Easy, Last Minute 4th of July Sips

If you know me, you know that my FAVORITE holiday of all time is 4th of July. Why? Fun fact: I am a huge American history nerd and also because I am obsessed with all the star spangled fun that comes with the entire weekend. How could you not love all the patriotic festivities, the fireworks, the barbecues and of course all of the festive drinks? Each year, I love experimenting and trying unique 4th of July cocktails. This year, if you’re anything like me I have been so bogged down with commitments and obligations so I am a bit behind on just about everything… but I never slack on my cocktails! I still want to get red, white and boozy… so here are some easy, last minute 4th of July sips perfect for having in hand while you’re grilling, chilling, pooling and celebrating with friends.

Gray Whale Gin on the Rock-ets

Ingredients:

3 oz Gray Whale Gin

1 red, white and blue popsicle

Method:

Pour Gray Whale Gin in a glass. Dip popsicle + enjoy! 

The Roughneck Colada

Ingredients:

1 oz Duke Bourbon

½ oz Atlantico Reserva

½ oz Fresh Lime Juice

½ oz Coconut Cream

½ oz Orange Juice

1 oz Pineapple Juice

8-10 Leaves of Fresh Mint

½ oz Float of Fernet Branca

Garnish: Fresh Pineapple, Amarena Cherry, Mint Sprig

Method:

Roll mint and drop into an empty collins glass then top with crushed ice, shake 1-6 with ice and strain over the crushed ice then top with Fernet Branca.

Chandon American Summer Brut Spritz

3 parts Chandon Limited-Edition American Summer Brut

 2 parts quality Italian Aperitif 

1 part Sparkling Water 

Method:

Add Italian Aperitif to wine glass with ice. Add splash of sparkling water and stir. Top with Chandon. Garnish with an orange wheel.

The Rainbow Crush

Credit: @spiritandspoon

Ingredients:

To create the ‘Rainbow Crush’ cocktail each layer is created separately

Red layer: 1/2 oz Gray Whale Gin + 1/2 oz pureed blackberries + 1/4 oz lemon juice

Blue Layer: 1/2 oz Gray Whale Gin + 1/4 oz fresh squeezed yuzu + 1 tsp Blue Green Algae powder + 1/2 oz simple syrup

Green Layer: 1/2 oz Gray Whale Gin +1/2 oz pressed cucumber juice + 1/2 oz simple syrup

Orange Layer: 1/2 oz Gray Whale Gin + 1/2 oz pureed mango + 3/4 oz lime juice

Garnish: Peychaud's bitters

Method:

Gently shake each layer's ingredients, strain into a collins glass and top each layer with crushed iced as you go. Top with Peychaud’s bitters.

Summer Vibes with Hendrick's Gin | Limited Edition Midsummer Solstice x BloomsyBox Cocktail Recipes

The only gin I love? Hendrick’s Gin, of course. Summer is basically here and it’s time to stop and smell the flowers! Hendrick’s Gin is celebrating its newly launched Midsummer Solstice Gin with an announcement of custom bouquets from BloomsyBox.

Last month, Hendrick’s Gin released Midsummer Solstice, a small batch, limited-edition gin curiously crafted with an arrangement of floral essences selected to complement the Hendrick’s original house style. Now, Hendrick’s is bringing Midsummer Solstice to life by unveiling a partnership with sustainable flower delivery service, BloomsyBox! The collaboration features gorgeous custom bouquets ready to order, inspired by the delightfully floral Midsummer Solstice Gin.

 To get in the Midsummer Solstice spirit, here are 4 vibrant, delightful libations to enjoy and kick off this exciting collaboration.

Hendrick’s Midsummer Mimosa

As prepared by Mattias Horseman, Hendrick’s Gin Ambassador

Ingredients:

• 1 part Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice

• 2 parts Orange Juice

• 2 parts Sparkling Wine

• Garnish with Orange Slice

Hendrick’s Pocket Full of Posies 

 As prepared by Mark Stoddard, Hendrick’s Gin Ambassador

Ingredients:

• 1 part Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice

• 5 parts Grapefruit Juice (Red)

• Garnish with Grapefruit Slice

• Salt Rim Optional

Hendrick’s Midsummer Spritz

 As prepared by Sebastien Derbomez

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ parts Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice

• ½ part Elderflower

• Top with Soda

• Squeeze of Lemon

• Garnish with Flowers & Cucumber

Hendrick’s SuperBloom Punch

Created by Mark Stoddard, Hendrick’s Gin Ambassador

Ingredients:

• 1 part Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice

• 2/3 part Hibiscus Tea

• 1/2 part Lemon Juice

• 1/2 part Lillet Rose (or Cocchi Rosato)

• 1/4 part Simple Syrup

• 1/4 part Crème de Cassis

• 1 part Sparkling Water

Combine ingredients in punch bowl over large block of ice and stir. Garnish with a combination of fresh berries & edible flowers.

