Cocktails

Cuba Libre Cocktail

November 25, 2019 By Darla Leave a Comment

A Cuba Libre is so much more than a rum and Coke! Aged, dark rum, a squeeze of lime and Coca Cola combine to create a cocktail with both flavor and history!

A Cuba Libre is so much more than a rum and Coke! Aged, dark rum, a healthy squeeze of lime and Coca Cola combine to create a cocktail with both flavor and history!

Is a Cuba Libre Cocktail the same as a Habana Libre Cocktail?

A Habana Libre is a very different drink than a Cuba Libre, and it has a younger past. The Habana Libre has lime, two types of rum, and grenadine. Created in a bar in Miami around forty years ago, it is sometimes ordered by mistake instead of the Cuba Libre.

A Cuba Libre is so much more than a rum and Coke! Aged, dark rum, a squeeze of lime and Coca Cola combine to create a cocktail with both flavor and history! ~by Wet Whistle Drinks by Darla Bentley

What is in a Cuba Libre Cocktail?

The Cuba Libre has rum, Coca Cola and a big squeeze of lime. Some people think that the lime isn’t necessary. This is simply not true. The acidic, flavorful lime is essential because it cuts through the sugar of the cola and enhances the deep, rich flavor of the dark, aged, rum.

What is the history behind the Cuba Libre Cocktail?

Coca Cola was invented in Atlanta in 1886 by a pharmacist named John S Pemberton. This invention changed the face of beverages worldwide! By the turn of the century, Coca Cola was very popular and was making its way across the nation and the world.

For ten years, Cuba fought for independence from Spain. After Spain finally surrendered, American businesses, as well as American soldiers, made their way into Cuba. Eyewitnesses corroborated the story that an American Captain walked into the American Bar in Havana and ordered a coke with rum and a wedge of lime. The Captain held his glass high in the air and said, “¡por Cuba libre!” to toast Cuba’s freedom. The wise bartender on duty decided to call this tasty, new combination, The Cuba Libre.

Is the Cuba Libre Cocktail still popular in Cuba?

The Cuba Libre is considered the national drink of Cuba even though Cuba is one of two nations where Coke can’t be sold due to U.S. trade embargoes. The other is North Korea. It is currently mixed with a cola-flavored soft drink. It is one of the most popular cocktails in the world, and with an origin story like that, it is undoubtedly a taste of history.

10 Cuban and Cuban inspired recipes

Cuba was once a trade port where there were African, Spanish and, Chinese flavor influences. Using Caribbean spices created a very unique and exciting flavor profile that is unlike anywhere on earth.

Take a look at these ten Cuban and Cuban inspired recipes and bring these fascinating and mouthwatering flavors to your own kitchen! And they each pair beautifully with the Cuba Libre!

Cuban yellow rice with peas, cloth napkins, and white elephant salt and pepper shakers — Cuban Yellow Rice by The Complete Savorist

Cuban Yellow Rice by The Complete Savorist

Huevos Habaneros A Cuban Breakfast by Dish ‘N’ The Kitchen

Sticky Sweet Fried Plantains by Delicious Little Bites

Cuban Picadillo by Whip and Wander

Papas Rellenas by What a Girl Eats

Cuban Black Beans and Rice by Cilantro and Citronella

Homemade Mojo Criollo by Sweet Tea and Thyme

Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja (Cuban Beef) by The Magical Slow Cooker

Leftover Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwich by Smack of Flavor

Coquito Acaramelados – Cuban Caramel Coconut Balls by The Schizo Chef

Cuba Libre

A Cuba Libre is so much more than a rum and Coke! Aged, dark rum, a squeeze of lime and Coca Cola combine to create a cocktail with both flavor and history!

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword coca cola, cocktails, coke, cuba libre, lime, rum

Ingredients

2 ounces aged, dark rum
2 Tbsp Freshly squeezed lime (about half)
4 ounces Coca Cola

Instructions

Fill an 8-ounce glass with ice
Add in rum and lime juice and stir
Top with Coke and stir with a bar spoon until well blended. Enjoy!

Rosemary Margarita

May 4, 2019 By Darla Leave a Comment

Add a twist of fun to your next margarita by adding rosemary! It’s light, herbal flair makes this Rosemary Margarita unforgettable!

