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Holiday Sangria Gift Basket and Recipe

Holiday Sangria Gift Basket and Recipe

’tis the season for gift giving, parties with friends and some good laughs over a bottle of wine. I am sharing a Holiday Sangria Gift Basket and Recipe to bring a little extra joy to your holiday season! If you need a gift to bring a hostess, something creative for a gift exchange or just a great recipe to entertain friends, I have you covered!

The season is full of gatherings with family, dinner parties and work functions. A bottle of  Chardonnay is the perfect to bring or amp it up with an entire Holiday Sangria Gift Basket.

Holiday Sangria Gift Basket

Creating a beautiful Holiday Sangria Gift Basket is a breeze! Include as many as the items from the list below within the basket so it can be used same day.

Holiday Sangria Gift Basket Checklist:

  • Basket
  • Mixing spoon
  • Small rosemary plant (I placed mine in a stemless wine glass)
  • Hand towel
  • Pitcher (optional)
  • Fruits- apple, orange, pear, cranberries
  • Small container with sugar
  • Small container with vodka or a mini bottle
  • 12 ounce ginger ale
  • 8 ounce bottle apple juice
  • Recipe card
  • Wine glasses (optional)
  • Bottle of chardonnay

Print the recipe card below to add to your Holiday Sangria Gift Basket!

Holiday Sangria Recipe

This Holiday Sangria Recipe is made with freshly diced pears and apples, sliced oranges, cranberries, juice, ginger ale and a chardonnay. Add in some vodka for extra kick and fragrant rosemary to complete the drink. This Holiday Sangria really simple to throw together for entertaining for to enjoy with a friend on the weekend.

Tip

Make sure every glass served has some of the fresh fruit from the pitcher. The fruit soaks up a lot of the alcohol and tastes great!

Holiday sangria, christmas cocktail, christmas drinks, chardonnay, how to make a sangria, gift basket idea, wine lovers gift basket, what to bring a hostess for party
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Holiday Sangria

This Holiday Sangria Recipe is made with freshly diced pears and apples, sliced oranges, cranberries, juice, ginger ale and a chardonnay. Add in some vodka for extra kick and fragrant rosemary to complete the drink.
Course Drinks
Author Amber

Ingredients

  • 1 pear, diced
  • 1 apple, diced
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 8 ounces apple juice
  • 12 ounces ginger ale
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vodka
  • 1 bottle chardonnay
  • rosemary

Instructions

  • Dice the pear and apple. Slice the orange. Add to pitcher along with the fresh cranberries.
  • Pour in the ginger ale, apple juice and vodka.
  • Add sugar. Stir.
  • Add a bottle of Chardonnay and a sprig of rosemary. Let sit in fridge for one hour.
  • Serve over ice.

What are your plans for enjoying this holiday season with friends? Let me know in the comments below.

Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

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Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is made with whole milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, maple syrup and white chocolate chips for a hot treat that is a must-make this fall season!

What screams fall more than pumpkin spice?

…….well……

…….hmmm……

…….uhm……

Oh that’s right- nothing! This Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is a nice twist from a regular hot chocolate with the added pumpkin and perfect to serve for a crowd on Thanksgiving, prepare while the kids are out trick-or-treating or any other upcoming gathering this season. I am making this again for my family when we head out to the pumpkin patch in the next couple weeks as a warm treat when we get back home to sip as we carve pumpkins. I cannot wait!

Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is really easy to cook up in the slow cooker. You simply dump all the ingredients in, let it cook on low for 3 hours and stir as often as possible.

When the chocolate has melted and the liquid is heated thoroughly, you can serve with a dollop of whipping cream and some cinnamon sugar sprinkled over top. Add a cinnamon stick for a garnish if you would like and enjoy.

 

Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

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Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate, hot chocolate for a crowd, Thanksgiving recipe, pumpkin spice recipe

Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is made with whole milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, maple syrup and white chocolate chips for a hot treat that is a must-make this fall season! 

