Fall in Love with Seagram's Escapes Valentine's Day Cocktails

Valentine's Day has always been one of my favorite holidays! Seriously, from the time I was super. young, I would always have Valentine's Day parties. I was known for it among my friends! Something about all the fun you can have with everything pink, red, white and gold... the flowers, the hearts, the flirty fun and of course the love! 

Despite people nicknaming the holiday "Singles Awareness Day," I have never thought of this holiday as anything but positive, fun and something to look forward to each year. Now, as a 25 year old who still gets excited for February 14th, I turn up the V-Day party with Seagram's Escapes!!! 

Seagram's Escapes are super colorful and PERFECT for your Valentine's Day party... or Galentine's Day if you're celebrating with your girls! These drinks set up at your bar area or entertaining table look so adorable surrounded by lots of hearts, conversation heart candies, bouquets, rose petals, and fairy lights for the ultimate flirtatious occasion! 

Here's some of my favorite super simple (and ready in less than 5 minutes!) Seagram's Escapes V-Day cocktail recipes that mix great, taste sweet and will be so good, the drink itself will seduce you to have another!

Wild For You

Ingredients:

4oz.  Seagram’s Escapes Wild Berries

2oz.  Champagne

Total Calypso of The Heart

Ingredients:

1 Bottle Seagram’s Escapes Calypso Colada

4oz Spiced Rum

24oz Pineapple Juice

We're Peachy In Love

Ingredients:

Seagram’s Escapes Peach Fuzzy Navel

Vodka

Jamaican Me In Love

Ingredients:

4oz Seagram’s Escapes Jamaican Me Happy

2oz Tequila

Splash of Lime Juice and Agave

The Valentine Daiquiri

Ingredients:

4oz Seagram’s Escapes Strawberry Daiquiri

2oz Vodka

2oz Seltzer

Splash of Agave

 

Sealed With A Blueberry Kiss

Ingredients:

4oz Seagram's Escapes Blueberry Acai Lemonade

2oz Gin

Splash of Lemon Juice

Photography by: Rebecca Gnasso

Horoscope Cocktails 2018

What good is a zodiac sign if it can't be used to determine something as important and essential as a person's ideal cocktail order? This time, your poison picks you. Introducing.... horoscope cocktails!!! Is anyone else crazy obsessed with their zodiac sign? Well, even if you're not I bet you can't help but wonder which delicious cocktail is your match. I know I'm about to make my Gemini drink right now!!!

Capricorn (December 22nd-January 19th) 

Qualities: Loyal, Straightforward, Ambitious

Cocktail: Ruffino Negroni

Ingredients:

    1 oz. Sweet Vermouth

   1 oz. Campari

   1 oz. Ruffino Prosecco

   Glass: Rocks

    Garnish: Orange wedge

Directions:

Combine vermouth and Campari in an ice-filled glass. Top with sparkling wine, stir to combine and garnish.

 

Aquarius (January 20th-February 18th) 

Qualities: Witty, Trendsetter, Innovative

Cocktail: Not Your Average Cocktail

Ingredients:

4 oz Kim Crawford Pinot Noir

3 Tbsp powdered baking cocoa or sweet ground chocolate

3 oz hot coffee

3/4 oz crème de cacao (brown or white)

3/4 oz crème de menthe

dollop whipped cream (optional)

Directions:

Pre-warm small insulated "shot" cups. 

In a saucepan, combine baking cocoa with hot coffee to make into a rich syrup. 

Add crème de cacao and Kim Crawford Pinot Noir and stir until ingredients are hot. 

Pour into pre-warmed cups in 2-3 oz servings. 

Garnish with a small dollop of whipped cream (optional).

Pisces (February 19th-March 20th) 

Qualities: Alluring, Imaginative, Free-Spirited

Cocktail: Kim De La Crème

Ingredients:

1 bottle Kim Crawford Rosé, well chilled

3 cups sliced strawberries

1/3 cup sugar 

Club soda 

1 carton vanilla ice cream

Edible flowers to garnish 

Directions:

Makes 5 servings. In a medium bowl mix the strawberries and sugar. Cover and let sit for 30-90 mins mixing occasionally. Divide the strawberries and any kuices between 5 rocks glasses, add wine and a splash of club soda. Top with a generous scoop of ice cream. Garnish with your favorite edible flowers.

