Join Me For a MommyJuice Wines (Twitter) Pool Party!

Disclaimer:  I was selected by Clever Girls Collective to help promote the MommyJuice Wines Twitter Party.  
 

When I'm hanging with my friends on a play date, we like to incorporate some "mommy juice" while snacking.  You know what I mean...wine or a spritzer that is only for the mommies.  Well, Cheryl Durzy, founder of MommyJuice Wines, was smart enough to market that phrase! 

Are you ready to kick off summer? Let’s have a pool party! We will be chatting about all things fun and summer, while celebrating the release of MommyJuice's first dry Rosé. We hope you’ll join us. Bathing suits totally optional.
 

(Twitter) Pool Party Hosted by MommyJuice Wines: Party Details

Who: You, your friends, your friends’ friends
What: The MommyJuice Wines “Pool Party” on Twitter      
When: Wednesday, June 12 at noon PDT 
Where: On Twitter! 
Follow: @Clever_Network, @MommyJuiceWines
Hashtag: #WinePoolParty
Prizes: Pool Party Gift Packs            
RSVP here: http://clvr.li/mjPPPink
 

Every Mommy needs MommyJuice!  See you at the "pool" party!


Alexis

Thirsty Thursday ~ Tikohi Sauvignon Blanc

Do you like to unwind after a long day with a glass of wine?  How about enjoy a fresh tasting glass with a great meal?  

I recently tried Tikohi Sauvignon Blanc.  I really enjoyed it.  I found it to be crisp with hints of fruit, but it wasn't too fruity or sweet.  I enjoyed Tikohi with our recent meal of Venetian Shrimp & Scallop Pasta.  YUM!

This gooseberry and lime fresh white wine hails from one of New Zealand's most highly respected winemaking families.  It is best paired with fresh seafood or a light curry.

Wine People reviewed Tikohi as "beautifully crisp, packed with grassy guava aromas and bright passion fruit flavours … one sip and you’ll be hooked! It makes the perfect partner to sizzling scallops, now to 2014."

The best part is the price.  It ranges in price from $11-$17.  Not too hefty of a price tag.  Check your local wine store.  If not, you can always order Tikohi at Laithwaites Wine online.





Alexis

Thirsty Thursday ~ Minty Peach Martini

St. Patrick's Day is coming up this weekend.  You know, Erin Go Braugh and all that?  What better time to come back with Thirsty Thursdays?!? OH YEAH, I'm back baby!
 
To me, St. Patty's Day is just an excuse to wear green, eat corned beef and cabbage, and drink green beer.   Now that I'm taking better care of myself, I don't want to give up the food, the color green, or the alcohol, but I do want to give up the calories. 

I went searching for a yummy low-cal St. Patty's Day treat and I came across Shape magazine's website.  That's where I found this:


Minty Peach Martini

130 calories, 10 grams sugar

 

Photo from Shape.com

Skip the green-colored beer this year and try crafting this low-cal martini created by The Cocktail Guru Jonathan Pogash. Fresh lemon juice and peach-flavored vodka lends the drink a fresh, fruity boost.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz. Van Gogh Cool Peach Vodka
1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. agave nectar
8-10 mint leaves

Directions:
Add ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and shake very well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with mint sprig.

After a couple of these babies, you'll be screaming "Kiss me, I'm Irish!"


Want more Thirsty Thursday?  Have you tried the Bombay Sapphire Cranberry Buck? 

 
Alexis

Thirsty Thursday ~ Bombay Sapphire Cranberry Buck

As I mentioned last week, I attended Vanessa James Media's Mixology.  I also told you about Bombay Sapphire's interactive cocktail making.  Well, not only did we have the Bombay Sapphire Collins, but we also had this one with cranberry juice.  We were "sippin' on gin 'n juice...laid back!"




Bombay Sapphire Cranberry Buck


Ingredients:
1.5 oz. Bombay Sapphire gin
2 lime wedges
Ginger ale
Cranberry juice
ice


Directions:
In a cup with ice, pour in Bombay Sapphire gin and add ginger ale to top.  Put in a dash of cranberry juice for color.  Squeeze in lime wedges and stir.