What is in a classic Margarita?

A classic Margarita consists of tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and salt. It’s a wonderful combination! What happens when you add different flavors to these classic ingredients? Magic! In this Rosemary Margarita, we’ve added lemon juice and rosemary simple syrup as well as a sprig of rosemary for garnish!

What is the origin of the Margarita?

Like most cocktails, there are many origin stories. There are fanciful and fun stories about the origin but no one can be certain. According to Jose Cuervo, the cocktail was invented in 1938 by a bartender in honor of Mexican showgirl Rita de la Rosa

Another common origin tale puts the invention of the Margarita at the Balinese Room in Galveston, Texas where, in 1948, head bartender Santos Cruz created the Margarita for singer Peggy (Margaret) Lee. Margaret in Spanish is Margarita

The origin of the Margarita according to Historians

Cocktail historian David Wondrich believed that the margarita was invented right after the repeal of prohibition. He says that the drink evolved from The Daisy, a cocktail that mixed alcohol, citrus juice, and grenadine.

Margarita means “daisy” in Spanish which is the perfect name for this bright, citrusy, cocktail.

Do you like your Margarita on the rocks or blended?

According to our historian, Mr. Wondrich the original recipe for the Tequila Daisy called for Tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice and a splash of soda. This evolved into a Margarita on the rocks.

The blended, frozen margarita became popular in the 1950s when blenders were making their way into bars. In 1971, a Texas restaurateur Mariano Martinez created the first frozen margarita machine. You can see his original machine in the Smithsonian.

Why do we salt or sugar the rim of a Margarita?

The salt enhances the flavor of the lime and helps ease the bite of the tequila. In the case of the Rosemary Margarita, the rosemary sugar not only softens the bite of the tequila, but it also adds more rosemary flavor to the cocktail.

Rosemary Margarita

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword Cocktail, margarita, tequila

Ingredients

1 1/2 Ounces Tequila
1/2 Ounce Triple Sec
1 Ounce Rosemary simple syrup *see notes
2 Ounces Fresh lime juice
2 Ounces Fresh lemon juice
Rosemary for garnish
Rosemary sugar to rim the glass *see notes

Instructions

Fill a cocktail shaker half full with ice.
Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for at least 20 seconds

Recipe Notes

Rosemary simple syrup- 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar and 2 rosemary sprigs.

Heat water to nearly a boil and add sugar and rosemary. Stir until the sugar is melted. Let cool and add to a jar, leaving the rosemary sprigs in the simple syrup.

Rosemary Sugar- 1/8 cup sugar and a tablespoon of fresh rosemary added to a spice grinder or clean coffee grinder. Grind until smooth.

Grapefruit Rose Martini

April 5, 2019 By Darla Leave a Comment

This fruity, floral cocktail will be a favorite at your warm weather gatherings! Enjoy the essence of summer with a Grapefruit Rose Martini.

Why create a new cocktail?

April 6th, 1945 welcomed twin baby girls Barbara (my mother) and Beverly. These sisters were very close and loved each other immensely. There’s no doubt that twins have an incredible bond. My aunt misses her sister as much as I miss my mom. So, today I will toast them both with a Grapefruit Rose Martini.

My mom passed away over nine years, and the world lost a little bit of its beauty that day. Every year for my mother’s birthday we buy a big bouquet of roses. My family and I celebrate her life by retelling fun stories about her. This year, I decided to celebrate with a new cocktail.

Why put the flavor of rose in a martini?

Many people enjoy the flavor of flowers, most notably rose. I have seen and tasted many cocktails made with floral flavors, and I am delighted to have created one of my own.

My mother was well known for her ability to grow the most incredible roses. She had every basic color as well as many colors that no one had ever seen before. She had the greenest of thumbs! I cannot pass by a rose of any color and not think of her.

Is grapefruit used in many cocktails?

Grapefruit is used in iconic cocktails like a Paloma or a Gin and Juice! There are many ways to use grapefruit juice in mixology!

Grapefruit was a favorite of my mom’s. I recall that in 1970-something she went on the grapefruit diet for a while. She claims that she had to quit that diet before she started to hate her favorite fruit! That is why grapefruit is the perfect citrus to blend with the flavor of roses for her birthday, cocktail!