Yields: 10 servings

  • Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
  • 8 cups whole milk (1/2 gallon)
  • 15 ounces pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoon pumpkin spice
  • 12 ounces white chocolate chips
  • Cinnamon sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • Garnish
  • Whipping cream
  • Cinnamon sugar
  • Cinnamon stick
  1. Place the whole milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, pumpkin spice and chocolate chips into a 4 quart crock-pot. I actually used my 3 quart crock-pot but it was a tight squeeze so a bit larger would be ideal.
  2. Place on low for 3 hours stirring every so often. Once the chocolate chips have melted and liquid is hot, you can serve.
  3. Make the cinnamon sugar by adding sugar and cinnamon into a bowl and mixing.
  4. Serve the pumpkin spice hot chocolate by filling a mug 3/4 the way full, top with whipping cream, sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon sugar and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
  • Preparation time: 5 minutes
  • Cook time: 3 hours

Are you a big pumpkin spice lover like myself? If so, you are going to fall in love with this Crock-pot Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate.


Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer

Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer

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The Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer is made with fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries muddled with vodka and poured over ice with a lemon-lime sparkling water for a refreshing cocktail with few calories and a lot of flavor.

Hot summer days call for a cocktail with simplicity, low calorie and leaves you completely refreshed. This Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer does just that! Bonus that this cocktail is also beautiful and would be great for hosting a get together with girlfriends.

Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer

This Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer is really simple to create. All you need:

Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer

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The Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer is made with fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries muddled with vodka and poured over ice with a lemon-lime sparkling water for a refreshing cocktail with few calories and a lot of flavor. 

  • 2 blueberries
  • 2 raspberries
  • 1 strawberry
  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 6 ounces sparkling water lemon-lime
  • ice
  • Garnish
  • 1 Strawberry
  • 1 lime slice
  • 2 blueberries
  • 2 raspberries
  1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle 2 blueberries, 2 raspberries and 1 sliced strawberry.
  2. Add 2 ounces vodka and 2 ounces sparkling water.
  3. Shake and strain into a glass over ice.
  4. Top off with more sparkling water.
  5. Garnish with a couple more berries, slice of lime and strawberry.
  6. Serve.


Coconut Caramel Latte Breakfast Smoothie

Coconut Caramel Latte Breakfast Smoothie

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SweetenYourSummer #CollectiveBias

The Coconut Caramel Latte Breakfast Smoothie is delicious mix of almond milk, frozen banana, yogurt, oats, espresso, protein powder, COFFEE-MATE® Coconut Caramel Latte Liquid Coffee Creamer and a dollop of Reddi-wip Original Whipped Topping to help make summer mornings a little sweeter.

Summer has just began and we are on a path for some steaming hot weather the next few months. One of my favorite ways to stay cool during the summer is with breakfast smoothies like our Strawberry Vanilla Smoothie! A refreshing drink to start the morning is just what one needs to beat this summer heat.

Walmart is my one stop shop for everything I need to cool off this summer, starting with all my ingredients for a Coconut Caramel Latte Breakfast Smoothie.

Ingredients needed for your Coconut Caramel Latte Breakfast Smoothie:

  • Almond milk
  • Yogurt, plain
  • Old fashioned oats
  • Bananas
  • Caramel sauce
  • Coconut
  • Coffee
  • COFFEE-MATE® Coconut Caramel Latte Liquid Coffee Creamer
  • Reddi-wip Original Whipped Topping
  • Protein powder(optional)

#ad Coconut Caramel Latte Breakfast Smoothie made with COFFEE-MATE® Coconut Caramel Latte Liquid Coffee Creamer and a dollop of Reddi-wip Original Whipped Topping, #SweetenYourSummer,

COFFEE-MATE® has NEW unique flavors including COFFEE-MATE® Coconut Caramel Latte Liquid Coffee Creamer. Also look for these flavors and think beyond the coffee mug:

  • COFFEE-MATE® Cookies & Cream Liquid Coffee Creamer may be the perfect addition for family milkshakes.
  • COFFEE-MATE® Toasted Marshmallow Mocha Liquid Coffee Creamer would make an awesome frosting on top of espresso brownies for a treat with an energy boost.

