South Side Fizz Cocktail with #VOSSWater #Giveaway

Spring is almost over and summer is approaching fast. This was supposed to be a spring announcement, that VOSS released two new flavors. But in my life, spring arrived and change sprung. My computer was sick as a dog, I sold my house, packed 29 yrs worth of accumulation and moved.

Now I'm in a new place, missing my old kitchen with all it's counter space, and adjusting to new things.

I'm not settled into my new home quite yet. Actually far from it. But to be honest with you, I needed to turn my back on all those boxes, even just for a little bit, and focus on something other than "where am I going to put this?!"

So, back to my purpose. VOSS Water and their new unique, refreshing, sparkling water flavors.

If you're not familiar with VOSS, let me just give you a brief introduction. VOSS Water comes from Southern Norway and was founded by 2 boyhood friends who recognized the purity of the water from their small yet environmentally pristine nation. They take their environmental sustainability very seriously through their holistic approach and their dedication at becoming a carbon neutral company. All this while bringing us a naturally pure water that is also low in sodium and other minerals.

And now they're bringing in the fun by adding a little fizz and flavor: Lemon Cucumber, and Tangerine Lemongrass.

I seriously had to fight off my daughters from consuming it all before I could get my hands on it myself. This was a hot commodity, I'll tell ya. And rightfully so. The subtle and refreshing flavor combinations are a natural attraction. And of course, being 'VOSS', I mean, honestly who wouldn't feel just a little special drinking it! I won't go into my Norwegian decent that stirs just a bit of pride in there somewhere.

Besides drinking this straight from the bottle, I was given a few cocktail recipes, which of course I could not pass up. I mean, for reals....why would I? A refreshing, cool, crisp cocktail that is a perfect summer go-to. And with that said, I would like to introduce you to the South Side Fizz. I had to change it up just a bit because I couldn't find (and had never heard of) cucumber soda. And because I love cucumbers, I added a slice to mine.

South Side Fizz

12 mint leaves (or to taste basically. I used fewer as I'm not a huge mint fan)
1/4 oz Gin
1/4 oz Cointreau
VOSS Sparkling Lemon Cucumber Water
Garnish:
Slice of orange
Slice of lemon
Cucumber spear
Sprig of ming

Muddle the mint in the bottom of a shaker

Fill the shaker with ice. Add the Gin and Cointreau. Cover and shake a few times. Strain into a glass filled with ice and top it off with the VOSS Sparkling Lemon Cucumber Water. Garnish with a slice of orange, lemon, the cucumber spear and a sprig of mint.

If this is calling your name, then you're in luck! I'm hosting a GIVEAWAY! One lucky winner will receive one bottle each of these new unique VOSS Sparkling Water flavors. All you need to do is leave a comment and tell me where you dream of drinking it.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US residents only. This giveaway will run from Monday, May 30, 2016 through Sunday, June 5, 2016 (11:59 pm PT). A winner will be notified within 48 hours of the close of the contest and given 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. 

I was not compensated for this post, however VOSS Water supplied me with samples. They are also supplying 1 bottle each  of  VOSS Lemon Cucumber Sparkling water and Tangerine Lemongrass Sparkling water,  for the giveaway.  All opinions are my own.

Cool Margarita Mule for #NationalMargaritaDay

Happy happy haaappy 

National Margarita Day

Wooot wooot! 

Welcome to our paaaartay! 

And do I have a margarita for you! Ever since my experience with tzatziki last weekend, I am all over cucumber. And then recently I enjoyed my first ever Moscow Mule. You know...that vodka drink with ginger beer? Omg...ginger beer! Now that's some good stuff. And I don't even like beer! Ok, let me rephrase that. I really like beer margaritas. As in....that's my go to marg. And then there's this German beer that I've discovered called Hefeweizen that works for me.   

Anyways, back to the cucumber and ginger beer. Ya....that's where we're going. It's cool, refreshing and snappy. 

There's a little prep work that needs to be done first but this is the best part of my Cool Margarita Mule. You must infuse your tequila with cucumber.

1 cup silver tequila
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped

Muddle the cucumber in the bottom of a medium bowl. Add the tequila, cover and refrigerate for a least an hour, or over night.

With a fine mesh sieve, strain the tequila, squeezing as much of the liquid out of the cucumber as you can.

I let mine sit in the fridge over night and was shocked at how strong the cucumber flavor and aroma had become. squeeeee!!!

Now squeeze a bunch of limes and lets get started!

