May 05, 2016

THE TWINK + SIS MARGARITA

May 05, 2016/ Laurén

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.

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!!

March 10, 2016

SPRING COCKTAIL: THE PUCKERBERRY FINN

March 10, 2016/ Laurén

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

I created this cocktail for our recent Spring dinner party. There is something about muddled blackberries and fresh, sour lemon juice that is super delicious and refreshing. It's the perfect spring cocktail, if I do say so myself! I have also become a big fan of gin lately -- particularly small batch, organic ones, like Peak Spirits' CapRock. It has a really lovely flavor. The splash of elderflower liquor adds a really nice fruity and flowery sweetness to tie it all together.

Huge thank you to Borrowed Blu for the gorgeous crystal cut and milk glasses and Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography for the stunning photographs.

We were thrilled to have this recipe featured on Domaine Home a few weeks ago. In case you missed it, here it is!

5 Blackberries

1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

1 oz. Simple Syrup

1+1/2 oz. Gin

1/2 oz. Elderflower Liquor

Ice

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In a cocktail shaker, muddle blackberries. Add lemon juice, simple syrup, gin and elderflower liquor. add several ice cubes and shake vigorously. Pour through a strainer and garnish with an edible flower or blackberries (I froze mine to give them an extra special look). Enjoy!

October 19, 2015

RORI'S ORGANIC ICE CREAM COMES TO SANTA MONICA!

October 19, 2015/ Laurén

Our very favorite ice cream, once only available in Santa Barbara and Montecito, has just opened a brand new shop in Santa Monica! Rori's Artisanal Creamery is the creamiest, highest quality ice cream out there and we just about lost our minds when we learned they were coming to LA. We stopped by over the weekend to celebrate their arrival.

These little hooligans couldn't get enough.

You can grab pints to-go, like I did.

Check out these ingredients. Stellar stuff!!

Two scoops of Fresh Mint Patty for me after Brixton went to bed! ;) Welcome to LA, Rori!!! xx

Rori's Artisanal Creamery is located at: 910 Montana Ave., Santa Monica

September 22, 2015

TOTES ORGANIC JUICES

September 22, 2015/ Laurén

Here's a little ode to my favorite neighborhood haunt, Totes Juices. Totes is not only the best juice place in my Sherman Oaks neighborhood, but it's one of the best in LA altogether. Chelsea, the owner, knows what's up and she uses only 100% organic ingredients in her juices -- which some places do not! In addition to fresh pressed and seasonal juices, they offer smoothies, bowls and "Totessicles" - popsicles made of just fruit.

Their cute exterior on Ventura Blvd. -- one block east of Woodman Ave.

Brixton patiently waiting for his daily fix.

My favorite juice is "Friends with Benefits" -- a seasonal cocktail with pineapple, greens, citrus, turmeric and jalepeño. I have to have it every day.

Customize your drink but adding fresh pressed ginger and lemon juice, olive oil or cayenne.

Blueberry "Totesicle" -- super fresh with no "junk."

Another treat we can't live without is the Almond Date Shake with Chai Protein. It is like the best ice cream you've ever had.

De-lish!!! xx

TOTES JUICES is located at: 13569 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

September 02, 2015

EREWHON CALABASAS

September 02, 2015/ Laurén

Erewhon is my #1 food store in the city. I have been going to their Beverly Blvd. location since I was a kid (Thanks Mom for being such a wise foodie!). I'm so excited to see them expanding with new stores - Erewhon Calabasas recently celebrated their 1st Anniversary and their Venice location is opening soon.

Erewhon's strict and uncompromising health and ingredient standards put most other markets to shame. I won't name any names. ;) They are also ballsy enough to carry raw milk, which is a rarity, even in our progressive and health conscious city. You won't see any corn syrup or artificial anything in their store. You can see the complete list of products NOT carried at the store and learn more about their dedication to carrying only fresh, sustainable and the healthiest foods.