Paula's Porch Punch

A crazy, fun new friend of ours was having a milestone birthday. Her even crazier husband decided to throw a birthday celebration. Since I usually bring a batch cocktail with me, I knew this one would have to not only appeal to the masses, but satisfy on a hot summer evening.

This hostess gift did not disappoint. In fact, a few of our, 'I don't drink' friends couldn't resist this cup of cheer. In honor of Paula, I give you, Paula's Porch Punch.

For my batch cocktails, I use a large, recycled pickle jar. It has a lid and travels well.

Combine the following:
Fresh juice of 6 limes
32 oz carton of Coconut Water
1/4 cup of mint leaves

Tighten lid and shake.

1 quart of Lime Sherbet
1 bottle of champagne
2 cups of 1800® Tequila Coconut   - Whaaaaa? Yes, you heard me right. One of my favorites!

Stir until frothy and mostly melted. Taste. depending on your sweetness preference and the type of sherbet used, you may want to sweeten a bit. I dropped in 3 tablespoons of coconut syrup. Stir again, and pour over ice.

The pretty light green color was lovely and the drink was a huge hit while we sat on the porch playing card games until the sun went down. Super delicious!

Happy Birthday Paula!

Cheers,
andrea

Crushing on the Watermelon

When walking in Market Square in San Antonio, Texas, vendors are selling agua frescas. Just fresh blended fruit as a drink. Now these vendors can be found in many, many locations, but the fruit tastes sweeter in SATX. This is my ode to summer in SA.

Here is the Watermelon Crush.

In a blender or mixing glass, add:
1 cup of watermelon
2 oz of Grey Goose Vodka
1 oz of Midori

Blend until no more chunks. Some will suggest to double strain over ice however, I don't bother.
You can top off with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, but taste first. Sometimes your watermelon will be sweet enough. Garnish with a lime wheel. Enjoy.

Tip: So once I started sipping, I realized I wanted a bit of spice. I had been drinking through a straw, but I shook a little Tajin in the top edge. Drinking with the Tajin tingle on my lip made this drink even better!

What a terrific day for a drink this refreshing!

cheers,
andrea

My Sunday Wake Up Call

What better way to enjoy a lazy Sunday morning? I give you Strawberry Sunrise.

To a blender, add:

1 small banana
4 large strawberries, remove tops, quartered
1/2 orange, juice directly into glass - save a slice for garnish
1 1/2 oz of Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka
1 1/2 oz of Rumchata
Ice

Blend until smooth. Garnish with an orange slice.

Laying in a hammock...swinging in the sun...the most lovely of mornings.

cheers,
andrea

Backyard Grilling, Cocktail Chilling

My husband and I picked up a few choice steaks for dinner. The weather was beautiful, we had a cucumber onion salad marinating in the refrigerator, so the time to grill was now. I love how it feels like 6 o'clock at 8:30 pm!

Fresh pineapple, check. Fresh strawberries, check. Fresh limes, check. Fresh mint, check.

I give you, Strawberry Pineapple Mojito.

In a glass, muddle:
Pineapple chunks
2 Strawberries
Multiple mint leaves
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon of sugar

Once thoroughly smashed, add:
Ice
2 oz of light rum
Top with club soda

Stir. Garnish with mint leaves and something pretty. Sip and enjoy!

Tip: Some say to use lemon-lime soda, or even ginger ale. If you go that direction, not a problem. I suggest omitting the sugar. Some beverages will sweeten the drink too much. Take a cue from your fresh fruit. It may be all the sweetness you need.

Such a refreshing drink. Perfect for a hammock swing or a steak dinner.

Cheers,
andrea

Sometimes the question is not 'Why?' Sometimes the question is 'Why Not?'

So when you wake on a Saturday morning... of a three day weekend... with no plans... only to shop for a couch and maybe towels, and you are not driving.... Um, WHY NOT?

I give you, the Peanut Butter Kahlua Blended.

In a blender, or mixing glass add:

2 oz of Kahlua, original
1 oz of Sauza 901 Tequila, because I can't stop the feeling!
2 oz of coconut creme
1 and 1/2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter
1 cup of ice

Blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and I topped with crushed graham crackers.

Oh my. So good. Perfect way to get my day started!

Tip: You are going to want to stick with a really smooth tequila. Something with too much of a bite, it will leave you with a funny tickle. The peanut butter compliments the coffee flavor, so even someone who doesn't prefer coffee will enjoy this drink.

So, peanut butter is good for breakfast. I drink coffee most mornings. It's 10:30. AM. Why Not?!

cheers,
andrea

B-A-N--B-A-N-A-N-A

So, I wanted a cocktail...

Bananas were there....

Here is a Banana Daiquiri:

In a blender or large mixing glass -I use a hand mixer- add:

1.5 oz of Atlantico Platino Rum
.5 oz of Grand Marnier
1 oz of fresh pressed lime juice
1 tsp of white sugar
1/2 of a sliced banana
1 cup of ice

Blend until smooth. At the end, I added a splash of Coconut Creme Coffee-Mate Creamer. Garnish with a lime and a sunny straw.

Let me just say, this was the best drink I have had in a while. Very tasty and the perfect consistency. Very tropical and perfect for my favorite season. #ilovesummertime

Cheers,
Andrea

Late Night Green

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The day is coming to a close and this morning seems so long ago.

My coworker lovingly asked me this morning, "Andrea, what cocktail do you have brewing for tonight?"

I mumbled something back, simply because I was sleepy and really didn't know if I would make it home in time to have a drink before I drifted off to sleep tonight.

           Side Note: The plans are to enjoy the nightlife of our town tomorrow night.

So, with a few hours left of today, I found something I would like to try.

Lads and Lassies, here is my Melon Drop:

Vodka
Midori
Sprite

2 shots of vodka, 4 shots of Sprite

Drop a shot of Midori into the pint glass.

Drink up!

It was tasty. Perfectly green and just right for a nightcap on St. Patrick's Day.

Cheers,
drea