Cool Margarita Mule

1 part cucumber infused tequila
1 1/2 parts ginger beer
1/2 part fresh lime juice
1/2 part simple syrup
thin cucumber slices and lime wedges to garnish

Combine all of the ingredients and pour into a chilled margarita glass, rimmed with salt if desired, and filled with ice. Garnish with cucumber slices and lime wedges.

Let me just say....this is one refreshing margarita! The coolness of the cucumber, the tang of the lime and it's all balanced with the snappy ginger. I have to say I'm in love with my new margarita!

Now its time to go mingle and see what everyone else is up too. Between margaritas and margarita-inspired foods....I have a feeling this party will be an all nighter!

Cheers!


Margaritas:

• Blood Orange Margarita from Sidewalk Shoes
• Blood Orange Margarita from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Caramelized Grapefruit Margarita from girlichef
• Cinnamon Orange Margarita from Sweet Life
• Cool Margarita Mule from Peaceful Cooking
• Iced Coffee Margarita from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• Mango Margarita from La Cocina de Leslie
• Minty Papaya Margarita with Chile de Arbol Spice from Nibbles and Feasts
• Pomelo Margaritas from Food Lust People Love
• Winter Pomelo Ginger Margarita from Muy Bueno Cookbook

Margarita-inspired food:

• Blood Orange Margarita Jello Shots from The Spiffy Cookie
• Pink Cadillac Margarita Cupcakes from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Salted Margarita Shortbread from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
• Strawberry Lime Margarita Cupcakes from Wishes and Dishes
• Strawberry Lime Aide Margarita Popsicles from Simply Healthy Family

Grilled Peach and Cinnamon Whiskey Sour #SundaySupper

We are smack-dab in the middle of BBQ season and this week on Sunday Supper we're all over it. Below you will find over 40 amazing recipes that'll cover just about anything you need for your next BBQ! Believe me.... we have you covered; beverages, appetizers, sides and accompaniments, main dishes and desserts!

Of course I've got an adult beverage for you all. If little ones are in the mix, by all means, make it a virgin. Just omit the alcohol. Easy peasy.

I see all sorts of amazing recipes that include grilled fruit. The sweet smokey layer that the grill brings out in is wonderful. I think it's about time that we bring that flavor to another level of enjoyment by adding it to our cocktails. Fruit and cocktails go together perfectly...so why not grilled fruit? It's a BBQ natural, in my book.

Looking at the recipes out there, I'm not the only one who has come to this delicious conclusion. I just wish I had realized it sooner.

Grilled Peach and Cinnamon Whiskey Sour
Inspired by Serious Eats
Makes 4 - 6 cocktails

2 peaches, halved and pitted
Neutral flavored oil, such as vegetable oil, to brush on the peaches
Juice from one lemon
4 oz cinnamon whiskey
4 oz brandy
24 oz tamarind (tamarindo) soda (can be found in Mexican or international markets)
Lemon and lime slices to garnish

Brush the cuts sides of your peaches with oil and grill on a medium hot grill until just tender and charred

Let cool before peeling the skin off. (this can be done a day in advance and stored in the fridge.)

It's super easy to get those skins off when the peaches are cooked. Still really messy...but easy. 

Place the peaches in pitcher or bowl with the lemon juice and muddle away. Or you can put it in a blender and give it a quick spin.

Add the cinnamon whisky, brandy and tamarind soda and give it all a good stir. 

Pour into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with the lemon and lime slices, sit back and finish grilling. Or better yet, keep someone else company while they finish grilling. 

If you prefer a cocktail that's not so thick with fruit, by all means, strain out some of the peaches. Either way you're going to enjoy this cocktail. You're instantly hit with the cinnamon then it mellows into the tangy tamarind flavors before the soft sweet peach kisses your palate. It's refreshing and smooth going down. And before you know it, you need a refill. 

Well, this is just the beginning. Take a look at the amazing recipes the Sunday Supper team has put together for you. I guarantee you will be inspired and delighted.  

Beverages

• Best Wines For A Summer BBQ Party from ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
• Grilled Peach and Cinnamon Whiskey Sour from Peaceful Cooking
• How To Make Fresh Squeezed Lemonade from Life Tastes Good
• Pineapple Margaritas from The Messy Baker
• Stone Fruit Sangria from Because I Like Chocolate
• Strawberry Lemonade from Basic N Delicious

Appetizers

• BBQ Stuffed Calimari from Jane's Adventure in Dinner

Sides and Accompaniments

• Cucumber Salad with Blackberry Browned Butter Vinaigrette from Nik Snacks
• Easy Fruity Salad from Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
• Grilled Corn on the Cob with Lime Butter from The Redhead Baker
• Jacques' Cucumber Salad with Onions from Food Lust People Love
• Mango Peanut Slaw from The Texan New Yorker
• Mom's Classic Macaroni Salad from Webicurean
• Roasted Strawberry BBQ Sauce from Bobby's Kozy Kitchen
• Two Tomato Chutney from What Smells So Good?

