Cherry Margaritas For Summer Brides or Fouth of July Hostesses

Photo courtesy of Sweet Life

 

Love this deep red Cherry Margarita. Perfect for summer brides when cherries are in season. A little bit of work, but oh so good for your wedding signature drink or for rehearsal dinners or showers. The deep red will keep your guests coming back for more. How can you make it? Here's the recipe from Vianney Rodriguez/Sweet Life:

Cherry Margarita

makes 4 margaritas
salt
lime wedges
1 cup tequila
1 cup fresh cherry juice, about  1   1/2 cups of fresh cherries
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup Cointreau
ice cubes
On a small plate spread salt.  With lime wedges moisten rim of 6 ounce glasses. 
Dip glasses into salt.   Place glasses into freezer to chill.
In a pitcher combine tequila, cherry juice, lime juice and Cointreau. 
Remove glasses from freezer and serve margarita mixture over ice.
Garnish with lime slices.


Read more at http://sweetlifebake.com/2011/06/25/cherry-margarita/#ixzz2XlOzuenL

 

So if you love cherries and are looking for a margarita that not just any hostess is serving, try this crowd pleaser. Just be sure to buy yourself a cherry pitter, otherwise you are going to go insane pitting the fresh cherries.

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.

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.

 

Frozen Lime Margaritas

Source: realsimple.com via PSMM on Pinterest

Fall in love with these cool and simple margaritas that originated from Real Simple Magazine.  Just salt your glasses with lime and salt, add some lime sorbet and pour on the tequila! Oh yeah! What a nice cool way to enjoy your summer wedding festivities when it's hot outside!

For the exact recipe visit Real Simple's web site. 

Love the 'white' wedding look! Perfect for a wedding shower or the wedding itself. Having a baby shower? You guessed it, choose a pink or blue sorbet (except for the mom to be, she might want to skip the tequila, maybe a nice smoothie for her?)  Or if the expectant mom doesn't know if it's a girl or boy, choose mint or lemon colors!

Planning a 4th of July picnic? You got it, go for the red, white and blue margarita. Some in each color to suit every guest and their palate! (If you can't find blue sorbet just use some food coloring on some lemon/lime sorbet when it's soft, mix it up and refreeze)

Frozen drinks are all the rage, no matter what kind of party you are planning. Look for other frozen drinks on my blog (or at Real Simple where they have some other great ideas!)

A Juice Bar at Your Wedding?

Having an afternoon wedding? Brunch wedding? Or just an alcohol-free wedding? Pretty juices lined up on a juice bar are both decorative and delicious.  Go sleek or a little more ornate, good, fresh juice is the key.

Choose from a variety of juices or smoothies, and don't forget, the presentation is almost as important as taste! A table full of assorted fruits vegetables and special add-ons will give your guests with their own personal Jamba Juice. Serve Orange juice, cranberry juice, grapefruit (either pink or regular), carrot juice, veggie combos, pineapple juice and more!

Then add some pretty straws from Etsy.com or make your own.  Add wedding slogans on the little flags and use straws in your wedding colors or just a pretty accent color. 

Photos: Brilliant Event Planning; The Wedding Bee; Etsy.com

Drink Pink Ink?

Photo courtesy of Kid Independent

"Pink ink for the Yink that drinks and winks?" No, it's not the Dr. Seuss book, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, it's ideas for drinks for the bride obsessed with pink! Although if you are inviting a Yink or two to your wedding I can get you a recipe for pink ink.  (Nestle strawberry milk works like a charm, or just make some of your own!)

But for the bride who is looking for drinks that are pink, using Chambord Raspberry Flavored Vodka is an option.  For recipes for pink drinks made from Chambord's Facebook Page.

Other pink options? Korbel Sweet Rose is a great substitute for serving for your champagne toast.  Try Korbel, you may never go back to boring champagne again!

Another option is Lancer's Rose.  A rose wine imported from Portugal, Lancers pairs well with Asian entrees or other spicy foods.  Or you can serve it chilled as your signature drink. 

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.

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.

Martinis, Martinis, Martinis! And More!

