Posts Tagged ‘beverages’

• Watermelon Refresher

  Date: 2010.07.11 | Category: Beverages | Response: 0

  I am melting.  It has been so warm outside for so many days, I don’t seem to recall any other way to live but with this sweat on my brow and flowing down my back.  I moved this last week and I could not have picked for worse weather!  We are slowly settling in, box by box, but each day I am making lemonade, iced tea and just about anything I can get my hands on that may refresh us while we work through this sea of boxes.

  This recipe hits the spot and is an instant thirst quencher.  I found it in a cookbook of alcoholic beverages.  Fortunately for me, there is a chapter of non-alcoholic drinks that I can make during this heat!  This one is simple and really could have a splash of vodka in it at the end of the day.

  Ingredients:

  Healthy watermelon wedge (about 1 lb.)
  ice cubes
  watermelon slices with which to decorate

  Chop the watermelon into chunks, discarding seeds.  Put the chunks into a food processor and zap until smooth.  Pour over ice cubes in a tall cool glass and serve with garnish.

  I occasionally add a sprig of mint under the ice cubes and smash a bit with my straw.  This recipe produces two healthy servings for yourself or if you are feeling generous, you and a friend.  Enjoy!

  xo–me

• Yoda Soda

  Date: 2010.06.28 | Category: Cooking | Response: 0

  Star Wars fans got their very own cookbook in 1998.  I have noticed a huge resurgence of this cookbook in the last few years at places like Urban Outfitters.  I am happy to use mine (I actually have three, all gifts) when the need arises as it has this week.

  I got to thinking, well rather, obsessing about refreshing drinks.  See, it’s very warm here and I am constantly drinking.  Drinking plenty of water but also looking for that one sip that will simply hit the spot.  It was then I remembered the chapter of drinks in the cookbook (possibly triggered by walking past UO down the street and there the cookbook was in the window) and thought I would share this delicious recipe.  It will be perfect to make in large batches this weekend for your Independence Day celebration.  Party with this Yoda would.

  Ingredients:

  3 limes
  3 Tbsp. sugar, more if you have a sweet tooth
  1 c. sparkling water
  1 scoop lime sherbet or sorbet

  Cut each lime in half and squeeze the juice into a measuring cup.  Once you have 1/4 c. juice, place in pitcher with the sugar.  Stir until the sugar dissolves.  Add water and stir until mixed.  Taste and add more sugar, if desired.

  Scoop sherbet into a tall glass, and pour in the lime water.  Serve immediately.  Sometimes with vodka.

  I multiplied this recipe by 10 and made a punch bowl full for a cookout.  It was a huge hit before and after someone spiked it with vodka.  Enjoy!

  xo–me

• Slush Puppy

  Date: 2010.06.12 | Category: Entertaining | Response: 0

  It’s a warm day outside and I got to missing my favorite pineapple lemonade from Speedy’s in Manhattan.  It’s one of my all time favorite refreshing drinks  (right after my Nany’s Orange/Lemonade).  The slush puppy is another refreshing drink that is easy to make and looks festive in your hand.  It’s also a great drink to offer your designated drivers at your summer parties.

  Ingredients:

  juice of 1 lemon or 1/2 pink grapefruit
  1/2 shot of grenadine
  ice
  lemon peel
  2-3 tsp. raspberry syrup
  club soda
  maraschino cherries to decorate

  Pour the lemon juice and grenadine into a chilled tall glass with ice.  Add the lemon peel, raspberry syrup, and club soda to taste.  Dress with the cherries.

  I have girlfriends who have used this recipe at kids parties.  The children love the cherries and the bright look in a clear plastic glass.  Enjoy!

  xo–me

• Caribbean Champagne

  Date: 2010.06.11 | Category: Entertaining | Response: 0

  Am away on a very mini-vacation in Los Angeles and realized I need to start it off with a champagne beverage.  I got to thinking of all the traditional ways we have champagne and realized I want something different.  This recipe is a perfect way to begin my day as it has fruit and can be a lovely contribution to the breakfast category!

  Ingredients:

  1/2 white rum
  1/2 shot creme de banane
  chilled champagne
  banana slices to make it pretty

  Pour the rum and creme de banane into a chilled stemware.  Fill with champagne.  Stir gently to mix and dress with banana slices.  Sip like the diva you are!

  I am not a lush, I promise.  But isn’t it great when you can begin your day any way you wish?  Enjoy!

  xo–me

• Sparkling Diamond

  Date: 2010.06.10 | Category: Entertaining | Response: 0

  Diamonds are a girl’s best friend so I think this is the whiskey drink I want to have this weekend when I am celebrating Lisa’s birthday!  Yes, you all know by now I am gearing up for a jaunt west to celebrate my girl friend’s birthday.  I wanted to highlight some of the best whiskey recipes I have experienced in her honor because she chooses whiskey…when she chooses to be a sparkling diamond.

  Ingredients:

  1/4 shot peppermint schnapps
  1/4 shot white creme de cacao
  1/4 shot Southern Comfort
  1/4 shot lemon juice
  crushed ice

  Shake all the liquid ingredients over ice until frosted.  Strain into a chilled shot glass and add a small spoonful of crushed ice.  Toss it back!

  Delicious treat to jump start your celebration.  Or continue or end the celebration!  Happy Birthday Lisa!

  xo–me

• French Kiss

  Date: 2010.06.09 | Category: Entertaining | Response: 1

  I am continuing my march to the birthday weekend of my dear friend Lisa by highlighting beverage recipes made with her favorite–whiskey.  Most think of whiskey with water, coke or perhaps served on the rocks but it actually can be mixed to be a sweet, sour or savory drink.  Today’s recipe is in the sweet category.  Shocking to you, I know.  My love of sweets permeates everything!  I also love this drink because it looks like a cosmo but packs a bit more of a punch.

  Ingredients:

  2 shots bourbon
  1 shot apricot liqueur
  2 tsp. grenadine
  1 tsp. lemon juice
  ice

  Shake the ingredients vigorously over ice until well frosted.  Strain into a chilled, sexy cocktail glass.  Sip as if you were a Bond Girl!

  Some say when you drink the french kiss, french kisses are close behind.  I hope you are kissed by the one you love this weekend!  Enjoy.

  xo–me

• Bruno

  Date: 2010.06.08 | Category: Entertaining | Response: 2

  A dear friend is getting read to celebrate a milestone birthday.  She is a fabulous woman who has a very enriched life.  Some of those experiences that added to her enriched life were thanks to her dear friend Jack.  And by Jack, I mean Mr. Daniels.  She likes whiskey when she drinks so I thought these next few days I would share some delightful whiskey recipes as I prepare to travel west to celebrate Lisa!

  Ingredients:

  1 shot whiskey
  1/2 shot red vermouth
  1/2 shot creme de banane
  ice
  ginger ale
  banana slices, to decorate

  Stir the first three ingredients together and pour into a tumbler full of ice.  Fill with ginger ale and dress with a few slices of banana.  Enjoy!

  It’s a delicious and refreshing beverage for grown ups.  If you want to create the flavor without the liquor, I would add the liquid of a very rip banana to the ginger ale.

  xo–me