Looking for classic flavors? You can always find your favorite COFFEE-MATE® flavors such as French Vanilla, Italian Sweet Cream or Hazelnut at Walmart in the refrigerator section to bring the coffeehouse flavor right to your own kitchen.

No summer smoothie, milkshake or treat is complete without a dollop of extra fun with Reddi-wip Original Whipped Topping made from real cream. You just add a little and enjoy a lot.

Get more recipe inspiration to sweeten your summer by clicking HERE.

Coconut Caramel Latte Breakfast Smoothie

Coconut Caramel Latte Breakfast Smoothie has my favorite morning foods like banana, coffee and almond milk blended into a super tasty smoothie with COFFEE-MATE® Coconut Caramel Latte Liquid Coffee Creamer and Reddi-wip Original Whipped Topping for a dollop of fun.

Creating this smoothie begins with brewing your favorite coffee. You can either make espresso or extra strong brew and let it cool. Once the coffee has cooled, pour into an ice cube tray. Place the tray into freezer for at least 2 hours or until completely frozen. Also, prep the banana by peeling, slicing and placing into freezer. It is best to prep the night before and make extra to enjoy all week long.

Once the coffee and banana is frozen, you can create your Coconut Caramel Latte Breakfast Smoothie. Place the frozen coffee cubes, banana, almond milk, oats, yogurt and COFFEE-MATE® Coconut Caramel Latte Liquid Coffee Creamer into blender. Blend until smooth and pour into a glass with a caramel and coconut rim. The recipe below is for two servings so take a glass to a neighbor to share or cut recipe in half.

This isn’t complete without a dollop of Reddi-wip Original Whipped Topping. Grab yourself a straw and enjoy every sip.

Coconut Caramel Latte Breakfast Smoothie

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#ad Coconut Caramel Latte Breakfast Smoothie made with COFFEE-MATE® Coconut Caramel Latte Liquid Coffee Creamer and a dollop of Reddi-wip Original Whipped Topping, #SweetenYourSummer,

The Coconut Caramel Latte Breakfast Smoothie is delicious mix of almond milk, frozen banana, yogurt, oats, espresso, protein powder, COFFEE-MATE® Coconut Caramel Latte Liquid Coffee Creamer and a dollop of Reddi-wip Whipped Topping that help make summer mornings a little sweeter.

  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup yogurt, plain
  • 1 banana, frozen
  • 1/2 cup espresso, frozen
  • 2 tablespoons COFFEE-MATE® Coconut Caramel Latte Liquid Coffee Creamer
  • 1 scoop protein powder (optional)
  • Garnish
  • dollop of Reddi-wip Original Whipped Topping
  • coconut
  • caramel sauce
  1. Brew espresso or extra strong coffee.
  2. Let coffee cool and pour into ice cube trays. Let freeze for 2+ hours.
  3. Peel and slice a banana. Place banana slices in freezer for 2+ hours.
  4. Place frozen banana, coffee ice cubes, oats, almond milk, yogurt, COFFEE-MATE® Coconut Caramel Latte Liquid Coffee Creamer and protein powder into blender. Blend until smooth.
  5. Garnish a glass with a caramel sauce rim and coconut flakes.
  6. Pour the Coconut Caramel Latte Breakfast Smoothie into glass.
  7. Top with a dollop of Reddi-wip Original Whipped Topping.

What other amazing recipes will you create this summer with COFFEE-MATE and a dollop of Reddi-wip? A decadent milkshake? A fruity smoothie? Let me know in the comments below and make sure to click HERE for more recipe inspiration.

Strawberry Lime Moscow Mule

Strawberry Lime Moscow Mule

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older. #CelebratorySips #HenrysSparklingSips #HenrysHardSparkling #CollectiveBias

Strawberry Lime Moscow Mules are made with fresh strawberries, mint, ginger beer, lime juice, vodka and Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water for a beautiful seasonal cocktail with fewer calories.

Spring has finally arrived in Cincinnati after a very long winter! Good-bye snow boots and bulky coats. Hello sunshine and flip-flops! The temperature has been perfect the last couple weeks and I am itching to start entertaining our friends this season with some Honey Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa and ice cold Strawberry Lime Moscow Mules. 

