Gifted - Happy Hour in a Box

When it comes to bringing a gift to someones home as a thank you to the hostess or a housewarming for a new homeowner, I always like to get a little creative with my gift giving. While summer may be over {insert sad face}, margaritas are still on my mind. I thought I would make a little boxed gift with all the ingredients and recipe card of my favorite cocktail. It's a happy hour in a box, cheers!

card // box // filler // jars {sold out online but on sale in store}

want more cocktail accoutrement? Check out some cute bar goodies from my favorite shop!

Thirsty Thursday - Spirited Shirley

As a kid there was really nothing better then ordering a shirley temple when out to dinner with the family and when the bartender dressed the drink with extra cherries, I thought I had won the lottery.  The super sweet cocktail was always a treat for me and to this day I find myself stealing sips from my nieces as they order the same drink when we are dining out. So I thought it would be fun to take the classic drink and turn it into a cocktail, I know, I know, I am not reinventing the wheel here, this has been done time and time again calling it the "dirty shirley" - which is a name I absolutely loathe. So I bought some premium ingredients and added a ounce of vodka to my cocktail and created what I am going to call a "spirited shirley". Since I hate when my cherries sink to the bottom of my glass I thought I would braid the stems to keep them afloat for indulging while sipping. Cheers!

Ingredients

3 ounces ginger ale

dask grenadine

1 oz premium vodka

3 maraschino cherries

Preperation

pour soda into a tall glass with ice

add dash of grenadine 

stir & garnish with cherries 

Sip & Snack - Mango Lassi & Spiced Snack Mix

I have been on a real cultural kick lately when it comes to inspiration for the weekly sip and snack recipes. When I first met my husband he loved Indian food. Having spent some significant time in the country he had tried so many of the dishes and swore I would like it. Like so many other things he was correct and I have been hooked ever since. The only issue is that it is definitely a meal we will always order in thanks to the numerous spices it takes to create our favorite dishes and the strong fragrances might have my neighbors not too pleased. However, todays post is easy breezy and neighbor friendly. The perfect combination of sweet and savory and perfect for your indian fix. I used other peoples recipes this week but are both most definitely worth trying, click here for the indian inspired snack mix and this recipe for the creamy mango lassi.

Sip & Snack - Lychee Martini & Glazed Edamame

I was solo in Boston this week as my main squeeze was away for work. When he travels it usually means cereal is for dinner as I am not interested in cooking for one person. I however can't resist making a favorite snack of mine that is super easy and made with items I always have on hand in the house. In our fridge you will always find a bottle of champagne, a variety of cheese and a bag of frozen edamame for last minute entertaining. I love these little pods as a healthy snack that is guilt free. While it is super delicious boiled with some coarse salt, I thought I would amp it up a bit with a soy glaze flavored with fresh ginger, garlic, honey & topped with toasted sesame seeds.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons chopped garlic & fresh chopped ginger
{I throw mine in food processor for even chopping}
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 bag frozen edamame

Instructions

Chop garlic & ginger and sauté in sesame oil till tender
{I cook on low heat to avoid burning the oil}
add in soy sauce and honey and reduce till it's a thicker glaze
add in boiled edamame & coat over heat till evenly distributed
top with toasted sesame seeds

A cocktail I always indulge in when dining out for sushi is a Lychee Martini. It is made a few different ways but I always prefer to keep it simple so I made it the way I like it with keeping it simple. The sweet cocktail perfectly compliments the salty snack.

Ingredients
{makes two martinis}

1 can of lychee's in natural juice
4 oz Vodka
2 oz Coconut Rum

Instructions

Chill your martini glass in freezer
Fill cocktail shaker with ice
Add in vodka & coconut rum & 4 oz of lychee juice
Shake & strain over martini glass
Garnish glass with lychee's 

bowls // martini glass // drink garnish

Sip & Snack - Rosé Sangria & Brie Crostini

Happy Thursday! Notice something different? I thought I would give this weekly post a new name as I have been trying some complimentary snacks along with my usual Thirsty Thursday drinks. This week I was inspired by a bottle of rosé gifted to me and my husband by my beautiful friend Gabrielle. Rosé was definitely our drink of choice while honeymooning on the french island of St. Bart's so I was reminded of our daily treat of brie, croissants & chilled rosé. However this time around I thought I would jazz up the rosé part and make a sangria with all the fresh fruit we had in the house. I have to admit, if there is one recipe that you try from my weekly posts - it has to be this one...Cheers!

