Archive for the ‘Drinks’ Category
November 23, 2007
Flickr Photo Credit: Justin Russell
A friend just sent this link for great crockpot beverage recipes. It has some really fun ideas for hot drinks. Great for the holidays, or any cold weather event. Since we use the crockpot so often at our house, I’m always on the lookout for new ideas. We especially like to use it for having yummy things on the ready for drop by company and “serve yourself” types of treats. Feel free to post any other hot drink recipes you feel are noteworthy.
July 23, 2007
Flickr Photo Credit: Pamela White
It’s not fancy, but this is what we do when we are in the sticks with limited access to fresh citrus produce. One regular beverage pitcher, one cup of Real Lemon concentrated juice, water to fill up the pitcher, and Splenda or sugar to taste. Stir it up and chill.
We also like to use the generic frozen concentrates as well, particularly for frozen slush cocktail drinks . When we are out of those, we use the above recipe as we always have some of the lemon concentrate on hand for marinades and lemon sauces.
June 29, 2007
Flickr Photo Credit: Szlea
This brand of Tequila also has a companion nectar that makes a great mixed drink. Lighter than most, it seemed to lack the obnoxious “bite” many brands have. Partida comes in light, medium and golden. Not bad. You can find recipes to use this Tequila in various cocktails at http://www.talkdrinks.com .
June 29, 2007
Photo Credit: Colangelo & Partners PR
This new brand of spirits had a much lighter aroma at first opening and this carried over to the first beverage David and I mixed. The product literature had specifically focused upon the differences in production for this gin, and I knew this would have some effect on the flavor. Because of this, I felt it was important to go with a more basic drink recipe using simple ingredients. It was the fairest way I could see to put the full focus of the tasting on the flavor of the product.
The first drink? A simple gin and tonic with a squeeze of lime. I have to say, as someone who has had to really work at “acquiring the taste” for gin, this product would have made the process much easier. The flavor is much more palatable. We also tried a gin and lemonade slush for the freezer. Initial verdict? Thumbs up.
June 20, 2007
Flickr Photo Credit: Ninja Poodles
I love these in the morning! They are extra fun with frozen banana slices, but regular bananas are fine too. Just put the equivalent of 2-3 bananas in the blender along with a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter. Add enough skim milk to get your desired thickness, and blend away. These are a yummy way to get fruit, calcium and protein all in one. Grab a straw and you’re good to go!
June 20, 2007
Flickr Photo Credit: I Find Karma
I had forgotten about these until we brought home some seltzer water yesterday to try out a pink lemonade and vodka slush freezer concoction. They are simple, affordable, and use a mixer that has no calories and no aspartame. The ones I made were with a basic boxed blush wine / zinfandel mixed half and half with a lemon seltzer water. Very crisp and light. I actually preferred this mixture to the regular wine. As with the mulled wine and sangria recipes, spritzers are typically created with a less expensive wine. Great for summer luncheons!
June 18, 2007
Flickr Photo Credit: Multitrack
One of our Christmas traditions is for my husband to have a bottle of Bailey’s under the tree so we can have it with our coffee on Christmas morning. Kahlua is also a great addition to coffee, especially with a little canned whipped cream and some shaved chocolate. When compiling egg nog recipes last night, I ran across a recipe for an egg nog latte. That prompted (of course) an interest in seeing what was out there for coffee cocktail recipes. Here’s what I found:
- Here’s a recipe for Cajun coffee, which calls for rum and molasses. Having grown up Acadian in northern Maine, this coffee recipe is part of my heritage.
- Here’s one for a dramatic flaming coffee drink to serve at an evening dinner party.
- This page has a long list of hot coffee cocktail drinks.
- Lots of recipes here. Quite a long list of unusual coffee drinks.
Having a morning coffee cocktail party is a great way to get together for brunch foods and business ideas. Having a play group activity in your yard? Let the moms relax while the kiddos are building snowmen. (Just make sure someone’s the designated driver!)
June 18, 2007
Flickr Photo Credit: Tanakawho
These are a great drink to make on a winter day. To make a snuggler, just put a shot or so of butterscotch schnapps into a mug of hot chocolate. It’s literally like drinking a candy bar. Yummy! For a peppermint patty cocktail, add a jigger of clear creme de menthe instead.
These should get you on your way to having a nice selection of hot drinks to offer at your next cold weather gathering.
June 18, 2007
Flickr Photo Credit: Theogeo
I love making these drinks for a special brunch or holiday breakfast. I’m sure there are more elaborate recipes out there, but all I’ve ever done is mix half champagne and half orange juice. If I’m feeling like I want to get really fancy, I slice a large strawberry up the middle part way and use it to decorate the rim of the glass. As with the sangria and the mulled wine recipes, you don’t need a really expensive champagne to do this. If you pick up a bunch of bottles after the holiday sales, you could have enough for the rest of the year, depending on how many morning brunch or breakfast parties you host. These are also nice for a breakfast in bed on anniversaries or Valentine’s Day.
June 17, 2007
Flickr Photo Credit: Decor8
Since I had several other egg nog recipes posted, I decided to see if I could find any unique and “to die for” ones online. Here’s what I came up with. Can’t wait to try these come autumn!
I hope these help with your various party plans. If you have any others you think are absolutely unique, healthy or just plain great, feel free to post!