I used to think of sangria as more of a refreshing summertime drink, but it can really be a year-round beverage if you use seasonal fruits. This white wine sangria is flavored with apples and honey, along with spices like cinnamon and cloves, for a fantastic autumn-themed cocktail. Continue reading
Category Archives: Beverages
peach pie smoothie and a giveaway
I like milk. I like its creamy, buttery taste and, to me, it’s best ice cold with a chocolate chip cookie or two. On the other hand, I’ve never liked soy milk. Years ago, I tried it and I didn’t care for its watery flavor and chalky texture. Recently, however, I was convinced by some fellow bloggers to try it again and surprisingly, I found that it actually tasted good and not gritty. While it doesn’t compare to the flavor and texture of milk, I have had a change of heart. I still prefer to drink regular milk, but I have started to use soy milk, specifically in smoothies. My first attempt at making a soy milk smoothie, Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Banana Smoothie, was such a success that I am using soy milk again for this one. Continue reading
caffè shakerato
When I was a little girl, I would lurk around the breakfast table in the mornings, pestering my parents or my aunt to let me dunk my pan de sal (Filipino rolls) in their coffee. Of course, I wasn’t allowed to drink it, which made me want it even more. However, once in a while, my mom would nod her head and allow me to dip my bread in one of the cups and watch it soak up the coffee like a sponge. I would quickly put the soggy bread in my mouth so the coffee wouldn’t drip down my arm and all over the table. I particularly coveted my aunt’s coffee, which was a couple shades lighter in color than my dad’s, as she preferred her coffee with a generous amount of milk (and sugar, for that matter).
chocolate, peanut butter, and banana smoothie
Last summer, I got on a big popsicle kick, making all kinds of, mostly boozy, ice pops (here, here, here, here, and here). So far this summer, I am in a smoothie-making mood. There are so many flavors I want to make and share with you, but the first one I want to feature is one of my absolute favorites – the Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Banana Smoothie.
cocktail hour: pink grapefruit mojito
In our household, Chris and I share cooking duties pretty equally. Actually, during the week, he probably prepares dinner more often than I do because he is usually home first. He has turned into quite the cook, often making pasta or pizza dough from scratch or trying one of the recipes he’s jotted down in his spiral “cooking” notebook. While we both love desserts, he isn’t interested in baking or making desserts unless it’s ice cream. What he really enjoys is making beverages, which is good since I don’t really like to make drinks.
mango margaritas
These icy refreshing drinks will magically transport you to a charming little cantina south of the border, without leaving home. Don’t forget the chips and guacamole!
I was inspired to make these refreshing Blended Mango Margaritas after reading Lucky Brand Style Director Karin Cole’s blog post from the small seaside town of Sayulita, Mexico, where she recently vacationed. The little town sounded so quaint and inviting, I wish I could follow her down there. But since I can’t get away at the moment, I did the next best thing…I brought a bit of Sayulita to me.
cocktail hour: harvey wallbanger
In the ’70s, disco music ruled the airwaves and, on television, Charlie’s Angels solved crimes without messing up their perfectly feathered bangs. Leisure suits, platform shoes, and bell bottoms were in fashion. Fondue, salad molds, and pigs-in-a-blanket were staples at parties. Cocktails like the Tequila Sunrise, Rusty Nail, and Piña Colada were all rage in the ’70s, but none were as popular as the ubiquitous Harvey Wallbanger, known as the decade’s signature drink. A Harvey Wallbanger is essentially a Screwdriver (orange juice and vodka) with a float of Galliano®, an Italian herbal liqueur made with 30 different spices.
cocktail hour: cherry-lime rickey
Yaaay, thank goodness the weekend’s almost here! We’re near the end of a long week and we’ll definitely need a couple of drinks later this evening. Well, don’t head to a noisy, crowded bar for watered down happy hour cocktails after work. Instead, make yourself this cool, crisp lime rickey and unwind in the comfort of your home. This gin cocktail, flavored with cherries, is light and tart, with just a hint of sweetness, which is a nice change of pace from beer, wine, or the typical sweet mixed drink. So, when you get home tonight, kick off your shoes, put your feet up, and relax with a cherry-lime rickey. For you teetotalers out there, simply omit the gin, and add more club soda.
pomegranate margaritas
Spread some holiday cheer with this beautiful ruby-red Pomegranate Margarita — a seasonal twist on the traditional cocktail. Not only does this margarita bring the colors of the season, it is also a delicious and festive drink…..
strawberry mojitos
After all of the weekend’s chores were done, Chris and I had a chance to relax and enjoy an absolutely gorgeous Sunday afternoon. We sat on our deck and welcomed the cool breeze under a shady spot, amidst the swaying bamboo and peaceful sound of the water in the nearby pond. We watched an orange butterfly flutter around and a couple of colorful birds splash around the water. For a short while, we were transported to a distant tropical island, without a care in the world, sipping these refreshing Strawberry Mojitos, and enjoying each other’s company. Continue reading
raspberry-basil italian cream soda
Italian soda is a refreshing drink, especially perfect on a warm, sunny day. Despite it’s name, this drink was actually invented in San Francisco’s North Beach, not in Italy. It gets its name from the flavored syrups that originated in Italy that are used to make it. The drink is simply flavored syrup mixed with carbonated water served in a tall glass with ice. Add a splash of cream and it becomes an Italian cream soda or cremosa. Either way, an Italian soda is a nice alternative to store-bought soft drinks. Continue reading
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Agua fresca, Spanish for “fresh water”, is a non-alcoholic beverage made from fresh fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, and papaya. It is typically sold by street vendors and restaurants all over Mexico and is usually ladled from large barrel-shaped glass jars. Traditionally, agua fresca is made by combining fruit, water, and sugar. This version, agua de sandia, or literally “watermelon water”, is the perfect way to use this summer’s juicy, ripe watermelon. It’s a colorful and festive alternative to lemonade or iced tea.
For me, having a refreshing drink like an agua de sandia while sitting out in the backyard is a great way to unwind after a long and busy day.
daisy's world 