Aries (March 21st-April 19th) 

Qualities: Assertive, Brave, Optimistic

Cocktail: Spicy Buck

Ingredients:

       2 oz Casa Noble Reposado Tequila

     2 thin slices jalapeño

      1 Tbsp sliced ginger

    1 oz lemon juice

  0.75 oz simple syrup

     Ginger ale or ginger beer

      Dash bitters

     Lemon wedge

Directions:

Muddle jalapeño, ginger, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker; add ice.

Shake until chilled.

Strain into glass over ice, top with ginger ale or ginger beer; add bitters.

Garnish with lemon wedge.

Taurus (April 20th-May 20th)  

Qualities: Reliable, Patient, Generous

Cocktail: Matcha Tea-Sur

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp matcha green tea powder

1/2 cup hot water

1/4 cup Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc

1 Tbsp sugar 

Gold leaf for garnish

Single serving

Directions:

Whisk matcha powder with water using bamboo whisk until smooth.

Mix Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc with sugar. Combine tea and wine mixture. Garnish with gold leaf.

Gemini (May 21st-June 21st) 

Qualities: Sociable, Energetic, Adoptable

Cocktail: Spiced Moon Martini

Ingredients:

2 oz Kim Crawford Pinot Noir

1 oz aged rum 

3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 oz Spiced Honey Syrup, warm (See instructions)

1/2 oz egg white

Freshly grated cinnamon for garnish

Spiced Honey Syrup

1 cup water 

1 cup honey 

4 cinnamon sticks

Peel from half of orange

6 cloves 

Directions:

Add all ingredients except cinnamon to a cocktail tin and shake until you feel the mixture foaming. Add ice to the tin and shake hard for 10-15 seconds. Double-strain into a chilled cocktail glass, sprinkle with cinnamon, and serve.

Spiced Honey Syrup

Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until warm and fragrant. (Avoid overcooking, as the syrup should not reduce and thicken.) Remove from heat; strain and discard solids. The syrup can be refrigerated for up to two weeks. However, it should be gently rewarmed to create the cocktail.

Cancer (June 22nd-July 22nd)  

Qualities: Family-oriented, Practical, Friendly

Cocktail: Cherry Cobbler Freeze

Ingredients:

      1½ parts SVEDKA Cherry 

   ½ part amaretto

 1 scoop vanilla ice cream

  ½ cup of ice

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a blender, add ice and blend on high for 10-20 seconds. Pour into a chilled Coupe glass. Garnish with cured cherries and candied almonds staggered on a metal skewer.

Leo (July 23rd-August 22nd)  

Qualities: Confident, Creative, Popular

Cocktail: Jalapeño Delight (Blinker)

Ingredients:

2 parts SVEDKA Grapefruit Jalapeño

¾ part grenadine

¾ part grapefruit juice

Directions:

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with grapefruit peel.

Virgo (August 23rd-September 22nd)  

Qualities: Analytical, Ambitious, Precise

Cocktail: In Noble Fashion

Ingredients:

  1.5 oz Casa Noble Reposado Tequila

   0.5 oz ancho chili liqueur

    0.25 oz simple syrup

   2 dashes orange bitters

  2 drops molé bitters

   Orange peel

Directions:

Combine all ingredients, except orange peel, into mixing glass and stir.
Strain into glass over ice.
Squeeze orange peel; rub around rim and drop into glass.

Libra (September 23rd-October 22nd) 

Qualities: Graceful, Lavish, Balanced

Cocktail: Peach Thyme Bellini

Ingredients:

    1 part peach puree 

   3 parts Ruffino Prosecco

One drop of bitters

 Sprig of thyme

Directions:

Place peach puree into the bottom of a chilled champagne flute. Fill glass with prosecco, add bitters, and stir. Garnish with thyme.

