Instructions:

1. In cocktail shaker, add 4 wedges lime, 2 small sprigs of mint and rosemary and about 6-8 cranberries and muddle to juice limes and cranberries and bruise herbs. Add vodka, honey and a scoop of ice and shake until combined. Slowly stir in ginger beer to retain effervescence.

2. Rub rim of copper mule mug or cocktail glass with lime and dip in sugar to coat rim. Add fresh ice and pour strained shaken cocktail over ice and garnish with fresh herb sprigs, cranberries and slice of candied bacon.

Candied Holiday Bacon
Prep: 5 minutes Cook: 20 minutes Serves: 8

1 lb. Smithfield® Thick Cut Bacon
1 tbsp. freshly ground coarse black pepper
1/2 tsp. ground pie spice
1/4 cup light brown sugar

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Separate strips of bacon and lay out flat in single layer, without overlapping, on lightly sprayed and foil-lined rimmed baking pans. In small bowl, mix pepper, pie spice and brown sugar until combined and sprinkle bacon evenly with sugar mixture.

2. Bake for 14-19 minutes or until desired doneness, rotating pans halfway through cooking. Remove bacon from pans with spatula while warm, draining briefly on absorbent paper, and reserve until needed.

Chef's Tip:
For even crispier bacon, cook bacon on lightly sprayed baking rack placed over foil-lined tray.