THE TWINK + SIS MARGARITA

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Last year we made a delish Blood Orange, Basil & Jalapeño Margarita for National Margarita Day! We thought we'd share it again today in case you were so inclined to celebrate with this organic cocktail that packs a major punch! xx

This Sunday is not only The Academy Awards, but it's National Margarita Day! Now that we are pro-mixologists (see yesterday's post), we concocted the most delicious (if I do say so myself) margarita for you to enjoy on this special holiday.  And it's the perfect drink to serve your guests while watching The Oscars. I used pure, organic silver tequila with fresh squeezed lime juice, muddled basil and jalapeño and made my own blood orange simple syrup. Here's how it's done - 

For ONE serving you will need:

2 oz. Silver Tequila (I am really digging IXÁ, an organic, small batch tequila)

1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

1 oz. Blood Orange Simple Syrup (recipe below)

3 - 5 Basil Leaves

2 Thin Jalapeño Slices

Ice

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First, make the simple syrup. If you don't own an electric citrus juicer I highly recommend this one from Breville. I love it. 

Blood Orange Simple Syrup Ingredients:

3/4 Cup Fresh Blood Orange Juice (about 8 blood oranges), strained through a sieve

3/4 Cup Organic Sugar

1-1/2 Cups Water

Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. Allow to cool. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.

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To make the drink:

Muddle jalapeño and basil until fairly broken down.

Add tequila, lime juice and blood orange simple syrup. Add several ice cubes and shake vigorously for about a minute.

Pour the liquid through the strainer over ice. If you like my large spherical ice cubes, you can get the molds at Williams-Sonoma.

Cheers to the greatest National Margarita Day ever!!

VALENTINE COCKTAIL: "MAKING OUT IN A FIELD OF STRAWBERRIES"

I think it's pretty clear that we over here at Twink and Sis are big fans of Valentine's Day. So, to keep the party going, I have created this flirty and refreshing cocktail that I like to call "Making Out in a Field of Strawberries." It's two of my favorite flavors - strawberries and mint - with a nice, clean vodka. I think it would taste great with gin too, if you are so inclined.

*A Quick Note Before We Start:
I believe this drink should not be strained and should contain pieces of the smashed fruit and mint. So using a shaker with a strainer is not necessary at all. This drink also works great for parties and large groups and can easily be made in a pitcher or punch bowl, by just multiplying the recipe below by however many servings you would like to make. 

For One Serving You Will Need:
4 Medium-Large Strawberries (with tops removed)
Two Sprigs Fresh Mint (leaves removed from stem)
1/2 oz. of Simple Syrup
1 oz. Vodka
About 3 oz. Sparkling Water or Prosecco
Ice

In a cocktail shaker (or bowl or pitcher) muddle the strawberries and mint well. 

Add simple syrup and vodka. 

If using a shaker, add a few ice cubes and shake vigorously. If using a bowl, skip the ice for now. Stir and smash all of the ingredients until they are well combined. 

Glasses: Crate & Barrel, Heart Stir Sticks: Shop Sweet Lulu

Pour over a glass of ice. Top it off with sparkling water or prosecco, if you are a lush like me.

If you'd like to go the non-alcoholic route, skip the booze all together and make a yummy strawberry-mint soda with the rest of the ingredients.

Cheers to you and your Valentine!

xoxo!

PEACH + WHITE RASPBERRY SPRIZTER

August is National Peach Month! So I have concocted a refreshing peach-based spritzer that is easily turned into a yummy cocktail, if you so desire!

Ingredients Per Serving:

3 or 4 - 1/4'' Peach Slices

5 - White Raspberries

1 oz. - Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

1 oz. - Simple Syrup

Sparkling Water

Ice

Slice a peach into thin 1/4" inch slices. Muddle peach and raspberries in a cocktail shaker. Add lemon and simple syrup.

If you are making a boozy version, add 1 oz. of any spirit you would like. Vodka is always a crowd pleaser but I personally love this with gin. Even scotch or whisky would taste great! 

Shake and strain over ice. Top with sparkling water.  Cheers! xx

P.S. Simple syrup doesn't have to me made with just sugar. If you are trying to eat a little healthier, make it the same way, but with honey or maple syrup-based simple syrup. I make lemonade like that, more often than not!

YEAH! POP-UP WITH PHARMACIE LA

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of attending YEAH! Furniture's pop-up speakeasy party with Pharmacie. The evening included a tour of the furniture line's stunning statement pieces (which I would like to own very much), fabulous craft cocktails from Pharmacie - in beautiful vintage glassware from The Hostess Haven, tray-passed delights from The Vetted Table and free oxygen from The Plant Library. It was such a lovely evening. Here's a photo tour. *Please excuse the shaky iPhone photos.

The first vignette. YEAH! describes their pieces as "classic mid-century design, reimagined with a modern California edge." I'm in!! Every piece was truly fabulous.

I love being greeted with a glass of prosecco upon arrival. How gorgeous is this champagne flute from Hostess Haven?

I concur!

Lovely view of downtown through the DJ set-up.

The gentlemen of Pharmacie.

The first cocktail of the night - "The Starlet" - A martini with fresh mint.

Delicious bites from The Vetted Table.

I became an instant fan of The Plant Library - you can rent their beautiful plants for events. GENIUS.

The "Italian Swizzle" went down reeeeaaaallly easily.  

Ended off the night with "The Confirmed Bachelor" - Pharmacie's take on the Manhattan. I'm tipsy and ready to buy everything. Thank you everyone for such a beautiful night! xx