Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year, my friends!!

My New Year's Eve consisted of learning how to snow ski (I felt very close to mortality that day--I've left the mountain with a new perspective on life!), dinner for twenty-two family members followed by silly board games and home videos, desperately trying to stay awake until midnight (success thanks to PSY's Opa Gagnam Style), a champagne toast, fireworks, then desperately trying to stay awake until California midnight so I could wish my littlest sister a Happy New Year.

It was perfect.

Tall-n-Skinny Font courtesy of A Beautiful Mess!

Now, onto the champagne toast. I was inspired by this party from Hostess with the Mostess.

I placed rock candy into flat champagne glasses then poured the champagne over the candy. This worked well with our sparkling cider drinkers, too!

The candy dipped in champagne was so yummy, and the last bit of drink had crystals left in the bottom for an extra sweet finish!

What did you do for New Year's Eve?

♥ Shannon

My 4th of July Cocktail

#15 on my list of 28 Before 28 is to invent a delicious new cocktail. Mission Accomplished. May I introduce the Lexington and Concord*.

Here's the recipe:
1 small dollop Raspberry Syrup (see below)
1 shot iced Vodka
1 shot Sparkling Lemonade
Blueberry Garnish

For the Raspberry Syrup:
1/2 cup organic sugar
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup organic raspberries (frozen or fresh)

Pour sugar and water into a saucepan and bring to boil until sugar dissolves (about five minutes). Add raspberries. Return to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour into jar and allow to cool. Yields 1/2 cup.

Drip the chilled syrup into the bottom of a martini glass. In a second glass, pre-mix the vodka and lemonade, stirring slowly. Tilt the martini glass to the side and gently pour in the vodka and lemonade, taking care not to stir up the syrup. Garnish with three blueberries, preferably on a sexy toothpick, but floating works too. Enjoy!

It tastes like freedom and it's got a kick, just like the shot heard around the world.

*Naming credit goes to Matthew. Other options:
--Baby You're a Firework
--13 Gunshots
--Stars and Stripes Forever

♥ Shannon

Drinkify

I just stumbled upon Drinkify--it is so much fun! You type in what music you're listening to, and it recommends a cocktail for you.

I think it's pretty dead on! Although,  if you're listening to Mandy Moore, it recommends a bottle of vodka on the rocks. I'm offended! Extraordinary is fantastic! So is Wild Hope.

I digress. Try out the site and play with fun cocktails that match your music! Great for an upcoming party.

If you come across any intriguing recipes, please let me know!

♥ Shannon