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 ~ Coconut Champagne Fruit Punch

Ok, so now that I'm getting into the groove (mostly) of being more healthy and exercising more, I save up some calories for a cocktail here or there (and here and there).  But I'm finding that there are so many choices out there to satisfy both sides.

With the entering of spring, I found this great cocktail at Averie Cooks that is also a nice addition to any spring gathering.


Coconut Water Champagne Fruit Punch  
(Vegan, Gluten Free, Soy Free, No Sugar Added)


Makes about 3 cups punch – double or triple the recipe as desired

Ingredients:

Recipe & photo from Averie Cooks

• 1 1/2 cups coconut water, flavored or plain (I used one Vita Coco Coconut Water container in Pineapple flavor which is 11.2 ounces, or about 1 1/2 cups)

• 1 cup+ champagne or white wine*

• 1/2 cup+ orange juice (or other juice; pineapple, apple, pomegranate, grape)

• 1/4 cup to 2 cups+ fruit, frozen or fresh (quantity used will vary from a couple berries or cubes of pineapple as a garnish to 1 to 2+ cups of fruit added to the punch mixture such as orange wedges, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, watermelon cubes, mango cubes, etc.)

• splash grenadine, optional

• 1 drop pink or red food food coloring, optional

Preparation:
Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl or pitcher, stir to combine, chill in the refrigerator before serving.

*If you do not drink alcohol, you can use non-alcoholic wine or champagne, white grape juice, or simply omit and adjust proportions of other ingredients to taste.

Note: Ice waters down this punch more than I like and I suggest using frozen fruit since it will help keep the punch colder and (it’s cheaper than fresh anyway. Or freeze pineapple juice, orange juice, apple juice, or coconut water in ice cube trays in advance to use as the “ice” cubes. If you are using a considerable amount of ice, you may want to increase the amount of wine or champagne, to taste.


What a great addition to any party this spring!  (And the color is really cute too!!)


Have you tried this Thirsty Thursday concoction?  
The Coco Vodka Tonic

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 ~ Samuel Adams Harvest Collection

Yeah, it's not too often that I drink beer.  Don't get me wrong, there are certain foods or events that just make you crave those delicious hops....like wings, baseball games and football.  And then there's the fall....

This change of season also brings a change in some beer trends.  Samuel Adams has a complete Harvest Collection just right for bonfires, pumpkin carving and hayrides.  

My favorite?  Octoberfest.  I know it's only September, but it's that time of year that makes me want everything pumpkin-y and fall.

If you haven't tried it...you need to.

Alexis

Thirsty Thursday ~ Coco Vodka Tonic

So Labor Day is coming up fast...and I can't wait to just sit around and DO NOTHING.  They should really call it "No Labor" Day...

I was searching in my refrigerator for some yummy ingredients to mix into cocktails this weekend, and I have an abundance of coconut water (my new obsession) and some bottles of pomegranite juice.  What to do, what to do....

I found this yummy sounding cocktail on a website called Softcup using both of my ingredients...and a few others that we just always happen to have.  They didn't make it with alcohol, but EVERYTHING is so much better with booze!  Check it out!

**********************************************************************************************

Coco Vodka Tonic

Ingredients:

4 ounces coconut water

2 ounces vodka

1 ounce lime juice

1/2 ounce pomegranate juice

1 ounce basil simple syrup*

*To make basil simple syrup, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup of fresh basil in a saucepan and stir. Cover and bring to a boil, let simmer for 15 minutes. Let it cool overnight at room temperature and in the morning strain out the basil. You can store this simple syrup for up to four weeks in a bottle.

Instructions:

1. Fill a Collins glass with ice.

2. Add the coconut water, vodka, lime juice, basil simple syrup, and pomegranate juice.

3. Shake.

Enjoy your Labor Day with great friends and family & some awesome cocktails!!

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 ~ Martha Stewart Cocktails App

The "Queen Bee" of all things crafty and entertaining has an AMAZING app...The Martha Stewart Cocktails App!!  (I'm not sure why I'm so surprised!)

Mix, stir, blend, and muddle with this refreshing, perfectly portable, and beautifully designed guide to Martha’s favorite cocktails.  

