tube if available.
3
Place the orange halves cut-side down on the grill and smoke for 15 minutes. Remove from the grill and juice oranges. Reserve smoked orange juice.
4
When ready to serve, place the sugar on a flat plate. Pour the lemon juice into a bowl that will fit the rim of each glass.
5
Carefully dip the rim of each glass in the lemon juice, then dip in the sugar to create a 1/8" sugar rim. Turn the glass right-side up and allow to dry for a few minutes before using.
6
Just before serving, mix the remaining apple juice, cranberry cocktail and smoked orange juice with the tequila, orange liqueur, and sparkling wine in a large bowl or pitcher. Taste, adding more of any ingredient to meet your preference.
7
When ready to serve, place a few ice cubes in each glass, then pour a cup of the punch over the top. Alternatively, place all of the ice cubes in the punch bowl and allow guests to help themselves. Enjoy!