It’s that time of year! If it’s a cold and cozy afternoon, I love to simmer apple cider on the stove. I keep this alcohol-free so it works as an after-school warm up for kids. For a hot toddy later in the day, add an ounce or two of bourbon to your mug. When we…
Cocktails
Cinco de Mayo Favorites
Cinco de Mayo Favorites It’s no secret that I’m pretty much addicted to Mexican food. Growing up in Southern California, we feasted on a balanced diet of Baja-style tacos, chips and salsa. Enter a move to Texas, and I I fell in love with Tex-Mex and all it’s processed cheese-slathered glory. Not to mention Houston’s…
Big Batch Jalapeño Margaritas
JUMP TO RECIPE Spicy Jalapeño Margaritas to Quench a Crowd I love spring and summer entertaining, but I don’t want to spend my time behind the bar making cocktails to order. Enter big batch cocktails that can be stirred up and stashed in the fridge. There’s even a book on the subject. Infused jalaño margaritas…
Strawberry Basil Smash
Strawberry Basil Smash Make me a strawberry basil smash, just in time for warmer and longer days. A smash is my kind of cocktail. Fresh, seasonal fruit. Tender herbs and a splash of spirits––in this case, bourbon or whiskey. Top it off with something bubbly, like ginger beer or club soda. A squeeze of fresh…
Cranberry Margaritas
Cranberry Margaritas What to do with leftover cranberry sauce? Cranberry margaritas! Fresh, bright and colorful, they’re the perfect holiday cocktail. I make them non-stop from Thanksgiving through New Year’s and never tire of their tart-sweet taste. These are equally good with leftover homemade cranberry sauce or canned sauce in a pinch. Although homemade cranberry sauce…
Winter Sangria
A Big Batch and Bubbly Winter Punch Tis the season! Invite friends over and make a pitcher of the easiest winter punch around. Big batch cocktails like sangria are your answer to stress-free entertaining. And this winter sangria couldn’t be faster to stir together when you’re in need of a party libation. Winter sangria is…
Easy Planter’s Punch
Super Easy Planter’s Punch On a recent trip to Round Hill Resort in Jamaica, in the late afternoons we made the trek from beach to thatched-roof pool bar for planter’s punch. I’m not usually a rum fan, or much of a hard alcohol fan, but this fruity and punchy cocktail was the perfect warm weather…
Frozen Mango Margaritas
Spicy Frozen Mango Margaritas Memories of sipping frozen mango margaritas while floating in a Mexican resort pool brought me to this post. About a decade ago, which is hard to believe, a good friend’s parents lent their residence at the Four Seasons Punta Mita for a girls weekend. I’m not sure I fully appreciated at…
Matcha Limeade
Sometimes you want a tall, refreshing libation (without the added alcohol). Matcha limeade is the cool down you’re looking for. I’ve made this matcha limeade for weekend gatherings and al fresco entertaining, and it’s always a hit. Use either organic ceremonial grade matcha powder or individual matcha packets from Trader Joe’s. I’ve used both in…
Aperol Spritz
A Summer Thirst Quencher We’re having a relatively quiet summer around here. No big European adventures and our travel plans are centered around family time in Sun Valley, Idaho, and San Diego. But when we’re at home in Houston, battling the humidity and trying not to spontaneously combust, there’s nothing like a cold Aperol spritz…