Beverages

Pink-a-Colada

Today is officially my last day at my job.  I wish I could tell you that I’m going to be able to work full-time on this blog which would make me so happy but that’s not the case.  Here’s the short of it: my office was relocated from Philadelphia to Connecticut and I didn’t want to make the move.   Fortunately, I’m taking a new job starting Monday.  The past year and nine months since we’ve known about the move have been stressful, gut wrenching and tiring.  Watching friends and co-workers leave to go to other jobs was sad.  Watching everyone getting packed up and spending the last week in an empty office was even sadder.  So because of our “end” and because the summer heat is in full force, why not celebrate it all with a fruity, coconuty cocktail like these Pink-a-Coladas?

Cranberry juice, coconut water, pineapple juice and coconut rum are mixed together for a perfectly summery sweet warm weather cocktail.  I’m not the biggest fan of coconut water and since the rum is already strong enough, I’m not really sure it’s necessary.  Don’t worry if you don’t have some.  Coconut rum and pineapple juice is already so good together but adding in some tart cranberry juice cuts down some of the sweetness which makes these cocktails go down waaaaaay too easily.  As bittersweet as my job’s move has been, I don’t know what else to do but just raise my glass and say…Cheers!  Here’s to new beginnings.

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The ingredients:

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Combine first 4 ingredients in a large pitcher.

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Serve over ice. Garnish, if desired.

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Additions:  None

Omissions:  None

Substitutions:  None

Overall Rating:  Love It

Source:  Coastal Living Magazine

Mixed Citrus Margaritas

You know how I told you the other day that I’ve been really stressed at work?  Say hello to last night’s dinner: Mixed Citrus Margarita.  Enough said.

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The ingredients:

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In a large pitcher or jug combine the tequila, juice, liqueur, and sugar to taste.

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Serve over ice with lime wedges.

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Additions:  None

Omissions:  None

Substitutions:  None

Overall Rating:  Like It

Source:  Better Homes and Gardens magazine

Vanilla-Almond Steamer

I went to a friend’s for dinner last night and left around 9:40 so I could make it home in time to catch the latest episode of Chicago Fire only to find snow on my car so thick and heavy, my windshield wipers couldn’t cut through it.  So there I was without a winter coat or gloves on in a full snowstorm brushing snow off my car just to drive to my house less than a mile away.  I think the weather people talked more about Winter Storm Nemo last week than about this little weather event which clearly created more snow.  Anyway, snows like this which leave me wet and cold just make me want to curl up with something warm.  And since I don’t want to drink anything caffeinated before bed, this Vanilla-Almond Steamer is a perfectly cozy warm drink on an unexpectedly snowy night.

Milk and sugar are warmed on the stove and flavored with cinnamon sticks, vanilla and almond extracts.  If I could imagine what a warmed up vanilla milkshake might taste like, I think this would be it.  Use whatever milk you fancy (I used skim and loved it) because I really don’t think it will matter.  The cinnamon, vanilla and almond create a soothing backdrop for this hug in a cup.  If you need something one of these cold nights but have had enough tea and just can’t deal with decaf, consider this.  It’s a perfect before-bedtime drink that can even be kicked up with some bourbon or rum if you so choose.

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The ingredients:

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Combine the milk and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat; cook until sugar dissolves, stirring frequently. Add cinnamon sticks to milk mixture; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally (do not boil).

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Remove from heat; let stand 20 minutes. Stir in extracts. Place pan over medium-high heat; cook 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Remove and discard cinnamon sticks.

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Garnish with ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks, if desired.

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Additions:  None

Omissions:  None

Substitutions:

  • Non-fat milk

Overall Rating:  Love It

Source:  Cooking Light Magazine

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