I am fully aware that I’m a grown woman and have the right to choose whether I consume fruits and vegetables, but sometimes I find that I have to resort to my mom’s old trick of “hiding” them or presenting them in a way that’s more appetizing to me. This smoothie is a prime example of that maternal trickery and hidden away in that beautifully bright green layer is two… Keep Reading
I feel that naturally my mind is always focused on the future and it became that way even more so when I began blogging. You have to anticipate trends, plan for upcoming holidays, and always have your content ready to go at the right moment. Of course that’s extremely frustrating when you work with seasonal ingredients.. for instance; peaches. So to say that I’ve waiting all winter and spring to… Keep Reading
Mules are simple to make, refreshing no matter what season it is, and much like a real mule.. they can knock you on your ass if you’re not careful! I wanted to add a bit more zing to mine so I went with an old classic, Sriracha! The spice from this tried and true rooster sauce pairs wonderfully with the crisp ginger beer and fresh squeezed lime juice. Try this… Keep Reading
We’re heading into summer, but you wouldn’t know that around here with our temperatures in the 60’s, gloomy rainy days, and I may or may not be wrapped in a fuzzy blanket, over-sized flannel, and sipping pumpkin spice coffee. What can I say? I’m currently living in a deep state of denial that it’s not October right now. To try and wrap brain around the concept that the seasons are… Keep Reading
I love making cocktails with infused liquors, but when I’m needing that happy hour drink NOW and not 24-48 hours after my liquor has infused, I have to get a bit creative on drawing out the same flavor profiles in a short amount of time. On one such occasion I whipped up a batch of jalapeno cilantro infused vodka in just an hour for this deliciously refreshing (and STRONG) cocktail…. Keep Reading
I made this cocktail a few days ago, but it’s quite ironic that I chose today of all days to publish it, being that it’s Wilbur Scoville’s, an American chemist who helped develop a scale to measure the hotness of peppers, 151st birthday. So this one is for you Wilbur! One of our friends took a trip to New Mexico and came back with a bag of dried spicy chiles… Keep Reading
A bourbon cocktail recipe? I know what you guys are thinking.. I’m normally a rum drinker, but a few weeks ago the wonderful people at Maker’s Mark reached out to me with their #GetCozyCocktail challenge to create a delicious eggnog cocktail using Maker’s 46. With strong notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak and a smooth finish, I had no problem making the switch for this recipe. Oh and guess what?… Keep Reading
Sangria is one those drinks that brings everyone together and since this is the time of year for gatherings and holidays, I couldn’t think of a more perfect flavor for this batch… Spiced Caramel Apple! With each sip you taste the sweet rich caramel, the flavor of fresh green apples, spices, cool crisp wine, and bubbly champagne. Although this makes quite a bit I would still recommend doubling the recipe… Keep Reading
Do you ever have those days where you just don’t want to be bothered to put pants on and go to the store? Is that day every day? You’re in good company! On one such occassion I was craving a smoothie and decided to work with what I had on hand for the sake of staying pants and makeup free. I had just baked pumpkin bread and still had plenty… Keep Reading
Hot Toddies are one of my favorite cocktails to enjoy through fall and winter. The cinnamon, cloves, and bitters really bring out the flavors in the rum and make this a soothing, aromatic drink that’s perfect for sipping on those chilly days. It’s also an amazing remedy for colds and sore throats making those sick days a lot more enjoyable! Whether you’re actually sick or just faking (I’ll never tell!),… Keep Reading
I wanted a cocktail that captured this transitional time of year as we say goodbye to summer and welcome fall. Instead of jumping to the obvious pumpkin recipes (although I’m quite excited for those too) I went with fresh Granny Smith apples to be the star of this drink. Fresh lime and mint capture that summery fresh citrus component while the freshly juiced apple gives it a tart and crisp… Keep Reading
I had some leftover berries from my Whole Wheat Summer Berry Muffins recipe and I decided to juice them up and add them to my mimosas! Which by the way, can we just take a second to appreciate the invention of the Mimosa.. you’re drinking champagne in the morning like a rich housewife but because you add orange juice it makes your day drinking completely acceptable! That fresh berry flavor,… Keep Reading
I often get asked how I come up with different recipe and cocktail combinations and to be quite honest, sometimes its as easy as looking through the refrigerator and using what’s available. With plenty of basil, oranges, and Sailor Jerry Rum on hand I put together an Orange Basil Rum Fizz! A bubbly summer cocktail that’s simple, sweet, and strong!
