Floral Champagne Garnish

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart

 

If you are a bride who wants her champagne toast to stand out from the crowd and be memorable, try this Martha Stewart trick. The addition of tiny roses add elegance to each flute of champagne and make it a look really special, just like your wedding toast should be.

 

To garnish, put a toothpick in the bottom of each rose blossom at an angle less than 45 degrees. Cut the rose stems cleanly about 1 inch shorter than your toothpick. Adjust the length depending on the weight of the rose. Put each toothpick inside the rim, balancing the rose bud gently on top. Your guests are sure to be wowed by this extra creativity in presentation. ¡Salud!

 

Guest Post: Signature Drinks for Your 2013 Wedding

Recipe courtesy of Turning Stone Resort

 

Signature drinks are becoming very popular for 2013 weddings. Having a signature drink at your wedding is great way to save money on the bar bill, but more importantly it is a fabulous opportunity to add a touch of the personality of the bride and groom into your reception. Signature drinks are also very popular for destination weddings.

Signature drinks can be used at the shower, bachelor/bachelorette, and even rehearsal dinner.  The  recipe shown is an exclusive signature drink recipe from the Turning Stone Resort.  Known for their outstanding resort amenities, the resort is a very popular Central New York Wedding Venue.  This recipe would also make for a great signature drink for couples hosting a destination wedding, or a reception post destination wedding.

 

**My thanks to Michelle Pino for this drink recipe from Turning Store Resort's brochure and for providing useful information for brides planning a signature drink. Sometimes it's nice to hear another voice other than my own on Signature Drinks and my other blogs! Nancy Vecchione, Editor.

Pomosas-Perfect for Valentine's Day or Christmas

Pomosa from Simply Gluten Free

 

Looking for a great drink to serve at a early afternoon wedding or bridal shower? How about the Pomosa. Yes, it's a take-off on the Mimosa.

 

All you need is 2 ounces of chilled pomegranate juice and some champagne-ta da! An easy to make and healthy drink!

 

If you've been keeping up with the health news lately you know that pomegranate juice is not only gluten free but it is full of antioxidants. What more could you want? A drink that tastes great and is good for you and that looks spectacular. Serve a Pomosa at your next event. No one will be able to turn it down!

Vodka and Chocolate

Photo courtesy of Pinnacle Vodka

 

 

Looking for a new way to serve vodkas? Try this warm and creamy drink by Pinnacle Vodka.

 

Gimme Hot S’mores

1 part Pinnacle® Marshmallow Vodka

1 part JDK & Sons™ Crave Chocolate Chili Liqueur
2 part hot chocolate
Mix in a mug and top with whipped cream

 

Does that sound yummy? For the winter bride who wants to warm up her guests before sending them back out in the cold this is the perfect drink.

 

**WDW and Pinncale remind you not to drink and drive. Have a designated driver.

 

 

Photo courtesy of Pinnacle Vodkas Facebook Page

 

Blanc de Bleu Sparkling Wine

Blue Champagne? This California sparkling wine will catch the eye of your guests and then rock their taste buds.  Touted as the world's first blue champagne, Blanc de Bleu is the perfect color for a wedding, adding a little extra 'something blue.'

This blue sparkling wine comes is created and produced by Premium Vintage Cellars. It's made from 100% chardonnay grapes raised in Mendocino County in the United States. Grapes are picked when they have a low sugar level for a low alcohol content. After two rounds of fermentation, they add a hint of blueberry extract that gives it the eye catching blue color.

Currently it is only available in California (I know, I'm on the east coast and sighing!) but they will have later release dates for the rest of the United States on their web site.

If you are a bride trying to purchase items for her wedding that are made in the USA, Blanc de Bleu meets the criteria! Love buying things made in the USA.

Ruby Red Pink Grapefruit Margaritas

Photo courtesy of There Goes The Cupcake

 

OK, I admit, I am a margarita junkie! These drinks not only taste good but they make fabulous signature drinks. The latest? A Pink Grapefruit Margaritas recipe by one of my favorite authors, Ina Garten, who is better known to cookbook junkies as The Barefoot Contessa.

 

What's the key to this wonderful refreshing drink (that packs quite a punch?) You have to use Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice. No hardship at my house, there's always some of it in my frig (the grapefruit juice not bottles of margaritas!)

 

Here Ina's recipe, ready for you to add to your list of favorite coolers, perfect for a signature drink for your shower, wedding or any party! Margaritas are well known for adding a tasty fun factor to any party.

 

Pink Grapefruit Margaritas
From: Barefoot Contessa’s How Easy Is That

• 1 cup ruby red grapefruit juice
• 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lime juice (about 4 limes)
• 1 cup triple sec orange liqueur
• 3 cups ice
• 1 cup silver tequila
• 1 lime cut in wedges, optional Kosher salt.

If you prefer to rim the glasses take a lime wedge and rim, then dip in salt, if you do not like a salted rim sprinkle a touch of salt in each glass, the salt really brings out the flavor.
Combine the ruby red grapefruit juice, lime juice, the triple sec and ice in your blender. Pour into a large pitcher (or just keep it in the blender) and pour in the tequila, stir. (I personally just added it all to the blender- I like slushy, that is totally up to you) Serve ice cold.
Makes 4 drinks.

Don't forget,be sure to use the ruby red grapefruit juice to achieve the pretty pink color as well as an added sweetness. Plain grapefruit juice just doesn't give you the same results.

Consider serving with Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs (another Barefoot Contessa favorite.) It makes a perfect light lunch or appetizer and it's a great way to combine flavors a la Ina Garten! You can get the recipe for these if you buy Ina's book on Amazon (or in your favorite bookstore.) I recommend buying the book, you'll love the other recipes as well.

 

Say Olé At Your Wedding

Photo and recipe from Ask Chef's Forum

 

Margaritas, are an all time favorite for cooling off and relaxing. This take off on the margarita, called a "Mangorita" has, you guessed it, mangoes in it!

 

I was doubtful anything could improve on the conventional margarita, I was wrong! The Mangorita is a smooth drink that combines conventional margarita ingredients but adds a twist--mango. Yum!

 

Be aware, this drink has a heavy alcohol content so drink slowly and savor it!

 

Planning to party with this drink? Make sure you have someone who is the designated driver to keep the roads safe.

 

Recipe Mangorita (from Chef's Forum)

 

Ingredients

2 (1.5 fluid ounce) jiggers tequila
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger triple sec liqueur
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger fresh lime juice
1 mango - peeled, seeded and sliced
4 ice cubes
1/4 cup mango nectar

Directions

In a blender, combine the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, mango, and ice. Blend until ice is finely crushed. Sweeten with mango nectar to your liking.