Tag Archives: cocktails

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.

The ingredients:

Combine first 4 ingredients in a large pitcher.

Serve over ice. Garnish, if desired.

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.

The ingredients:

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

Serve over ice with lime wedges.

Additions: None

Omissions: None

Substitutions: None

Overall Rating: Like It

Source: Better Homes and Gardens magazine

Maple-Bourbon Sour

I gotta tell you, after spending this week enduring Hurricane Sandy-turned Nor’Easter-turned nightmare and the ensuing loss of power for days, I was just ready to go home, sleep in my own bed and make some food. But I was tired. And by tired, I mean tuckered-out tired. My good friend Jodi put up with my sorry self since Sunday while I waited for the power to be restored in my freezing cold house. Finally, the power came back last night and it really is such a relief to flip on a lightswitch and get light. Plus, there really is nothing better than sleeping in your own cozy bed. Because I anticipated losing power this week, I figured it was a great opportunity to bring you something that doesn’t require the use of electricity and helps that lonely time go by faster: Maple-Bourbon Sour.

Bourbon is mixed with nothing but maple syrup and lemon juice. Sounds kind of crazy but the sweetness of the syrup and sourness of the lemon balance each other out while the smoky maple complements bourbon perfectly. When I got home last night, I really didn’t have the patience to make one of these but instead poured myself a red wine and tucked myself into bed while I watched tv. In the dark. Yes, after complaining about losing power, I barely turned a light on when I got it back. All I really wanted was my tv. I’m a loser. After seeing what happened to the New Jersey coast this week, I’m grateful that my biggest problem was a loss of power. I have to say that this week has been an emotional and heartbreaking time for those of us in New Jersey. I didn’t grow up here but I’ve been here long enough to know just how special and important the Jersey shore is to the people who live here (and yes, it’s really called the “shore” here, not the “beach”). It’s not just a stupid tv show (which I refuse to watch), it’s a way of life and a piece of the people here. It’s their heart and soul. And it will recover.