Homemade Bailey's Irish Cream

Bailey's Cream afficionados know just how expensive it can be, but it is soooo sooo good! Consider making your own from this great recipe.  Share it with friends and family.  It's easy to make and keeps up to 2 months.  The recipe came from the discussion board on Chowhound where it was posted in response to a recipe that used eggs.  I don't know about you but the idea of using eggs in this drink is... a tad repulsive!

Homemade Bailey's Irish Cream

1 C light cream (I used heavy whipping cream, which made it even richer)

14 oz sweetened condensed milk

1 2/3 C Irish whiskey (I used Jameson's)

1 t instant coffee

2 T Hershey's chocolate syrup (I used Torani (this isn't the flavored Torani for Italian Sodas, it's a chocolate sauce)

1 t vanilla

1 t almond extract (I skipped this entirely but feel free to taste test and make your own decisions)

Combine all ingredients in a blender and set on high speed for 30 seconds.

Bottle in a tightly sealed container and refrigerate. Shake before using

Will Keep up to 2 months.

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.

Drinks with Garnish and Glitter

Glitter, gold, garnish with flowers...these are signature drink accents that your guests will remember!  Dress your drinks up for your special day with these pretty accents.

Esprit Classique -- Elegant Cognac

Esprit Classique @$39.99/750 ml

Looking for a cognac to serve to your wedding guests? Try Esprit Classique by Hardy's. It's an orange infused cognac (think Grand Marnier) with a lighter and more refreshing taste. It's not as sweet and has some zing added from orange zest. Another option would be their Belle de Brillet pear liqeuer. And who wouldn't love this gorgeous bottle! Orange infused cognac is nothing new (see: Grand Marnier), but Hardy's take is refreshing. Lighter and far less sweet than most orange liqueurs with a more natural orange zest flavor to boot.

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®.



Coco Chanel Pink Party Bar and Buffet

This photo of a Coco Chanel sidebar with flowers, cake and drinks for your guests was taken by Alice Hu Photography is great inspiration for either your wedding or if you are planning a wedding shower.  The pink color concept is carried through from the flowers to the cake to the beverages.  While you may not want to duplicate this exactly the concept is attractive and perfect for a variety of brides. 

Brides looking for a creative photographer who can capture all the special moments of your wedding day in picture perfect composition and design, contact Alice Hu Photography for all your wedding photography needs.

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!

Serving Drinks in Mason Jars? Make Them Pretty Enough For Your Wedding

As pretty as these mason jars are, check out the upgrade below to see how to really make them pop!

Mason jars are perfect for serving summer cool drinks like lemonades but sometimes it's the presentation that makes all the difference. Use etching cream (like Armour Etch, found at your local craft store) and make a template by tracing your monogram onto some Contact paper. Cut out your monogram with a craft knife and stick the Contact paper to the mason jar. Use a Q-tip for an applicator and put the etching cream over your monogram (use gloves so no etching cream gets on your hands). Let sit for about five minutes. Rinse and peel off paper, then let dry. It may look like it isn't etched after rinsing, be patient, it will. Then wash to be sure all etching chemicals are removed. Serve you drinks at your wedding in these upgraded mason jars with your own personal touch. Photo and basic directions courtesy of Southern Bride Magazine.

How to make Etched Mason Jars -- Do It Yourself directions