Sip

This past week, I went to an event with a martini bar… it reminded me of how wonderful this classic cocktail can be.

There are MANY variations, but here is one of my favorites:

• 6 oz Vodka
• 1 oz Olive Juice
• 1 dash Dry Vermouth
• 2-3 Stuffed Olives

Place vodka, olive juice and dry vermouth in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously.

Strain into a martini glass and garnish with olives.

I’m also a fan of blue cheese stuffed olives… use the last bits of blue cheese in your fridge and use a small knife to put them into green olives.

What is your favorite martini recipe?

I love a good cocktail, but am always looking for ways to make it “healthier.”

I’m not a sweet and sour fan, and as I’ve gotten older, I find a prefer a “cleanier” drink (less sugar, mixes, etc.).

My go to summer drink is a margarita, and I’m currently obsessing over jalapeno margs… so I wanted to share my simple, “skinny” margarita recipe.

2 ounces silver tequila

3 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons orange juice

1 teaspoon of agave nectar

Club soda

Mix first 4 ingredients in a shaker with ice.  Pour over a glass filled with ice and top off with club soda and a slice of lime.

I also would add sliced or muddled jalapeno for a little kick!

Next up – infused tequilas!

As I get older I am realizing the importance of water consumption.  I’ve always been really bad about it (ask my parents), but I’ve found a new way to help me reach my 8 oz a day – flavored water!  It looks pretty and tastes pretty darn good. 

Super easy, and relatively quick… just add whatever fruits/vegetables/herbs to your water and let sit for 30 minutes or so, and enjoy!  I continue to pour more water over whatever my concoction is and remains tasty throughout the day!

My favorites are:

• Strawberry/Basil
• Blueberry/Lemon/Mint
• Peach/Basil
• Pineapple/Mint
• Cucumber/Lemon

*Note: Add herbs closer to the end, they can look to wilted, or get a little bitter if they stay in too long

(images courtesy of John + Louis Photography from our wedding)

Our bartender at one of our favorite hotels introduced me to this amazing drink, and its the closest thing to “my drink” that I’ll ever get to (I will always love to read a cocktail menu and try their specialty)… but when all else fails this is my go to 🙂 I love it so much it was one the specialty cocktails at my wedding.  The best part? It’s super easy to make!

2 oz vodka

4-6 oz ginger beer

juice of 1/2 a lime

Pour everything over ice and stir. Easy as that! Feel free to garnish with mint and/or a slice of lime.

(image courtesy of John + Louis Photography from our wedding)

The blood orange obsession continues… 

I recommend this margarita with the Skinny Chicken Enchiladas from Monday’s menu…

1/2 cup blood orange juice

2 T fresh lime juice

3 T Cointreau

7 T Silver Tequila

Mix and serve over ice… salt rimmed glass recommended!