Rosé Sangria

one bottle of rose wine

2 cups white peach cranberry juice

juice of 1 lime

juice of 1 naval orange

1 peach diced into cubes

1 cup blackberries

1 cup raspberries

1 cup strawberries

Directions

mix fruit, wine & juice in a pitcher, cover with plastic wrap & refrigerate for one hour

Brie & Honey Crostini

1 loaf french bread

1 wedge french brie {this one is my favorite}

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup olive oil

salt & pepper

Directions

drizzle sliced french bread with olive oil and season with salt & pepper

broil in oven for a few minutes till toasty

top with brie & drizzle with honey

Bon Appétit!

thirsty thursday - Iced Breakfast Beverages & A Donut Party

I know I am the odd woman out here when I say that I am not a coffee drinker. While I have always preferred tea my husband is big time coffee enthusiast. Pretty much any candy, ice cream or drink that is coffee flavored is something he would enjoy. So I decided to take a break from the usual boozy beverages I usually share on this weekly post and thought I would share two refreshing morning beverages perfect for a steamy summers day with a coordinating snack. After-all who doesn't like donuts??? I used this recipe from my favorite cooking show for the donuts but you could also purchase a similar mix pre-made. Have a great day everyone!

Vanilla Iced Espresso

2 pods Nespresso Livanto
1 teaspoon sugar 
1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon good vanilla extract 

French Vanilla Iced Tea

2 Bigelow French Vanilla Tea bags brewed
1/2 cup of ice
1 teaspoon sweetener 
1/4 cup milk

Brew your tea & coffee add your sweetener & dairy to taste, pour over ice & enjoy!

I made a chocolate version for my husband using this pre-made mix & it was delicious!

Want to have your own donut party??? Below is everything you need to host your own morning get together in style. Perfect for brunch, hosting a wedding/baby shower or just a gathering of friends after a dinner party.

Seletti Coffee Cup, Saucer & Spoot Set // Crate & Barrel Creamer & Sugar Set // Tie Tea Mug // Cow Creamer // Target Threshold Cake Stand // CB2 Glass Creamer // Donut Baking Pan //  Crate & Barrel Dusting Sugar Set // Target Threshold Appetizer Plate // Anthropologie Cartan Napkin Set 

thirsty thursday - s'mores two ways

S'mores are one of those treats that instantly bring you back to your childhood. It doesn't get much better then sitting around a fire on a summers evening roasting marshmallows with friends. The simple joy of getting your marshmallow perfectly crisp without falling into the fire and creating the perfect bite as you sandwhich the melty goodness between two graham crackers {with lots of chocolate of course}. Since we dont have a fire pit out on Shelter Island I decided to make a much neater version of this famous dessert for my nieces while they watched a movie. It was the perfect blend of all the classic s'mores flavors with less of a mess. Since it was a hit  I decided to share that recipe along with a cocktail version {obviously}. Hope you enjoy!

{towel // bowl}

Ingredients

2 cups Kettle Corn 

1 cup Cocoa Puffs

1 cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch 

1 cup mini marshmallows

{tip - cinnamon cheerios & chocolate cheerios can be substituted for a less sugary cereal}

Ingredients

1 ounce vanilla vodka

1 ounce chocolate liquor {I used Godiva}

2 ounces heavy cream

1 graham cracker crushed for rimming of glass {I crushed in food processor}

4 mini marshmallows roasted for garnish {I roasted with mini torch}

2 ounces chocolate syrup for rimming glass {adheres the graham cracker crust}

{tip - dont want to commit to a full bottle of flavored vodka, buy the nips for tasting}

Still prefer the old fashioned s'mores treats??? Check out all the adorable ways you can package up this nostalgic dessert. The individual packaging makes this perfect for entertaining at home to make your guests feel special or makes a fabulous favor for a party!

free printable & image via Bloom Designs

image via Creature Comfort

s'mores kits via Twig & Thistle 

Thirsty Thursday - Coke Slurpee

When I was a kid one of my favorite summer time treats was a coke slurpee. I remember riding my bike to the local seven eleven with my friends to get one and thoroughly enjoying each and every sip. As we got older I remember spiking the frosty treat with a little vodka to bring to the beach and not being detected by the fun police who were always patrolling us sunbathers for drinking in public. What I didn't realize back then was the amount of calories I was consuming in each little delicious sip. That however doesn't stop me from enjoying it from time to time. Since seven elevens aren't all too common where we live I thought I would whip up a version for my husband and myself. I followed this recipe and was pleasantly surprised how it instantly brought me back all those wonderfully nostalgic memories of being a kid in the summer on Long Island and how fitting it seemed for today's cocktail, because honestly is there anything more americana then coca-cola???

