Blood oranges lend the their beautiful red color to make a fun and festive winter margarita! Use fresh-squeezed juice when the citrus is in-season or find bottled juice in the cooler section of your local store year round. Read more…
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Perfect Touch
I originally created this cocktail for a live video tutorial on summertime drinks. My mom and aunt watched the episode, mixed up a batch, and called to tell me about the fun they were having together. In that moment I was reminded—the heart of my cocktail passion is about bringing people together. Perfect Touch is […] Read more…
Merciless Virgin
This tiki cocktail was originally created at Skipper Kent’s in San Francisco, and it’s now a staple at Smuggler’s Cove. If you aren’t near the bay area, it’s easy to mix this cocktail up at home. Read more…
Seabird
The Seabird is my take on the famous tiki drink, the Jungle Bird. For the classic tiki cocktail, use dark Jamaican rum and unflavored simple syrup. Read more…
Potted Parrot
The Potted Parrot—a classic from Trader Vic’s is the perfect drink to show off my new-to-me, vintage tiki mug. Read more…
Boozy Orange Hot Chocolate
This grown up hot chocolate gets a kick of orange flavor from Cointreau and orange zest. It reminds me of those Terry’s chocolate oranges that are popular as stocking stuffers. Read more…
Perfect Margarita
I come from generations of margarita drinkers. My palette has been honed from a young age—when I was a little girl I stole salt off the rim of my grandma’s cocktail (I may have stolen a drink when no one was looking). Let’s skip over the tragedy of the 80s—when you could buy a tub of mix, […] Read more…
White Wine Sangria
The end of summer is the perfect time to throw together an easy-drinking wine cocktail. Perfect for your Labor Day party, the white wine sangria with peaches, nectarines, and strawberries, and the classic red wine sangria with apples, oranges and limes will be a hit with all your guests! Read more…
Evening Stroll
This cocktail remind me of a summer evening stroll through my neighborhood with the sweet smell of blooming Jasmine hanging in the air. Jasmine tea simple syrup lends floral notes to this refreshing summer cocktail. Read more…
Lavender Simple Syrup
Most people think of lavender as an herb used in soaps and perfumes, but I challenge you to experiment by adding it to summertime cocktails, like The Pichard and The Victoria. You can also add a splash to liven up sparkling water or iced tea for a booze-free option. Read more…
Sparkling Berry Tea Cocktail with Stash Tea
I’m known as the “Cocktail Maven” around the Zulily office, where I work as a Marketing Design Manager. So, when I was asked to create a Zulily exclusive cocktail to promote the Stash Tea sponsored sale on our website, I was beyond excited! Cocktails? Of course, I’ll do it! Plus, I’m always looking for fun, […] Read more…
Scotch Lodge
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…
Smoky Pineapple Margarita
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…
Pineapple Mango Margarita
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…
Best Aged Eggnog
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…
Chai Spiced Old Fashioned
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…
Chai Spiced Simple Syrup
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…
My Emergency Survival Kit
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…
Classic Sangria
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…
Mini Derby Pie
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…