So easy & so delicious!! What a great cocktail to celebrate the summer sunsets...or sunrises, or midday sun, or whatever floats your boat!

Got my mind on my money & my money on my mind!

Want more Thirsty Thursday?  Check out the Parrot Bay Sunset.


Alexis

Thirsty Thursday ~ Bombay Sapphire Collins

Last week I attended Vanessa James Media's Mixology.  It was a night for social media friends to get together to celebrate Vanessa James' 5th anniversary & her new endeavors.  


Bombay Sapphire was one of sponsors of this event.  They had a unique interactive cocktail experience where guests were asked to make their own cocktails.  One cocktail we made was so refreshing that this may be my new "go-to" drink at bars....




Bombay Sapphire Collins
(makes one drink)

Ingredients:
1/2 lemon
1 oz. of simple syrup 
1.5 oz. of Bombay Sapphire gin
ice
club soda

Directions:
In a shaker with ice, squeeze the juice of half a fresh lemon.  Add simple syrup and Bombay Sapphire gin.  Shake and pour into glass with ice.  Top off with club soda.  Garnish with lemon.

Shaking it up with Caroline from Smarty Pants Mama!

It's a refreshing lemonade type drink.  You will LOVE it!!




Have you tried the Citrusy Champagne Sangria?


Alexis

Thirsty Thursday ~ Pineapple Rum Refresher

Getting ready for the Dave Matthews Band concert this weekend.  I look forward to it every year.  Outside concert, cold drinks, and DAVE!  

Mixing up some Pineapple Rum Refreshers for our own little "tailgate" party before the show!

 

Pineapple Rum Refresher

Ingredients:

• 1 can (46 ounces) pineapple juice
• 2 cups spiced rum
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (from 6 to 8 limes)
• Lime slices, for garnish

Directions:
In a large pitcher, stir together pineapple juice, spiced rum, and lime juice. Refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice, garnished with lime slices.

Try these the next time you have a summer outdoor gathering!

Have you tried the Corona-Rita?  My ALL-TIME favorite!!

Alexis

Thirsty Thursday ~ Parrot Bay Sunset

What better way to enjoy a sunset than with a refreshing cocktail?  And what better cocktail than a Parrot Bay Sunset.... oh yeah!


Living in South Florida, we have great sunsets all year round.  Now that it's summer, the kids want to stay outside longer.  That's just one more chance for me to enjoy a cocktail.

Parrot Bay Sunset

The picture would have been kick ass with a sunset behind it!

Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz of Captain Morgan Parrot Bay coconut rum
4oz orange juice
1oz cranberry juice


Directions:
Combine all ingredients in shaker.  Serve on ice. 
Garnish with an orange wedge.  (I didn't have one, so I garnished with a lime.)


Easy enough?  And I can't express in words how yummy this cocktail is!!  Perfect for those quick summer gatherings or just when you want something a little more fruity. 



Have you tried the Citrusy Champagne Sangria?
Check out more Thirsty Thursday ideas...




Alexis

Thirsty Thursday ~ Strawberry Watermelon Cooler

Summer time and the livin' is easy.  Kids are swimming and the sun is extra hot.  

Don't you want to cool down?  What better way than with an icy fresh beverage with what else...RUM!

During the summer, fresh fruit is bountiful....especially strawberries and watermelon.  They are the inspiration for this week's drink! 

Strawberry Watermelon Cooler

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh watermelon, roughly chopped
• ½ cup fresh strawberries, diced
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tbsp. agave nectar
• 1 cup ice
• 1 cup of white rum (I like Bacardi)
  

Directions:

1. In a blender combine watermelon & strawberries.  
2. Strain the mixture so that the seeds are removed.
   
3. Then combine the fruit mixture, coconut milk, agave nectar, rum and ice; pulse until smooth.
4. Divide between 4 glasses. You can optionally add one shot of rum or tequila to each glass. Serve with a straw and garnish with strawberry slices or watermelon wedges.
5. Serve immediately.
   

How's that for summer fun??  I hope you enjoy!!