Scorpio (October 23rd-November 21st)  

Qualities: Passionate, Powerful, Dynamic

Cocktail: Mexican Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

4 oz Kim Crawford Pinot Noir

2 oz dairy milk or non-dairy milk (almond is a good option)

3 Tbsp powdered baking cocoa

1 oz coffee liqueur

1 Tbsp brown sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Pinch chili powder

Directions:

Pre-warm an 8-10 oz coffee mug.In a saucepan, combine chocolate powder and brown sugar with milk to make into a rich syrup. Add coffee liqueur and Kim Crawford Pinot Noir. Stir until ingredients are hot. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. Pour into pre-warmed mug and garnish with whole cinnamon stick and pinch of chili powder.

Sagittarius (November 22nd-December 21st) 

Qualities: Positive, Loving, Open Minded 

Cocktail: Electric Light

Ingredients:

1½ parts SVEDKA Blue Raspberry

½ part coconut water

2 parts blue sports drink

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a rock glass*. Stir to mix. Garnish with a lemon disc.

*Tilted Ice Instructions: Pour water halfway in a rocks glass. Set glass in muffin tray and freeze it sideways.

The Gilded Bellini's Naturally Naughty Hot Chocolate

Just because the holidays are over doesn't mean all the cozy winter activities have to end. What else do we really have to get us through the cold these next few months anyway?!

One winter staple I always look forward to each year is a GOOD hot chocolate. But, why sip on a toasty hot chocolate knowing that it can be even smoother and more delicious with a little spike of your favorite liqueur? 

I always have struggled with trying to decide on the perfect way to spike a hot chocolate. Sometimes I want to go with a creamier, sweeter route while other times I want to try something a little more potent. If you're like me, then I'm so excited to share with you a few of my favorite liqueur and liquor options for any kind of mood you're in! And, of course my special hot chocolate recipe. 

What's special about THIS spiked hot chocolate might you ask? It's quick to make and is a bit more on the more natural, healthier side! I may indulge but I always try to do it in the healthiest way I can. Aside from the strong stuff, the ingredients are simple and you can pronounce them all (this is one thing I look for in anything I consume, even the sweets)! 

Annnnd I put the hot chocolate in my chic Moscow Muled mugs. I love serving in these because they're not only beautiful, but are made of 100% pure high-grade food-safe copper. In order to protect your health, the interior of all of Moscow Muled's copper mugs are lined with high-grade nickel The handles are also welded rather than riveted which ensures that your mug will be water-tight and leak free. 

The Gilded Bellini's Naturally Naughty Hot Chocolate

Ingredients: 

Sillycow Farms Hot Chocolate

Dandies All-Natural Marshmallows

Almond Milk (I personally like Califia Farms) or your favorite milk

Liqueur and Liquor Options:

Fernet-Branca

Caffe Borghetti

Slow and Low Rock & Rye

Kerrygold Irish Cream

Directions: 

Heat your milk until it is hot. Then, take 2 table spoons of hot chocolate powder and mix until dissolved and the liquid is a bit frothy. Add 1 oz. of your favorite liquor or spirit. Top off with marshmallows and a dash of cinnamon. 

TIP: If you're using Moscow Muled mugs, be sure to heat the hot chocolate prior! Copper mugs are not microwave safe :)

Photography by: Katherine Mateus

The Campari On The Rocks | Cocktail Bling Recipe

I know when that COCKTAIL BLING! Isn't that how the song goes?? Cc: Drake. Kidding. But it should!!! 

But do I love me some Campari! I am so excited about The Campari on the Rocks: a new, limited edition collaboration between confectionary creator extraordinaire Sweet Saba and Campari. 

The stylish crystal candy ring has the unmistakable color and flavor of everyone’s favorite Italian icon, Campari, and does double duty as a “cocktail ring,” able to be worn alone or garnished in a cocktail. 

You can find the ring now through the holiday season on SweetSaba.com for $62. 10% of proceeds will benefit City Harvest, a nonprofit that rescues excess food from restaurants and retailers and distributes to the hungry.

Here's the recipe created by NYC’s Pamela Wiznitzer to be garnished with the Campari on the Rocks! I think this may actually be the most fabulous drink ever....

Cocktail Bling

Created by Pam Wiznitzer, Creative Director of Seamstress (NYC)

Ingredients:
3/4 oz Campari
1.5 oz SKYY Vodka
1 oz Lemon-infused Cinzano Bianco*

Directions:

Stir ingredients in mixing glass with ice and strain into a coupe glass over crushed ice. Garnish with edible gold flake and, if desired, Campari on the Rocks candy ring from Sweet Saba.

