COCKTAILS AT SIX: ROSEMARY-PEACH SPARKLER

The sunshine is out this afternoon and it has me feeling all kinds of cheerful...

And I always say, one should match the evening’s cocktail to one’s mood. A little bit of this, and a snippet of that - voilà, one set of sunny sparklers to go around!

Rosemary-Peach Sparkler

3/4 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1 sprig rosemary
2 ripe peeled peaches, cut into 1” cubes
1 bottle Champagne or sparkling wine, chilled
(8) additional rosemary sprigs as garnish

Combine first 3 ingredients in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; cool to room temperature. Strain rosemary syrup in a sieve over a bowl & discard solids. Cover & chill at least 1 hour.

Place rosemary syrup and peaches in a blender, and process until smooth. Strain mixture through a sieve over a bowl. Cover & chill at least 4 hours. Spoon about 2 Tablespoons peach syrup into each of 8 champagne flutes. Top each serving with about 1/3 cup champagne. Garnish with rosemary sprigs.

* images & recipe cooking light + fashion i sing photographer juergen teller for marc jacobs

COCKTAILS AT SIX: THE CLASSIC MOJITO

Memories of mint overflowing my backyard herb garden have been taunting me this week...

Luckily the market has plenty to spare during these sparse wintry months! So what does a girl do with an armful of mint & a sky full of sunshine (those winter sun beams still count!) you ask? She muddles batches of classic mojitos for her & all her friends and dreams of late summer nights on the front porch!


The Classic Mojito

2 oz. golden rum
5 mint sprigs
2 dashes simple syrup
1 dash fresh lime juice
Club soda

Put the mint into a high ball glass, add the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. Crush with a bar spoon (or back of any spoon in a pinch) until the aroma of the mint is released. Add the crushed ice and stir vigorously until the mixture and the mint are spread evenly. Top with club soda and stir again. Serve with straws! Recipe serves 1.


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* images via  live journal & the cocktail hour - photographer william lingwood

COCKTAILS AT SIX: DOUBLE TANGERINE MIXER

At the market today, bright orange tangerines were piled high & beckoned to be taken home by the box...

But what to do with so many bright little darlings? Definitely perfect for munching during lunch breaks... but better yet - mixing into cocktails!

Double Tangerine Cocktail

3 oz (roughly 2 tangerines) fresh tangerine juice
1/2 oz (1/4 lemon) fresh lemon juice
1 oz ginger simple syrup
1 1/2 oz Cognac
superfine sugar for rims

Rub the rim of a chilled cocktail glass with a tangerine wedge & sugar the rim. Put all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice & shake well for 15-20 seconds. Strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with a tangerine twist & leaf.

* images + recipe via white on rice couple , good looking/photographer nicole bentley 



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COCKTAILS AT SIX: A WARMING HOT TODDY

I love the rays of sunshine peeking out a little more each day, but...

In reality it is still bitter cold outside and it can be so hard to warm up in the evenings. Worse yet, I can just feel that ‘I’m coming down with something’ fatigue about to rear it’s ugly head. What to do? I recommend building up that fire, drawing a hot bubble bath - and of course mix up a teakettle of hot toddies. You’ll feel toasty again in no time.

Hot Toddy

1 oz brandy
1 tsp honey
1/4 lemon
1 tea bag
1 cup hot water

Coat the bottom of a mug with honey. Add the brandy and the fresh juice of 1/4 lemon. Heat water and steep the tea bag to your liking. Pour the tea into the glass and stir. Garnish with a cinnamon stick + lemon slice. Serves 1.

* images via  easy cocktail drinks + photographer sarah maingot

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COCKTAILS AT SIX: A ROSE PROSECCO PLEASURE

On occasion, a girl just needs to whip up a little romance of her own...


Petals, a touch of blush - & a rose syrup based cocktail just ought to do the trick for whatever the evening may bring your way - whether it's your favorite classic romance on DVD, or that certain someone knocking at your door!

A Rose Prosecco Cocktail

1 bottle prosecco (or substitute your favorite pink champagne)
4-6 tablespoons rose syrup (found at specialty suppliers or make your own)
Pour the prosecco into the serving glasses. Drizzle the rose syrup gently on top, allowing it to trickle down to the bottom & create a pretty effect as you serve. Serving quantity will vary based on glass size served.



