 It’s been pretty dark and stormy here for the last couple of days, I guess that’s what you get when you live next to the Ocean. Honestly, I love a good storm, and after living in the monotony of perfect blue skies every day for years, I was desperate for a bit of weather. I always appreciate the sunset after the skies have cleared, and being able to throw on this light wool dress from Polo Ralph Lauren and ramble around in nature felt great after a few days of rain and wind. You know what they say; Feet in sand, hats on heads, drinks in hand, can’t loose. Technically, a Dark ’N’ Stormy is proprietary to Gosling’s Rum, they managed to have it trade marked in the early 1990’s, so just to clarify this is not that cocktail. I think it's safe to say that sailors have been drinking combinations of rum, lime and ginger beer for as long as those three ingredients have existed to be put together. This is similar to a Moscow Mule, but better because it has rum in it. I like a spiced rum, and if you can’t put it in a drink like this, then when can you use it? Don't say never, that’s mean.  Dark and Stormy
2 oz. Kraken black spiced rum 1/2 oz. lime juice Top with Bundaberg Ginger beer Garnish with lime wedge Fill a glass with ice, add rum and lime juice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wedge. Cheers!
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Babies are hard, but toddlers the worst. At the time having two babies twenty months apart seemed like the ultimate in multitasking. Now they’re teething at the same time while we’re trying to figure out night-time potty training for the toddler, it’s almost as bad as having a newborn in the sleep-deprivation department. Luckily, it looks like we’re coming out the other side of the truly terribleness… So trust me when I tell you that it should be no surprise my first post in a while is a cocktail recipe.  I have a deep and abiding love of Sangria, I have even been known to drink the overly sweet store-bought stuff in a pinch. Obviously home-made is best, and while winter is coming (for some, not us here in California apparently) and the time for mulled wine and cider is approaching, I feel strongly that there is a place for a seasonally appropriate fall sangria.
This is an excellent way to get rid of any cheap or undrinkable red wine you may have on hand, which is definitely what I did. This recipe adds some spiciness from the cider and a smooth vanilla essence from the Bookers bourbon and the Dry Sparkling Vanilla Bean soda. I definitely recommend using a crisp apple like a granny smith and whatever citrus you have on hand.  Spicy Bourbon Sangria
1 Bottle red wine 11/2 c Spiced apple cider 1/2 c Bookers Bourbon 12oz. Dry Sparkling Vanilla Bean Soda 2 Apples, sliced 1 Orange cut into rounds Black berries, pomegranate seeds etc. Mix wine, cider and bourbon in a pitcher. Top with soda and stir, add cut fruit and berries. Ideally let sit in the fridge for 24 hours, but I understand if you must drink it immediately, you’ve worked for this. Enjoy! My Valentine happens to be in China this year, which means a very nice Valentine's Day present for me (or else). But for the rest of you lucky enough to be spending the day with the someone you love, lust for or just like enough to make a fancy cocktail, this ones for you. I give you the Champagne Crush!   I feel no shame in admitting that I love Grape Crush soda, I actually love pop (where I come from we call it pop and you can't stop me, unlike spell check which automatically steals my ‘u’’s). As a child I was raised by a crazy dictator masquerading as my mother who forbade us most pleasures in life, namely sugar, t.v., and carbonated beverages. It was a hard life, and now I am a pop fiend. No lie, I would rather have a Dr. Pepper on a bad day then a glass of wine.   So what could be better then combining two of my most loved things on the day that celebrates love? Well, having my husband not be on another continent would be good, do I sound bitter? Moving on. Champagne Crush Champagne Grape Crush .5 oz. Gin This is a really easy recipe, not really a recipe at all more of a suggestion in fact. Pour a half ounce of gin into a champagne flute or glass of your choice, add Grape Crush to your desired amount and then top with Champagne. This drink can be made totally to your taste, does your sweetie love sweets? Then go with an asti Champagne. Prefer a drier drink with just a hint of grape goodness use a brute and just a touch of Grape Crush.   This cocktail is totally customizable so show the one you love how well you know them, and extra points if you use a pretty rimmer! Happy Valentines Day!
The other day at lunch I couldn't help but think how great the Dry Sparkling Lavender soda I was drinking would be with a little gin in it, and it had almost nothing to do with the toddler throwing food at me. I couldn't wait to try this -- though I did because toddlers are not good drinking companions. I was super-excited that I happened to have all of the ingredients on hand, which is pretty much a miracle since we're out of everything else.    Did you know that a gin fizz traditionally has egg in it? Neither did I, and I’m not sure how I feel about it. Anyway, the important thing to know is that this version doesn't have raw egg anywhere near it. I used Meyer lemon and I think its fragrant citrus added nicely to this floral, not-too-sweet drink. This is my favorite kind of recipe; simple, easy, only a couple ingredients and gin (I'm kidding... no I'm not). So you should go and get some Dry Sparkling Lavender Soda and gin and make yourself a drink!   Dry Lavender Gin Fizz
2 oz. Gin .5 oz. Fresh lemon juice Dry Sparkling Lavender Soda If you’re feeling fancy, put the gin and lemon juice in a shaker with some ice. Strain into a high-ball glass and top with soda. Garnish with a twist of lemon and enjoy! |