My mother, Barbara didn’t drink much liquor. She loved white wine and mimosas, but when she enjoyed a cocktail, it was a very special occasion such as Mother’s Day or her birthday. The Grapefruit Rose Martini is a classy cocktail, perfect for any special event!

To all of the incredible women in the world! Cheers!

This Grapefruit Rose Martini is raised to a woman who was incredibly kind and treated plants and animals with the same gentleness with which she treated people. Everyone knew they had a friend in Barbara. I also raise this glass to my sweet aunt, (who doesn’t drink alcohol) she treated me as her own when my mom passed away. You are two amazing women! Happy Birthday, Mama! Thank you for watching over us. Happy Birthday Aunt Beverly, thank you for loving me so much! I love you both!

Grapefruit Rose Martini

This fruity, floral cocktail will be a favorite at your warm weather gatherings! Enjoy the essence of summer with a Grapefruit Rose Martini.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword Cocktail, grapefruit, martini, rose

Ingredients

2 ounces grapefruit rose vodka Or 1 ounce rose vodka and 1 ounce grapefruit vodka
1/2 ounce triple sec
3 ounces pre-made grapefruit juice
rose infused sugar see notes

Instructions

Dip the rim of a martini glass into simple syrup and then dip into rose-infused sugar to rim the glass.
In a cocktail shaker add ice, vodka, triple sec, and grapefruit juice. Shake for 20 seconds or more.
Strain into the sugar-rimmed glass and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Rose-infused sugar is easily created by adding 1/2 cup dried culinary grade rose petals, 1 cup of sugar and 1/8 tsp of rose extract to a spice grinder, food processor or mortar and pestle. Blend very well.

Irish Whiskey and Melon Cocktail

March 13, 2019 By Darla Leave a Comment

This Irish Whiskey and Melon cocktail will give you the Luck o’ the Irish any time of the year! It is whiskey forward with undertones of sweet melon.

A perfect cocktail for St Patrick’s Day!

There’s a bit of controversy regarding Patty or Paddy. Some people say St Patty’s day and they would be wrong. Patty spelled with two t’s, it’s the nickname for Patricia while Paddy, on the other hand, is the nickname for Patrick. The Irish Whiskey and Melon Cocktail is perfect for St. Paddy’s Day!

How do Irish whiskey and melon liqueur taste together?

I love Jameson whiskey and so I used Jameson Black Label for this cocktail. Just remember that when you use liquors that you love, you are more likely to create a cocktail that you love. I like a good melon liqueur and chose Midori because I had some left from making Midori Sours.

When you add melon liqueur to whiskey, it transforms into a beautiful springtime flavor. I added some simple syrup to sweeten it up a bit and to highlight the melon flavor.

Can I use American whiskey in place of Irish whiskey?

You can absolutely use any whiskey that you want! You can’t go wrong when you use the liquors that you love!

The main difference between the two whiskeys is their main ingredients. The main ingredient of Irish whiskey is barley. However, American whiskey can be corn, rye, or wheat.

Irish whiskey is lighter and not as sweet as American whiskey.
The Irish age their whiskeys for a minimum of three years while the Americans age their whiskeys for a minimum of two years.

Remember that Bourbon is an American whiskey! It is made from a mash that is at least 51% corn. While generally made in Kentucky, it can be made anywhere in the States.

Can I use Scotch in this cocktail?

Again, the answer is a big yes! The melon in this Irish Whiskey and Melon Cocktail changes the flavor subtly and with a whiskey forward taste, it’s best that you use a whiskey that pleases your palate!

Scotch whisky is distilled twice, while Irish whiskey undergoes triple distillation. With the exception of Lowland malts as well as a handful of distilleries who do a triple distillation.

Scotch whisky uses peat-smoked mash which gives it the smokey quality Scotch drinkers love. while Irish whiskey uses kiln-dried, raw and malted barley.

Scotch is produced by ‘blending’, while it’s Irish counterpart is produced by ‘vatting’.

Casked asked for at least two years for Scotch. Irish whiskey is kept in the cask for at least three years.