What is RumChata® and what can I make with it to use as a signature drink for my wedding? "RumChata® is rum cream made as an authentic replica of the best Horchata you have ever tasted. It is made from scratch using real ingredients - rice, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. This is Real Horchata, not an imitation flavored horchata beverage."

RumChata® Tiramisu Martinis are one option.  This takeoff on the Italian classic of tiramisu flavoring turned into a martini offers your guests a unique flavor combination at your wedding.  The recipe is:

The Tiramisu Martini

2 parts RumChata®
1 part Espresso Vodka

Shake with ice and strain into Martini glass
Sprinkle with Shaved Chocolate (yum!)

You can also use it to make White Russians by using this recipe:

RumChata® White Russian

1 part RumChata®.
1 part Kahlua
1 part vodka

Combine in rocks glass over ice.

Even if you decide not to make these for your wedding signature drink they are a fun addition to any party or event!  Check the RumChata® website for other great drinks made with RumChata®.



Unforgettable Champagne Cocktail With a Twist (and I DON'T Mean Lemon!)

The Chandon Hibiscus Royale

Throughout history, flowers during winter have always been a luxury. This sparkling cocktail, made with edible hibiscus petals, lends a note of extravagance to any party. Hibiscus has been used to make herb teas for thousands of years and is safe to mix with foods and beverages. A drop of rose water adds an extra floral note. This signature drinks guarantees your guests won't forget your wedding!

Chandon Hibiscus Royale

Ingredients

1 Hibiscus flower (wild hibiscus flowers in syrup). Made by the Wild Hibiscus Flower Company of Australia; available at Whole Foods.

½ tbsp syrup from the jar of wild hibiscus flowers

1 small drop of rose water

Chandon Blanc de Noirs

Instructions

Combine Hibiscus flower, syrup and rose water in a Champagne flute. Top with Chandon Blanc de Noirs and serve immediately. Suggested glassware: Champagne flute.



Kissed by A Strawberry Champagne Cocktail



Kissed By A Strawberry Champagne Cocktail

1.5 ounces of Vanilla Vodka

1/2 oz strawberry liqueur

Splash of Cran-Pineapple Juice

Champagne

Combine first three ingredients, add champagne and garnish with a ripe strawberry. 

This pretty and easy to make drink is a perfect option for a signature drink at your wedding or shower.  I had it at a wedding shower a few weeks ago and was entranced! My hostess didn't say where she got the recipe but was nice enough to forward it to me.  So enjoy!

Pink Pearl Cocktail Highlights Non-Alcoholic Drink Options At Your Wedding

Photo of Little Pink Pearl Cocktail courtesy of http://www.chow.com/

Red grapefruit juice and orgeat provide this pretty drink with it's pearlescent color. You can choose to add a some vodka or rum but this floral, citrusy blend can hold its own as a non-alcoholic drink.

You can purchase the Orgeat (an almond-sugar made from whole blanched almonds).  The nut oil is what gives the syrup and this cocktail the richness, so don't stint and buy a cheap syrup with almond flavoring.  Look for high quality brands like Trader Tiki's or Small Hands Foods.

Ingredients:

Makes: 1 drink
2 ounces freshly squeezed red grapefruit juice
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 ounce orgeat
Ice
1 thin red grapefruit slice, for garnish
Chill your cocktail glasses.
Place the grapefruit juice, lime juice, and orgeat in a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosted. Strain into the chilled glass and garnish with the grapefruit slice.

This beauty of a drink will add a pretty and delish accent to your wedding or shower.

Make Some Raspberry Limeade

This bright dark pink drink will be refreshing even on the hottest of days!

Raspberry Limeade


1 c fresh or frozen raspberries

1/3 – 1/2 c simple syrup*

3 juicy limes, juiced

5 c cold water



Puree the raspberries and put juice into a pitcher. Discard seeds. Add in lime juice and simple syrup and cold water. Stir and taste making any adjustments to sweetener or lime juice. Serve over ice.

* Simple syrup is an equal mixture of water and white sugar combined over heat to make a syrup. It’s simple! I usually take 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar and mix them over medium-high heat until it just starts to boil. Once it completely melted, remove from heat and cool. I store it in a jar in the fridge to use for all kinds of drinks.

Recipe and photo courtesy of: everybodylikessandwiches.com