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!!

SPRING COCKTAIL: THE PUCKERBERRY FINN

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!

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

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!