These Strawberry Lime Moscow Mules have a little twist from the classic version, which is using a little less ginger beer and adding in that light Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water for a truly refreshing beverage without the calories that a lot of cocktails contain. It is almost bikini season after all!

Why add Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water to your Moscow mule? 

  • Creates a light, refreshing and down-right delicious cocktail.
  • No sugar with only 88 calories to keep that beach body in check.
  • Low carb with no artificial flavors or colors.
  • Contains as much alcohol as beer but with fewer calories.

Find more recipe inspiration for Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water by clicking HERE. 

Make sure to try Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water in all the yummy flavors or just grab a variety pack to find your favorite. I want to hear about your own creative cocktail concoctions that are keeping you and your friends cool this season. Let me know how you are drinking Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water in the comments down below.

Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water comes in: 

  • Lemon Lime
  • Strawberry Kiwi
  • Passion Fruit
  • Variety pack

Strawberry Lime Moscow Mule

Your friends are all going to love this Strawberry Lime Moscow Mule and it is really simple to make. Start by slicing some fresh strawberries, slice limes into wedges and also some slices for garnish. Mint is a great aromatic and flavorful addition to this drink but completely optional. These Strawberry Lime Moscow Mules are a hit regardless!

Each glass will get one jigger of vodka (grab your favorite), one sliced strawberry, one mint leaf and freshly squeezed lime from a wedge. Muddle all those ingredients together well to infuse the flavors into the vodka.

Fill the glass with ice and one more sliced strawberry, followed by three ounces of ginger beer, and fill the remainder with Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water Lemon Lime. Garnish with a lime slice and mint.

Strawberry Lime Moscow Mule

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Msg 4 21+, #ad, Strawberry Lime Moscow Mule, Summer cocktail, #CelebratorySips #HenrysSparklingSips #HenrysHardSparkling #CollectiveBias

Strawberry Lime Moscow Mules are made with fresh strawberries, mint, ginger beer, lime juice, vodka and Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water for a refreshing seasonal cocktail with fewer calories. 

Yields: 1

  • 1 jigger (1.5 ounces) vodka
  • 3 ounces ginger beer
  • 3 ounces Henry's Hard Sparkling Water Lemon Lime
  • 1 lime wedge
  • 2 strawberries
  • mint (optional)
  • ice
  1. Slice the strawberries and lime.
  2. In a copper cup or glass, add vodka, the juice from 1 lime wedge, 1 mint leaf and 1 sliced strawberry. Muddle ingredients together.
  3. Fill glass with ice and add the other sliced strawberry.
  4. Add 3 ounces ginger beer.
  5. Top with Henry's Hard Sparkling Water Lemon Lime (3 ounces worth).
  6. Garnish with a lime slice and mint.
  • Preparation time: 3 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 172

Cheers to warmer weather ahead! Time to make some great memories with friends and Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water! 

Summer Iced Tea Punch

Summer Iced Tea Punch

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Milo’s Tea Company, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #MakeItWithMilos  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Summer Iced Tea Punch is made with pineapple juice, ginger ale, Milos Tea and fresh fruit for a deliciously refreshing beverage for these hot days ahead.

I am beyond excited for summer and spending time with my family. We hang out by the pool frequently, ride bikes around the neighborhood or even visit an amusement park to ride some roller coasters often. However, the highlights of summer is always the grill outs with  neighbors to eat some great food, share some s’mores over the fire and cooling off with some ice cold drinks.

I am sure your summer is also packed full of outdoor fun! If you are planning festivities for Memorial day, 4th of July, neighborhood block parties, or just grilling out with friends and family, this Summer Iced Tea Punch is an awesome beverage to bring to the party that will please everyone.

Milos Tea is THE go-to beverage for summer parties and gatherings. Milos Tea is fresh brewed with natural ingredients without any added preservatives and you will taste the difference with this award winning tea. Try a glass of Milos Tea on ice with a lemon slice or create a punch for a crowd with the Summer Iced Tea Punch!