Alexis

Thirsty Thursday ~ La Pinta Pomerita

It's summertime and that means more time for BBQs at the pool or beach.  Well, I have a delicious cocktail to help ensure that your BBQ or pool party are a success!!

La Pinta Pomerita

Pomerita

Ingredients: La Pinta pomegranate infused tequila, agave nectar, lime.

Ingredients:

2 oz La Pinta Pomegranate Infused Tequila
½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
½ oz Agave Nectar – to taste

Directions: 

Serve on the rocks with an orange or lime garnish.


La Pinta Pomegranate Infused Tequila is handcrafted in Mexico by Casa Tradición Master Distiller Arturo Lomeli and brings together the unparalleled smoothness of Clase Azul Plata tequila with the crisp taste of pomegranate to produce a delicious blend of unique flavor. Clase Azul Plata is ultra-premium non-aged tequila that boasts the aroma of fresh agave. Featuring a bold red color, La Pinta is 38 proof and provides the right balance of sweet flavor and tartness.


What is your favorite summertime cocktail?


Have you tried The Skinny Pina Colada?


Don't forget for more Thirsty Thursday ideas, check out my girl Amanda at Anti Mom Blog!

**Disclaimer:  I was provided a sample of La Pinta Pomegranate infused tequila for review purposes only. All opinions are my own.  No compensation was received for this review.

Alexis

Thirsty Thursday ~ Echelon Wines

Taking a break from the mixology madness of Thirsty Thursday and letting you know about a wine that I recently tried.   

Echelon Vineyards is a compilation of the finest flavors that California has to offer.  They combine the best of several regions throughout the state to make this unique and refreshing blend.

Enjoyed the Echelon Pinot Grigio
with Smarty Pants Mama @ Mom 2.0 Summit.

My favorite was the Pinot Grigio.   The bright and crisp flavors are ideal for my obsession with sweet things, while not tasting too fruity.  It was the perfect beverage while enjoying the view at Mom 2.0 Summit in Key Biscayne, Florida.  (I also used it in my spicy mussels with white wine dish!)

Enjoyed the Chardonnay while eating Goldfish with the kids.
Is that wrong?

The Chardonnay was a little more on the dry side.  This wine was more tangy with hints of vanilla and fruit.  I paired the Chardonnay as I enjoyed a snack of Goldfish with my kids.  (It made the constant fighting a little more bearable!)




I'm not usually a red wine kind of gal, but the Red Blend was surprisingly smooth.  It tasted like, dare I say it, dark chocolate.  Not to mention it didn't give me heart burn!




The next time that you are looking for a smooth and refreshing wine, check out Echelon Vineyards California Series. 

**Disclaimer:  I was selected for participation in the Echelon Vineyards tasting through a program with Clever Girls Collective. Samples of the wine were provided to me by Echelon Vineyards.  I was not compensated for writing this post, nor did I receive payment in exchange for participating. All opinions are my own and do not reflect the views of Echelon Vineyards.

Alexis

Thirsty Thursday ~ Fuji Sunset

Recently at Mom 2.0 Summit in Key Biscayne, Florida, I met Jessica Fini the Assistant Manager for Public Relations for Honda.  We were talking about my Thirsty Thursday meme, and she asked me to help her find a cocktail using sake.  Jessica is getting married soon, and her soon-to-be husband is of Japanese descent.  

Her venue for the wedding will only allow beer and wine to be served.  They consider sake to be in the wine family.  Since there will not be any other alcohols available, she put me on the hunt for a sake cocktail that could be served so that it appears to be more of a cocktail.  CHALLENGE!






Fuji Sunset

Photo courtesy of Sake & Co

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz Sake
1 oz Maraschino liqueur (Maraschino juice can be substituted)
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz orange juice
Dash grenadine


Directions:


Shake with ice and strain in chilled champagne saucer or martini glass.  Garnish with a Maraschino cherry.


This would be a great companion to a sushi feast!
Tanoshimu! (Enjoy!)


For more Thirsty Thursday libations, visit my girl Amanda at Anti Mom Blog.