glasses // straws

Happy Fourth of July everyone! What are you doing to celebrate???

fourth of july clip art // mac nail polish // j.crew etta pump // j.crew rose necklace // j.brand denim // ALC breton stripe top

Thirsty Thursday - Cranberry Cocktail Spritzer

Nantucket is known for many things, beautiful shingle style homes, hydrangea covered lawns, cobblestone streets, whaling and cranberries to just name a few. Naturally this weeks cocktail had to be   inspired by these things as we are at the tail end of our vacation. What I love about this one is that the cranberry vodka has such great flavor by itself that the cocktail only needs a splash of cranberry juice for color and a little added flavor. It is a light, refreshing and all the ingredients are from New England, definitely my favorite cocktail when on this magical little island.  

Ingredients

1 oz Nantucket Triple 8 Cranberry Vodka

Splash of Nantucket Nectars Big Cranberry Juice

1/2 cup Poland Springs Lime Seltzer

Fresh Lime Wedge for garnish

Directions

Stir & Serve over ice

Cheers!

Inspired by the preppy playground that is Nantucket, I thought I would put together some fun nautical accoutrement for your bar cart or home cocktail area that ooze summer and happy times!

gold cocktail shaker //anchor stacking cocktail ring // fish bottle opener // rope ice bucket // iikat tray with nautical inserts // dot cocktail napkins // bottoms up tote // striped glasses // custom swizzle sticks

Thirsty Thursdays - Do you like Piña Colada's???

I'd like to know what happened to the piña colada cocktail???  It seems like it's a drink that is forbidden to be enjoyed within in city limits, strictly something that is reserved only for warm weather climates where a steel drum band is playing in the background. Well, I for one love this frosty beverage and so does my husband and as summer approaches I have been craving something delicious and refreshing on our hotter days. While it is a total calorie splurge, I thought I would follow this recipe but swap out some of the ingredients for the "light" versions {every little bit helps} to make us feel less guilty. I was pleasantly surprised it that it didn't alter the taste and was thoroughly enjoyable!

Cheers!

Hope to see you all tonight at the Baublebar event!

Thirsty Thursday - Mini Margarita

Let's face it, when it comes to entertaining everything in miniature form is severely cuter then normal sized items. Inspired by favorite tabletop book on entertaining, I decided to make a super easy yet delicious cocktail that only had two ingredients & can be served in the petite bottle it arrives in.

While this idea of using nips to serve your cocktail in can be used practically with almost any of your favorite liquors  the mini patron tequila in my book is the most adorable. Margaritas have always been a favorite cocktail of mine. I used them in ice pops, other thirsty thursday posts, as well as on our wedding day as our signature cocktail with a more refined prickly pear flavor that gave it the tasty beverage a beautiful color. I love this way to serve the cocktail. 

Ingredients

{fills mini patron 4 times}

one mini silver patron

one 13 oz bottle of limeade

ice

Directions

pour tequila and 1/2 bottle of limeade into a drink shaker filled with ice

shake till chilled then refill mini tequila bottle

cut straw to fit the bottle

Cheers!!!

P.S. Boston peeps - Do you have a puppy or a friend with one??? Check out The Liberty Hotel's "Yappy Hour". I went last night & had a blast with my favorite boxer pup. Check out some of the photos from last nights event where cocktails are served and pups are free to run!

Thirsty Thursday - Mimosa Punch

A few weeks ago I made a mimosa punch to bring to a friends house for an early afternoon lunch and it was a big hit which made me think it was worth sharing with you! It's pretty much the easiest cocktail to make and affordable which is an added bonus when entertaining. You can make it in a giant punch bowl, a chic drink dispenser or a small pitcher as I did below for a party of two. Of course I had to have a little garnish, mostly because the drink needs color and I like having a little fruit in all my cocktails. Check out all the delicious details below. 

Ingredients

{makes 4 cocktails}

3 cups orange juice 

{I used orange mango} 

1 12 oz bottle of ginger ale

1 half bottle of prosecco

1 nip of cointreau

garnish with strawberries, oranges or rasberries

to make for a punch bowl bump of the portions to the following

2 quarts orange juice 

1 2 liter bottle of ginger ale2

1 bottle of prosecco

1/2 cup cointreau

garnish with fresh fruit 

Directions

Mix all the ingredients, stir & serve over ice

Bottoms Up!

almond joy milkshake

When it comes to sweets there is nothing my husband loves more then a frosty milkshake. So much so that we were gifted an enormous restaurant quality milkshake maker this past Christmas. Since this substantial machine takes over some significant real estate on our countertop, I thought I would put it to good use. Inspired by the almond joy flavored ham radio grooms cake {image below} that I surprised my main squeeze with on our wedding day, I thought I would create a tasty treat using the same flavors. However this time around I couldn't resist making a spiked version for a really indulgent creamy milkshake that we both could enjoy. Check out all the details below to make one for yourself!!!