Ringing in Memorial Day Weekend with the Malibu Lime Escape Libation

If there is one liquor that embodies summer, it’s easily Malibu Rum. All the Caribbean vibes! Just in time for summer, Malibu has a new rum to add to its delish roster of flavors: Lime! Malibu Lime has a bold and juicy taste with a fresh lime finish. I am so excited to share with you guys the Malibu Lime Escape, a slushy libation with all the flavors of summer all in one glass. But what gives it that island-y tang is the Malibu Lime! I think I may have found my drink of the summer, and hopefully it becomes yours too! Whether you’re sitting poolside this weekend or hosting a big party with friends, this cocktail is sure to be a major crowd pleaser. Just make sure you’ve got some re-fills on deck!

Malibu Lime Escape

Glass: 

Footed goblet

Ingredients:

1.5 parts Malibu Lime

2 parts Pineapple Juice

.75 part Coco Lopez

.5 part Lime Juice

Method: 

Blend with a cup of ice on “high” for 30 seconds

Garnish: 

Pineapple Wedge, Cherry

2 Altos Plata Libations to Celebrate With This Cinco De Mayo

Cinco De Mayo has to be one of my top favorite holidays. The main reason being that it’s all about tequila and I am SUCH a tequila girl! I recently discovered Altos Plata Tequila and couldn’t be more excited to create some classic Cinco De Mayo cocktails using it.

Altos Tequila Plata is made from 100% blue agave grown in the Los Altos highlands of Mexico. Complete with herbal notes of cooked agave, Plata is slightly citric and sweet with a fruity aroma. It's a classic tequila for the modern world.

Classic tequila with a twist? I am sooo into it. Here are two cocktails using Altos Plata that are not only perfect for Cinco De Mayo, but for all year round!

Crafted Paloma

Ingredients:

  2 parts Altos Plata

  2 part Fresh Grapefruit Juice

 1 part Lemon Juice 

  ½ part Agave Syrup

  Pinch of Salt

Method:

   Frost the glass rim with salt and crushed pink peppercorns.

    Pour all the ingredients except the grapefruit juice into the glass.

 Mix using the ALTOS molinillo to dissolve the agave syrup.

  Fill the glass with ice and finish with the pink grapefruit juice.

  Garnish with half slice of pink grapefruit.

Tommy’s Margarita

Ingredients: 

   2 parts Altos Plata

    1 part Fresh Lime Juice

   ½ part Agave Syrup

    Lime Wedge for garnish

Method: 

 Build up all the ingredients in a shaker with ice.

 Shake, and strain into an ice-filled cup. 

   Garnish with a lime slice on top.

Trick Or Treat | Tequila Avion Gummy Bear Jello Shots

Happy Halloween! Ummmmm HOW is it Halloween? Crazy how time flies - but I felt like ‘Ween has been over since Saturday. I went to Just Jared’s annual Halloween party and dressed up as a chic 80s mom (yeah, IDK either) and have been over it since LOL. However, one thing I LOVE is Halloween cocktails. They are just even more fun than regular ones so I always get excited every year.

This year, things are getting REAL sweet: my treat to all of you is tequila-infused gummy bear jello shots! Now this is how you celebrate a grown up Halloween successfully! Check out my recipe to make at home to celebrate all things spooky!

GUMMY BEAR SYRUP

(Makes about one cup)

Ingredients:

1 cup - Gummy Bears (Your choice in flavor - I did half cherry half lemon. Get creative!)

1 ½ cups - Water

1 pinch - Citric Acid

1 pinch - Salt

Method:

     Prepare a double boiler. 

 Add the Gummy Bears and the water to the top of the boiler. 

   Let Gummy Bears slowly melt into the water, stirring occasionally. 

  Once they are completely incorporated, transfer the mixture into a separate saucepan. 

  Add citric acid and salt and bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

     Once the mixture has reduced to 1 cup, you’re ready to build the shots.

THE JELLO SHOT

1 cup - Tequila Avión Silver

1 cup - Gummy Bear Syrup

1/3 cup - Powdered Gelatin (This is about half of what you’d normally use in a Jello shot, but since there’s gelatin in the Gummy Bears, you don’t need so much.) 

Method:

  Add the Tequila Avión to the Gummy Bear Syrup while it’s still hot enough that it hasn’t started to set. Slowly whisk in gelatin, so that there are no big clumps. 

   Prepare your serving vessels by spraying the insides of them lightly with olive oil cooking spray, so the shots will release more easily when they’re set up. 

   Transfer the mixture into a pourable container and pour into the prepared serving vessels. 

    Place vessels in refrigerator and let set up (about 2 hours). 

  When they’re fully set, they’re ready to enjoy!