Happy Hour

When I’m working on a book,
I like to incorporate a little bit of me into it.
I enjoy cocktails VERY much, and often my characters do, too.
Here, I’ll post the drinks I feature in the book,
where I found the recipe if it’s not my own creation, and pictures.

Looking for a reason to drink?
​Click here for ALL the National, International, and World Booze-Days! 

Find the cocktails from the DREAM SERIES here.

PINK PENELOTINI

CELEBRATING THE RELEASE OF PENELOPE’S PATHS WITH A PINK DRINK!

AN ISABELLE PETERSON ORIGINAL!

As Penelope is mostly a chardonnay drinker, I sought out to make something to match the cover – and I LOVE my creation! It’ll definitely be a staple in my bar!
To make this sweet and slightly spicy cocktail…
In a Martini Shaker combine –

  • 2 oz of your favorite Vodka
  • A Splash of Cherry Pomegranate juice (regular pomegranate juice would be fine. I did choose “Cherry” since Penelope experienced so many things for the first time.)
  • A splash – or more – of Ginger Simple Syrup* (depending on how sweet & spicy you want your drink)

*To make Ginger Simple Syrup – combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar and 2 – 3 inches of peeled, and coarsely chopped ginger. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer until all the sugar is dissolved then take off the heat and let cool. For an added punch,  grab your muddler and smash those chunks! Be careful though! Slipping and losing the good stuff is a real shame! That, and possibly burning yourself if you do this while the syrup is too hot. 

Now, add a few ice cubes, shake and pour! Then – Enjoy!

Lemon Basil Spritzer

Yeah, I love a good cocktail, but sometimes alcohol and writing don’t mix. Like when I’m editing. My favorite martini is a Lemon Basil Martini (scroll down for that recipe). We use our homegrown basil and it’s just such a bright flavor – the lemon and basil…

But then… editing. So I went on a hunt and found this mocktail!  A Lemon Basil Spritzer!

Photo and recipe credit goes to The Organic Kitchen – and you can get the recipe here: www.theorganickitchen.org/lemon-basil-spritzer-non-alcoholic-mocktail/

I make mine with the suggested Stevia and Diet Tonic because I’m on the Ketogenic Diet.

Give it a taste and enjoy! Message me and let me know what you think!

G&FIZZ COCKTAIL

Today, August 13th, is National Prosecco Day!
One of my favorite cocktails featuring this delightful effervescence is this GzFizz, a refreshing blend of gin, elderflower liquor, and (of course) some bubbly PROSECCO! A sprig of mint and cucumber slice or two make a nice garnish.
Pro Tip:
You don’t have to buy a big bottle – buy a small “split.” Ask your vendor to point them out if you’re not familiar with them.

Usually I tweak recipes – The one I found on the Prosecco Club I don’t.
I love the rounds of cucumber in there –  feels like a salad that way.

And – imbibe responsibly, please! I want to see you again!

BLUE ELDERFLOWER MARTINI

I needed a Red White & Blue Martini today –
The Fourth of July.
I looked at what we had in the cupboard & poked around online for what I could make. I found Blueberry Smash and a Blueberry Elderflower drinks. And – as I’m wont to do – I tweaked.

I put  a small handful of blueberries in the bottom of the martini shaker and a good squeeze of lime. I muddled them together to release all the yummy blueberry goodness.
Added a splash of minted simple syrup* (you could use regular simple syrup if you don’t have the mint leaves), and a good pour of gin (about 2 ounces) and  a nice pour of  elderflower liqueur (about 1 1/2 ounces).

Shake with ice and strain.
You’ll probably need a small sieve to strain ​out all the small bits of blueberry skin and seeds.

​Cheers – and as always – Drink responsibly!

LEMON BASIL MARTINI

In BEAU TIED the signature cocktail for
Drape Magazine’s anniversary bash is a
LEMON BASIL MARTINI.
This drink is EXCEPTIONAL!
It’s light.
And refreshing.
Not too sweet, not too alcohol-tasting – so be careful!I found the recipe at FOODVIVA.COM

I did tweak their recipe a smidgeon.
They tell you to muddle the basil with the
lemon juice and simple syrup – i didn’t.
I also don’t care much for garnishes
on my drinks, so those got bumped.
Further – I don’t typically have “citrus vodka”
​in the house, so i just used good ‘ole KettleOne.
My version goes like this…Put 4-5 torn basil leaves in a martini shaker.
​Add about 15ml of simple syrup*, and one juiced lemon.
Next add about 60ml of your favorite vodka.
Add Ice.
Shake vigorously.
Strain into a (preferably) chilled martini glass.

​Enjoy – and please drink responsibly.
*Simple syrup is sugar and water in equal parts – dissolved. Usually simmered together.
To tweak and make minted simple syrup – toss in a bunch of mint leaves and the heat will
release the mint oils and give you the delicious minty goodness.
 ​