A Cocktail, Food, Photography and Travel Blog
Smokey. Bitter. Sweet. The Scotch Lodge should be your new go-to when you’re in the mood for a cocktail more complex than an Old Fashioned, and less sweet than a Manhattan. The cocktail created by Portland bartender, Tommy Klus, uses Combier rouge, but my version substitutes Maraschino juice instead. Try using different types of scotch […] Read more…
Smooth Plantation Pineapple Rum meets smoky Mezcal in this unique spin on the traditional margarita. I skipped the salted rim, but if you want more smolder, try smoked salt like Alderwood or Hickory. Read more…
I’m so ready for warm weather, but since it’s still basically winter, I’ll escape with this tropical and spicy Pineapple Mango Margarita. Read more…
These strawberry cake balls can be made with any cake flavor you choose, and the decorating possibilities are endless—try mini conversation hearts, heart-shaped sprinkles, red or pink candy coating instead of white chocolate. Read more…
I tend to enjoy the classic “Hemingway” Daiquiri in the warmer months, but the infusion of Darjeeling Tea gives this cocktail recipe a subtle flavor that extends its seasonality. I’ve started experimenting with tea in cocktails, not only to impart flavors, but also add depth and balance. With only 3 ingredients, this is a cocktail […] Read more…
My friend Ben has been perfecting his egg nog recipe for years, so I was thrilled when he said I could share it with you all! When I asked for the recipe, what I actually got was a spreadsheet comparing the exact ingredients in many other recipes and how he modified and perfected his own […] Read more…
Here’s another vodka-based winter cocktail for those who want an option other than bourbon (which is easily my go-to drink when the weather gets cold). The Chai spices mingle beautifully with the coffee liqueur and cream (but anyone who’s had a Chai Latte can confirm). This recipe has only 3 ingredients and batches very easy […] Read more…
These cookies were the brainchild of the Parisian pastry chef Pierre Hermé, made famous by Dorie Greenspan in her book, Baking: From My Home to Yours, and given their current name by Dorie’s neighbor, Richard Gold, who is convinced that a daily dose of these cookies is all that is needed to ensure planetary peace and happiness. I […] Read more…
When the weather turns cold, most turn to cocktails made with bourbon or whiskey, but it’s harder to find vodka-based winter drinks. So, when I needed a holiday party cocktail that was a little lighter—to serve along side my Chai Spiced Old Fashioned—this herbaceous vodka “tonic” seemed perfect. The Green Chartreuse and Rosemary Simple Syrup […] Read more…
Homemade Rosemary syrup lends its herbal, piney flavored to the Rosemary Vodka “Tonic” and the Rosemary Greyhound. You can also add a splash to liven up sparkling water or iced tea. Read more…
Homemade Ginger Simple Syrup is one of my favorites to make. It adds extra flavor to cocktails like the Hot Toddy (in place of the traditional honey). And to settle an unhappy tummy or just a non-boozy treat, just add a couple dashes of Old Fashioned Bitters, a splash of Ginger Simple Syrup and too […] Read more…
The warm flavors of this Chai Spiced Old Fashioned make a comforting seasonal drink. Along with the single serving recipe, I’ve included instructions for a batch, so you can easily make head and serve at Thanksgiving or your next holiday party. Read more…
This chai simple syrup is the perfect way to “spice up” your fall cocktails (pun intended). Try it in bourbon cocktails like the Chai Spiced Old Fashioned, or add a splash to hot tea for a cozy, non-boozy drink. Read more…
Today was the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill—worldwide people practiced how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” in the event of an earthquake—so, I thought it would be a good time to chat about other ways to be prepared in case of a disaster! With all the natural disasters in the last month and half—floods, fires, earthquakes—it really lit […] Read more…
Sangria is a fun and refreshing cocktail to make for a party, a barbecue or even a festive Tuesday night. This recipe is a place to start, but it’s easy to make it your own with fresh fruit and wine that you have on hand. Read more…
The hubs and I finally made it to San Francisco for the Memorial Day weekend. Although three days isn’t nearly enough time to experience all the city has to offer, we got some recommendations from friends and packed in as much as we could. Here are the highlights of our weekend filled with art and […] Read more…
Invented in 1950 in Prospect, Kentucky, Derby Pie is also known as “Pegasus Pie” and “May Day Pie” because the original creator, the Kern Family, has sued to protect its trademark “Derby Pie” name 25 times—including Bon Appetit who tried to claim the term is generic. Well, whatever it’s called, it’s a delicious staple at my Derby Party every […] Read more…
Muddling Mint leaves is time consuming—try this Mint Simple Syrup for your Mint Julep or Mojito. You’ll get all the delicious mint flavor without the unexpected mouthful of mint leaves, plus it make batching cocktail a breeze! Read more…
zulily asked me to do a pom pom making tutorial on Facebook Live. I’m using tulle in the demo, but you can use yarn, strips of scrap material, or ribbon. Check out the video to learn how to make different sizes of pom poms and adorn everything from baskets, handbags, flip flops and accessories. Read more…
My friend, Shannon (doctor by day, pastry chef by night), bakes these festive White Chocolate Cherry cookies every holiday season. Now that I live a million miles away from Shannon and her delightful desserts, I felt like this was the year to add them to my own baking playlist. These amazing treats are based on […] Read more…