The app comes with 3 recipe packs: Martha’s Classics, Cutting-Edge Cocktails, and alcohol-free Mocktails. Within the app you can choose to purchase additional recipe packs—Summer Coolers, Holiday Recipes, and Regional Favorites—to build your own Martha mixology library.

The app has inventive ZipList technology that allows you to create personalized shopping lists.  It also has search functionality, how-to videos and photos, a unit converter, Facebook and email sharing options, space to add your own notes, barware recommendations, plus a place to collect your favorites.

 
The Classic Cocktails bundle (only $0.99 on iTunes) includes recipes for 20 cocktails and 5 bar snacks, with options to buy additional themed packages including regional favorites, cutting-edge drinks, summer coolers, and mocktails

This App for iPhone and iPad is sooo cool!!  It's a one stop place for all things cocktail...even the snacks.  It's perfect for your next get together.  I'm really excited to try the Frozen Bloody Mary paired with the Roasted Spiced Chickpeas.  Yummy for a day by the pool!

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Martha Stewart Cocktails App for iPad and iPhone

(And by the way, I was not paid or given anything for this....I truly LOVE Martha Stewart and everything she does!!)


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 ~ April Rain

If April showers are said to bring May flowers, then with this cocktail, you're going to want to let it pour down!

April Rain

Ingredients:

Recipe courtesy of About.com Cocktails

2oz. Vodka 
1/2 oz. dry vermouth
1/2 oz. lime juice
lime peel for garnish

Preparations:

Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
Shake well.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with lime peel.

Enjoy while watching your favorite spring flowers bloom....or to take away the stress of tax preparations!  

Want some more to drink?  Have you tried The Sarasota?

For more Thirsty Thursday tasty treats, hit up my girl Amanda at AntiMom Blog!


Alexis

Thirsty Thursday ~ Kiwi Colada

We have officially lost an hour of sleep and sprung into spring.  What better way than with a drink?

Kiwi Colada

Ingredients:

Photo and recipe courtesy of MyRecipes.com

• 5 peeled kiwifruit
• 3 cups ice
• 1/4 cup light rum
• 1/4 cup Midori (melon-flavored liqueur)
• 3 tablespoons Cream of Coconut 
• 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained

Preparations:


Cut 4 kiwifruit into quarters, and place in a blender. Set remaining kiwifruit aside. Add ice and remaining ingredients to blender; process until smooth. Strain mixture through a sieve into a pitcher; discard seeds. Divide evenly among 6 glasses. Cut remaining kiwifruit into 6 slices; garnish each glass with 1 kiwifruit slice.

Drink up!

For more Thirsty Thursday cocktail recipes, visit my girl at The Anti Mom Blog.

Alexis

Thirsty Thursday ~ Chocolate Mudslide Using Leftover Valentine Candy

As a teacher, I received boxes of chocolate candy for Valentine's Day.  Aside from vegging on the couch with my favorite chick flick, I'll never be able to eat all of those wonderful calories!  Why not drink them? 
Thanks to the good folks at Happy Hour Magazine, I now know what to do with all of those chocolates!!



Chocolate Mudslide Using Leftover Valentine Candy


Ingredients:

4 cups of ice
3 oz vodka
3 oz Kahlua
3 oz Bailey's
few left over chocolate candies

Preparations:

In a blender, combine 4 cups of ice with 3 oz each of vodka, Kahlua, and Bailey’s. Drop in a couple of small chocolate candies and mix until well blended.
Line martini glass with chocolate syrup,
pour in drink and ENJOY!



Now I know that this doesn't make the calories go away, but it's just a better way than eating yourself sick!!

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

Alexis

Thirsty Thursday ~ The Sarasota

Hi, my name is Alexis and I'm a Pinterest junkie.  
I admit it, I can spend MANY hours pinning countless pictures in various boards.  


That's where I found this yummy cocktail....


The Sarasota

Picture courtesy of My Baking Addition

Ingredients:

• 1 large bottle of moscato or riesling wine
• 1 can of raspberry lemonade concentrate
• splash of Sprite
• crushed raspberries

Preparation:


Mix all ingredients together, garnish with lemon slices and fresh raspberries and enjoy over ice!


Alexis