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Halloween Cocktail: Black Devil Martini

by Abbi McCollum September 7, 2012 5 Comments

Halloween is just a few short weeks away. Now is the perfect time to start planning which libations you’ll serve on the spookiest day of the year. The Black Devil Martini has a sophisticated look that is perfect for an adults-only Halloween bash; the bright orange sugar on the rim finishes the drink with a kick of fun.

Black Devil Martini Recipe

Want more spooky cocktails? From a zombie gut cocktail to a bloody brain shooter, keep your guests entertained with spirited Halloween cocktails and party drinks.

Happy Hour Happens: Easy Tailgating Drinks

by Abbi McCollum August 31, 2012 3 Comments

The much anticipated act of tailgating doesn’t necessarily take place during traditional happy hour times, but is undeniable that the hours spent preparing to cheer on your favorite team are indeed some of the happiest of all. Tailgating isn’t for the faint of heart – you have to pick a location, plan menus, set up tents and most importantly of all, stock the bar. Cold beers (with your favorite teams koozie of course!) are great for later in the day, but you have to start things off right – with a Bloody Mary.

We’ve got the perfect recipe to get your day going.

Oyster Bar Bloody Mary Cocktail Recipe

It’s recommended that you prepare this drink the night before so check out the recipe for Oyster Bar Bloody Mary Cocktail Recipe and head to the store.

Not a fan of Bloody Mary’s? This cold beer and whiskey punch is another perfect tailgating cocktail. Make sure you tell everyone the official name of this fun drink – it’s called a Hop, Skip and Go Naked!

Happy Hour Happens: Cool Summer Kalimotxo

by Abbi McCollum August 24, 2012 4 Comments

One of the best things about enjoying a drink over happy hour is giving yourself permission to not go all out with the libations. Sometimes, you don’t need a fancy glass, flavorful herbs or fresh squeezed juice – you just need a nice cold glass of whatever is in your kitchen. And that is the beauty of the Kalimotxo. That magnum bottle of red wine you were saving for a fancy dinner party? Get out the cork screw and tear into that bad boy. Now grab a can of your favorite soda and pour a mixture of the wine and cola over a big cup of ice. Your happy hour drink is served.

Kalimotxo from spoonforkbacon.com

Kalimotxo
from spoonforkbacon.com
Serves 3 to 4

Ingredients:
3 cups (24 ounces) red wine (preferably NOT expensive)
2 cups (16 ounces) cola cola
lots of ice

Pour ingredients into a pitcher and stir. Pour into individual glasses and serve.

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Happy Hour Happens: Sangria Summer Nights

by Abbi McCollum August 17, 2012 4 Comments

There are many big issues facing the country on this summer Friday. Obviously, the most important of them all is what to order as your drink of choice when the work bell rings and you head to happy hour. We recommend creating a fruity smorgasbord of deliciousness with a pitcher of sangria. Whether you are a fan of the white wine or the red wine variety, either party can agree that sipping on a tall, cold glass of sangria will eventually lead to happiness, camaraderie and yes, even world peace (or at least peace on your patio of choice).

FoodNetwork.com's California Rose Punch

Happy Hour Style: The Beauty of Bar Carts

FoodNetwork.com's Tropical Sangria

Sangria also scores on the fruit front. Drinking a glass comes with a healthy shot of vitamin C from the wine soaked oranges, nectarines and berries. Head to the market and fill up your cart in the fruit aisle and then grab a bottle of your favorite vino. You are set for a sangria summer night.

HGTV is on Instagram. You can download the app on your phone and follow us at @hgtv.

Happy Hour Happens: “Glamping” Cocktails

by Abbi McCollum August 10, 2012 13 Comments

It might not have shown up on your calendar today as a date to remember, but August 10 is officially National S’mores Day. What better way to celebrate such a holiday than by roasting up this delicious treat and sipping fun drinks on a glamorous camping trip – otherwise known as “glamping.” We’ve got tips for throwing the perfect backyard camping party and a chocolate cocktail to keep you cool on hot summer nights.

Happy Hour Cocktails: The Full Collection

Glamping Tip 1: Whether you are glamping in your backyard or in the woods, there are a few things to remember when setting up your campsite. Always make sure to pitch the tent on level ground. Clear sticks and stones away beforehand. Pick a tent (or canopy or fort made out of blankets) that fits your needs. Want to set up a table with enough chairs for friends? You’ll need a bit more coverage than if your glamping adventure is a snug little area for two.

