Charcuterie Board With Orange 75 Cocktails

A Board Full of Stories

I love a good charcuterie board. It is like a tasty puzzle. You get to arrange little bites of cheese and meat.

It reminds me of my grandson. He always eats all the pickles first. I still laugh at that. It is not just food. It is a way to share and talk.

My First Fancy Drink

I remember my first fancy party. I felt so grown-up. Someone handed me a drink with a little orange peel.

That is why this Orange 75 cocktail is special to me. It feels like a celebration. The bubbles and orange make it happy. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

Why We Share Food

Putting out a board brings people together. Everyone gathers around it. They talk and point at their favorite treats.

This matters more than the food itself. It builds a little community. It is a simple way to show you care. What is your favorite thing to put on a snack board?

Making the Simple Syrup

Do not let the name fool you. This syrup is easy. You just mix sugar and water and heat it up.

Fun fact: The syrup needs to be completely cold. This keeps your cocktail nice and chilly. I make mine the night before. It is one less thing to worry about.

The Magic of Shaking

Now for the fun part. You get to shake the drink. Fill your shaker with ice. Then add the gin, syrup, and juice.

Shake it for twenty seconds. It sounds like a little maraca. This chills everything perfectly. Do you like your drinks sweet or a little tart?

Putting It All Together

Pour your shaken mix into glasses. Then top it with the bubbly prosecco. The orange peel on top is the final touch.

This matters because the little details make it feel special. It is about taking a moment for joy. What is your favorite way to make a simple moment feel special?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Water	2 Cups	For simple syrup
Granulated Sugar	2 Cups	For simple syrup
Gin	2 ounces	For cocktails
Simple Syrup	2 ounces	For cocktails
Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice	2 ounces	For cocktails
Riondo Prosecco	To top	For cocktails
Fresh Orange Peels or Candied Orange Peels	For garnish

A Fancy Night In: Charcuterie & Cocktails

My grandson calls this our “fancy picnic.” I love that. You don’t need a special occasion for a little sparkle. This recipe is for a simple, sweet cocktail and a board full of yummy bites. It feels celebratory. It makes an ordinary Friday feel like a party.

Simple Syrup & Cocktail

Step 1: Grab a big glass measuring cup. Pour in two cups each of water and sugar. Give it a little stir with a spoon. I use my favorite wooden one.

Step 2: Now, pop it in the microwave. Heat it for one minute. Take it out and stir. Do this one more time. The sugar should be all gone. (A hard-learned tip: Don’t skip the stirring! I once had a sugary lump at the bottom. It was a sticky mess.) Let it cool in the fridge for a few hours. Patience is a cook’s best friend.

Time for the fun part! Step 3: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add two ounces of gin, your cool syrup, and fresh orange juice. Shake it for twenty seconds. Doesn’t that sound cheerful? My shaker always sings a little song.

Step 4: Pour your mixture into two pretty glasses. Now, gently top them with Prosecco. It will bubble up happily. Step 5: For the final touch, add a twist of orange peel. It looks so elegant.

What’s your favorite “fancy” drink to share with family? Share below!

Cook Time: 6+ hours (for syrup to cool)
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 2 cocktails (syrup for a party)
Category: Drinks, Appetizer

Make It Your Own

The best recipes are the ones you play with. Here are some fun twists for your board and drink. Change things up based on what you love. It’s your kitchen adventure!

• Berry Bliss: Swap the orange juice for fresh raspberry or strawberry puree. It makes a pink, pretty drink that tastes like summer.
• Herbal Twist: Add a spring of fresh rosemary or thyme to your cocktail shaker. It gives a wonderful, earthy smell. I still laugh at how my herb garden ended up in a glass.
• Sweet & Salty Board: Add dark chocolate chunks and a tiny dish of honey to your charcuterie. Drizzle the honey over your cheese. It’s a magical combination.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving with Style

Presentation is part of the fun. Use a big wooden board or a pretty platter for your charcuterie. Group the cheeses, meats, and fruits in little piles. It looks so inviting. Add some crunchy breadsticks or plain crackers for balance. Everyone loves a good crunch.

For other drinks, a sparkling lemonade pairs beautifully. Just add a lemon slice. For a cozy, warm option, hot apple cider is wonderful. Its spicy scent fills the whole house. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Which would you choose tonight?

Storing Your Charcuterie & Cocktail Supplies

You can make your simple syrup ahead of time. It keeps in the fridge for two weeks. I always keep a jar ready for a quick treat.

You can also freeze it in an ice cube tray. This is perfect for one or two drinks. I once made a big batch for a party. Having it frozen saved me so much time later.

Batch cooking parts of a meal makes life easier. It means you can enjoy time with your guests. That is what good hosting is all about. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for a Perfect Board & Drink

Is your simple syrup grainy? The sugar did not dissolve all the way. Just heat it a little more and stir. I remember when this happened to me my first time.

Is your cocktail too weak or strong? Always use a measuring tool for the gin. This ensures every sip tastes just right. Getting the balance correct builds your confidence.

Is your board looking a little empty? Fill space with nuts or dried fruit. A full board feels more welcoming and special. A good spread makes everyone feel happy. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Charcuterie Questions Answered

Q: Is this gluten-free? A: Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.

Q: Can I make anything ahead? A: The simple syrup must be made ahead to cool.

Q: What if I do not like gin? A: You can swap it for vodka. The drink will still be delicious.

Q: Can I make this for a crowd? A: Absolutely. Just multiply the ingredients by your number of guests.

Q: Any other tips? A: Candied orange peel is a sweet, optional garnish. Fun fact: Candied orange peels are easy to make at home! Which tip will you try first?

A Note From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making this special board and drink. It is one of my favorite ways to celebrate. Gathering with good food is a simple joy.

I would love to see your creations. Your board will be beautiful because you made it. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! I always look for your photos.

Happy cooking!

—Grace Ellington.