Pumpkin Beer Float

I am going crazy with the pumpkin beverages this week, but like I said, the key words are "pumpkin everything" in the month of November.  Don't forget candy canes and hot chocolate are right around the corner, so you gotta grab your pumpkin while you can.  And what better way to grab then by pouring some pumpkin ale, vanilla ice cream, a shot of Snap and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Great Fall Drink: The Spiced Pear

The Spiced Pear has all the ingredients for a fantastic fall beverage: Pears, cloves, nutmeg and champagne.  A great idea paired with a charcuterie and cheese platter at your next get together.

Orange Basil Mojito

This recipe from Recipe Girl sounds cool and refreshing...just exactly what a Spring cocktail should be.  I love the replacement of mint with basil.  If the rest of the recipes from Recipe Girl are anything like this then the Amazon order department should get ready to work overtime.

Orange-Basil Mojitos

Ingredients

1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 cup thick simple syrup
10 large fresh basil leaves, stems removed and discarded
1 cup white rum
1 cup club soda
Crushed ice
Orange slices, for garnish
Additional basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

In a medium pitcher, combine the orange juice, simple syrup and basil.  Use a wooden spoon or a muddler to crush the basil leaves in the bottom of the pitcher.  Stir in the rum and club soda.  Serve immediately in individual glasses over crushed ice.  Garnish with orange slices and fresh basil.

To prepare thick simple syrup, in a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated white sugar to a boil.  Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring the mixture until the sugar has dissolved.  Remove the pan from heat and let cool.

Smoretini

This genius concoction is a smoretini.  That's right...marshmallow vodka, godiva and bailey's topped off with a couple gooey roasted marshmallows.  You'll have people standing in line for these little numbers from how sweet it is.

Summer Hoedown

I’ll be honest, this drink had me at Hoedown.  But not only does it have an awesome name but the color is sensational and it is served in a JAR!  I also really like the fact that it is topped off with beer.  Many times the guys in the crowd tend to shy away from the cocktail of choice because they think it is overly sweet or girly.  Just wait till they see you pouring in the Hoegaarden. 

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.

Candy Corn Cocktails

This cocktail could be a fun addition to your holiday bash. But if you are not planning on going out for Halloween this year it would also add a little excitement to your normal Monday line up.

Gin Goodness

Cocktail Recipe.

Gin and I have been enemies ever since a night in college long ago when my friend was a bit too generous with her pour in our gin & tonics. I try to like gin because it is in so many classic cocktails, but one sniff gives me a shiver shake and wave of nausea. Not so fun.

During Fashions Night Out, someone did the bait and switch on me. Intermix was serving 3 lovely punches and it wasn't until after I had already tasted a few sips of my delicious drink that I saw this...



Gorgeous bottle? Yes.

But it is GIN...my enemy!!

However it didn't taste like my enemy. In fact, it was quite delicious. So there may be hope for my yet. I can finally proudly display a gin bottle on my bar with out cringing. And if you'd like to try the drink that had me so smitten, here you go:

The Darby

Ingredients
1 1/2 oz Bols Genever
1/2 oz Simple Syrup
1/2 oz Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
Champagne
Lemon Twist
Brandied Cherry

Instructions
Combine Bols Genever, Simple Syrup, and Lemon Juice in a shaker with ice. Pour into a cocktail coupe glass. Top with champagne and garnish with a lemon twist and a brandied cherry.

Jello Shot Jury

Don’t let the sheep in wolves clothing fool you on this one. At first glance it seems to be an elegant dessert, but in fact, it is a Jello shot. It seems that the 80’s Jello shot craze is coming back and being taken to a whole new level.

I’m having a hard time with this trend. Even though they might not admit it, most people secretly love Jello shots. But they require some slurping and some not so pretty Jello eating faces when consumed. My question to you fellow Hip Hostess’, “Will the Jello shot ever really become acceptable at a high end event?”

Wicked Watermelon

Cocktail Recipe.

