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!

DINNER AT THE TASTING KITCHEN

It seems to me that Venice's Abbott Kinney is pretty much where it's at for restaurants these days. A few gal pals and I had a fun ladies' night out at Chef Casey Lane's The Tasting Kitchen. Featuring a daily changing "bill of fare," we tried a bunch of different dishes and drinks. Here's what went down.

Style is on point with the leather covered Eames chairs and the bare wood-top tables. Love the "indoor" trees.

Today's menu.

The frosted process coupe was a really nice touch, I gotta say.

Cheers, Ladies.

Warm housemate bread and butter is basically the best thing in the world. 

Five cocktails for four ladies. That's about right.

Charcuterie platter. The fluffy empanadas were fun to stuff with meats and burrata. 

Raddicchio Salad.

Pesce Crudo.

Muscles with Saffron Cream.

Tagliarini with Shrimp & Serrano, Roasted Lamb Leg and Creste di Gallo with Calabrian Sausage and Breadcrumbs

I think we tried almost every dessert.

Ice Cream is always king. Especially the house-made mint chip. Ladies night, every night? xx

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The Tasting Kitchen is located at:

1633 Abbott Kinney Blvd.

Venice

Open for dinner 7 days a week and brunch on weekends.

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