What’s the story behind Milos Tea?

Milo’s was founded as a restaurant in 1946 by Milo and Bea Carlton after Milo returned from serving his country in World War II. Being a military family ourselves, we always stand behind those who serve so hearing Milo served our country makes this company extra special. In 1989, Milo’s began selling their fresh brewed Famous Sweet Tea to local Birmingham grocery stores. Today, Milos Tea Company is a third generation family owned business and Milo’s beverages can be found in thousands of retailers across the United States.

I found Milo’s at my local Meijer in the refrigerated juice section but they are available in lots of retailers. Find a store near you by using the store locator. 

Summer Iced Tea Punch

Let’s mix up some Summer Iced Tea Punch! All you need is ginger ale, fresh or frozen fruits, pineapple juice and Milos Tea. I picked Milos Famous Sweet Tea but you can reach for the Milos Famous No Calorie Sweet Tea or the Milos Famous Unsweet Tea and the punch will be equally refreshing and just as tasty.

Prepare your fruits. I sliced a couple kiwis, diced some pineapple chunks, sliced strawberries and picked up fresh raspberries and blackberries. You can use ANY fruit you like! You just want strawberries and pineapple? Go for it! Once the fruit is sliced and diced, pour the ginger ale, pineapple juice and Milos Tea into a pitcher, followed by the fruits and top with ice to stay cold.

Summer Iced Tea Punch

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#ad, Summer Iced Tea Punch, punch for a crowd, #MakeitwithMilos, @drinkmilos, #Pmedia

Summer Iced Tea Punch is made with pineapple juice, ginger ale, Milos Tea and fresh fruit for a deliciously refreshing beverage for these hot days ahead. 

  • 3 cups Milos Tea
  • 3 cups ginger ale
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen fruit (use a mix of your favorites such as kiwi, pineapple, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries)
  • ice
  1. In a large pitcher, add 3 cups of Milos Tea, 3 cups ginger ale and 1 cup pineapple juice. Stir ingredients together.
  2. Prepare your fruits by cutting pineapple into chunks, slicing strawberries and slicing kiwis.
  3. Toss 2 cups worth of fruit into the pitcher.
  4. Fill pitcher with ice.
  5. Serve.
  6. Garnish each glass with an umbrella for extra fun!

How do you celebrate summer? Are you obsessed with the 4th of July or have cook outs with friends every weekend? Let me know in the comments below about your summer plans and how you drink your Milos Tea!

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Milo’s Tea Company, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #MakeItWithMilos  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Blackberry Mint Julep

Blackberry Mint Julep

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older. Maker’s Mark® is a trademark of Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc. and is used with permission. #CelebratorySips #MintJulepMonth #CollectiveBias

This Blackberry Mint Julep is made with a homemade blackberry simple syrup, fresh blackberries, lemon juice, mint and Maker’s Mark® whisky for a refreshing beverage suitable for a hot summer day or The Big Race in May.

With The Big Race starting soon, I was feeling really inspired to make a drink that reflected my neighboring Kentucky.  Nothing is more Kentucky than a mint julep! So, I made a classic Maker’s Mint Julep with a twist by adding some fresh blackberries and a homemade blackberry simple syrup for a delicious take on a Kentucky favorite.

Why choose Maker’s Mark®:

  • Every bottle of Maker’s Mark® is aged to taste, not age.
  • 90 proof.
  • Woody oak, caramel, vanilla and wheat aroma.
  • Sweet taste that is balanced with vanilla, caramel and a fruity essence.
  • Smooth and subtle finish.

*Fun Fact*

Each bottle of Maker’s Mark® is hand-dipped in a red wax, leaving each bottle with a different drip pattern. When looking for a quality bourbon, reach for that bottle with the signature red wax!

Get more recipe inspiration and see how others are celebrating The Big Race!

Click HERE for more recipes.

Follow Maker’s Mark® on social media!

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Blackberry Mint Julep

Get out your lucky wide brimmed sun hat and make sure you are stocked up on ice because we are making Blackberry Mint Juleps for The Big Race!

