The Chinese culture abounds in Malaysia and I have incredibly fond memories of Lunar New Year/ Chinese New Year. During the past 11 years, I've felt that this is the best time of the year in many aspects & the most awaited holiday season at home... The city gets colourful and vibrant pronouncing the arrival of Lunar New Year. Decorated around in RED - Red Lanterns, Peony, Chrysanthemum, Cherry blossoms, all in shades of red and pink, special adornments, vibrant music playing around - GONG XI, GONG XI, GONG XI FA CHAI, The Lion/Dragon Dance, Mandarin Oranges, Red Angpao Packets and of course the food. My favourite is the Mandarin Oranges. Mandarins are in season and revered as good luck when presented during Chinese New Year.

      Chinese Tradition encourages the act of graciously giving and graciously receiving. You are gifted with Mandarin Oranges during the season and it seems to be auspicious when you get a Golden Treasure (Mandarins), needless to say about the Red Envelopes or 'Ang Pao' with money which symbolises good luck. This custom is a belief which brings good luck and prosperity to both the giver and the receiver. A traditional New Year greeting is always "Wishing you Prosperity"- GONG XI FA CHAI!

      Chinese New Year is actually a Spring Festival which begins on a different date annually as it is based on a lunar calendar. It’s a chance to sweep away all the negativity and welcome some good luck into your home and your life. There are zodiac characters with commensurate characteristics unique to the Chinese calendar as well. The upcoming up is the Year of the Pig. Every year is depicted by a zodiac sign, the Jade Emperor dedicated one year to each of the 12 animals.

      Dragons according to Chinese Zodiac symbolize potent and auspicious powers. The dragon is also a symbol of power, strength, and good luck. Oranges are a symbol of wealth and good fortune in Chinese culture. This Dragon Cocktail features Orange drink along with a fiery nature from Ginger Wine. When you’re entertaining for the occasion or just want to hoist a glass in celebration, try this Dragon Cocktail as a Chinese New Year Drink. 
 
      When I found the recipe of HAPPY DRAGON COCKTAIL in Boulderlocavore, and the thought that I have a batch of homemade GINGER WINE and the seasonal treasure, Mandarin Oranges made me recreate it in my style. The Dragon Cocktail - this flavorful cocktail gets its orangish hue from Mandarin Oranges and the Ginger Wine. The original recipe for this drink calls for Ginger infused Vodka. I made a simple makeover by adding home-made GINGER WINE instead and the result was a magically flavoured Cocktail. Try the original recipe by replacing Ginger Wine with Ginger-infused Vodka. The Dragon Cocktail has a refreshing taste from fresh Mandarin Orange Juice and a spicy note from Ginger Wine - the result is Sweet, Spicy & Fruity.











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HOW TO MAKE DRAGON COCKTAIL WITH GINGER WINE

INGREDIENTS :

For Dragon Cocktail :

Fresh Orange Juice - 1 Cup
Ginger Wine - 1/2 Cup
Ice Cubes - few

To Garnish :

Fresh/Canned Lychees (Optional)

METHOD :

For Dragon Cocktail :

• Fill a Cocktail/Boston Shaker with Ice.
  
• Pour in the Fresh Orange Juice & Ginger Wine into it.
  
• Shake until well combined.
  
• Fill a Tall glass/Cocktail glass with Ice cubes and Strain the mixture into it.
  
• Garnish the Dragon Cocktail with a Lychee. (Optional)
  
• Stir the Dragon Cocktail before serving.
  
• Served chilled, immediately.
  

NOTES :

• Can use Orange Syrup instead of fresh Orange Juice, adjust accordingly.
  
• The original recipe uses Ginger infused Vodka instead of Ginger Wine.