When I go to the supermarket and see watermelons on sale, I nearly do a happy dance. I then proceed to cradle my prized (and heavy) possession up several flights of stairs to our apartment and then cut the whole thing into large chunks to store in the fridge.

And for the next few days, I swarm like a shark around said fridge…resisting the urge to eat the whole bowl in one sitting. To make myself feel better, I’ll spoon it into smaller bowls…several times a day…until it is gone.

photo courtesy of flickr.

My husband thinks I’m crazy. He is OK with watermelon, but not a fanatic like me. But I think I have a sure fire way to bring him to the dark side. Add booze.

The trick is that it can’t taste TOO much like watermelon for my husband to like it. But I still want to impart the sweet refreshing quality of the fruit that makes me go gaga.

So I was pretty psyched to find the perfect recipe when I was cleaning out files this week and a random sheet from an old Glamour Magazine “magically” appeared. And it has a great name too: “Forget the Mistake You Made at Work Margarita”. Looks like I’ll be cradling another watermelon up the stairs for this weekend’s newest libation experiment…



Forget the Mistake You Made at Work Margarita
serves 4-6

Ingredients
3 cups chopped watermelon
Juice of 10 lime
1/3 cup sugar
2 cups ice cubes, plus more for serving
1 cup white tequila
1/2 cup Grand Marnier (Cointreau or Triple Sec is fine too)
Kosher Salt

Directions
In a blender combine watermelon, lime juice, sugar, and 2 cups of ice. Blend until smooth. Add tequila and Grand Marnier, pulsing to blend.

Using leftover portions of limes to run along the rim of tall glasses, and then dip in a small plate of kosher salt. Fill each glass with ice and top with blended margarita and serve.

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!

Sparkling Summer Shandy

Cocktail Recipe.

Yes, I am aware that it is not Summer. And yes, I am also aware that the weather in pretty much all of the Unites States has been less than lovely as of late. But...I like to use any sunny day starting in April as an excuse to drink Summertime drinks...even if it is Sunny and 45 degrees.

Photo courtesy of Gourmet Patio.

Summer Shandy's are light, delicious and everything that I like about warmer weather. This mixture of beer and lemonade can be bought pre-made by many beer manufacturers, the most popular being Leinenkugel's version. And they are delicious.

But to bring up the "fancy factor" a bit, why not make your own at home? Here's a recipe for a Sparkling Shandy that is just as easy to make as it is delicious. Enjoy!

Sparkling Shandy

Serves 4

2 lemons (1 sliced thin for garnish, 1 for juicing)
1 16 oz pilsner beer

2 cups sparkling lemonade

1. Line a glass with with lemon slices and then add ice.

2. Fill halfway with beer, and top with lemonade.

3. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and serve.

Athol Brose

Cocktail Recipe.

One of my favorite local spots in Chicago is Bangers & Lace. They have a ridiculously long craft beer list, delicious food, and some rather tasty cocktails to boot.

Last week I decided to try an oddly named cocktail called the Improved Atholl Brose. Hello. Love at first sip.

Whiskey mixed with honey and topped with a foamy cream layer. I stopped myself at one because it was just way too easy to drink this one.



If you are in Chicago, definitely stop by and get the real deal at Bangers & Lace (and I highly advise trying the Truffle Grilled Cheese as well). If you aren't in the area, here's a link to a recipe so you can make your own Athol Brose at home.

Double Down Delicious

Cocktail Recipe.

Before our recent trip to Vegas, I happened to see a segment on Drinking Made Easy about a place called the Double Down Saloon - the home of the Bacon Infused Vodka Martini.

Many places have followed bacon trend, but the Double Down was the first to mix a little oink with their Stoli.



And this is how it's done:

Bacon Infused Vodka Martini
1 Bottle of Vodka
5 - 6 strips of crispy bacon
1 Large Mason Jar

Place the bacon and vodka in the large jar and store in the fridge for several days or up to a week**. Strain the mixture and return to the jar or bottle. Serve shaken with ice in a chilled martini glass

**Note: The bacon will go back to looking raw after sitting in the liquid for several days, but it is totally fine and still completely cooked.



