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Salty Dog

A Salty Dog is a cocktail made with grapefruit juice and gin or vodka with a salt rim. Garnish with a slice of fresh grapefruit and sprig of rosemary to make a beautiful and delicious drink. 

I feel like grapefruit is one of those foods that is more of an acquired taste. I don’t mind half a grapefruit every once in awhile in the morning with a sprinkle of sugar for breakfast. This cocktail is the same for me- it isn’t what I always crave but it is nice every once in awhile to switch things up! Plus, you can make it really pretty by adding some fresh slices of grapefruit and a sprig of rosemary for a pop of color. 

Salty Dog

A Salty Dog is just a greyhound (grapefruit juice and gin) with a salt rim added. Traditionally, this cocktail is made with gin but vodka can be substituted which is the way I like to make mine. You can choose to add the extra garnish of rosemary and fresh grapefruit to pretty up the cocktail and add just a touch more flavor or keep it simple without. 

Salty Dog Cocktail, how to make a salty dog, greyhound cocktail, grapefruit cocktail, gin cocktail, vodka cocktail
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Salty Dog

A Salty Dog is a cocktail made with grapefruit juice and gin or vodka with a salt rim. Garnish with a slice of fresh grapefruit and sprig of rosemary to make a beautiful and delicious drink. 
Course drink
Keyword cocktail, gin, grapefruit, vodka
Servings 1 cocktail
Author Amber

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounce Gin or vodka
  • 4 ounces grapefruit juice
  • coarse salt
  • ice
  • fresh grapefruit slice
  • rosemary

Instructions

  • Dip the tip of your glass in water and then coarse salt to salt the rim. Traditionally a highball glass would be used. 
  • Fill glass with ice. 
  • Add a shot of gin or vodka. 
  • Place a slice of fresh grapefruit inside glass (optional). 
  • Fill with grapefruit juice. 
  • Garnish with a sprig of rosemary (optional). 

Strawberry Vodka Slush

Strawberry Vodka Slush is a frozen cocktail made with strawberries, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vodka, sugar and seltzer water.

Strawberry Vodka Slush

Strawberry Vodka Slush is sweet, refreshing and hits the spot on a warm day. If you are a daiquiri fan, this is the type of cocktail for you and a real treat! There may be snow on the ground here in Cincinnati at the moment but I can’t help to think about sipping this baby by the pool this summer while soaking up some sunshine.

Tips & Tricks

Don’t blend for too long! You want a powerful blender and use crushed ice. If you don’t have crushed ice, just blend the ice for 30 seconds before adding any other ingredients. This way, the cocktail will be nice and slushie without random chunks of ice.

Strawberry Vodka Slush, slushie cocktail, vodka slushie, frozen strawberry cocktail, summer drink
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Strawberry Vodka Slush

Strawberry Vodka Slush is a frozen cocktail made with strawberries, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vodka, sugar and seltzer water.
Course drink
Keyword cocktail, vodka
Servings 2 drinks
Author Amber

Ingredients

  • 1 pound strawberries hulled and frozen
  • 1 cup lemon juice 4 lemons
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • 1 cup seltzer water
  • 1 cup ice

Garnish

  • 2 ounces extra vodka optional
  • 2 lime slices
  • 2 fresh strawberries
  • whipped cream optional

Instructions

  • Wash, hull and freeze strawberries. I always freeze the fruits my kids don't eat throughout the week and use for these type of recipes.
  • Squeeze 1 cup worth of lemon juice from about 4 lemons.
  • Place frozen berries into blender with the rest of the ingredients. Blend until smooth.
  • Serve in 2 glasses and garnish with a slice of lime and a strawberry.
  • Optional to add an extra ounce of vodka to float on top of each drink before serving. Try it with a dollop of whipped cream!

Irish Mule

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An Irish Mule is made with Jameson whiskey, freshly squeezed lime and ginger beer topped with a lime slice and a sprig of mint for garnish.

Saint Patrick’s Day is just around the corner! Is there a better way to celebrate than with some Jameson Irish Whiskey? We put a little spin on a Moscow Mule which is typically made with vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, a lime wedge and mint.  Swap the liquor with some Jameson and the result is ahhh-mazingly delicious and appropriate anytime of year- not just Saint Patrick’s Day!

Irish Mule

An Irish Mule is really refreshing and has great spicy kick thanks to the ginger beer. The splash of lime juice helps balance out the cocktail. The mint is optional and serves as an aromatic but looks nice and of course, smells nice too.

Irish Mule, Jameson Mule, Moscow Mule, St Patricks Day cocktail, Jameson cocktail, ginger beer, ginger beer cocktail
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Irish Mule

An Irish Mule is made with Jameson whiskey, freshly squeezed lime and ginger beer topped with a lime slice and a sprig of mint for garnish. 
Author Amber

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Jameson Whiskey
  • 6 ounces ginger beer
  • 1/2 ounce lime juice
  • ice
  • 1 lime slice garnish
  • mint sprig garnish

Instructions

  • Fill a mule mug with ice. Add Jameson and lime juice. 
  • Top with ginger beer and garnish with a mint sprig and a slice of lime. 



12 Champagne Cocktails

12 Champagne Cocktails

Champagne can be drunk anytime of year but New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day are the two days of the year it is completely necessary! Whether you are toasting to another amazing year or celebrating a relationship (Hey, maybe you are just toasting to a Friday night), I have 12 Champagne Cocktail recipes that are simple, gorgeous and festive for the occasion!

Ombré Cranberry Sparklerfrom The Diary of a Debutante is beautiful sparkling cocktail made with Prosecco, gin and a cranberry simple syrup. Garnish with cranberries and rosemary to complete this drink.

 

Cranberry Sorbet Champagne Floats from Baking a Moment are made with a homemade cranberry sorbet for a a fun cocktail this season!

 

Champagne Margaritas from The Kitchen is my Playground has a unique cocktail that -let’s be honest- could be for a New Year party or just to celebrate a Taco Tuesday! Either way- I am down!

 

Champagne Kombucha Cocktail is a simple cocktail from The Wild Gut mixed with Prosecco and Kombucha for something bubbly to drink as the ball drops this New Years Eve.

 

Bring the tropics into your home with this Tropical Hibiscus Spritzer from Delicious Table. A Luau with Santa? I might be on to something here….

 

Juniper Champagne Cocktail from This Mama Cooks has juniper berries, pine sprigs and Prosecco. Let the festivities begin!

 

Champagne and Roses Cocktail from Baking a Moment screams Valentine’s Day but I see myself even sipping this as the ball drops.

 

More Champagne Cocktails

Rock Candy Champagne from here at Simply Made Recipes.

The French 75 Cocktail from This Worthey Life.

Three Ingredient Strawberry Lime Champagne Cocktail from Savory Nothings.

Sparkling Pomegranate Berry Punch from Serena Bakes.

Strawberry Mimosa from Baking Beauty.

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.

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.


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! 

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!