The Apricot Hamantini

I'm thinking of hosting a brunch over the next couple of weekends and I was putting together a menu when I ran across this.  The Apricot Hamantini from Busy in Brooklyn.  When serving brunch I like to serve a sweet and a savory cocktail.  The Bloody Mary/Ceasar is a no-brainer but I always struggle a little with the sweet drink.  I'm going to give this a go and serve it in a short water glass with the cookies on the rim.  I think it will pair nicely with a rich egg dish and vinegary salad dressing.

Skinny Freezers

Skinny Freezers-Slim Chillers...sounds like the start to a rap.  But in fact it is a grown up Flavor Ice.  I used to beg my mom to buy these for me every summer.  I would then ride my bike home from the swimming pool as fast as I could to enjoy the cold treat. What could be better to follow my diet of microwave burritos (why where those so good?) and Laffy Taffy.

 So this cocktail is not only fun and exciting it is also nostalgic.  We are planning a kayaking trip to Connecticut possibly this weekend and my picnic basket will be sure to include the lemon martini.  If only they had microwaves at the salt marshes.

***Update-just went to purchase and they are only available in California.  So if you live in California, I'm jealous.  Hopefully they will reach the east coast soon.

Moonshine Madness

Liquor.

Last weekend I was perusing the shelves of our local wine/liquor store for a nice Cabernet to have with dinner, when I was pulled in a totally different direction by this packaging.  Adorable and approachable packaging pulled me in, but what is this?

Moonshine?!?!  Moonshine is scary and puts hair on your chest, it does not sit on the shelves of our quaint little wine shop.  However, they must have chosen to stock it for a reason.  And my guess is that this delicious looking variation, below, had something to do with it.

Moonshine cherries cannot be too scary.  I mean...I love a drunken olive at the end of my martini.  Surely, this concoction could make one hell of a cherry coke.    So I think even though I am a bit frightened, I might give this new booze a go over Memorial Day weekend.  The packaging will look adorable on a spread during a cookout.  And I have an extra day off to recover if the White Lightening strikes one too many times.

Sake it to me!

Drinks.

I like to think that I have a pretty good handle on the world of libations.  If a menu full of signature cocktails sits before me, I can navigate my way to something that will suit my taste no matter how foreign some of the ingredients.  If a wine list the size of War & Peace is plopped in my lap, I can find a region and varietal that will pair nicely with my meal.  But when I am faced with choices of sake, I pretty much just close my eyes, point to a selection, and hope for the best.

So when my local wine merchant absolutely RAVED about the new Hiro Junmai Ginjo Sake, my ears perked up. With a palatte that is"crisp and smooth, with hints of fruits and vanilla, and a savory sweet potato bread, white mushroom, tart cherry and jicama subtle nuances", what isn't to like?  So now I finally have a go-to sake!  Aren't you proud?


And because sakes do make for a lovely cocktail, I might even try this recommendation from Hiro, The Super Hiro.

The Super Hiro
2.5 oz Hiro Junmai Ginjo Sake
1 oz vodka
1 Japanese cucumber cut into rounds for garnish

Pour Hiro Junmai Ginjo Sake and vodka in a cocktail shaker over cubed ice and shake well. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a slice of Japanese cucumber.

Sweet Shot

Drink Recipe.

Last weekend I was visiting my folks in Indiana and stopped by one of our old college drinking holes on the IU campus in Bloomington. I was pretty stoked to be carded at the door, but that excitement wore off when I realized that the bartender serving me was born in 1990...yowza...how did I get so old?

But this old dog is happy to learn new tricks. So I had our young barkeep teach me how to make the "hot new shot" at the bar. And it's pretty dang tasty.



The Key Lime Shot features Pinnacle Whipped Vodka, which lends just enough sweetness to cut the lime juice and create a burst of yumminess.

And actually, I think this could be served as a drink on the rocks if you so choose on a hot summer day. It's very refreshing and sweet and contains much fewer calories than an actual Key Lime Pie. Which this not-so-twenty-something can truly appreciate. Enjoy!

Key Lime Shot/Cocktail

2 parts Pinnacle Whipped
1 part Fresh Lime Juice
3 parts Diet Sprite

Shake with ice and serve in shot glasses. Or stir and serve over ice.

Irish Brew Options

Beer.

Tomorrow we are all just a wee bit Irish because of St Patty's Day. And there are a few givens for this wonderful holiday...

1. You will hear bagpipes wailing.
2. You will wear some form of green.
3. And you will either drink green beer or a Guinness at some point in the day...and we won't judge you if it is before noon just this one day of the year.

photo courtesy of wellwornhand

But as much as I love Guinness, I thought there might be some good thoroughly Irish options that could be added to the repertoire without offending my Celtic clan. And there are. Here's a great article from Epicurious with a few nice alternatives.

photo courtesy of coolsallagh

And I actually have one more to add to the list, Magner's Cider. It's a favorite of some of our friends from Ireland and you simply must drink it over ice. It sounds weird, but is delicious and refreshing.

