Champagne Jello Shots

Jacob and I hosted a little party on New Years Eve. Nothing crazy, just a few of our couple friends. It was a super night - we played Cards Against Humanity, Catch Phrase and Heads Up before toasting to 2016.

Our food was pretty simple. I served Grape Jelly Meatballs (recipe coming later this week), Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts, veggies, cheese, chips, dip and a chili cheese dip.

I wanted something a little special and knew these Champagne Jello Shots would do the trick. I had to work on New Years Eve but I still had plenty of time to clean up and make these before everyone arrived.

Orange Crush Cocktail

I'm so thankful for this blog - I love having a creative outlet and a place that is all my own. A couple of my friends and I have started getting together monthly for brainstorming sessions. I can share my blog ideas and get instant feedback and they share ideas with me, it's good for the creative soul.

As you may have noticed, I'm branching out and sharing more than just recipes. I have a long list of posts in the works and I'm excited to share them with you!

But don't you worry - I'm still baking up goodies to share! And today, I'm sharing a simple and yummy cocktail.

Lemonade Grape Cocktail

I've been afraid to drink vodka for many years. Back in my youth (legal drinking age, mom) I drank one too many screwdrivers. After that I couldn't even smell the stuff without gagging.

But after discovering the Pearfect Storm at Seasons 52 a few weeks ago, I think I'm ready to give it another try.

This Lemonade Grape Cocktail is not nearly as fancy as the pearfect storm but it sure is tasty! I really love the grape and lemon combo and the carbonation of the soda. Plus, it's super easy.

Give it a whirl for your next get-together!

Lemonade Grape Cocktail

1 or 2 ounce vodka
1 ounce triple sec
2 ounces lemonade
Grape Soda (I used Sunkist)
Ice
Lemon for garnish

In a 10-12 ounce glass, add the vodka, triple sec and lemonade. Top with grape soda. Add ice and stir. Garnish with a lemon wedge and enjoy!

Peach Raspberry Beer

This Peach Raspberry Beer is perfect for summer. The beer flavor is light and it's full of sweetness from the fruit.

This recipe also gave me an excuse to buy beer mugs from Crate and Barrel that I've been dreaming about for months. They are 20 ounce mugs and freezer proof. Love them.

I'm definitely going to mix this up when Jake and I are at the lake next month!

Peach White Wine Sangria

I'm not a wine drinker. At all. But a few weeks ago I went to a Scentsy party with my friend Julie and they served Sangria. I quickly found out that I do like wine....when you add bubbly stuff, sugar, and fruit.

Since I know very little about wine and liquor in general, I consulted my co-workers as to the best products. They recommended using a Riesling since it is sweeter and not so dry. They also suggested I use Prosecco along with the ginger ale. I guess Prosecco is bubbly and doesn't have a strong taste so it would add the bubbles, and more alcohol. You could definitely skip it and just use ginger ale to save money or cut the alcohol content.

Strawberry Lemonade Beer

My sister, Ginny, and I are starting a new weekly series! Each Monday we are going to "Take On" an event. For that event we will provide you with a recipe and an outfit to wear! We are so excited to team up and provide you all with food and fashion inspiration.

This week we are taking on Labor Day. It's just a week away and I'm sure you are already setting up your long weekend plans. I'm throwing you a curve ball; this is my first cocktail/alcohol post. But don't worry, I've provided a non-alcoholic version too.

I've always beer a beer drinker. But within the last year of so I've really developed a love for beer with a touch of citrus. It just makes it a tab bit more refreshing! Seriously, even if you hate beer, you'll love this drink. I promise, you'll like it. Plus it's pretty with all the fruit.

Strawberry Lemonade Beer

1 lb strawberries, cleaned and cut into chunks
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup lemonade
3 light beers*
3 cups ice, or more
1 lemon, cut in slices

Place prepared strawberries in a bowl with a lid. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup sugar and toss to coat. Place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to sweat the strawberries and make them good and juicy. Remove from the refrigerator, add lemonade and stir.

If serving right away, place strawberry lemonade mixture in a serving pitcher. Pour in beers and add ice. Drop in extra lemon slices and serve!

If you are making one glass at a time, place 1 cup strawberry lemonade mix, 1 cup ice, and 1 beer in a glass. Drop in a few lemon slices and serve!

*Non-alcoholic: Use 7up or Sprite instead of the beer.

Note: The strawberry lemonade mixture will keep for a few days or so, but once you add the beer and ice you'll want to serve right away. 

Printer Friendly Recipe

Now that you have your drink, let's see what you should wear! Here's Ginny's post...