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Happy Hour Happens: Refreshing Memorial Day Cocktails

by Kayla Kitts May 17, 2013 7 Comments

Memorial Day’s late May date has marked the unofficial start of summer for years. Most schools unlock the doors and release students for the year that Friday before. [FREEDOM!] The weather is finally at a solid seasonal temperature. It’s also an unofficial rule that you must spend the day/weekend outdoors. Rain is not tolerated. No matter how you choose to spend your holiday weekend, unwind with these refreshing summer cocktails that will leave you ready for lazy pool days all season long.

Cantaloupe Tea Daiquiri

Memorial Day Cocktail Recipes at HGTV's Design Happens Blog

Ingredients

1 1/2 ounces Numi Emperor’s Pu-erh Tea
1 1/2 ounces Van Gogh Blue Vodka
3 ounces frozen cantaloupe, cubed
1 ounce coconut milk
splash of lemon juice
lemon wedge, for garnish

Directions

Steep tea at four times the normal strength for two minutes, then remove tea bag and chill liquid for later use. Combine and blend ingredients in blender, adding a splash of lemon for each serving. Serve on the rocks and garnish with a lemon wedge.

More Warm-Weather Concoctions

Happy Hour Happens: Guilt-Free Cinco de Mayo Cocktails

by Kayla Kitts May 3, 2013 1 Comment

Do you prefer less spicy and more fruity concoctions for your upcoming Cinco de Mayo celebration? Well, these will surely please your senses. From grapefruit and tamarind to guava and watermelon juices, mix up drinks that are light but still strong.

Sparkling Frescas

Cinco de Mayo Cocktails at HGTV's Design Happens Blog

Combine your favorite fruit juice with fruit seltzer, and garnish with fresh fruits or veggies for a flavorful and refreshing drink.

Mixer Ideas

Blueberry Seltzer
Fresh pomegranate seeds
Mango juice
Cucumber Melon Seltzer
Watermelon juice
Cucumber slices
Georgia Peach Seltzer
Guava juice
Kumquat slices

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Don’t Forget the Piñata!

by Farima Alavi May 2, 2013 No Comments

Cinco de Mayo is only three days away! You may think there isn’t any time left to throw a fiesta, but the beauty of this holiday is you only need three key things — drinks, drinks and a piñata. You can make your own traditional piñata, or turn it up a notch and make a floral orb version. Either way, it’ll be the focal point of your party (maybe break the piñata before you serve the drinks).

Floral Orb Piñata

Get the Simple Instructions Here>>

Serve These Flavorful Cocktails

Happy Hour Happens: Spicy Cinco de Mayo Cocktails

by Kayla Kitts April 26, 2013 3 Comments

Cinco de Mayo falls on a Sunday this year, but don’t let that deter you from concocting some serious cocktails to celebrate the occasion. I mean, you still have Friday and Saturday to raise a glass or three. So, break out the tequila, jalapeno peppers and Tabasco sauce for some spicy drinks that are perfect for those that love a little kick.

Skinny & Hot Margarita

Cinco de Mayo Cocktails at HGTV's Design Happens Blog

Ingredients

1 part quality anejo tequila (for smoother taste)
1 part freshly squeezed lime juice
1-3 slices jalapeno chile (depending on your taste)
splash of pineapple juice
Polar Ruby Red Grapefruit Seltzer

Directions

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine all ingredients except the Polar Seltzer. Shake vigorously. Pour over crushed ice. Include all the jalapeno if you want extra heat. Top with Seltzer and gently stir.

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Daily Delight: Cinco de Mayo Cocktail Recipe

by Farima Alavi April 19, 2013 2 Comments

The Sol de Flare cocktail is as delicious as it is pretty. The key ingredient? Pepper-infused tequila — the spicy flavor will have guests at your Cinco de Mayo fiesta coming back for seconds.