So don't be afraid to mix it up this year for St. Patty's. And you might even impress your "real" Irish friends with your expanded options.

Apple Cider Cups

I adore apple cider and this cute apple cup presentation could not be more fantastic!

UV Cake Vodka

So what do you do if you own a vodka company and you are celebrating your 10th anniversary? You celebrate with a limited edition cake vodka of course. I checked out the official website and was intrigued by many of the fun cocktail recipes shown. Also, it is a low calorie vodka…what?

Next time you are attending a celebratory function of any kind. Leave the cupcakes at home and bring the cake vodka instead.

Brilliant Bubbly

Champagne.

As much as I love a well-crafted cocktail, there is just something extra special about a glass of good champagne. I've tried many...be they pink, white, sweet, or dry, but my newest obsession is Launois Pere & Fils.

Photo courtesy of Yoshio Taka on Flickr.

We first stumbled upon this gem at our trusted Lush Wine & Spirits on Chicago Ave in Chicago. They consider it their "house champagne" and I can certainly see why. It is perfectly balanced for most every individual's taste. And it takes only one sip to realize that this is truly a special champers indeed.

For your next special occasion, grab one of these gorgeous bottles and enjoy. Or you can do like me and order a 1/2 a case and keep it in the fridge at all times...because you just never know when you're going to need it ;)

Waialua Soda

Recently I was doing a little perusing at World Market and spotted Waialua soda on the shelves. I instantly loved the packaging and decided to investigate a little further.

Waialua Soda is all about homegrown Hawaii ingredients. The contents are handmade and hand-bottled by Jason and Karen Campbell from their artisanal soda shop in a former plantation village on Waialua’s North Shore. They offer Big Island Vanilla, Kauai honey in vanilla cream soda and island grown fruits are regularly infused into sodas for different tropical flare.

I think these are the perfect addition to any future outdoor event. Sipping from these tropical bottles poolside with or without adult additives is sure kick up the fun factor.

Month of May

Drink Recipe.

It is quickly becoming a reality that summer is just around the corner. I have decided to make May health month. I am going to eat healthier, exercise regularly and really focus on myself for one entire month.

Among other things, one of the goals for this month is to make sure that I hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. This sounds easy enough right? It should be, but I am the world’s worst at drinking enough water. So, when I saw this fat-flushing cooler in this month’s Health Magazine I thought, “2 birds 1 stone”.



If you are anything like me and could use a little hydration and if in the process some fat disappeared it wouldn’t be unwelcomed…then check out this recipe. It looks simple and refreshing.

Fat-Flushing Cooler
In a large pitcher, combine 2 quarts brewed green tea (8 cups) with slices of orange, lemon, and lime to give it a citrusy-sweet punch. Enjoy up to 1 pitcher a day. Serve over ice; refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Skinny Cinco

Drink Recipe.

The day that I learned how many calories were in a margarita was a sad, sad day indeed. But when Cinco de Mayo rolls around, what am I supposed to do? You know that I'm going to drink margaritas and practically bathe in guacamole.

So this year, I'm going to give the Hungry Girl's Magical Low Cal Margarita a try. I have everything that is calls for already in my shelf and it sounds delicious. And if you've never tried any of the HG recipes, sign up for her daily newsletter or buy one of her books because they are awesome.



HG's Magical Low-Calorie Margarita

Ingredients:
3/4 cup Sierra Mist Free (or Diet Sprite Zero, or your other fave no-cal lemon-lime soda)

1.5 oz. tequila

1 packet (two 5-calorie servings) sugar-free powdered drink mix, lemonade (like the one by Crystal Light)

2 tbsp. lime juice
Optional: lime slice for garnish and salt or no-calorie sweetener for rim of glass

Directions:
If desired, run some lime juice along the rim of the glass and dip into a dish of salt or sweetener. Mix all ingredients together. Pour over 1 cup of crushed ice. Optional: Garnish with lime slice. Enjoy. Serves 1!

Strawberry Agua Fresca

Drink recipe.

This looks like the perfect, refreshing Spring beverage. I love the beautiful color and strawberries just hit the markets and grocery stores in full effect. This would make a fantastic addition to a mother’s day brunch or add a little tequila for Cinco de Mayo. Check out the recipe at Eat, Live, Run.

Karl Lagerfeld Diet

Packaging.

As if I didn't need another reason why I need to take a European sojourn this Spring...

Coca Cola has teamed with Karl Lagerfeld to create this limited edition bottle of Coca Cola Light.



I would love to use these at a springtime party, but they are available only across the pond starting in April. Guess I need to book a flight, eh?

Punch Revival

Drink Recipe.

I was recently at the Clover Club in Brooklyn eating brunch when something caught my eye, an entire section for adult punch on the menu. They offer two different types which are both brought to the table in a punch bowl meant to be shared between 4 to 6 people. It seems punch dates back to the early 1600s, long before the cocktail and literally translates to “five” for the original key ingredients: sugar, tea, lemon juice, spirits and spices.



