Don’t you just love fall? The cool crisp air, the beautiful colors of leaves, and all the flavors unique to the season. One of my favorites is apple cider, a delicious fresh beverage that is always best in fall. Apple cider vs apple juice – what’s the difference? Apple cider is the term used in the US and Canada for an unfiltered, unsweetened, non-alcoholic beverage made from apples. (Wikipedia) Liquid is extracted from the apples, and is typically cloudy appearing due to the presence of fine apple particles in suspension. It is traditionally considered a “fresh” beverage but all US

Today I am celebrating. My little corner of the Internet has reach a milestone. What you are currently reading is . . .  drumroll please! . . . post number 200! Why only yesterday, I was on post number 100. (Cranberry Spritzer, in case you were wondering.) Busy with recipes and posts (and the occasional family visit), I sometimes lose track of time and place. All I can say is, thanks to the many who’ve been so supportive! Clearly, a cocktail is required. Throughout the summer, I’ve been growing a big pot of mint, and because it’s calling to me,

Summer is here! And lemonade is definitely my fav summer drink. I’m a big fan of tart ‘n sweet in one glass. But the sugar? Not so much a fan. Oh, the taste, for sure. But those carbs? It’s too hot to burn all those extra calories! So I was excited to learn about lemonade made with sugar alternatives. I stock these for when I want to go low carb in order to help my jeans fit. The great thing about making your own lemonade is that you’re in control of the overall sweetness of the final beverage. Win!! How

(Im-Peach-Mint) February 22 is an interesting date. Not only is it George Washington’s actual birthday (as opposed to the “observed” day), but it also happens to be National Margarita Day. And for this year, what better way to recognize both those commemorations and a singular event of our times than with an Impeachment Margarita. No matter where you stand on impeachment (and “trials” that don’t call witnesses), we can take pride in the founding fathers who built safeguards – although imperfect – into our political process to bring the holder of the nation’s highest office to account. No matter the

Happy Black Friday! (That sounds wrong, doesn’t it?) For some of us this is a day of (un)rest, right after Thanksgiving. If you’re not out shopping, you’re dealing with leftovers. In either case, this cocktail made from cranberry sauce (found at Thug Kitchen) comes in so handy. Aren’t we always looking for new ways to use leftover cranberry sauce? A cocktail is just a little different from a lot of the other recipes you’ve probably seen. So fun! How to make this cranberry sauce cocktail Do you have a cocktail shaker? That will make this easier. But if you don’t,

Coffee and vodka flavors A couple of interesting holidays this week. October 1 is National Coffee Day and October 4 is National Vodka Day. Hmm… combine coffee liqueur with vodka and – White Russian, anyone? Some history of the White Russian This recipe comes from liquor.com, where the drink is described as “decadent and sophisticated.” It was created in the 60’s when someone added a little cream to a Black Russian. For those movie buffs and mixologists (aka bartenders), the White Russian had a bit of a “stodgy” reputation until “The Dude” re-branded it in the 1998 movie, “The Big

As mentioned before, August 16 is National Rum Day so I think it’s time to post at least one recipe using rum. And this Pineapple Kiss is super simple. It’s another one of those recipes that started with a restaurant menu. I took note of the description and played with the proportions at home. The final combination was perfect: sweet and refreshing with mild tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut. Perfect for a hot summer day, like a pineapple-flavored kiss on the shores of Maui. Enjoy! Some pineapple facts Did you know? The pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical plant with an

Perfect for 4th of July This recipe for Red White and Blue Vodka Slush is just pure fun. I wanted something relatively simple, but entertaining for the holiday, something that stands out, like – what else for July Fourth? – red, white and blue Vodka Slush! How to make Red White and Blue Vodka Slush I first thought of using three different beverages but quickly realized that the logistics were terrible: Make big pitchers and store them in the fridge? Who has that kind of room? I mean, we need some food at this gathering too, right? So, I decided

Why a sunrise drink? Today, June 21, is the summer solstice. For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, it is the longest day of the year. What better way to commemorate this day than with a sunrise drink? (No, I don’t mean a drink at sunrise. Unless you are so inclined of course. No judging here!) My first thought was tequila sunrise, but I wanted something different, so I tried a Mimosa. Mimosa – always a good choice So fun! I’m pretty sure you could drizzle grenadine into any orange juice based drink and make the lovely sunrise effect.

Good Morning! June 19 is National Martini Day. So, of course, my decision for what to make was already made for me. A martini, obvi. But which one? A lemon martini seemed like the best choice. What would 007 say? The traditional martini is made with gin and vermouth, garnished with olives or a lemon twist. Purists will say to only stir a martini. Some, like James Bond, feel martinis should be shaken not stirred. I for one, do NOT intend to disagree with 007.   What I think is much more fun is the development of martinis with all

It all started here. . . Here in Madison, Wisconsin there used to be THE perfect (to me) restaurant. It had something for everyone: think bar food, wonderful salads and appetizers, my favorite cranberry grapefruit vodka drink, decent prices, plenty of seating, a casual, friendly crowd, and in the summer a HUGE outdoor patio. Those who live in Wisconsin LOVE places with outdoor seating, even though it’s relevant only 3-4 months of the year. It makes up a tiny bit for those days of winter. ⛄️ So, I was particularly sad when this restaurant closed. Something about using the (truly

Margaritas are a must for Cinco de Mayo Cinco de Mayo is almost here, and I couldn’t let go of this theme without a Margarita recipe! I have to tell you, margaritas hold a special place in my heart.  It started when I first moved from Central Wisconsin to the “big city” of Madison. I was a senior in college and joined a high school friend and her roommates in their bachelorette pad.  I vividly remember their reaction when they realized I came with a blender and about 15 pints of frozen strawberries from my parents’ berry patch.  What a