happy hour: spiked shirley

i grew up on shirley temples.  whenever my family would go out to a nice restaurant, my sister and i would order them.  hannah (my sis) never liked the cherry garnish, so i would get two!

now, shirley temples would probably be a little too sweet for my palate (with the sugary lemon-lime soda and lots of grenadine), but there's something so fun about them!  that's why i was delighted when my friend (and one of my yoga teachers) introduced me to her grown-up version of this childhood favorite of mine. 

picture credit {here}

spiked shirley

1-2 shots cherry vodka over ice
topped with club soda
splash of grenadine
garnish with a cherry (or a lime wedge)

the effervescence of the club gives the effect of sprite without the sweetness or calories, and the splash of grenadine adds just enough sweetness....and pinkness....to the drink.  the cherry vodka (obviously) enhances the cherry flavor.  just perfect : )

this girly drink is completely fun, and (bonus) any bartender can easily make it!  (or, of course, you can concoct it yourself.)

have a fantastic weekend.  cheers!.

happy hour: bachelorette cocktails

this weekend is my bachelorette party!  i received a gorgeous invite that my sister created with a (vague) outline of the events.  she and my bridesmaids have been planning for months, and i am certain they've cooked up something spectacular : )

in honor of the girly weekend that lies ahead, i thought i'd highlight some bachelorette party cocktail favorites.

cosmo (you knew this was coming)

1 oz vodka
1/2 oz triple sec
1/2 oz rose's lime juice
1/2 oz cranberry juice
squeeze of fresh lime

pour all ingredients in shaker over ice and shake.  strain into a martini glass and garnish with lime wedge.

sex on the beach (anything with "sex" in the title is always popular at a bachelorette party...)

1 1/2 oz vodka
1/2 oz peach schnapps

2 oz cranberry juice

2 oz orange juice

pour vodka and schnapps into a highball glass over ice.  top with cranberry juice & o.j. and stir.

champagne!!!

uncork
pour
sip

i'll be certain to fill you all in next week about my fabulous weekend in philly with my girls!  enjoy your weekend : )
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happy hour: low-cal cocktail formula

{this post is just a taste of vegetables & vodka, my FREE e-cookbook!  download it below!}

cocktail 101

…the easiest low-cal creation in cocktail land…

we all love our cocktails.  but, we don’t always love (or need) the calories that lurk in their liquidy goodness.  whether you’re at home, at a friend’s party or at your local watering hole,  here is a simply fabulous cocktail formula that will keep you smiling while sipping.

1 shot liquor (vodka, rum, gin) in a glass over ice

splash of juice or liqueur (cranberry juice, triple sec, orange juice, amaretto, cassis, etc.)

top off with club soda

garnish with citrus (lime, lemon or orange wedge)

this simply fabulous combo is utter low-calorie perfection, clocking in at a mere 125 calories per serving.  the hint of juice or sweet liqueur is just enough to infuse a bit of festiveness while the club keeps it super low-cal and fizzy.  the final squeeze of fresh citrus brightens the flavors. 

no shot glass handy?  count to 4 while pouring to approximate a shot’s worth of liquor.

happy friday!  enjoy your weekend - and your(low-cal) cocktails!

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happy (birthday) hour for craig

today is craig’s birthday!  so, in honor of him, i decided to do a video of how to make his favorite mixed drink (which is going to be one of the signature drinks at our wedding in november).  so, here’s to craig!  happy birthday!  (drink up : )

captain & ginger (a.k.a. tall, dark & handsome…umm, i mean dark & stormy)

highball glass with ice
1 shot spiced rum
top it off with ginger ale
garnish with lime wedge

sip & smile.  it tastes like cream soda!

(oh, and be sure to check out my guest post over at buckhead betty!).