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

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!

 

MIXOLOGY 101 WITH PHARMACIE + 5 FABULOUS COCKTAIL SHAKERS

Recently, I had the privilege of taking a mixology workshop with Pharmacie founder, Talmadge Lowe. Starting out as an underground speakeasy, Pharmacie is now the go-to party "cocktail caterer," if you will. If you want to have the hottest, and classiest, party in town, you call Talmagdge and his crew to create the most delicious and inventive, craft cocktails, using the freshest of ingredients, to wow even your most discerning party guest. When I discovered that Pharmacie and The Unique Space had teamed up to deliver this workshop, I jumped right in. I have always fancied myself a "natural-born mixologist" but I have to admit I never really went beyond the "vodka cocktail/white rum mojitos comfort zone." And though my friends have given me much praise and elect me the cocktail creator for our dinner parties, I knew I could reach for higher heights and do better! My two hours with Talmadge got me there. I'm no longer afraid of scotch! I can make my husband a whiskey cocktail anytime! Tequila and I are now BFFs! I am more ready to party than ever! Here's a peek into what the class had to offer.

The Unique Space, all set up for class. 

Long tables set with bar tools and fresh fruit and herbs for muddling.

Each student was given their own bar set and Pharmacie simple syrup to use during the class and to take home.

The array of spirits we were able to experiment with during the class.

My favorite part: Freshly made citrus juices and simple syrups ranging from pineapple to cilantro.

A couple of our delicious finished products using scotch and whiskey, respectively. 

Now that you are amped to get mixing, here are my Top 5 Cocktail Shaker Picks to make your drink-making even more enjoyable.

The Harrison Cocktail Shaker from Pottery Barn is a beautiful classic, with monogramming available.

This gorgeous 24K Gold-Plated Shaker from Dwell will add tons of glamour and luxury to your cocktail crafting.

Probably the coolest, most Batman-esque cocktail shaker I've seen - The Black Nuance from Williams-Sonoma.

This stunning piece by Tom Dixon, via ABC Carpet & Home, takes bartending to a whole new, breathtaking level. 

The sleekest of the sleek, Shelton Cocktail Shaker, via Bloomingdales, was created by design icon Arne Jacobsen in 1969 and is made in Denmark.

HAPPY MIXING!