Glamping Tip 2: Throw an outdoor dinner party during your glamping trip. Invite friends over for a barbecue, buffet dinner, or sit-down dinner – just remember to keep the theme casual and the clean up quick and easy.

Glamping Tip 3: Serve a signature cocktail.This twist on a hot chocolate drink is perfect to cool your guests off on a hot summer night.

Cocoa Freeze Cocktail Recipe

So, call up your friends, mix up some drinks and stoke the fire. You’ve got s’mores to make and glamping to do!

Happy Hour Happens: Watermelon Cocktails

by Abbi McCollum August 3, 2012 3 Comments

It’s hard to imagine a summer cookout with out one staple item: a tray filled with giant slices of watermelon. This refreshing treat screams summer. But, when you get down to it, it can also scream mess – it’s not the easiest food to eat. The solution for having your watermelon and drinking it too? A watermelon cocktail.

Happy Hour Cocktails: The Full Collection

Whether you prefer frozen or on the rocks, these watermelon libations are the perfect way to update your weekend cookout. Click on the pictures below to get check out these recipes.

Get the Recipe: Frozen Waterberry Batida

Get the Recipe: Mellow Melon Margarita

Find more ideas for easy recipes for a summer party.

Daily Delight: Mason Jar Cocktails

by Marianne Canada July 28, 2012 12 Comments

I’ll be the first to admit that the mason jar trend is getting to be a bit played out. After all, Pinterest is filled with clever and adorable uses for these humble jars. But I had to share one of my favorite mason jar hacks, this simple idea from the Six in the Suburbs blog.

For my next summer soiree, I won’t be a a slave to the bar cart, mixing drinks for my guests all night. Nope, I’ll be making drinks ahead of time, sealing them in mason jars, and putting them on ice. Self serve never looked so good.

Happy Hour Happens: Hop, Skip and Go Nakeds

by Abbi McCollum July 20, 2012 10 Comments

Don’t let the title of this blog confuse you – we aren’t saying that as a result of today’s happy hour you should hop, skip and go naked (but hey, it is summer…and it is hot out). Instead, keep your clothes on and enjoy some of this fun summer punch. In addition to having a name that in itself is a great conversation piece, Hop Skip and Go Naked Punch is also a favorite because it has something for everyone. With a recipe that calls for cold beer AND whiskey, you know you can’t lose.

Hop Skip and Go Naked Punch

The recipe calls for six cans of beer, a pint of whiskey, a can of frozen lemonade and two liters of soda. In other words, it’s meant to be shared with friends. So whip up a batch and invite the neighbors over, surprise your coworkers with an afternoon treat or be the most popular person at your family reunion.

Happy Hour Cocktails: The Full Collection

The punch can of course be made without the alcohol and the fizzy lemonade mixture would surely be welcome on a hot summer afternoon. However, that drink might just be called Hop Skip Punch because we are fairly sure that that naked part goes hand in hand with the whiskey and beer. Enjoy!

See more tips for summer entertaining including cool drinks, party tips and chic centerpieces.

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Raise A Glass: Toast to St. Patrick’s Day

by Liz Gray March 17, 2012 3 Comments

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Today, skip the green beer and serve creamy, satisfying Irish coffee instead. (Bonus: It pairs better with green cupcakes.)

Irish Coffee. Yum!

The most popular version of the drink — black coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar and lightly-whipped cream — first appeared at a west Ireland airport, when a chef served a group of passengers the warm concoction on a cold, dreary winter night. But it’s been an American fixture since 1952, when San Francisco’s Buena Vista Cafe added it to the menu. To date, the restaurant says it’s served more than 30 million Irish coffees. That’s a lot of whiskey!

If you’ve never tried this Irish-American classic, stir one up tonight. Get the full recipe here >>

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Daily Delight: Flower Stir Sticks

by Lili Zarghami May 18, 2011 5 Comments

Now that warm weather has settled in for good across the country, delicious fruity cocktail season can begin. I found these amazing flower stir sticks at Sugar and Charm and had to share them.

flower stir sticks
The templates were illustrated by Erin of BerinMade who is offering downloads and instructions for creating your own. Guests at your next party will think you’re the best hostess ever if you top your drinks with these floral beauties..