Sangria is always a summer staple for me, but I wanted to deviate from the traditional red wine and fruit combination to create something a little lighter. Using crisp white wine and fresh summer fruits, I made two different flavors that embody the taste and aromas of summer. The cucumber strawberry combination turns a beautiful blush color after just one day of infusing and has a sweet finish. The cucumber… Keep Reading
If you’re of legal drinking age then you’re no doubt familiar with the Moscow Mule: A simple mix of lime juice, vodka, and ginger beer, traditionally served in a copper mug. While I always appreciate a classic, I also love to put my own spin on things and added a bit of fresh grapefruit juice to the concoction as well. I can already tell you that this will be my… Keep Reading
With the days warming up and every tree and flower in bloom right now, I was inspired to make a blushing spring cocktail that captured this beautiful season. This bubbly concoction is perfect for a spring or summer brunch and can easily be made into a non-alcoholic drink by using club soda or sparkling white grape juice!
The season 5 premiere of Game of Thrones happens this Sunday and whether you’re watching by yourself of planning a premiere party, your night won’t be complete without a cocktail inspired by the show! The poppy flower is associated with sleep, peace, and death, but lucky for you my cocktail version of the drink is not as strong as what the drink appears to be on the show. If you’re… Keep Reading
I haven’t put up a good smoothie recipe in a while and I figured those of you that had to endure a long winter could use something tropical! I used my favorite fruits to put together a refreshing and filling mix that’s both dairy and sugar-free, making this a GUILT-free treat to enjoy any time of the day!
This past Christmas my cousin gifted me a beautiful mid-century cocktail shaker that came complete with classic cocktail recipes printed on the glass. One that stood out in particular was the Sidecar. Traditionally made with cognac, but we all know I’m a rum-swilling woman so I switched it up a bit and produced the Sailor Jerry Sidecar! The potent blend of rum, orange liqueur, and lemon juice makes for a sweet and sour… Keep Reading
We’ve all had our hearts broken a time or two and have probably crushed a few hearts along the way as well. We can all agree that no matter which part you play, the feeling (for lack of a better expression) completely sucks! Instead of wallowing in your misery, get back on your feet, and make yourself a drink to celebrate! You’ve got a fresh start and there’s no sense in wasting it by feeling… Keep Reading
For years I’ve been enjoying mugs full of delicious hot cocoa that I had convinced myself could not be improved anymore… then I came across Smitten Kitchen’s Decadent Hot Chocolate Mix recipe and realized I’d been doing it all wrong.. Rich, frothy, chocolatey amazingness so easy to make that there’s no excuse for why you would ever have to buy store bought mix again! It was so good that I… Keep Reading
I’m starting this post off with a disclaimer… I hate.. I mean like really passionately hate those people in front of you at Starbuck’s or any other coffee shop with the ridiculous orders. “Ummm can I get a venti soy half-caff extra whip mocha latte with caramel?? And that’s one of the shorter orders I’ve heard! When my girlfriend brought me a pumpkin spice chai latte I scoffed a bit… Keep Reading
Before I get into how dangerously amazing this mulled wine is I first need to discuss what I call, “The Grocery Store Conspiracy.” I don’t know if anyone else experiences this, but every time I set out to our local grocery store to get items for dinner or blog posts, I find they’re always missing that one KEY ingredient that makes the recipe complete! Anyone remember the Mummy Manicotti recipe… Keep Reading
A little while back, Cheryl from 40 Aprons, asked me to participate in a virtual baby shower surprise for her good friend and fellow blogger, Melissa of A Teaspoon of Happiness. I was honored and excited at the chance to help celebrate this joyous occasion! Obviously some of my past boozy concoctions would not be too appropriate for a real baby shower, so I set out to make something… Keep Reading