* images via bbc & creative fashions

COCKTAILS AT SIX: THE LAVENDER HONEY CREAM

There is a certain sophistication added to food + drink when a touch of lavender is worked into the recipe...

Mix in a dash of honey + cream, and you’ll soon be experiencing a taste of the Spring botanicals that will be budding in the not too distant future.

The Lavender Honey Cream

1.5 oz. Square One Botanical Vodka
1 oz. heavy cream
1 oz. egg white (pasteurized - or leave out, but it will change the consistency a bit)
1 oz. lavender honey simple syrup
lavender blossoms for garnish

First let’s make the simple syrup by combining 1/4 cup lavender honey with 1/4 cup boiling water. Stir gently until honey is dissolved. Let cool and store in a squeeze bottle.

For the cocktail - Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker & fill with ice. Shake gently for 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a few lavender blossoms. Serves 1.


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* image & recipe via [liquor.com, & we heart it here & here]

COCKTAILS AT SIX: THE CAPRI

Every girl needs a little break sometimes from the winter doldrums...

A bright yellow frock and an overflowing bag of kumquats aught to do nicely. And if you can manage a day off, how about a little tennis getaway some place sunny? Palm Springs, going once, going twice...gone!

The Capri

1 oz. gin
1/2 oz. limoncello
5 kumquats
4 fresh mint leaves
3 dashes orange bitters
Splash of club soda

Muddle 3 kumquats, 3 mint leaves, limoncello & bitters in the bottom of a martini shaker. Fill the shaker with ice & add gin. Shake vigorously. Fill a glass one third of the way with fresh ice, drop in a kumquat & add more ice. Add the remaining kumquat and cover with ice. Strain the cocktail into a glass and finish with a splash of soda. Garnish with a mint leaf. Serves 1.


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* images via [ fashion model management; anne flore & the nibble ]

COCKTAILS AT SIX: GRAPEFRUIT MIMOSA

Every year it’s the same; the calendar turns to the first of January and I’m already thinking of Spring sunshine and lighter days ahead...

Maybe it’s all the rich indulgences of the recent holidays, but nonetheless, my cocktails are ready for something a touch on the sunny side too. For even if snow is still on the ground, I know warm days can’t be far behind - just sitting by a sun-streaked window will have to do for now!

Grapefruit Mimosa

1/4 cup cranberry juice
1/4 cup pink grapefruit juice
Champagne

Pour cranberry & pink grapefruit juice into a champagne flute or thin glass. Top with your favorite champagne or sparkling wine. Serve immediately. Serves 1.

* images via [ we heart it & recipe via sunset ]

COCKTAILS AT SIX: WHITE HOT CHOCOLATE (WITH RUM!)

It’s been a mad dash (isn’t every year?!), but you’ve almost made it. Presents are wrapped, cards are sent and you’re waiting in your prettiest frock for your loved ones to knock at your door. Take a deep breath and cherish a few quiet moments of the holiday spirit...

Hot White Chocolate With Rum

1 vanilla bean
3 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole cardamom, lightly crushed
4 cups whole fat milk
4 oz white chocolate
1 tablespoon rum
Whipped cream + 4 crushed peppermint candies for garnish

Cut the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Place the seeds, bean, cinnamon, cardamon and milk in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil; remove from heat. Let the spices infuse the milk for 20 minutes. Strain & remove the spices. Heat the milk again; add chocolate and rum & stir until the chocolate has melted. Serve with whipped cream and a few pieces of crushed candy. Serves 4.

* images & recipe via [ sweep paul, country living Dec 2010, & snippet & ink ]

Happy Holidays to all!



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GIFT GUIDE FOR THE MIXOLOGIST

What to buy for the mixologist on your list? There are oh, so many wonderful things! First let’s start with...