Main Dishes

• Asian-Style Pasta with Gochujang Peanut Sauce from Wallflour Girl
• Barbecue Ribs from girlichef
• BBQ Stuffed Peppers from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
• Bistecca from Confessions of a Culinary Diva
• Competition Baby Back Ribs with Apple-Bourbon Barbecue Sauce from Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Grilled Clams with Chorizo from Noshing With The Nolands
• Grilled Sanma from A Mama, Baby & Shar-pei in the Kitchen
• Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Basil from Nosh My Way
• Grilled Swordfish and Eggplant with Fusilli and Tomatoes from Cooking Chat
• Grilled Wings from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• Lemon Oregano Spatchcock Chicken from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• Mango Beef Kebabs from Curious Cuisiniere
• Steak Skewers with Chimichurri from Jelly Toast
• Sweet and Tangy Blueberry BBQ Chicken Pizza from Simply Gourmet

Desserts

• Amazing S'mores 7-Layer Bars from Flavor Mosaic
• Banana Pudding Pie from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Blackberry Cake from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Blueberry and Raspberry Galette from Rhubarb and Honey
• Farm Stand Blackberry Buckle from The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Grilled Peach Crumble from Try Anything Once Culinary
• Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone Cream and Sweet Balsamic Syrup from La Bella Vita Cucina
• Hot Fudge Ice Cream Pie from Melanie Makes
• Lemon Ricotta Bars from The Foodie Army Wife
• Old Fashioned Sour Cherry Pie from Pies and Plots
• Pineapple Upside Down Cake from Take A Bite Out of Boca
• S'mores Chocolate Cookie Cups from Cupcakes & Kale Chips

Wicked Tidal Wave Frozen Cocktail

This cocktail probably has one of the silliest inspirations. Have you ever seen those dorky games that use, for example, the number of letters in your last name, and you're given a word. Then based on the 3rd letter of your first name, you're given another word. Put the words together and it's your "porn star name". Silly, and probably tasteless I know. But some combinations are pretty funny.

Well....this drink came from a similar game called "What's Your Tropical Drink Name?"  My word combination was 'Wicked Tidal Wave'. I never get cool combos like that! So of course I had to make "my" tropical drink!

Since I'm going for a tidal wave color, Kinky Blue is no brainer. With its tropical fruit and wild berry flavors, coconut rum also fit the bill.  Of course the addition of vodka to add the "wicked" aspect. A splash of sprite to to keep them all under control...and that's the basics.

But I didn't stop there, I have to add some blue colored water flavoring stuff....just to deepen the blue. Then there's the whipped cream topping, Yes, there has to be a whipped cream on a tidal wave. A couple of squirts of  cream of coconut as the whipping cream is coming together......talk about YUM! Coconut flavored whipped cream? Umm...YA!!!

Wicked Tidal Wave

4 oz Kinky Blue
4 oz coconut rum
2 oz vodka
2 oz sprite
A couple squirts of Mio Fit Berry Blast or some other blue water flavoring (optional)
Garnish with coconut whipped cream

In a small pitcher, combine the Kinky Blue, rum, vodka and sprite.

Working in 2 batches, fill the blender halfway with ice. Pour in half of the mixture and blend until slushy. If you want a deeper blue color, squirt in a bit of the water flavoring. Blend briefly.

To make the whipped cream, pour 1 cup or so of heavy whipping cream into a mixing bowl (to be honest, I didn't measure). Beat on high until medium-soft. Squirt in a couple teaspoons or so of cream of coconut and continue beating until medium-firm.

Pour drink into a tall cocktail glass and top with coconut whipped cream

Note: If the drink is too sweet, add a bit more sprite or club soda. If you want it to be stronger, add a bit more vodka.

Enjoy the tropical fruit and berry flavors along with the coconut. But remember...don't drink it too fast. A brain freeze is never fun.

Russian Sailor and a Lovely Candy Co #Giveaway

Spring is in the air. Gardening is on many of our minds. Prepping the earth, plotting and planning and planting. Then comes the nurturing and tending to those little seedlings, with high hopes of a bountiful harvest. The sweet, sweet satisfaction of growing your own fruits and vegetables. The pureness of it all. Fresh, flavorful, and nutritious.