Irish Whiskey and Melon Cocktail

This Irish Whiskey and Melon cocktail will give you the Luck o' the Irish any time of the year! It is whiskey forward with undertones of sweet melon.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword Irish Whiskey, Melon

Ingredients

1 1/2 Ounces Irish Whiskey
1/2 Ounce Melon Liqueur
1 Tbs Simple syrup
3-4 Ounces Club Soda

Instructions

Pour whiskey, melon liqueur, and simple syrup into a shaker cup that is half filled with ice.
Shake vigorously and strain into a lowball glass that has been filled with fresh ice.
Add 3-4 ounces of club soda.
Garnish with cherries and enjoy!

Mojito

February 20, 2019 By Darla Leave a Comment

This refreshing cocktail tastes of lime and mint! Add a great rum, sugar and, club soda and, you’ll have all that you need for this classic Mojito.

The Mojito is popular!

A Mojito is a cocktail that brings happy memories with every sip! Those memories keep me warm on long winter days. I picture myself sitting at my favorite bar in the Caribbean soaking in the rays, watching the waves break and, digging my toes into the sand.

Ernest Hemingway loved Mojitos from his favorite bar in Cuba, La Bodeguita. He could be found at La Bodeguita on hot days, drinking a Mojito. On the wall in this tavern, you will find the famous quote “My mojito in La Bodeguita, My daiquiri in El Floridita”, engraved by Hemingway himself.

Where did the Mojito come from?

The simple ingredients of a Mojito have a quite common theme in cocktail history, and it was initially used for medicinal purposes. In the 16th century, Sir Frances Drake was sailing in the Caribbean when his crew was afflicted with scurvy and dysentery.

Some accounts say that Drake was planning to pillage Cuba and was thwarted. There are enough conflicting accounts that no one is quite certain. We do know that his crew had scurvy and dysentery.

Sailors knew that the Islanders had remedies for tropical afflictions. Drake sent a small crew to the island. They came back with a very rustic type of rum, limes, mint leaves, and sugar cane juice.

If you use silver rum and add some club soda, you have a modern-day Mojito.

Where did the Mojito get its name?

It wasn’t called a Mojito in the 16th century. Sir Frances Drake called it “El Draque” after himself. The word “mojito” could have come from the Spanish Cuban word mojo which is a spice blend with lime added. Also, it could have come from the word mojar which means “to soften.” Mojito could also come from mojitado which means “a little wet.”

No matter the name, it is a fabulous cocktail!

Mojito

This refreshing cocktail tastes of lime and mint! Add a great rum, sugar and, club soda and, you'll have all that you need for this classic Mojito

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword Cocktail, mojito

Ingredients

8-10 Mint Leaves
1/2 Lime (sliced)
1 T Sugar
2 oz White Rum
3-4 oz Club Soda
Ice

Instructions

In a high-ball glass add mint leaves, lime slices, sugar and a splash of club soda. Muddle together gently.
Add ice to 2/3 full.
Add rum and top with club soda.
Use a long spoon to stir.
Garnish with mint and lime slice.

Citrus Spice Balsamic Holiday Cocktail

November 29, 2018 By Darla Leave a Comment

The Citrus Spice Balsamic Cocktail tastes like the holidays. Citrus Spice Balsamic, ginger, bourbon and a squeeze of orange is perfect for a wintry night.

Citrus Spice Balsamic is very versatile!

I am in love with this Citrus Spice Balsamic from We Olive and Wine Bar in Salt Lake City. I was there recently and was told that I should try it. As soon as the flavors touched my palate, I knew that I would use this in many dishes and even a cocktail.

The first thing that I used this balsamic in was a roast that I slow cooked.

I made a balsamic reduction for the roast as well. The Citrus Spice Balsamic is very versatile, and so I couldn’t wait to put it in a cocktail.

Have you ever put balsamic in a cocktail?

Because the Citrus Spice Balsamic tastes like the holidays to me, I wanted to create a cocktail with cranberry, ginger, and bourbon. Although they are flavors that I love all year round, I adore using them during the holidays.

When they are combined with just a splash of freshly squeezed orange juice, the effect is heavenly.

A new favorite holiday cocktail!

The Citrus Spice Balsamic Holiday Cocktail has quickly become a favorite for my husband and I. We enjoy sipping and sitting by the fire or finding something fun to watch on TV.