You! I’m sure you definitely have been nice this year. Instead of the go-to little black cocktail dress, why not stand out a touch in Indigo?
*1. Stilled Night Dress by Anthropologie ($128) & Vanessa Kandiyoti Earrings ($2,455 - if you’ve been really, really nice!). 
*2. Bottle openers can be lovely & fit quite neatly into a stocking. Wingspan Bottle Opener ($16). 
*3. Surely not any tonic water will do. Here’s a little set for that girlfriend who likes even her bar to be stocked prettily. (Q Tonic Water  $11.99) & why not pair it with the Wingspan Bottle Opener above?
*4. Just because it's my favorite & perfect for sipping holiday cocktails next to when your friend's home is lacking that essential working fireplace. Henri Bendel Fireplace Scented Candle ($29.99)
*5. Cocktail Books! Definitely not only for the coffee table - and just think, it's the gift that just may give back later in the year! Vintage Spirits And Forgotten Cocktails ($13.59), The Art of the Bar ($16.47), + Vintage Cocktails ($50).
*6. Why not make your own luck & bring a leave-behind Mistletoe Kissing Ball to the party? (FREE! It's a DIY from Martha Stewart)
*7. This is my favorite gift to give at the moment - vintage decanter sets. Roam through your local antique store - or spend a few minutes on Etsy. Mix & Match Vintage-Modern Decanters offered by Roost Living (approx. $131) + Vintage Aqua + Gold Decanter set offered by Birch & Bird on Etsy ($50)
*8. A new take on the Chalkboard Paint Wine Glass. Don't you just hate it when you lose your drink at a party? Chalkboard China Glasses ($15); other retailers listed here
*9. Last, but not any less chic, are stainless steel sipping spoons for mixed drinks. Set of 6 Stainless Steel Sipping Spoons ($14.95)


& happy holidays!

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COCKTAILS AT SIX: THE CROOKLYN FLIP

The temperatures are dropping, and after a blanket of white has covered the ground,  it’s time to bundle up to play in the snow, build a snowman... and then head back indoors to warm by the fire and a candle lit room. The perfect December day.

Crooklyn Flip

1 oz brown ale
1 oz cream sherry
1 3/4 oz Spanish brandy
1 barspoon heavy cream
1 fresh whole (pasteurized) egg
1/4 oz cinnamon syrup
ice cubes
ground nutmeg for garnish

Combine all ingredients, except ice, and dry shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Add ice & shake again for 10 seconds. Strain into glass and garnish with nutmeg. Serves 1.

* images [ & recipe via imbibe, we heart it here & here ]


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GIFT GUIDE FOR THE EPICUREAN

Not sure where to start for the kitchen adoring foodie on your list? Let’s go shopping, beginning with...

Her! Of course she’ll be dressed to the nines after spending the day preparing for that little holiday party you’ll be attending.

*1.  Peggy Sue dress ($168) & The Lady's Half Apron ($28) by Anthropologie.
*2. Let her wear her passion on a string - a miniature sterling silver whisk ought to do the job nicely. Necklace via frances and co's shop on etsy ($45)
*3. Stylish dish towels in a holiday hue top off the kitchen with festivity, without being over the top. Foliage 5-pc kitchen set by Dwell Studio for Target ($19.99)
*4. And don’t be too matchy-matchy; perhaps consider augmenting that purchased towel set by adding in one specialty French motif towel to customize it. Apothecary Cotton Hand Towels set of 3 ($29.67) - you can divide into several gifts!
*5. One should never, never place a messy spoon on the granite - give her something kitschy, yet classy to place the mess in for easy clean up later. Spoon rest by Fishes Eddie (7.95)
*6. Specialty salts are likely something she won’t splurge on for herself, so gift her a set to play with in the year to come. St. Helena Olive Oil Company has a wonderful array of of salts found here ($12).
*7. And who wouldn’t want the mother of all Kitchenaid mixers? Copper takes this classic to a whole new level. Kitchenaid Copper Stand Mixer (529.99)
*8. Retro inspired timers. So much more fun that the microwave variety she already has! Bengt Ek Double Kitchen Timer (approx. $54)
*9. Another vintage inspired find - flatware trays that make the inside of those drawers look as stylish as the outside. Comptoir de Famille Wire Vintage Style Flatware tray ($49.99)
*10. Kitchen soap should all be adorned this prettily. Motif hand soap ($3.99 ea. at Target)
*11. Badgley Mischka Keeper Pumps ($200) at Piperlime

And, hey, a little holiday decor never hurt anyone. Jingle Bell & Pine Garland ($16.22 per 4'length)


& Happy Holidays to you!
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COCKTAILS AT SIX: THE CRANBERRY MARGARITA

As the mountains near my home turn white, the draw to head to them for a little rendezvous grows stronger & stronger (fresh powder, I've missed you so!)...

