Cucumber Kumquat Moscow Mule

Who doesn't love a Moscow Mule...it's even Oprah's favorite cocktail.  I myself am a fan but I'm not sure if it is the drink itself or the super cute copper cups  that appeal to me.  In any case the drink is already refreshing and the only thing that could possibly make it more so are the additions of cucumbers and kumquats so brilliantly thought up by Perpetually Hungry.  I think this is definitely a must on a hot summer day!

The Citrus Bonita

You know how I roll as a hip hostess...every new season I like to pick a signature drink to serve for those coming months.  I like to switch it up every year so guests never know what to expect.  This year since it will be our first year with the Savannah heat, I'm thinking light and citrusy.  So, decision made this year if  you stop by (crossing my fingers it will be poolside) I'll serve you a Citrus Bonita.  I like the idea of a quality tequila enhanced with guava nectar and pineapple juice.  It sounds summery, fruity, refreshing and delicious.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
4 oz. guava nectar
1 oz. pineapple juice
1/2 oz. lemon juice
2 oz. tequila
1/2 oz. triple sec
Dash of grenadine
Coarse salt

HOW TO MAKE IT…Combine the nectar, juices, tequila, triple sec, and grenadine in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until cold and pour into a salt-rimmed glass with additional ice, as needed. Garnish with tropical fruit, pop open a cocktail umbrella and enjoy your stay.

It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere

Spring is in the air AND it's a Monday which calls for a celebratory lunch cocktail.  I think this Minted Marrakesh is the perfect refreshment.  Looks and tastes delicious!  I'm going to pair it with a simple salad and sit back and savor the indulgence. 

Cold is the new Black...

Everywhere I go people are COLD...including me.  So, I'm replacing our Friday night wine with this hot beverage from Chocophile.  It sounds delicious and warm.  Plus I've never had Tequila Rose Cocoa which is crazy because tequila and cocoa in one combined bottle sound like something I would not let get past me.

Pumpkin Mojto

You have one month to get your pumpkin fix on.  That means finding creative ways to add delicious pumpkin to everything.  That includes your adult beverages...check out...pumpkin mojito.  Great drink when hosting brunch with the ladies.

Prosecco Pina

Do you ever feel like a Pina Colada but don't want to drag out the blender and you definitely don't have any coconut milk on hand.  Well here is a more sophisticated version that will still make you think of the tropics but without all that racket.  Behold the Prosecco Pina.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

For the simple syrup

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 cup sweetened flaked coconut

1 ¾ cups water

 For the cocktail

4 oz. of prosecco

Juice of ½ a lime 

I tablespoon coconut simple syrup 

Pineapple wedge

HOW TO MAKE IT 

To make the syrup: combine water and the sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir in the coconut, remove from the heat and let sit for at least 30 minutes. Strain liquid into a clean saucepan, bring to a boil and cook until slightly reduced — about 5 minutes. Let cool.

To make the cocktail: combine simple syrup, lime juice and prosecco in a flute or wine glass and garnish with pineapple wedge.

Oscar Worthy Cocktail

So, I've picked my Oscar worthy snacks and now on to an Oscar worthy cocktail.  I am totally intrigued by this French "Amour" Rose cocktail seen here.  For those of you who have not seen the movie...you will need a cocktail after that...a couple.

King Cake Bevvy

You are probably saying to yourself is that a baby in a beverage?  Why yes it is.  This week is a little crazy with all the festivities so some short cuts need to take place.  No one has time to bake a king cake and put together a sexy Valentine's soiree.  So, here's the perfect solution just put together a bourbon filled beverage put in your plastic baby and whoever makes him scuba to the bottom the quickest is the winner.

Cranberry Sparklers 5 Ways

Looking for a lovely drink for you Thanksgiving feast.  Check out these beautiful Cranberry Sparklers and the best part is that Tokyo Terrace has 5 different options.  One of these is sure to be the right combo for you!

1. Cranberry Yuzu Sparkler
2. Cranberry Rosemary Sparkler
3. Cranberry Thyme Sparkler
4. Cranberry Lemon Sparkler
5. Cranberry Ginger and Cinnamon Sparkler

Figenza Fig Vodka

I know I've been talking a lot lately about flavored vodkas but c'mon there are so many to try.  So here is a new one to add to your list of must try's.  Figenza Fig Vodka it is light refreshing and deliciously fruity.  Check out the website for a ton of recipes and I especially recommend the Lychee Figitini.

Pinnacle Gummy Vodka

Pinnacle has gone and lost their minds!  They are putting anything and everything into vodka these days.  While I’m a little overwhelmed by all the different flavors, I can’t say I’m not intrigued.  I read that all you have to do is mix gummy vodka with lemon lime soda and you have a delicious, refreshing cocktail that tastes like candy.  I like the sound of this cause let’s face it…I like easy to make drinks and I like candy.  I’ll give it a go, but I will have to change the lemon lime to diet,  as not to go into sugar overload.  Fellow hip hostess’ anyone have any helpful hints with the flavored vodka’s?