I am so glad that I went into We Olive and Wine Bar in Salt Lake after they got the shipment of Citrus Spice Balsamic.

If you haven’t tried balsamic in a cocktail, you’re missing out! Try this recipe, and you’ll be hooked on this Citrus Spice Balsamic!

Cheers! And Happy Holidays!

We Olive and Wine Bar in Salt Lake City, Utah did not sponsor these posts by providing compensation and/or product for their development. Each participant purchased all ingredients and created these recipes of their own accord based on pure product love. However, in the interest of full transparency, Michelle De La Cerda Nash, Christina Lakey, and Darla Bentley do have a professional relationship with We Olive and Wine Bar in Salt Lake City, Utah outside the scope of these recipes.

A Full Menu Using Citrus Spice Balsamic Vinegar

Four friends and colleagues attending a holiday media event at We Olive and Wine Bar in Salt Lake City got talking about how they would use this newly sampled vinegar.

Hi, we’re those four friends and colleagues.

We decided to not just talk the talk but actually create our newly thought up recipe idea.

Welcome to the Citrus Spice Balsamic Vinegar Progressive Meal.

Darla Bentley of Wet Whistle Drinks created Citrus Spice Balsamic Holiday Cocktail. This cocktail tastes like the holidays! Citrus Spice Balsamic, ginger, bourbon, and a squeeze of orange is perfect for a wintry night.

Michelle De La Cerda of The Complete Savorist created Citrus Spice Balsamic Roasted Sweet Potatoes. A sweet potato side dish deliciously intensified by roasting them in a glaze made from citrus spice balsamic vinegar.

Ned Adams of Dutch Oven Daddy made Citrus Spice Prime Rib Roast. This roast is a sure bet while hosting your holiday feast.

Christina Lakey of Food Apparel whipped up a No-Bake Cheesecake Cookie Dip Recipe with Balsamic Drizzle. This easy no-bake cheesecake cookie dip recipe will literally come together in minutes. Dress it up fancy with a sweet balsamic reduction to truly impress!

We hope you all enjoy this menu.

Citrus Spice Balsamic Holiday Cocktail

The Citrus Spice Balsamic Cocktail tastes like the holidays. Citrus Spice Balsamic, ginger, bourbon and a squeeze of orange is perfect for a wintry night.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword Balsamic, Bourbon, Citrus Spice, Cocktail, Orange

Author Darla

Ingredients

1.5 Ounces Bourbon
2 Ounces Cranberry Juice
2 Ounces Ginger ale
1 Tablespoon Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
2 teaspoons Citrus Spice Balsamic

Instructions

Add Ice to a shaker cup.
Put all the ingredients into the shaker cup and stir with a bar spoon for several turns.
Strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish with candied ginger and/or orange

Wet Whistle Drinks is also on Facebook and Instagram

The Complete Savorist is also on Facebook and Instagram

Dutch Oven Daddy is also on Facebook and Instagram

Food Apparel is also on Facebook and Instagram

Cran-Cherry Amaretto Kiss

November 20, 2018 By Darla 2 Comments

Barb’s Amaretto Kiss aka Cran-Cherry Amaretto Kiss has a unique twist of cherry to enhance the amaretto. It pulls the flavors together so that this drink dances across your tongue and makes your lips smile.

Barb’s Amaretto Kiss

I wanted to make a birthday drink for my dear friend, Barb, but it needed to be perfect! I know that she loves amaretto and vodka which lead me to do a twist on an Amaretto Kiss. That part was easy but how to make it uniquely Barb?

Which flavors pair well with Amaretto?

Barb’s Birthday is right around Thanksgiving, so I wanted to incorporate some of those flavors into her drink. Cranberry goes well with amaretto, and so I wanted both cranberry juice and Betty’s Cranberry Sauce (the best cranberry sauce I have ever tasted) by Michelle from The Complete Savorist who is a brilliant part of our Tribe.

I also wanted a flavor that brought it all together. My mother used to make a cherry almond tart, and that lead me to cran-cherry because the almonds and cherries are perfect together. This is how the Cran-Cherry Amaretto Kiss came to be.

