Beverages

Interesting Find – Cocktail Ideas for Thanksgiving from Companies that Give Back

Published on by carol lou

I frequently get inquires from various companies inquiring about featuring their products on the blog. Nine times our of ten, I always pass because I am not interested. I recently received this request and after reading the recipes and the companies that donate a portion of their proceeds to causes they care about, I thought this would be a perfect post for the upcoming holidays. Enjoy!

Gray Whale Gin – it is a small batch, craft spirit inspired by the migratory path of the Gray Whale. Each of the gin’s botanicals are hand harvested, wild foraged or organically farmed along the majestic creatures’ 10,000 mile journey from Baja all the way to the Arctic. The gluten free-corn base provides a clean canvas for the botanicals to shine- Gray Whale Gin.

A portion of all sales benefits Oceana  to protect and restore the world’s oceans- home of the beautiful Gray Whale.

Gray Whale Gin upcycles as many empty Gray Whale Gin bottles as possible into candles scented with the gin’s botanicals. The candles are sold via Gray Whale Gin’s website for $40. 100% of the sales of the candles benefit Oceana.

Blackberry Negroni
1 part Gray Whale Gin
1 part Campari
1 part Sweet Vermouth
6 fresh Blackberries

In a cocktail glass, muddle four blackberries. In a mixing glass, combine the Gray Whale Gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Add ice and stir until chilled. Strain the mixture from the mixing glass into the glass with muddled blackberries. Garnish with two fresh blackberries.

– Recipe by Gray Whale Gin

 Humboldt Distillery’s Organic Vodka is made from an organic sugarcane base, without glycerin, sweeteners or other additives. The vodka is dry with a super clean finish and has a neutral character- perfect for cocktails!

Distilled amongst the redwoods, Humboldt Organic Vodka, is a consciously crafted spirit working alongside the California Coastkeeper Alliance (CCKA)  to protect and preserve California’s waterways. When purchased via Drizly with the code TOAST2COAST a portion of the sale goes directly to CCKA to aid in the fight for swimmable, drinkable, fishable waterways in California.

Apple Cider Mule 
1.5 oz Humboldt Vodka
2 oz apple cider
1 oz fresh lime juice
.5 oz ginger syrup (recipe follows)
Splash of seltzer

Build all ingredients over ice in a copper mug. Stir well, and garnish with lime or apple wedges.
For the ginger syrup, combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water and a 2-inch knob of ginger, peeled and roughly chopped. Stir over low heat until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and allow the ginger to steep for at least one hour. Strain and refrigerate.

– Recipe by Humboldt Distillery 

Josh Cellars announced a $100,000 donation to the California Fire Foundation this past September as wildfires raged across the state. The donation will help the foundation provide relief, which offers financial and emotional support to firefighters, their families and communities harmed by fire. The wine label is named after founder Joseph Carr’s late father, who was a volunteer firefighter. Josh Cellars has long supported numerous charitable causes and organizations for first responders. Josh Cellars and Joseph Carr also pledged $100,000 to the Restaurant Workers Community Foundations (RWCF) to benefit the many workers who have been laid off due to COVID-19.

The Apple Pie Spritz is a great cocktail as we approach peak apple picking season here in the U.S. The spicy notes from the Redemption rye mixed with the fresh apple cider create the ultimate mix of fall flavors topped off with some Josh Cellars Prosecco for an added fizz.  Tastes like fresh apple pie in drink-form – perfect for Fall! The Prosecco has refreshing acidity and a touch of sweetness from the ripe fruit.

Apple Pie Spritz  

1 part Redemption Rye
2 parts apple cider
1 dash angostura bitters
Fill flute with Josh Prosecco
Garnish with lemon twist

Add ingredients other than prosecco to flute and lightly stir to mix ingredients. Top with prosecco and garnish with expressed lemon peel.
The Apple Pie Spritz is a great cocktail as we approach peak apple picking season here in the US.  The spicy notes from the Redemption rye mixed with the fresh apple cider create the ultimate mix of fall flavors topped off with some Josh Cellars Prosecco for a little added fizz.

– Recipe by Matt Klette, Redemption Whiskey Ambassador

Christmas Cocktail 2018

Published on by carol lou

Each year, we love to serve a special Christmas Cocktail.  Our Christmas Cocktail 2018 was inspired from a dinner that we had at a local steakhouse.  I ordered their holiday cocktail and it was so good, we decided to recreate it at home.  After many taste tests, I think we have landed on a delicious Christmas Cocktail recipe.  I hope you agree, cheers to the holidays!

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Christmas Cocktail 2018

Servings 1

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 oz raspberry vodka
  • 1 1/2 oz Cointreau
  • 1 oz simple syrup
  • 1/2 oz cranberry juice
  • 1/2 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
  • 4 red raspberries
  • rosemary sprig and one raspberry for garnixh

Instructions

  1. Muddle the 4 raspberries in a cocktail shaker.  Add the remaining ingredients.  Add ice and shake well.  Pour into glass and top with garnish.  

