The New Iced Tea

Iced Tea Liqueur?

Sweet Tea with a kick has become a mini-trend with the mixologist set.  Not only this Bols Sweet Tea Liqueur but some sweet tea vodkas made by familiar names like Burnett's, Seagrams, and Firefly.  For die hard southerners who must have their bourbon there's one of those too.  It's not too overpowering (which was my greatest fear as I first opened the bottle), rather it has a clean taste that isn't too syrupy.  It gives you a great sweet tea taste but adds an alcohol kick to it.  Makes it a fun ingredient to use making tea cocktails.  It lets you add a strong tea flavor without adding too much wateriness (is this a word? well you get the idea!) which is the reason to purchase an sweet tea liqueur instead of just adding some plain vodka to some sweet tea.  Suggestions for cocktails include a Lemon Tea Drop or an English Breakfast Cocktail.  Many other options are out there on the web.  So consider using some Bols Sweet Tea Liqueur to give your signature sweet tea a kick.  A nice change from some of the more boring signature cocktails out there.  Give your guests something new to try. 

English Breakfast Cocktail

Peach Prosecco Sangria

Having a wedding during the summer? Serve Peach Prosecco Sangria (recipe below).  This great recipe is courtesy of Martha Stewart, the queen of entertaining, so you know it's good!  Use bamboo skewers to keep it green and you're good to go.  Sweet and refreshing, pretty too! Perfect for your wedding or shower.

Peach Prosecco Sangria

Ingredients

1 peach

1 nectarine

3 apricots

5 ounces peach brandy

1 bottle (750 mL) chilled Prosecco, (Italian sparkling wine)

1 cup peach nectar

Superfine sugar (optional)

Directions

In a pitcher, combine peach, nectarine, and apricots, all pitted and cut into wedges. Stir in peach brandy; let sit at least 1 hour. Stir in Prosecco and peach nectar. Add superfine sugar, if desired. Serve chilled.

Weyerbacher Brewing Company Beer--Craft Beer At It's Best

The Weyerbacher Brewing Company was founded by Dan and Sue Weirback, a husband and wife team, who were big fans of craft brews.  They were looking for a new business to explore and since Dan was an avid home brewer and lover of craft beers they decided to make the leap into their own brewery. 

Today Weyerbacher offers beer drinkers with a taste for something a little different in their favorite brew a lot of different choices aimed at the discerning customer looking for full-flavored high-quality brews.  If that describes you then give them a try. While some beers are only available seasonally others are available year round. 

If you are planning on ordering some for your wedding consider a mix of their craft beers to offer your guests a beer smorgasbord instead of an regular open bar.  If your family is like many today, they're likely happier drinking beer than cocktails. 

I discovered these great brews at a charity event and have been a fan ever since.  Which is really saying something because I'm not usually a beer fan at all.  Initially their labels suckered me in (OK I admit it, I love good graphics, I buy wine because I like the labels too).  But with beer like wine, it's the taste that keeps you coming back for more. 

While there are more and more craft breweries out there today I don't think you'll be impressed with the flavor of Weyerbacher's offerings.  If your local beer distributor or liquor store doesn't carry it touch base with their local distributor.  It's not available in every state yet, but they are in 18 states, mostly on the East Coast but it's also in Ohio, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.  And likely coming soon to a state near you! Watch for it if it's not there yet.

They also offer tours of the brewery on Saturdays that are well worth the trip.  You can pick up some cases of beer while you are there to help decide on your favorites.

Top 6 Spring Cocktail Recipes by Pizzazzerie

The beauty of these signature drinks makes them a part of your wedding decor.  Courtney at Pizzazzerie has recipes for them posted on their web site.  My personal preference is for the pink ones, (better known as the Pink Lemonade Cocktail and the Raspberry Beer Cocktail (the ingredients for this one intrigue me!) but the Kiwi Colada looks tasty and cool too!  See Pizzazzerie for all the recipes and the photo and styling credits. 

Details Make Your Signature Drink Memorable

Looking for a drink that's the perfect signature drink for a wedding? Consider a CHAMBORD based drink.  "CHAMBORD, the world-renowned black raspberry liqueur, introduces a groundbreaking new taste experience in CHAMBORD Flavored Vodka."  CHAMBORD has a variety of recipes for brides to choose from, all of which offer a unique flavor experience for your guests.

One of my favorite recipes can be found on the CHAMBORD website which offers this recipe known as a Starry Night.  It's a simple combination of CHAMBORD Flavored Vodka, Elderberry Liqueur, lime juice and topped with champagne. 
 
What makes this drink perfect aside from the taste? The tiny rosebud served in each drink.  It's those tiny details that make your signature drink truly memorable for your guests.  This one has the added plus of tasting great too! CHAMBORD Flavored Vodka is one of my favorite ingredients for signature drinks for your wedding day.  For additional recipes visit the CHAMBORD website.

Starry Night

1 ½ oz CHAMBORD Flavored Vodka
¾ oz Elderflower Liqueur
½ oz Lime Juice

Top with Champagne.
Garnish with tiny rosebud.


Shake and strain ingredients into a Coupe glass or champagne flute. Garnish with a rose bud.

Passionfruit and Gin Martini from Cookin' Canuk

Passionfruit and Gin Martini by Cookin' Canuk

Does this look like a refreshing option for a signature drink for your wedding or shower? And face it, what could be more appropriate for a wedding than a drink made with passionfruit? Head on over to Cookin' Canuk's website to find lots of great recipes, some liquid, some just great food to cook for your someone special! The recipe for her martini is below.

Passionfruit & Lime Gin Martini

4 shots passionfruit juice
2 shots gin
1 shot fresh lime juice
Ice

Pour passionfruit juice, gin and lime juice into a cocktail shaker filled partway with ice. Shake well and strain into two martini glasses. Garnish each glass with a slice of lime. Serve.

Makes 2 martinis.

French Martinis--Mix Up My Favorite Ingredients in One Glass

Anyone can serve martinis at their wedding but why not serve this variation on the usual theme? Try serving French Martinis.  Photo from In The Spirit.

French Martini Recipe


1 1/2 oz vodka
1/4 oz Chambord® raspberry liqueur
1/4 oz fresh pineapple juice
1 twist lemon peel

Pour each of the above into a tall bar glass. Shake with ice, pour into a cocktail or martini glass, and serve.

Mango Faux-Jito

Looking for something for brunch that isn't the classic Bloody Mary? Try this great drink, Mango Faux-Jito by Garrett McCord on Epicurious.  Perfect for your wedding brunch signature drink or for brides and grooms who love mojitos!  Recipe below:

Mango Faux-jito

5 oz pure mango juice

1 1/2 oz tequila

1 oz lime juice

3 sprigs of mint

Place ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a glass and serve.

This unique cocktail not only provides something different for your brunch but helps set this brunch apart from others (which is what you want for your wedding brunch, right?).  If you aren't having a wedding brunch just enjoy at home!