Why make a pitcher of cocktails?

Barb’s Amaretto Kiss, aka Cran-Cherry Amaretto Kiss, also needed to be in a large pitcher so that it can serve many. Barb is warm and welcoming and often has her friends over for food, drinks, crafting or just hanging out on the deck watching the sunset.

She is someone who is always willing to help whether it is watching a sick dog, helping with kids, bringing food when illness has left one of us in bed or to be a listening ear.

Cocktails and Friends!

Barb is incredible in so many ways. She is highly intelligent and always wants to learn. She’s both humble and a natural leader.

She is creative, fun, loving, and kind. Her beautiful family is her world, and it shows on the faces of her “men” (which is what calls her husband, Sam and their two boys Rhett and KJ.)

Barb adores her dog Luna who is the sweetest dog alive. She’s a Bernese Mountain Dog who is lucky to have a mom that is also addicted to hiking!

I feel so grateful to have Barb and the rest of our Tribe, in my life. These strong, amazing women help keep me grounded and sane in this crazy world.

Having these close, strong, steady friendships can be a miracle in a time of life that is overrun with responsibilities. We can lose touch with what it means to have people in our lives that have our backs.

Happy Birthday, Barb! I hope that Barb’s Amaretto Kiss gives you some of the same warm fuzzies that you give to the people in your life! You are wonderful and you are loved!

5 from 1 vote

Cran-Cherry Amaretto Kiss

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Ingredients

5 Cups Cran-Cherry Juice
3 Cups Vodka
1 1/2 Cups Amaretto Liqueur
1 Cup Cranberry Sauce
1/2 Cup Prepared Orange Juice
Garnish Candied Mandarin Oranges

Instructions

Start a party! Birthday or otherwise.
In a very large pitcher combine all of the ingredients, stir, and refrigerate until ready to use.
Add ice to a shaker cup. Stir the contents of the pitcher and pour 4-6 ounces (depending on glass size) into the shaker cup.
Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass
Garnish with candied mandarin orange or an orange slice
Makes 14-22 servings

Pumpkin Pie Martini

November 18, 2018 By Darla Leave a Comment

This Pumpkin Pie Martini tastes like the holidays! It is sweet, creamy, and full of wintery spices. Light a fire and grab your favorite throw. You’ll want to savor every sip.

What is in a Pumpkin Pie Martini?

Since the leaves started changing and the air became crisp, I have been obsessed with Pumpkin Pie Infused Vodka.

With the holidays swiftly approaching, I am putting it in a lot of my cocktails.

First, because pumpkin is amazing. Next, because it makes me excited to think of watching the snow fall outside my windows. Finally, it gets me into the spirit of the holidays.

Sometimes, we need a bit of a boost to get us into the spirit of the holidays. Flavors and smells can bring back memories of happy times. That is what this Pumpkin Pie Martini does for me.

When should I have a Pumpin Pie Martini?

One of my favorites cocktails has been the Pumpkin Pie Martini. It is creamy, boozy and perfectly spiced! It honestly tastes like a pumpkin pie in a glass with a kick!

I absolutely love it, and so does my husband! We often drink it as an after-dinner treat or as a special cocktail for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Perfect cocktail for the holidays!

I was very excited to write up the recipe for this Pumpkin Pie Martini. Ther is maple syrup in it for a little extra pizzazz!

I love that the rim is done with maple syrup and dipped in cinnamon and sugar. The problem is that it is not very pretty to photograph, but it tastes so good that I did it anyway!

How will you dress up your Pumpkin Pie Martini?

Make the Pumpkin Pie Martini your own! You could easily top it with a dollop of whipped cream! I love it with a dusting of cinnamon, but I am obsessed with cinnamon.

How you dress up your Pumpkin Pie Martini is entirely up to you but no matter what you do, you will love this holiday cocktail!

Pumpkin Pie Sangria

November 12, 2018 By Darla Leave a Comment

Pumpkin Pie Sangria is perfect for any holiday gathering! It has all of the lovely flavors of pumpkin pie, sweet pears, crisp apples, and white wine. It is a balanced drink that will delight your guests and leave them asking for more!

What cocktail can I serve my guests on Thanksgiving?