I was intrigued but with the $50 price tag per bowl…I decided to be intrigued at home. Frankly, when I think of punch it doesn’t really conjure up cool scenarios, instead it makes me think of 70’s weddings, frat parties and church basements. However, I am all for the punch revival and making it hip. The fact that it can be made ahead of time and guests can serve themselves only makes it more attractive. Now I am in search of the perfect punch bowl and I will be taste testing recipes. I think I’ll start with this one.

Champagne Peach Punch

Ingredients
3 (11.5 ounce) cans peach nectar
1 (6 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup peach brandy
1/4 cup grenadine syrup
1 (32 fluid ounce) bottle carbonated water
3 (750 milliliter) bottles champagne

Directions
Chill all ingredients. In a large punch bowl combine peach nectar, concentrated orange juice, lemon juice, brandy and grenadine. Mix well and pour in the carbonated water and champagne.

Drunken Dairy

Drinks.

This is what happens when a tired mom puts the kids to bed and decides she needs a drink…only to realize she has vodka and little else except chocolate milk. That is the true story of how Adult Beverage Company came to fruition.



Frankly, I don’t know how I feel about Adult Chocolate Milk. I dislike the idea of a bunch of adults running around with milk mustaches at a party. However, if you can brave the ‘stache then I must admit that an adult version of a milk and cookies bar could be pretty hip. ACM is best served in an old fashioned glass on the rocks or straight out of the bottle, standing in front of the fridge like the old days. As a matter of fact the tagline is “Re-taste your youth. At 40 proof.”

When I drink my chocolate milk, I am comforted by the sight of the cute Quik bunny rabbit. ACM has gone a different direction. Their product is endorsed by the rapper Ginuwine who is clad in a milkman uniform and what I think is a come hither expression…hmmmm.

British Invasion - Limited Edition Twinings Tea

UK Tea.

Wandering up The Strand, you'll pass the posh Savoy Hotel and Theater (celeb central), St. Mary-le-Strand church (where Charles Dicken's parents were wed), the Australia House (site of Harry Potter's Gringott's Bank on film), and a very special store...Twinings Tea.



This narrow little store first opened it's doors in 1706 and remains in the Twining family. If you have the opportunity to visit London, explore the store and even schedule a tasting in their lovely tasting room at the rear of the store.

Luckily for us, you can get a taste of Twinings without a Trans-Atlantic flight too. Twining does export to the states in great volume and their Earl Grey has been a favorite of mine for some time. But these beauties below are a bit special...



Currently only available online, Twinings is offering three Limited Edition teas for the holidays - Rose Garden (rose infused black tea), Blossom Earl Grey (infused with Orange Blossom), and Mulled Spiced Tea. And talk about gorgeous packaging...so lovely. Wouldn't one of these be perfect to serve at a holiday luncheon?

Jelly Belly Gourmet Soda

How’s this for a fun factor at a children’s birthday party? Colorful bottles with soda that tastes like Jelly Belly jellybeans, this is seriously the stuff that kids dream about. The soda has 90 calories and is made with sugar not HFCS and is available in lemon drop, sour cherry, green apple, tangerine and blueberry. The product is due to be released shortly by Black Bear Soda Company and will be marketed to grocery stores and available at Walgreens.



Don’t forget to look for Jelly Belly gourmet soda the next time you find yourself at the corner Walgreen’s (why are Walgreen’s always on a corner?) You are sure to make some kids very happy.

Summer Entertaining

Beverage Containers.

One of the most difficult parts of summer entertaining is finding a place to keep your cold beverages. When having a casual get together there are some great cooler options like the stainless steel Coleman series.

However, if you are having more of an upscale event you might want to check out these, Pasha wine and party buckets by Roost. They are currently available in two different sizes and ship in early June…just in time for your next pool party.

San Juan Microbrew

Beer.

A couple of weeks ago, Brandi and I were in Puerto Rico coordinating a wedding and were fortunate enough to steal a couple of hours away to explore the Old San Juan district. With the help of our incredibly informative cab driver Bully (real name), we were directed to the only microbrewery on the island of Puerto Rico - Old Harbor Brewery.

Now please don't judge us on the fact that we opened up the place at noon and proceeded to taste a complete flight of beers before another customer walked through their doors. It was all for the benefit of our Hip Hostess readers, I assure you. What did we think of the selection of beers? Delicious!!

Old Harbor has a well rounded assortment of beers that range from Ale to Lager to Wheat to Stout. There wasn't a single selection that Brandi and I disliked and their knowledgeable staff and was spot on in their descriptions and recommended pairings.

If you are lucky enough to visit beautiful Old San Juan, add Old Harbor Brewery to you list of stops. If you want to enjoy it at home, Old Harbor is distributed in the US. Check with your local liquor store to see if they offer any of these unique options.