Summer Cocktails

Grown Up Lemonade [eat make read]

 Green Tea Mojito [The Kitchn]

Balsamic Lemonade + Vodka [What's Gaby Cooking]

Happy hour, anyone?

Happy Hour

One thing I love to do is entertain.  Love it.  However, my current abode is tiny and doesn't allow for barely another guest with Coop and I.  

That's all about to change when I move down to NOLA.  My place is so much bigger than an apartment I've ever had on my own.. and it has a cute little backyard (although I haven't seen all of it because the landlord was in the midst of renovating it).  

Regardless, I'm having people over and y'all are invited.  I love these amazing cocktail accessories -- I'm definitely adding these to my wishlist.

 [Sur La Table]

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[Sur La Table]

N

New Arcadia from [Vivre]

Bottle Opener [UO ]

[Pottery Barn]

 [Pottery Barn]

Can't wait for winter to be over.

But if we're going to continue to have this chilly weather -- please bring some snow.  Especially because I'd like at least to do this:

[Poor Girl Gourmet]

 

Post-grad Jello Shots?

I came cross these perfect jello treats for the college kid still in us all -- but with the grown up feel.

How original is this? I love it. And one for every classic cocktail.







[Luxirare]

Dinner Party?!

I love a good dinner party... and wish my apartment was a little bigger to host a get together (or rather, my kitchen.) but I've always enjoyed throwing and attending them when I go home. At my mom's house, she keeps things simple and delicious -- perfect for entertaining. At my dad's, I am always more ambitious than I should be.. and sometimes get a (little, ha.) stressed out.. but it all turns up amazing.

Here's some ideas I've stumbled upon that I can't wait to use (one day).

Blinded Beer Tasting {Apple Cyder}

I am by no means a connoisseur.. but this will really put everyone's skills to the test. I wonder if I can even taste the difference between Bud Light and Miller Light? I know.. shameful. I'll branch out one of these days. But I do love the Triangle Brewing Company and Big Boss -- love supporting local businesses.

Pizza-on-a-Stick {Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day}

How great do these appetizers look? Definitely want to try these soon..

Lavender Lemonade {Design*Sponge}

Not only is this drink beautiful -- it looks delicious. Recipe is listed in the link.. the lavender is a great new twist.

Love love these ideas.

Experiment 1: Welcome to Durham Punch

..otherwise known as "pink panty droppers".

Purpose: To make a delicious cocktail for our ladies night in -- that is up to par with the quality women attending.

Materials:
8 frozen cans of pink lemonade
3 bottles of Everclear (a 5th each)
1 case of beer
4 cans of ginger ale
3 oranges
3 lemons
3 limes

Method:
Now before you cringe at the ingredients, let's be clear -- this punch was delicious. and slightly dangerous. It tastes like a pink lemonade spritzer, and everyone at the party was raving about it. The night before the party, cut the fruit up into slices, and pour one bottle of everclear over it to soak in the fridge. A few hours before the party, begin by putting the lemonade, beer, and everclear into a large punch bowl (or in our case, a cute bev cooler we found at Target). Add a few ginger ales, and taste.. then keep adding it until taste, but 4 is about right. Drink, be merry.

Results? When combined with the jello shots (also made of Everclear), it was clear that many of the girls would be sleeping over/calling cabs.. and this definitely held through to the night. It was a top notch drink for a fabulous group of ladies.. and a sure fire repeat.

Conclusion: Will be made at the next party, for sure, perhaps substituting for vodka if everyone isn't ready for blackout mode.