First of all, I love Thanksgiving! The smells, the bustle, the food, and the wine join together in a symphony of Turkey Day joy! I usually host, and I like it that way. My husband smokes a turkey, and I do one in the oven. I do a couple of sides, and maybe a pie or two and the rest of the food comes with the guests. My kitchen is filled with people that I love and mountains of fantastic food.

Because I believe that the drinks are just as important as the food, I try to make a fun cocktail. I love to use Pumpkin Pie Infused Vodka in my holiday cocktails. It is all the flavors of pumpkin pie infused into a quality vodka. The only problem is that we typically have quite a few guests and the liquor and mixers go very quickly. This year, I want to have a drink for the adults that will be enough to last beyond the appetizers. Furthermore, it must be tasty without being too sweet. Sangria will be perfect!

What goes into a holiday sangria?

Finally, I settled on sangria, and I started looking at white wine sangria recipes. Because none that I found were festive enough, I decided to create my own sangria that was both seasonal and plentiful. It had to be a good match with the turkey feast that we will create and it had to make my guests swoon with delight!

Conceived from the combination of my love for fall, hosting parties and, Thanksgiving. This Pumpkin Pie Sangria made with, white wine (I used a dry Riesling) , Pumpkin Pie Infused Vodka, sparkling apple cider, cinnamon, brown sugar, pears and, apples was a hit with my taste testers. As a result of having a large guest list, I will triple the recipe for Thanksgiving and hope to impress!

Pumpkin Pie Sangria

Perfect for any holiday gathering!

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Ingredients

750 ml 1 Bottle White Wine
750 ml 1 bottle Sparkling Apple Cider
2 Cups Pumpkin Pie Infused Vodka
1 C Brown Sugar
2 Pears Sliced
1 Golden Delicious Apple Sliced
4 Cinnamon Sticks

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher
Stir to dissolve sugar
Refrigerate for no less than 4 hours and serve

Watermelon Limeade

September 10, 2018 By Darla 4 Comments

Watermelon Limeade is a lovely way to enjoy the delightful nectar of a perfectly ripe watermelon! Juicy and sweet, this drink is an ideal refresher!

In Utah, we harvest watermelons as early as July. The local farmer’s market starts getting the best ones around mid-August. The rind is a gorgeous, green, and the flesh is a deep red and smells as sweet as it tastes. This is very important for a tastier Watermelon Limeade!

How Do You Know If a Watermelon is Ripe?

I love to handpick the best watermelon! A ripe watermelon should feel heavy. After all, it is mostly water. Knock on the melon or slap it to be sure that you hear a hollow sound. I can be found knocking on every watermelon in the bunch so that I pick the perfect specimen for my Watermelon Limeade. Where the melon meets the earth is called the “field spot.” That is precisely how it sounds, where the melon touches the field. If the field spot is white, it is not ripe. If it is yellow and sounds hollow, you’ve got a ripe watermelon.

Will My Watermelon Ripen After it is Cut From the Vine?

Watermelons do not continue to ripen after they are harvested. This does seem strange, but there is science to back it up. Watermelons are called a non-climacteric fruit, meaning that it does not produce large amounts of ethylene or CO2. Some other fruits in this family are pineapple, tangerines, cherries, grapefruit, oranges, grapes, and strawberries. They start to go bad rather than continuing to ripen. It is imperative to choose a watermelon at the peak of ripeness. This will ensure that your Watermelon Limeade tastes as amazing as it looks!

4.5 from 2 votes

Watermelon Limeade

Watermelon Limeade is a lovely way to enjoy the delightful nectar of a perfectly ripe watermelon! Juicy and sweet, this drink is an ideal refresher!~Wet Whistle Drinks by Darla Bentley

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword watermelon limeade

Ingredients

3 lbs Seedless watermelon
1/2 cup Fresh mint leaves
1 cup Fresh lime juice
1/2 cup Simple Syrup
2 cups Water

Instructions

In a blender add watermelon and mint.
Strain the melon mixture into a large bowl or pitcher.
Add in remaining ingredients and stir.
Serve over ice or chilled. Garnish with a sprig of mint.
**To make a Boozy Watermelon Limeade add 1.5 ounces of white rum to a highball glass and fill with Watermelon Limeade.