Alexis

Thirsty Thursday ~ Citrusy Champagne Sangria

Ahhhhh.....the Power of Pinterest!  It brings us all together and sucks us all in to hours of time on the internet!


I LOVE this site and have found many crafts, recipes and of course, Thirsty Thursday ideas!

Kiran Tarun has created this YUMMY sounding sangria that I just HAD to share!  It will take some work, but I can't wait to try it this summer for a BBQ!

Recipe and photo courtesy of Kiran Tarun.

Citrusy Champagne Sangria


Ingredients:

• 4 cups freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
• 1 cup ginger ale
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 blood orange, thinly sliced
• 3 clementines, thinly sliced
• 1 honey crisp apple, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
•  1/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• pinch of salt
• 1 bottle of chilled champagne

Directions:

1. Prepare simple syrup by stirring sugar and water until sugar completely dissolves. Keep in refrigerator to chill while prepping other ingredients.
2. In a tall pitcher, add all fruits + grapefruit juice + salt + simple syrup . Chill in refrigerator for a few hours, preferably overnight.
3. To serve, pour sangria in a glass and top it with bubbly champagne.

I mean what's not to love?  

For more Thirsty Thursday love, check out AntiMomBlog.

Alexis

Thirsty Thursday ~ Peep Martini

This Easter I'll be hangin' with my "peeps"...candy that is! 
Here is a martini with those yummy little marshmallow guys....YUMMERS!
Why do kids get all the fun?!

Marshmallow Peep Martini

Recipe and photo courtesy of SheKnows

Makes 1

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 ounces fluffed marshmallow vodka
• 1/2 ounce vanilla syrup, plus extra for rim
• 1 ounce cream
• Sugar

Directions:

1. Pour a small amount of vanilla syrup onto one plate and sprinkle sugar onto another plate. Dip rim of glass in syrup and then into sugar to coat.
2. Put vodka, syrup and cream in a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Shake.
4. Strain into glass.

For more Thirsty Thursday deliciousness, check out AntiMomBlog.com.

Have you tasted the  Dark & Fluffy?

Alexis

Thirsty Thursday ~ Bacardi Coconut and Pineapple

So I have been in the mood for rum lately.  Maybe I feel like being whisked away to a Caribbean island...instead my 5 year old is having his birthday party at a water park.  I guess that will have to do!


Anyhow, I was playing on the Bacardi site again and found a new beverage...totally what I want right now! The perfect mix to any tropical oasis....uh, I mean water park!

Bacardi Coconut & Pineapple


Ingredients:
2 parts Bacardi Coco
4 parts pineapple juice (best if fresh squeezed)
Ice
Pineapple wedges for garnish


1.  Fill a highball glass with ice.
2.  Pour in the Bacardi Coco and pineapple juice.
3.  Mix well.
4.  Garnish with pineapple.


I wonder if I can have alcohol at a water park.....I guess I'll wait until I get home!


Alexis

Thirsty Thursday ~ Dirty Martini

I love olives!  They are yummy.  And after soaking in an alcohol bath for a while, they are even better!  That's why a Dirty Martini is for me; alcohol with a pure olive taste.

 

Dirty Martini (recipe from www.Allrecipes.com) 

 

Ingredients

• 6 fluid ounces vodka
• 1 dash dry vermouth
• 1 fluid ounce brine from olive jar
• 4 stuffed green olives

Directions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine vodka, dry vermouth, brine and olives. Pour into a glass over ice. Either drink on the rocks, or strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Alexis

Thirsty Thursday ~ West Side Cocktail

A couple years ago, my sister decided she wanted to do a "girls only" weekend for her birthday.  I didn't even think twice!  


#1 It was my sister's birthday.
#2 It was NYC.
#3 It was girls only. (no kids...yay!)


We had an amazing time!  Shopping, eating, Broadway, and drinking!
This was our favorite drink of the weekend....
We went to Employees Only in New York City where Jason Kosmas (partner and principal bartender) created this yummy cocktail!