We all do our best to feed our families healthy foods. Although it's not always easy or affordable. Organic, non-gmo produce isn't in everyone's budget. With our own gardens though....it's a bit more affordable and very controllable, making every garden prepping, back breaking moment worth it.

But every once in a while (or more) we have that craving....the child in us is crying out for some good old fashioned candy. Sure, that freshly picked strawberry is as sweet as sweet can be. But it's not candy. There are times when I really want candy! I dunno about you, but I have never seen a mainstream candy bar with the words organic or non-gmo on the label. Maybe when you're hunting down a candy bar, you're far from thinking ...'is this good for me?" cuz when the craving hits, all that matters is getting your fix.

Well, if you shop at Target....I have some good news for you. You can get your candy fix and feel good about it, at the same time.

Check it out!!! Lovely Candy Co. makes non-gmo, organic, gluten-free, certified kosher. no soy, no artificial  colors or ingredients, no high fructose corn syrup Fruit Chews and Caramels. And they can be found in many U.S. Target stores.

And...they are seriously delicious!!

The Fruit Chews didn't last long in my household, with this little bits of fruity flavor. The only reason the caramels did, was because their were 2 bags...Original Caramel and ...Chocolate Swirl Caramel.

Which reminds me....today, April 5th is National Caramel Day!

And you get to enter for a chance to WIN 3 bags (one bag of each flavor) of this wonderful candy! 

How sweet is that?!

Let me give you an adult way to enjoy it ....

I say 'adult' because it does include alcohol. What I'm about to do can be done with any of the candies I was given. I chose the Chocolate Swirl Caramels. Mainly because I wanted to make a cocktail with it afterwards.

Now you all have seen flavor infused vodka at the market, haven't you? Do you know how easy it is to make?

I took about half a dozen of the Chocolate Swirl Caramels and placed them in a mason jar filled with Vodka.

And let it sit on the counter for a couple of days. Every once in a while (when I thought of it) I shook that jar up. Once the caramels had dissolved, I strained it through a coffee filter lined sieve

And whaddya know....I had infused vodka!

Perfect for making my cocktail.

Russian Sailor

3 oz caramel infused vodka
2 oz coffee liquor
1 oz cream
good pinch of sea salt
caramel sauce to drizzle (optional)

In a shaker full of ice, combine the vodka, coffee liquor and cream. Shake for a few seconds then poor into a chilled martini glass. Sprinkle with a good pinch of salt and drizzle some caramel sauce over it if desired.

This will not only take care of any sweet craving you could possibly have, but it'll knock your socks off as well. Which you just might need after a long day prepping the garden.

How would you like to give this consciously crafted, better-for-you candy a try?

Lovely Candy Co. will send one lucky U.S. resident winner a 6oz bag of each of the following:

Lovely Candy Original Caramels
Lovely Candy Chocolate Swirl Caramels 
Lovely Candy Superfruit Chews

Leaving a comment is a mandatory requirement for entering to win. All other entries are optional.

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US residents only. This giveaway will run from Saturday, April 5, 2014 through Thursday, April 10, 2014 (11:59 pm PT). Winner will be notified within 48 hours of the close of the contest and given 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. 

I was not compensated for this post, however Lovely Candy Co supplied me with 3 bags of candy to try. They are also supplying 3 bags of candy for the giveaway.  All opinions are my own.

Paddyrita

If any of you know me, you know that I'm a margarita gal. Even on St. Patrick's Day.

My go-to margarita is made with equal parts tequila, sprite, limeade and beer (usually Corona). A few years ago I started substituting a Guinness Extra Stout for the Corona on St. Patrick's Day. Add's a nice little twist in flavor...very good.

This year...I took it a step further.

I omitted the tequila all today (gasp!)

And replaced it with Irish Whiskey.

Think about it....beer and lime and good together. (Just as Bud). Whiskey and lime are good together (just Google it and you'll see all sorts of options).

Ooooooh yuuuuuuuuum! There's something that happens that I can't explain. A flavor thing. As if someone added some spices to this drink. I love it! Bubble, flavorful...lime, spice something or other...and you can't even taste alcohol. Perfect!!

Paddyrita
12 oz frozen limeade
12 oz Sprite
12 oz Irish Whiskey
12 oz Guinness Extra Stout

In a large pitcher, combine all ingredients. Server over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.

May the luck of the Irish be with you!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Winter Blush and an Uncommon Goods Giveaway

I have a little something, and then some, to add to your Holiday Cheer!!