Ingredients

3 scoops vanilla ice cream

1/2 cup chocolate syrup 

1 oz baileys {optional}

1 oz amaretto {optional}

1/4 cup sliced almonds

1/4 cup shredded coconut

Directions

toast shredded coconut in your oven till golden brown 

blend ice cream, syrup & liquor till creamy 

{add sliced almonds & coconut for a more textur & added almond joy flavor}

pour into glass, garnish with sliced almonds & toasted coconut

soda fountain glass // napkins {on super sale} // straws 

Cheers!!!

Thirsty Thursday - Spiked Arnold Palmer

I have never met anyone who doesn't love a refreshing Arnold Palmer on a warm day. I especially love them when they are spiked with some delicious tea flavored vodka. I have tried a few and I always find myself coming back to what was formerly known as "Absolut Boston" {#bostonstrong} and now is called Absolut Wild Tea, it's seriously the best out there! I mix this magic in a bottle with a little diet iced tea and some fresh lemon juice and that my friends is one hell of a cocktail  I however must warn you, they go down quick and before you know it you may be streaking through the quad a la 

Frank The Tank.

Ingredients

{per drink}

1 ounce Absolut Wild Tea

1/2 cup Iced Tea

2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice

Directions

Mix ingredients & pour over ice, garnish with lemon

Cheers!

Thirsty Thursday - Pineapple Cocktail

I cannot take credit for this weeks recipe as I knew I wanted to use Morris Kitchen Ginger Syrup that I purchased at Boston's south end boutique Olives & Grace.  The vintage apothecary style bottle has been sitting pretty on my bar cart begging to be mixed into something delicious. My first idea of a "dark and stormy" wasn't going to work since it was my husband was away and it was his  favorite drink making him the ultimate taste tester. Instead I decided to go with something refreshing like their pineapple cocktail. It was delicious and quite possibly the easiest cocktail ever. Cheers!

Ingredients

3/4 oz Ginger Syrup 

2 oz Aged Rum 

1 1/2 oz Pineapple Juice

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, strain and pour drink over ice cube and garnish with pineapple.

decorative skewer

Thirsty Thursday - Grape Crush Cocktail

Who says grapes are only good for vino??? As of late my cocktails have been inspired by things I already have in the house. It challenges me to think outside the box a bit more than simply redoing the famous favorites that I have always adored. Todays drink is also special to me because it reminds me of sunday-fundays I used to have with some of my favorite gals. We would get all dolled up and head out to some Boston's finest "watering holes" one of which was the old Excelsior {now Bistro du Midi} where we put back quite a few white grape martinis. My blurred memory has me remember that This clear grape cocktail had a heavy punch but the frozen grape garnish was really what I loved. It was heavenly on a warm day. So taking a cue from good my glory days I thought I would create a white grape cocktail as the green grapes I was snacking on earlier this week were perfectly sweet and perfect for mixing with some tasty spirits. 

Check out all the details below to make this cocktail for yourself, you won't regret it!

Ingredients

{makes two cocktails}

1 bundle of washed white grapes

2 tablespoons simple syrup

2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice

2 cups soda water

4 ounces good vodka {I used Grey Goose}

ice

Directions

night before skewer grapes onto straw or wood skewer and freeze
{if you dont have time to prepare frozen grapes, you can serve the grapes fresh or simply slice a few grapes in half and add to cocktail for garnish}

muddle up as many grapes as you wish in the bottom of a cocktail mixer {I used about 15 grapes}

add one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice & one tablespoon of simple syrup to muddled grapes
strain the grape juice from the mixer and evenly distribute into glasses that are filled with ice

pour 2 ounces of vodka into each glass

pour one cup of soda water into each glass 

stir & enjoy

DIY Washi Tape Pennants 

select your favorite washi tape patterns & wrap around edge of straw or skewer leaving the excess tape about 1 inch on both ends

align the tape ends together so the edges are flush to one another

trim the excess into the pennant shape you wish

Flowers

I decided to buy myself some flowers along with my cocktail. Since my peonies from last week unfortunately met their demise, I decided to change not only the bloom but also the color palette and go with some bright greens and white. I arrange the flowers in my hand first moving around each piece till it has a good balance all around. Once I have what I envisioned I wrap a rubberband around the stems to hold the bouquet together and place in a vase.