 

Candied Oranges

Published on by carol lou

Sometimes I think my kitchen is more of a chemistry lab than a kitchen.  I love candied oranges, however, they are definitely pricey when you see them and not readily available.  So, I thought I would try my hand at making candied oranges.  They are the perfect accompaniment to a cheese tray, great to chop and mix in muffins or quick breads, an interesting addition or garnish for cocktails, delicious served with whipped cream mixed with brandy, serve sliced with an after dinner cordial and my latest concoction – chop two candied oranges and mix into one-half gallon of vanilla ice cream and top with chocolate sauce.  Below I have highlighted another fantastic Virginia food find I came across Willie Byrd Chocolate Sauce , I heated and topped my candied orange ice cream with this and all I can say is…  unbelievably delicious!

candied oranges

candied orange ice cream  

 

Candied Oranges
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Ingredients
  1. 1 1/3 cup sugar
  2. 4 cups water
  3. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  4. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  5. 6 seedless oranges, score rind
  6. Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
  1. In a heavy sauce pan that will hold 6 oranges snugly, combine water, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil and boil for 10 minutes. Add oranges, reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 2 hours. Turn oranges every 1/2 hour. After 2 hours, remove the lid and bring the syrup with the oranges in it to a boil. Boil until the syrup is thick, this will take about 10 minutes. Turn oranges frequently so they do not brown. When syrup has thickened, remove the pan from the heat and let the oranges cool in the syrup. Turn the oranges so the syrup coats the oranges as they cool. Refrigerate the oranges when completely cool. Candied oranges will keep for at least 2 weeks refrigerated.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/
 

Rise and Shine Smoothies

Published on by carol lou

Such a delicious way to start your morning.  This Rise and Shine Smoothie will definitely wake up your taste buds on a beautiful morning.  I made this with fresh squeezed orange juice and ‘no sugar’ added cranberry juice.  A great healthy start to your day – Enjoy!

Rise and Shine Smoothies

Rise and Shine Smoothies
Serves 4
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Ingredients
  1. 2 cups orange juice
  2. 1 cup cranberry juice
  3. 1 medium apple, coarsely chopped
  4. 1/2 cup mango, cubed and peeled
  5. 2 kiwi fruit, peeled and quartered
  6. 2 cups fresh strawberries
  7. 10 ice cubes
Instructions
  1. In a blender, place all of the ingredients. Blend until smooth. Pour into chilled glasses. Serve immediately.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/
 

Earl Grey Cranberry Iced Tea

Published on by carol lou

With the arrival of spring, I thought it was time for iced tea.  Nothing like a warm day to bring out the cool refreshing drinks.  I put together a combination that I think will definitely quench your thirst. 

Earl Grey Cranberry Iced Tea

 

Earl Grey Cranberry Iced Tea
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Ingredients
  1. 4 Earl Grey tea bags
  2. 2 cups boiling water
  3. 2 cups cranberry juice
  4. 1 tablespoon lemon
  5. 3 tablespoons honey
Instructions
  1. Steep tea bags in boiling water for 10 minutes. In a medium pitcher combine cranberry juice, lemon, and honey. Remove tea bags and add tea to pitcher. Stir to combine. Refrigerate.
  2. Serve over ice.
  3. Yields 4 cups - this recipe is easy to double or triple
Notes
  1. If you are a sweet tea lover, add more honey, to taste.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/

Apricot Champagne Cocktail

Published on by carol lou

Anyone that knows me well, knows that my favorite cocktail is a gin and tonic and my wine choice is usually a full bodied red.  However, there are times when a terrific cocktail comes along and I just have to try it.   Valentine’s Day is this weekend and what better day to try a new cocktail.  Pop the bubbly and celebrate with those you love.

champagne cocktail

Champagne Apricot Cocktail
Serves 1
If serving a crowd, mix the orange mixture in a large pitcher; add the champagne just prior to serving.
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Ingredients
  1. Juice of 1/2 orange
  2. 2/3 jigger apricot brandy
  3. Squeeze of lemon juice
  4. Champagne
  5. Orange slice, for garnish
Instructions
  1. Combine the first three ingredients. Add champagne, garnish.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/
 

Hot Chocolate Rum Float

Published on by carol lou

What better way to warm up on these cold January nights than to have a wonderful mug of hot chocolate spiked with rum and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.  On that beginning of year shape-up plan?  Use fat free milk and just eliminate the ice cream, you will not be disappointed.  Enjoy this steaming cup of deliciousness while you dream about that spring trip to a warm climate.

Hot Chocolate Rum Float
Yields 9
delicious on a cold winter night
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Ingredients
  1. 1/3 cup sugar
  2. 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  3. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  4. 1 1/2 cups water
  5. 4 1/2 cps milk
  6. 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
  7. 1 oz. dark rum (optional) per cup of cocoa
  8. vanilla ice cream
Instructions
  1. Mix sugar, cocoa powder and salt in 2 quart saucepan. Add water. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 2 minutes. Stir in milk; heat through but do not boil. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and rum. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
A Passion for Entertaining https://apassionforentertaining.com/