After reveling in the wintry mix for hours on end, the evening draws near & it's time for the favorite fair isle sweaters to come out to play. After warming by the fire, a pretty little cranberry cocktail is just what the menu calls for.

Cranberry Margarita

1 1/4 cups cranberry juice cocktail, divided

1/2 cup sugar, divided

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, rinsed

3/4 cup fresh lime juice

3/4 cup tequila

1/2 cup Cointreau

3 cups coarsely crushed ice

Pour 1/4 cup cranberry juice into a shallow bowl. Pour 3 Tbsp. sugar onto a plate. Dip rims of 4 to 6 widemouthed glasses into juice, then sugar. Set glasses aside.

Reserve 12 cranberries. In a blender, mix the remaining cranberries, cranberry juice, and sugar, the lime juice, tequila, Cointreau and ice until smooth & slushy. If necessary, blend in 2 batches, then mix together. Divide among glasses and garnish with reserved berries, skewered 3 at-at-time, on toothpicks. Serves 4 to 6.

* images & recipe via ( my recipes, & we heart it, & this is yingying )


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COCKTAILS AT SIX: A DAY OF THANKS

Growing up in the states, it’s been ingrained in my mind since donning my first paper pilgrim hat in elementary school, that Thanksgiving is not only a time to enjoy family & friends...

It’s also a day to pull out one’s favorite pair of Mary-Janes, a ruffled white collar blouse and eat to your heart's content. After all the festivities and many moments of thanks for the year behind us, be sure to have on hand this wonderful warming (and well needed, if you eat like me!) disgestif to end the evening meal.

And To All A Good Night Cocktail

1 1/2 oz. bourbon
3/4 oz. reposado tequila
3/4 oz. Cherry Heering
2 dashes orange bitters
1 dash Angostura bitters
Ice cubes
Orange twists for garnish

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir until cold. Strain into a glass and garnish. Serves two.

* images & recipe via imbibe, sarah maingot, & johnny miller


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COCKTAILS AT SIX (AM!): AMARETTO FRENCH TOAST

Sometimes cocktails come in the form of surprises...

Like French Toast! Often as the sun is just rising, I’m the only one up & about in the house - puttering around the kitchen + espresso maker. I savor the quiet moments to myself, throwing in a bit of this, a bit of that into the large, white mixing bowl. Before you know it, the smell of something baking is slowly waking the rest of the household. So be sure to take your time, throw in a dash of Amaretto and warm up to the lovely rest of your day.

Amaretto-baked French Toast

3 eggs
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons amaretto
1 loaf brioche bread, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 tablespoon butter (for greasing your baking dish)
1/2 cup pecans
maple syrup for serving

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, beat eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla & amaretto. Add brioche cubes and let mixture soak for 5 minutes. Spoon into a 9” x 12” well greased baking dish; sprinkle with pecans. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden. Pour maple syrup over & serve (because surely they will all be awake & waiting!).

* images & recipe via Sweet Paul, flickr, & we heart it


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COCKTAILS AT SIX: THE BIG APPLE

Sometimes a city is home because you’re born there. Sometimes a city has a home in your heart because you choose to make it so (or in my experience, the city may choose you!).

I’ve never lived in New York City, but with a career in the fashion industry, at times it has felt like I might as well have! From the moment of my first taxi ride into Manhattan, I’ve felt that little gasp of excitement time & time again over the years - and when I go too long without a visit I do get quite homesick. Fall in New York (sigh!); in case you don’t make a visit yourself soon, sip on this apple inspired cocktail & close your eyes tight.

The Big Apple

1 cup sparkling apple cider
3 ounces whiskey
1 ounce dry vermouth
2 dashes bitters
1 lady apple (cut in 1/2 lengthwise)

Fill a large cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add apple cider, whiskey, vermouth, and bitters. Shake. Strain into two glasses. Garnish each with an apple half. Serves 2.