* Lemon-infused Cinzano Bianco: Slice four lemons and let them steep in one bottle’s worth of vermouth overnight. Strain back into bottle and keep refrigerated.

Get Into The Holiday Spirit with My Favorite Festive Cocktail Recipes

If it's one thing about the holiday season, it's that I look forward to all the fun festive cocktails that come out of Winter Wonderland that have been in hiding all year long!!! Is there nothing better that spiked egg nog or that hint of peppermint in your cocktail? Like many other people, the holidays often seem to lose their sparkle as the years go on. I hate for that to happen, so if Christmas cocktails are one of the few things to keep the magic of the season alive every year, I am ALL for it!!! Here are a few of my favorites that I know I'll be sipping on in the next few weeks despite the weather being 80 degrees here in LA every day. That 50 degree night chill totally justifies getting cozy and cuddling up with one of these! I think I have become a little TOO adjusted to this west coast weather! ;) Cheers! 

TRULY EGG NOG

Created by Natasha David, Nitecap

Ingredients: 

1 oz. Spiced Rum
1 oz. Vanilla Almond Milk
1 tsp. Stevia Powder
1 Egg White
4 oz. Truly Spiked & Sparkling Colima Lime
Grated Nutmeg

Directions:
Combine spiced rum, vanilla almond milk, stevia powder and egg white in a cocktail shake. Begin by shaking without ice to incorporate all ingredients. Next, add ice to the cocktail shaker and continue to shake. Strain the liquid into a  Collins glass without ice and top with Truly Spiked & Sparkling Colima Lime. Garnish with grated nutmeg.

WINTER ROSE

Created by: Nick Mautone

Ingredients:

2 oz Haikara Yuzu or Haikara Momo
½ oz rum
1 oz Lime Juice
Dash of Simple Syrup
Dash of Rose Water
Dash of Lavender Bitters
Ginger Ale for topping

Cranberries or orange peel (for garnish)

Directions:
Add all ingredients, except ginger ale, to a cocktail shaker, add ice and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosted and beaded with sweat.
Strain into rocks glass. Top with Ginger Ale and garnish.

BACARDi GINGER SNAP

Ingredients:

1 part BACARDÍ Superior or BACARDÍ Gold Rum

2 parts Ginger Ale

1 lime wedge

Method:

 Fill a tall highball glass with ice. Pour BACARDI Superior or Gold into glass. Add ginger ale, and gently stir before serving. Garnish with a lime wedge (optional: dash of bitters).  

WINTER WHITE 75

Ingredients:

1.5 oz. NOLET’S Silver Gin

.5 oz. Lemon Juice

.5 oz. Simple Sugar

1 oz. White Cranberry Juice

Champagne to top

Garnish: Rosemary and Cranberry sprig dusted with powdered sugar

Directions:

Fill shaker with NOLET’S, lemon juice, simple syrup, white cranberry juice and 1 cup of ice

Shake hard to chill and combine ingredients

Fine strain into coupe or flute

Top with champagne

Garnish with rosemary cranberry sprig

CANDY CANE KORBEL

Created by Jeremy Oertel

Ingredients:

1 oz. White Crème de Cacao

4 oz. Korbel California Brut

White Chocolate, melted

Peppermint Candy Cane, crushed

TOPSY TURVY

Ingredients:

2 oz Carpano Antica

1 oz Lock Stock & Barrel Rye

1 tsp. Borghetti Coffee Liqueur

1 dash Mole Bitters (preferably Bittermens)

Directions:

Stir, Strain

Glass: Nick & Nora

Garnish: Orange Twist

BAHAMA BREEZE COQUITO

Ingredients:

4 oz. Castillo Silver Rum

6 oz. evaporated milk

6.5 oz. coconut milk

5 oz. sweetened condensed milk

1 oz. Coco Lopez, Cream of Coconut

1/8 tsp. cinnamon, ground

1 cup of ice

Directions:

Combine the rum, cream of coconut, evaporated milk, coconut milk and condensed milk in a cocktail shaker full of ice. Shake and strain into four chilled martini glasses, and garnish with cinnamon.

Recipe serves four.