Happy Hour: Peppermint-Eggnog Punch

I hope this holiday edition of Happy Hour puts you in the Christmas spirit!  This festive recipe is from Better Homes & Gardens and is for 18 servings.  I hope you enjoy!

-a.e.h.

Raising the Bar: Part 4

From top left: Pedra Coasters from Calypso St. Barth $58.00, Assortment of glassware from Glassybaby.com, Lily Pulitzer O'hara Bar Cart $1,500, Lacquered serving trays from Plantation Design $160 each, Graffiti Cocktail Shaker from All Modern $25.00, Raw crystal bottle stoppers from Vivre.com $55.00, Colorful stemware assortment from Leonardo, Hexagon champagne bucket $225.00

Have a great weekend! Hope you enjoyed the Raising the bar series this week!

-a.e.h.

Happy Hour: Cool-Down Cocktails

If you have visited my twitter lately you have probably seen some of my friends and I gushing over these delicious looking cocktails we found via pinterest.  They are both perfect to help beat the summer heat and SUPER easy!  

Via Southern Living

Prosecco & Popsicles:

Turn a popsicle upside down in a stemmed glass and just add prosecco, champagne, or your favorite sparkling wine.  How easy is that?

Via Real Simple

Lime-Sorbet Margaritas:

Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 lime, cut into 8 wedges

1/4 cup sugar

2 pints lime sorbet

1/2 cup tequila

Directions

1. Rub the lime wedges around the rims of 8 stemmed glasses. Place the sugar on a small plate. Turn each glass upside down and dip the rims in the sugar to coat.

2. Place 2 scoops of sorbet in each glass and pour 1 tablespoon of tequila over the top of each. Serve with a spoon.

-a.e.h.

Happy Hour: Watermelon-Basil Margaritas

Picture and recipe Via MarthaStewart.com

Ingredients

• 7 1/2 pounds seedless watermelon, rind removed, fruit cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 teaspoons superfine sugar
• 6 ounces (3/4 cup) silver tequila
• 24 basil leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
• 3 ounces (1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons) triple sec
• 6 cups small ice cubes

Directions

1. Place 24 watermelon cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Cover, and freeze at least 1 hour (up to 2 days).
2. Puree remaining watermelon and the sugar in a blender until smooth. Pass through a sieve lined with cheesecloth into a bowl. (You should have 3 cups.)
3. Place tequila and basil in a glass pitcher, and crush with a wooden spoon. Stir in watermelon juice and triple sec.
4. Place watermelon cubes in glasses. Using a cocktail shaker, mix 3/4 cup margarita with 1 cup ice. Strain into a glass. Repeat. Serve garnished with basil.

I can't wait to try this delicious cocktail! 

-a.e.h.

Raising the Bar: Part 2

Via MarthaStewart.com

There are a few tools that every home bar needs.  Take a look at this quick list:
Ice Bag
Cracked ice is the best way to have super cold cocktails (the little pieces have an increased surface area). Simply put cubes in the sack and whack with a club. 

Muddler
Often, the best way to get fresh fruit into a drink is to cut it into pieces and crush it in the mixing glass. This tool is a must if you are making mojitos!

Ice Cube Trays
Make drinks like they used to!  Big, dense cubes will stay cold without getting watery. 

Jigger
A jigger helps you to measure out the perfect amount for each cocktail.

Cocktail Shaker
Professionals prefer the two-piece Boston shaker to the three-piece kind with the spout in the top. Drinks strain fast, making for less dilution and better sipping.

Strainer
To get the drinks out of your Boston shaker, you'll need a good strainer. 
Ice Bucket

Have a bucket of ice next to your glasses so it is easy to mix up a quick drink. For cocktail parties, allow for a pound of ice for each guest.

Bar Spoon

Stir your martinis and Manhattans to make them colder and silkier.

 

-a.e.h.