Sol de Flare Cocktail

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5 Cocktails for Every Relationship Status

by Kayla Kitts February 12, 2013 No Comments

Ah, Valentine’s Day. Every store is covered in pink and red; candy companies are churning out their holiday favorites; teddy bears are being sold in abundance. No matter your romantic status (happily single, not-so-happily single, in love, crushing, bitter over a breakup, etc.), we have the perfect Love Day cocktail for you. I mean, nothing will soothe your tears this Valentine’s Day like a “Bleeding Heart” cocktail, amiright?

BLEEDING HEART:

Bleeding Heart Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

3 tablespoons pomegranate vodka (or raspberry)
fresh cranberries
Polar Pomegranate Seltzer (or Cherry)
2 tablespoons frozen cranberry juice concentrate

Directions

Combine the vodka and cranberry concentrate in the bottom of a glass. Add fresh cranberries, then add Polar Seltzer and watch it bleed before drinking with abandon.

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Happy Hour Happens: Clementine Crush

by Kayla Kitts February 1, 2013 2 Comments

As Valentine’s Day approaches, I’m sure most of you are planning something special for your sweetheart. Why not start off (or end) the evening with a fruit-infused cocktail that’s easy to make, beautiful and delicious? Go ahead and start practicing for the big day. Why not? It’s 5 o’clock somewhere…

Clementine Crush Cocktail Recipe

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Election Day Cocktails for Everyone

by Kayla Kitts November 6, 2012 8 Comments

Today marks an important day around the country and in U.S. history as we take part in another presidential election. Like many of you, I’ll be glued to the TV as election coverage comes piling in. Whether you’re celebrating Election Night out or at home, be sure to spend it in style with a politically-inspired cocktail (or mocktail) in hand. Try these recipes created with President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney in mind.

The Lobbyist Martini:

Election Day Cocktails: The Lobbyist Photo and recipe courtesy of Polar Seltzer

Ingredients

1 1/2 ounce gin
1 1/2 ounce vermouth
1 dash orange bitters
1 dash lemon bitters
Polar Ruby Red Grapefruit Seltzer

Directions

Shake with ice, and strain into a martini glass. Top with Polar Seltzer.

Cocktails for the Candidates

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Party Food: 5 Cocktails You Need This Summer

by Liz Gray June 9, 2012 6 Comments

There’s something about hot weather that makes an icy beverage seem not only nice but practically essential, don’t you think? For your next summer party, upgrade from plastic coolers and drink mixes to custom cocktails that are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Here are 5 versatile options you’ll sip all summer long.

Coastal Citrus Punch
Essential qualities: This summery take on sangria makes enough for a crowd, so you won’t be running up and down the hill playing bartender all day. Mix up the day before your party, chill and serve on ice. It’s easy to double if you anticipate extreme thirst…or more than 8-10 guests.
Make it your own: The recipe calls for grapes, pineapple and strawberries, but try throwing in blueberries, peaches or honeydew melon.
Serve it with: Grilled fish, a summer clambake, tea sandwiches — this drink is incredibly versatile.
Get the recipe >>

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Toast to Love: Valentine’s Day Cocktails

by Liz Gray February 14, 2012 7 Comments

Happy Valentine’s Day! Have you found (or made) that perfect gift? There’s still time to create a thoughtful, delicious present: a romance-themed cocktail. Here are some of my favorites…

For your uber-romantic dinner for two, try the, ahem, to-die-for Romeo and Juliet cocktail. Top tequila and Grand Marnier with peach juice and ruby-hued Chambord. Garnish with an orange twist and a few maraschino cherries. Just add a not-too-cheesy card.

In lieu of a bouquet of flowers, why not mix up this fruity cocktail garnished with edible flowers? Swap orange juice for mango puree for a fresh spin on the classic mimosa. Punch it up with vodka, then top with a fresh viola, pansy or nasturtium flower.

Sure, you could buy a box of waxy supermarket chocolates or spend the evening baking a chocolate souffle. But this chocolatey dessert drink, made with white chocolate liqueur and dark chocolate shavings and a hint of orange liqueur, is just as satisfying and much more unexpected. Of course, since it’s Valentine’s Day, I wouldn’t turn down chocolates, a souffle and the cocktail…just sayin’.