And if this seems to scary to you, try using the infused vodka your standard Bloody Mary. It's like breakfast in a glass. Yummo!!

Not Yo Mama's Applesauce...Shot

Cocktail Recipe.

My hubby and I were in Vegas for the beginning of March Madness/St. Patty's Day which involved lots of beer, lots of betting, and lots of screaming at our failing brackets.

Luckily, I sat next to two very lucky guys from Missouri that were so happy with their winnings that they felt the need to share their cheer with us via a shot that tasted like this...



That's right. I'm talking about a shot that tastes just like applesauce. It is AWESOME. Add it to your repertoire and be happy.

Applesauce Shot
1 part Goldschlagger
1 part Apple Pucker
1 part Pineapple Juice

Shake with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into shot glasses. Bottoms up.

Cocktail du Jour

Cocktail recipe.

Last night the hubby and I dined in a Manhattan hot spot. One of those places that takes reservations exactly 30 days out and had me poised with phone in hand dialing 9digits and waiting to hit number 10 until exactly time to light up the reservations line. It worked!

While we were waiting for our table we decided to have a cocktail at the bar. Upon being seated the bartender said, “Would you like to see the regular cocktail menu or the meat cocktail menu?” It was taking me a little longer than usual to respond, as my mind kept going to Snooki and remembering something she once said regarding a meat tail. I’m thinking they are two different things.



Turns out infusing spirits with meat has become a new trend. I ordered a drink called “the butcher” and while it wasn’t bad and I was pretty thrilled with my piece of jerky, I’ll have to pass on this trend. I don’t fancy myself ordering a moogarita instead of a margarita any time soon. If you would like taste test for yourself, check out this recipe.

The Butcher

1 strip beef jerky
1/4 oz. honey syrup
2 oz. aged rum
1 orange peel
dash of whiskey bitters

Soak beef jerky in aged rum for 30 minutes. Stir infused rum, honey syrup and bitters and pour into a martini glass. Flame an orange peel. Use slice of beef jerky for garnish. (To make honey syrup, mix 2 oz. honey with 1 oz. hot water.)

Weeknight Pepperoncini Pasta

Recipe.

The harsh weather of the last two weeks has forced me to become creative with my usual kitchen staples. I found a recipe in Bon Appetit that I thought sounded delish, but I had to tweak it a bit to make my available supplies work. OMG...it is now my favorite go-to weeknight recipe...Pepperoncini Pasta. Spicy, creamy tomato sauce with hearty pasta that only takes about 20 minutes to make. You have got to try it.



Pepperoncini Pasta

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground sirloin
½ cup sliced peperoncini, plus 1 cup liquid from jar
½ cup onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried orgegano
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp basil
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 24oz jar marinara sauce
¾ cup heavy cream
3/4 - 1 lb whole wheat penne pasta
3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil and parm for garnish

Heat oil in heavy large pot over high heat. Add ground sirloin, cooking until browned, breaking into pieces, about 6 minutes. Add pepperoncini, onions, and next 6ingredients, cook until onions are tender, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Add pepperoncini liquid; stir until most of liquid is absorbed, about 1 minute. Add marinara and cream. Cook until heated through and slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook pasta in another large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain. Transfer pasta and 3 Tbsp of cheese to pot with sauce. Stir to incorporate. Transfer to a bowl. Sprinkle with basil and cheese.`

Root Beer Barrel Jello Shots

Recipe Link.
The SuperBowl is coming up quick and I thought these Root Beer Barrel Jello Shots might be a welcome treat. They are filled with a bunch of my favorite things; root beer, root beer flavored vodka and Sambuca. Not to mention they are super cute. If this sounds like you, check out the recipe here.

Tiramisu Pancakes

Brunch Recipe.

Every once in awhile I get in the mood to have breakfast foods for dinner and when I saw this recipe from Steamy Kitchen, it was one of those times. These pancakes look amazing and if you have a special occasion or brunch in your future what a way to “wow” guests. It is suppose to be an especially cold night and these on the menu with a nice foamy latte will really hit the spot.

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.