Start your Blackberry Mint Juleps by making the blackberry simple syrup. Add equal parts sugar, water and fresh blackberries to a pan and bring to a low simmer for a few minutes. I like to use an avocado masher to express all that yummy blackberry juice from the berries to pack the most flavor into the syrup. Once the syrup has simmered a few minutes, remove from heat and let cool 15 minutes. Strain and store the blackberry simple syrup in the refrigerator.

Time to mix some Blackberry Mint Juleps! Drop 6 fresh mint leaves into a julep cup or Collins glass.

Now, add in 1/2 part of the homemade blackberry simple syrup.

Pour 2 parts worth of Maker’s Mark® whisky into the glass followed by three fresh blackberries.

Slice a lemon in half and remove seeds. Squeeze 1/2 part of lemon juice into the glass.

Muddle the mint leaves and blackberries on the bottom of the glass. Make sure to crush the mint well to really infuse all the delicious flavors into your Blackberry Mint Julep.

Fill the glass up with ice and garnish with a mint sprig to serve. I recommend crushed ice over cubed ice because a mint julep is best when ice cold. You may also add in some more fresh blackberries and mint leaves as you fill the glass with ice to add in more color. Plus, I love picking out those liquor soaked ice cold berries from my drink to eat as I am enjoying this Blackberry Mint Julep.

Blackberry Mint Julep

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#ad Blackberry Mint Julep, Kentucky cocktail, whisky, bourbon, #CelebratorySips #MintJulepMonth #CollectiveBias , Maker’s Mark®

This Blackberry Mint Julep is made with a blackberry simple syrup, fresh blackberries, lemon juice, mint and Maker’s Mark® whisky for a refreshing beverage suitable for a hot summer day or The Big Race in May.

  • Blackberry Simple Syrup
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup blackberries
  • Blackberry Mint Julep
  • 2 parts Maker’s Mark® whisky
  • 1/2 part blackberry simple syrup
  • 1/2 part lemon juice, fresh squeezed
  • 3 blackberries
  • 6 fresh mint leaves
  • ice (preferably crushed)
  1. Make your blackberry simple syrup on the stovetop by bringing 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup blackberries to a low simmer for 3 minutes. Smash the blackberries. Let cool for 15 minutes and strain.
  2. Add the 2 parts Maker’s Mark® whisky, 1/2 part blackberry simple syrup, 1/2 part lemon juice, 6 mint leaves, and 3 blackberries in a glass.
  3. Muddle the mint and blackberries to infuse the flavors into your beverage.
  4. Fill glass with ice.
  5. Garnish with a mint sprig.

 What is your favorite Maker’s Mark® cocktail for summertime? Let me know in the comments below!

Paloma

Paloma

Today we have a classic Paloma recipe made with club soda, silver tequila, grapefruit soda and a pinch of sugar garnished a lime and salt rim.

Tequila is for more than margaritas! The Kiwi Margarita from a couple weeks ago is awesomely delicious but a Paloma is another great tequila drink that is perfect for hot summer days or even for upcoming Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

To make a Paloma, simply add in equal parts of tequila, grapefruit soda and club soda with a just a pinch of sugar into a half salt rimmed glass. Stir ingredients and fill the glass with lots of ice. Garnish with a lime and you can even squeeze a bit of fresh lime into the drink. I always add a bit more grapefruit soda as a personal preference.

Paloma

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Paloma, cinco de mayo drink, tequila drink, grapefruit, summer cocktail

Today we have a classic Paloma recipe made with club soda, silver tequila, grapefruit soda and a pinch of sugar garnished a lime and salt rim.

  • 1 part silver tequila
  • 1 part grapefruit soda
  • 1 part club soda or soda water
  • pinch of sugar ( about 1 teaspoon)
  • salt
  • lime slices
  • ice
  1. Rim half the glass with a lime and dip into salt.
  2. Add equal parts tequila, grapefruit soda and club soda. Mix. I personally like just a little extra grapefruit soda in my drink.
  3. Fill glass with ice.
  4. Garnish with lime slice or wedge.

