Garden Cocktails

Summer has unofficially started, gardens are growing, temperatures are climbing, and the time to begin reaping the benefits of your planted fruits and veggies is in full-swing.  If you are a cocktail lover like I am, this time of year really excites you because there are lots of fresh fruits, veggies, and herbs to include in all of your libations.  Whether it’s lilac, rosemary, basil, cucumber, celery…the list goes on and on of ingredients you can plant to make your cocktails really stand out.  And, what’s better than using your green thumb to impress guests with tasty cocktails?  The feeling is rewarding!  Let’s dive in to some fantastic garden cocktails to appease your spring and summer taste buds.

World Paloma Day

May 22nd is the day to celebrate the Paloma – A traditional Mexican cocktail made with tequila and grapefruit soda.  This cocktail is refreshing, light, bubbly, and perfect for the summertime.  Below are two different recipes for a Paloma.  The first recipe is a more traditional Paloma made with tequila and grapefruit soda. The second recipe substitutes mezcal for tequila, and fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and club soda for the grapefruit soda. It also adds an element of heat with the chile piquin rimmed glass.  Enjoy both of these summer cocktails!

Asbury Park Distilling Company

Right in the heart of Asbury is one of the finest drinking establishments I have ever been to.  Asbury Park Distilling Company brings the highest quality spirits including vodka, gin, barrel-aged gin, and whiskey.  The master distiller, Bill Tambussi got his masters in Scotland at one of the most prestigious distilling programs in the world.  And, after perfecting his craft that he is extremely passionate about in a well-known distillery in Philly, he made his way to the Jersey Shore.

Gin on My Mind

The weather has been warming up and my taste buds have been searching for something crisp and refreshing.  Gin has been the only spirit on my mind recently.  While visiting the Asbury Distilling Company a few weekends ago, I purchased a bottle of their fantastic gin.  Now all I can think about is creating refreshing cocktails with citrus, honey, and champagne…anything that is perfect to sip on while enjoying a barbecue in the sun.  Here are some of my favorite gin cocktails to enjoy this spring!

23 USWNT inspired cocktails for your World Cup pleasure

You may have seen that the Women’s World Cup is coming up in a couple weeks. If you’re not as familiar as I am let me share some information! This is the eighth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The host country this year is France and games will be played across nine different venues all over the country. There are 24 teams competing from six different confederations across the globe. The World Cup runs from June 7th to July 7th this year.

A Clapback to the Attack on the Aperol Spritz

In response to The New York Times attack piece published last Thursday, “The Aperol Spritz Is Not a Good Drink,” New Yorkers are joining forces in a Rally for Aperol. The entire internet clapped back to this publication with a message to the author, “You Are Wrong!”  And, rightfully so.  The Aperol Spritz is a perfect drink for warmer weather day-drinking, a dinner date, or a girls’ night out.  They’re refreshing, effervescent, and beautiful in color – the perfect cocktail to brighten up your day.

Mother’s Day Cocktails

Mother's Day Cocktails

For Mother’s Day this year, try sprucing up your brunch was some beautiful cocktails sure to impress.  Whether your mother is a gin drinker, loves tequila, or simply likes to pop bubbly – look no further for the perfect recipe to celebrate her day.  And when you’re surrounded by your love ones, make sure to raise up your glasses and cheers to the strong woman who made you who you are today!

Beacon 70’s Bloody Bar

Perched on the Metedeconk River and overlooking the Forge Landing Marina in Brick, New Jersey is a fantastic spot for brunch, dinner, drinks, and music!  Beacon 70, built out of reclaimed wood from the iconic Beacon Hotel in Point Pleasant embodies a 19th century industrial modern steampunk design with unique lighting, a waterfront folding glass wall, a 10ft see-thru glass fireplace, and 60 HD TVs.  Their food ranges from lobster, to wings, to brick-oven pizzas!  And, their drink menu is definitely something to rave about.

Cinco de Mayo at Sall Restaurant and Lounge

Sall Restaurant and Lounge in NYC will be hosting a Cinco de Mayo party for all of the margarita lovers out there.  There will be a 3-hour window where you can have unlimited margaritas, chips and salsa.  Sounds amazing to me!  The party starts at 12:00PM and goes to 11:00PM.  Tickets are $30 per person and include an amazing party with fantastic food, cocktails, music, and an outdoor patio to enjoy!  You will have 5 different flavors of margs to choose from: mango, passion fruit, strawberry, classic, and Paloma.