3 Ingredient Patio Cocktails

Thinking of throwing an outdoor bash but a mixologist you are not?  Try one of these 3 ingredient patio cocktails provided by Chow.  You're sure to find something delicious and easy.

J Winery Pear Liqueur

Summer is quickly approaching and that means plenty of entertaining and rooftop cocktails. Each year I try to find a refreshing cocktail that I can throw together quickly and doesn’t require too many ingredients. Also it doesn’t hurt if the bottle is an adorable addition to the bar.

That’s why this year, I am going with J Winery Pear Liqueur. The pear flavor is strong and crisp and with the addition of Prosecco and tangerine juice it becomes the perfect refreshing summer cocktail. If sweet drinks aren’t your thing…check out some alternate recipes here.

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.

Vacation in a Bottle

Liquor.

I realize that today is Monday, and it really isn't appropriate to talk about booze when the work week is beginning. But I just finished dog-earring about 1000 pages of my most recent Bon Appetit Magazine...again...and I have to share something that will spice up your next weekend libations. Homemade Spiced Rum.

This isn't the spiced rum of the college days (you know what I mean). I am talking about an herbal blend marinating in quality rum to create a depth of flavor that will make you so happy. Here's a link to the recipe.

Buy the ingredients by tomorrow. Marinate the rum for two days. And thank me after next weekend.

Packs a Punch

Cocktail.

Just when we thought we could take it easy on the cocktails after the holidays, the NFL playoffs are in sight. I know what will be monopolizing our TV over the next month and change. And there will most likely be a large supply of beer in the fridge as well.

I love a brewski, but sometimes I want to mix it up. And I kind of like the sound of this Bourbon Punch from InStyle Magazine.




Containing some of my favorite winter flavors - tea, cranberry, and bourbon, I'm pretty sure this will create the balance that I'm looking for.

Bourbon Punch

12 chamomile tea bags
1 package of fresh raspberries, plus more for garnish
1 bottle of bourbon (750ml)
2 liters cranberry juice
12 Tbsp sugar
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Orange slices, for garnish

Steep tea bags in 3 cups of hot water. Mash berries. Combine all ingredients and serve over ice in a collins glass. Garnish with the oranges and extra raspberries.

Hot Honey Heaven

Cocktail.

Cold weather means hot drinks in my book. And I have opined about my love of the Hot Toddy many, many times...and I still love them. What isn't to love about a drink that makes you feel warm and cozy on the chilliest of evenings?

This delicious recipe is from the new Bon Apetit (gosh...I really love that magazine). Consider this part of my winter rotation.




Honey Bourbon Toddy

Ingredients
2 tablespoons honey
1 cup hot water
6 tablespoons bourbon or Apple Bourbon (see below for recipe)
2 3x1/2" strips lemon peel
2 cinnamon sticks

Preparation
Stir honey and water in a 2-cup measuring cup until honey dissolves. Add bourbon (or better yet, Apple Bourbon, in which case you'll use 1 Tbsp. honey). Divide between 2 Toddy glasses. Twist a strip of lemon peel over each drink, then add to glass. Stir each with a cinnamon stick and serve.

To make Apple Bourbon, combine a 750-ml bottle of bourbon, 4 cored, sliced Fuji apples, and 4 cinnamon sticks in a pitcher. Cover; chill for 3 days. Strain and sip of use in recipe above.

Elegant Elixirs

Cocktail addition.

If you want a quick way to dress up your regular cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks, these gorgeous elixirs from The Lounging Gourmet will certainly do the trick.



Just add a few drops to seltzer water, lemonade, iced tea, champagne, vodka...basically anything...and it will give your drink a major boost. And with flavors like Damascan Rose, English Lavender, Andean Fire Orchid, and Antillean Hibiscus I believe these would make a lovely hostess gift during the holidays too!

A Coupe on Cocktails.

Glassware.

According to Bon Appetit, cocktail experts have spoken and the martini glass is out. Now that doesn't mean you have to give up your favorite stemmed drink...it just means that you need to get yourself some coupe glasses.



As someone who has sloshed one too many Cosmos in my life, I love the idea of a glass with edges that slope up...it just keeps me less messy. And I think champagne looks very elegant in a coupe as well.

What do you think? Should we give our 'tini glass a break this year and try a coupe?

The Bellini

This past weekend I had the pleasure of a very relaxing day at a Connecticut spa. While lounging around the pool, I got a craving for a Bellini. Imagine my surprise when the waiter handed me the above bottle.

This little guy was so cute and I loved the packaging. This got me thinking , wouldn’t this look gorgeous on a brunch buffet or in a bucket of ice poolside?

By the way, my husband talked for 10 minutes about how it was ridiculous because Bellini’s were such an easy drink to make, to which I moved my seat and continued to enjoy my beverage! My advice break these little babies out at an all girl event where cute packaging is appreciated.

FYI they also make Mimosas.