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.
Archives For Beverages
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.
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.
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.
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…..
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…
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…
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.



