I'm giving away a 
$50 Gift Certificate to 

Uncommon Goods 

and I have a great little cocktail recipe for you as well.

You see that pink marble looking glass in the above photo?

No, it's not a candle holder.

No, it's not marble.

It's a shot glass. And it's been carved out of Himalayan Salt! I don't know about you, but I think that's ingenious! And yes...when you take a shot, you taste the salt.

This little gem (it's one of four gems. I mean, honestly, who wants to take a shot by themselves?) was a gift from Uncommon Goods. I'm really looking forward to using these for the holidays, especially the New Year. Cheers!!!

Actually, they have a lot of great gifts and items to brighten up your holidays. If shot glasses aren't your thing, don't worry, you can choose from an incredible variety of items from gifts for 'her' to gifts for 'him', household items, stuff for kids, your office...decor and accessories for your bar. Seriously, their products are very unique and fun. 

But when I saw these shot glasses, they spoke to me. Rather loudly. You could almost say they were screaming my name! 

Almost as loudly as this beautiful cocktail.

Winter Blush

makes 6 cocktails

1 1/2 cups cranberry juice

1/2 cup ruby red grapefruit juice

1/2 cup silver tequila

1/2 cup orange liqueur

1/2 simple syrup (equal amounts of sugar and water heated to a boil, stirred until sugar dissolves)

Sprite to top off served cocktails

Candies cranberries (recipe to follow) to garnish

Orange slices to garnish

Combine the cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, tequila, orange liqueur and simple syrup. When ready to serve, pour some in a shaker filled with ice, shake until chilled and strain into a glass. Top off with Sprite and garnish.

Refreshing, sweet and a little tartness that's controlled by the Sprite. And dangerous. You can't taste the alcohol much so you better watch it. 

As for the candied cranberries...so beautiful and so easy to make:

1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water, boiled while stirring until sugar dissolves. (this is simple syrup). Poor hot simple syrup over a cup or two of cranberries. Cover and refrigerate a few hours or over night. Strain the simple syrup out (save for using in a cocktail or other recipe). Roll the berries in fine sugar (also known as bakers sugar)

Allow to dry and use as desired.

Don't forget to enter for your chance to win the $50 Gift Certificate below! 

Good Luck and Happy Holidays

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was not compensated for this post, however Uncommon Goods supplied me with the Himalayan Salt Shot Glass.  They are also supplying the gift certificate for the giveaway.  All opinions are my own.

Arnold Julep starring Owl's Brew

There's a new kid in town. A little mysterious yet familiar. Quite pure but with a wild agenda. And this new wild child just landed on the west coast. 

Owl's Brew. 

Fresh, spicy, fruity, herb-y. Natural, pure...what you see is what you get. Tea, water and agave, micro-brewed specifically for cocktails. 

I recently attended the West Coast Launch of Owl's Brew. The posh Riviera 31 Lounge in the Sofitel Hotel in West Los Angeles was the perfect setting with a cozy outdoor patio, complete with pumpkins, bones, a ouija board.

And cocktails. 

Tea for cocktails. Why not just make your own? Well, this tea is unique in the fact that it's micro-brewed in small batches creating a unique blend of spices, fruits and herbs. The resulting flavor is intense yet pure, giving it the ability to hold it's own when mixed with your favorite alcohol. If I were to try to brew a tea this strong at home, I'd end up with something rather bitter.

Not so with Owl's Brew. 

I was introduced to their 3 blends;

Coco-Lada: Black tea, chai spice, pineapple and coconut. This was paired with vodka and was my personal favorite

Pink and Black: Black tea, strawberries, lemon peel and hibiscus. A very nice blend with beer.

The Classic: English breakfast tea and lemon peel. This is the blend I brought home to play with....

Arnold Julep
Makes 2 drinks

4 oz Bourbon
6 oz Owl's Brew, The Classic
2 oz lemon-lime soda
10 - 15 mint leaves plus more for garnish
1 tsp sugar

In the bottom of a large cocktail shaker, muddle the mint leaves with the sugar.

Fill the shaker half way with ice. Add the bourbon and Owl's Brew. Shake vigorously for a minute.

Strain into 2 ice filled cocktail glasses. Top off each glass with about an ounce of lemon-lime soda. Garnish with a small prig of mint leaves.

Want another quick one?

Owl's Brew Sangria

Mix equal parts of your choice of Owl's Brew blends and your favorite wine. Add a little simple syrup (to taste) and a splash of club soda.

Voila...instant Sangria!