*images [ & recipe via blueprint issue No.2, we heart it, ]
recipe by shira bogar

COCKTAILS AT SIX: THE ALL HALLOW'S EVE SUNSET

What fun for a usually sunny, optimistic girl to don sinister (yet pretty!) layers of tulle, satin & a wide brimmed pointy hat...


Just adding to the All Hallow’s Eve festivities, her girlfriends join her in quite similar garb - hands full of wickedly good treats. Layered cocktails & spiderweb laced eggs look a bit intimidating, but don’t shy away from these grown up party favors. With a little effort, you’ll have platters full of both waiting to greet your guests in return!

The All Hallows' Eve Sunset

3 ounces tangerine juice
1 1/2 ounces white rum
3/4 ounce grenadine
ice cubes

Combine juice and rum in a tall glass filled with ice. Top with grenadine and serve immediately. This cocktail is two-toned when first poured, but as the ingredients mix, the cocktail will evolve into an intense solid orange. Serves 1.

Spiderweb Eggs

1 dozen large eggs
8 cups water
2 cups frozen blueberries
Gray sea salt & pepper, for serving

Place eggs in a single layer in a large saucepan, and cover with water and blueberries. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Cover; let stand 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove eggs one at a time, and place on a folded towel. Lightly crack shell on side with the handle of a whisk or a wooden spoon. Transfer egg to a medium bowl; cover with cooking water. Repeat with remaining eggs. Let eggs cool completely in water in refrigerator. Carefully peel shells from eggs. Serve with salt & pepper.

* original images via [ via martha stewart + we heart it ]
** recipes discovered via [ martha stewart - she is the queen of Halloween, no? ]


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COCKTAILS AT SIX: A BIRTHDAY TOAST!

In honor of recently celebrated birthdays, I thought I should share my signature drink for a little toast!

This cocktail is a classic with a twist, which in essence is a little how I see myself. Every girl should be lucky enough to have her own signature drink to sip away at on a day all about her! I highly recommend it for your next annual birthday soiree.

Rosemary Infused Greyhound

1 oz Grapefruit Juice
1 oz Herb’s Rosemary Infused Vodka (or make your own!)
1 tsp Organic Sugar
1 Sprig of Fresh Rosemary for garnish

In a shaker, add rosemary vodka and grapefruit juice. Stir and serve over ice in a sugar-rimmed (technically this makes it closer to a Salty Dog - don't sugar your rim for a more classic Greyhound) rocks or martini glass. Serves 1.

* images via [ food and wine, pinterest, & liqurious ]


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COCKTAILS AT SIX: AUTUMN COFFEE (WITH A KICK!)

Fall has arrived in earnest, and although I miss though warm days of summer stretching into Fall, there is a certain je ne sais quoi about the combination of raindrops & falling leaves.

But those raindrops often bring along with them a damp chill that only something presented in a warm mug can dispel. More often than not, it’s a coffee 'with a little kick' that gains my undivided attention.

Coffee With A Kick:

3 tablespoons each brandy, Kahlúa, and crème de cacao
3 cups freshly brewed coffee (Stumptown is a personal favorite of mine)
4 tablespoons whipped cream

Divide brandy, Kahlúa, and crème de cacao between two mugs (this recipe is perfect for sharing!). Add half of coffee to each. Top with whipped cream if you like. Serves 2 in a matter of moments.

* images via ( & recipe via my recipes, we heart it, & all simple things)


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COCKTAILS AT SIX: THE PUMPKIN PIE MARTINI

Only one thing supersedes my love of apples during autumn - it's pumpkins!

And most of all I love Pumpkin Pie with real whipped cream (yes, please!). So when I stumbled across this dessert in a glass, I just knew it was meant to be mine. Who needs a fork, when a martini glass looks so much more stylish?

Pumpkin Pie Martini

1/2 oz Sylk Cream Liqueur
2 oz Vanilla Vodka
1/2 oz Pumpkin Liqueur (or substitute pumpkin spice syrup)
1 tsp (or channel me & add a good tablespoon size dollop) Whipped Cream
1 Cinnamon Stick for garnish

Pour the cream liqueur and vanilla vodka into a shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Add the pumpkin liqueur or syrup & shake again. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Top with the whipped cream & garnish with a cinnamon stick. Serves 1.

* images via: recipe from hostess with the mostess, timeless home, snippet & ink


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