Don’t these Paloma’s have a beautiful color? Let me know in the comments below what your Cinco de Mayo plans are and what you will be drinking!

Kiwi Margarita

Kiwi Margarita

Kiwi Margaritas are made with kiwi, fresh squeezed orange, tequila, sweet and sour mix and melon liqueur for a tasty twist on a classic margarita.

Margaritas are one of my go to drink choices. However, flavored margaritas I am a bit picky on because they tend to be too syrupy but these Kiwi Margaritas hit the spot and the kiwi flavor is amazing! The secret? Using real kiwi, melon liqueur and that splash of orange juice!

These Kiwi Margaritas are really simple. Just slice some kiwi, juice a fresh orange and add to a blender with the liquor and sweet and sour. Toss in some ice and blend until you get a frozen margarita. For flavored margaritas, I like to use sugar instead of salt sometimes so rim the glass whichever way you prefer!

Kiwi Margarita

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kiwi margarita

Kiwi Margaritas are made with kiwi, fresh squeezed orange, tequila, sweet and sour mix and melon liqueur for a tasty twist on a classic margarita.

Yields: 2 cocktails

  • 4 kiwis, peeled and sliced (recommend freezing the peeled kiwis one day prior)
  • 4 ounces tequila
  • 1/2 orange, juiced
  • 2 ounces melon liqueur
  • 2 ounces sweet and sour mix
  • ice
  • salt and lime to rim glass
  1. Peel and slice the kiwis. You can freeze the sliced kiwi one day prior to making margaritas.
  2. In a blender, add the sliced kiwi, 4 ounces tequila, 2 ounces melon liqueur, 2 ounces sweet and sour mix, and squeeze the juice from half an orange.
  3. Add 2 handfuls of ice and blend until all ice is at a slushie consistency.
  4. Rim your glasses with lime and then salt. You can swap salt for sugar if preferred.
  5. Pour your margaritas into glasses and serve.

Do you prefer your margaritas frozen or over the rocks? Let me know in the comments below!

Kiwi Cooler

Kiwi Cooler

The Kiwi Cooler is a refreshing drink made with freshly squeezed orange juice, kiwis, lemon and blended with ice.

Kiwi CoolerAlthough it is still winter, spring is near and I am ready to sit on the back deck with a cold drink and absorb some sunshine. This Kiwi Cooler is the perfect drink to quench thirst and revitalize.

Kiwi CoolerThis Kiwi Cooler recipe comes from this months recipe from a great group of food bloggers in Recipe Swap Club. I was tasked with picking a recipe from Simply Food with Nayna. Nayna has been blogging since 2008 and there are a TON of recipes to pick from! You will find tastes from all over the world from Greek to Indian and French to Caribbean and beyond.

Get more recipe inspiration from Nayna at Simply Food by clicking HERE.

Kiwi CoolerAfter looking at about 100 recipes and arguing with myself about what I want to make because everything sounded so good, I picked the Kiwi Cooler to recreate. I am just really ready for warmer weather and this is such a simple recipe. Kiwi is usually a hard flavor to pull out in recipes… it usually gets lost with other flavors overpowering it but you can really taste the kiwi in this!

Kiwi Cooler

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Kiwi Cooler

The Kiwi Cooler is a refreshing drink made with freshly squeezed orange juice, kiwis, lemon and blended with ice. *a drop of green food coloring was placed inside this drink for photo purposes.

  • 1 large orange
  • .5 lemon
  • 3 kiwis
  • .5 cup water
  • ice
  • pinch of sugar or honey
  1. Cut your orange, lemon and kiwis in half.
  2. Peel all the kiwis but half of one which will be sliced for garnish.
  3. Juice the orange and half the lemon, place into blender.
  4. Place the peeled kiwis into blender.
  5. Add half a cup of water and a few ice cubes.
  6. You can add in a pinch of sugar or honey if you want to sweeten up your drink a bit.
  7. Blend well and pour into a glass with a few more ice cubes. Add a kiwi slice garnish.

What you need:

  • A juicer. I use an affordable one like this here.
  • A good blender like the Ninja.

Kiwi CoolerKiwi Cooler