West Side Cocktail

From Bar Chef Jason Kosmas of Employees Only- New York, NY
Yield: 1 Serving

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces citrus vodka
• 1 1/2 ounces fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 ounce simple syrup
• 2 fresh mint sprigs
• Splash of club soda

Method:
Pour vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup into a mixing glass. Add mint and ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Top off with club soda.

It's kind of like a mojito, but a little sweeter. YUM!
Next time you're in Manhattan, check it out!

Alexis

Thirsty Thursday ~ The Corona-Rita

Since I've started the Thirsty Thursday portion of my blog, everyone I know wants me to feature their favorite drink.  Today's feature is a favorite that I share with my friend and teammate, Brie.
When we get a chance to go to Happy Hour, Brie and I order a Corona and a Margarita, then we mix the two.  So simple and WAY too delicious!

Well instead of making a complete Margarita from scratch, here's a simple way to replicate one of my favorites:

Corona-Ritas

In a pitcher, combine equal parts (use the limeade can to measure):

Frozen limeade concentrate
water
Sprite
tequila

add one Corona

Stir, serve, and be careful, ’cause these guys go down waaaay too easy!


Have you tried the La Pinta Pomerita? 

For more Thirsty Thursday treats, visit my girl at Anti Mom Blog!

Alexis

Thirsty Thursdays ~ Strawberry-Coconut Daiquiri

Make summer last a little longer with this yummy cocktail!  Here's the best part...it's only 112 calories!!  This wonderfully low-cal treat is a great way to use up the last of summer's strawberries, or bring summer into your fall/winter by using frozen strawberries.  

Strawberry-Coconut Daiquiri 

(From Fitness Magazine)

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups  chopped fresh or frozen (not thawed) strawberries, (about 12 ounces)

3 tablespoons  sugar

2 tablespoons  lime juice

3 cups  ice cubes

3/4 cup  coconut-flavored rum, such as Malibu (see Variation, above)

Directions

1. Combine strawberries, sugar and lime juice together in a blender. Blend until smooth. Add ice cubes and rum and blend until frothy. Transfer mixture to a pitcher and serve.

ENJOY!

Alexis

Thirsty Thursday...Bacardi Rum 'N' Coke Float

As a child, my dad would make Coke floats with me on hot days.  He recently taught my kids to do the same...now they want one for breakfast, lunch and dinner!!


Photo Courtesy of Bacardi.com



Recently I was playing on the Bacardi site.  They have this cool Mix Master link where you can choose ingredients and your level of difficulty, and it will spit out a cocktail recipe.  {SO FUN!}  And I came across my childhood favorite with an adult twist!!  How excited was I???

Bacardi Rum 'N' Coke Float

Ingredients:
2 parts Bacardi Superior Rum
3 parts Coca-Cola
1 ball of vanilla ice cream
cubed ice


1.  Fill high ball glass with ice.
2.  Pour on the Bacardi Superior Rum
3.  Top with chilled Coca-Cola
4.  Finish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream


Who said the kids get to have all the fun???!!

Alexis

Thirsty Thursday...Bold Bloody Mary

Ah, the Bloody Mary...
Is it a cocktail, a serving of vegetables, or a brunch staple?  Oh yes, it's all of the above!

This absolutely delicious concoction is one of my all time favorites!  My love for the Bloody Mary began in my college years in D.C.  We would go to a bar called Sign of the Whale.  Each Sunday, this D.C. establishment would tempt me with their Bloody Mary bar.  They would hand you a pint with vodka and tomato juice, then you would take your drink to a bar full of spices and create your own.  Ah, HEAVEN!

Since every one's Bloody Mary is unique to their tastes, I wanted to present you with my favorite flavors.

• Start with about 1/3 of a pint glass with vodka.  And then fill with ice.
• Fill the rest of the glass with tomato juice or V8.
• 1 dash Old Bay seasoning (a nod to my Maryland days...)
• 1 dash Tabasco sauce
• 1/8 tsp. horseradish (pure, never creamed)
• Squeeze half of a lemon
• Add 3 Spanish olives 
• Garnish with celery stalk.

Remember, no two Bloody Marys are alike...just have fun with your spices and your taste buds!
Enjoy any time of day!!


Alexis