Spring-Time Sipping

Happy Spring! Despite the crazy weather we've had in Texas, it *is* Spring so I am drinking accordingly.

Elderflower is one of those flavors with which, I feel, a little can go a very long way. A few years back I had an elderflower martini and WOW was that strong. It was like drinking perfume...
And because I feel like less is more, I haven't wanted to dish out the cash needed for the lovely bottle of St. Germain. My liquor store has awesome employees and one suggested St. Elder as a more "economical" option (under $20 as opposed to over $50.)

You can find recipes here but I keep it simple- an ounce of St Elder over ice and topped with club soda or an elder-vodka martini (shake hard with ice, 1 elder : 2 vodka ratio).
Tastes like Spring- crisp, lightly floral, and clean.

What do you like to drink this season?

Cheers,
ashley 

{Happy Hour} St. Patrick's Day: It's Guinness Time

Well, it's not green, and not really Irish, but it's got Guinness in it so it counts in my book!

Fill a champagne flute (or similar tall, thin class) halfway with champagne/sparkling wine. Once it settles, carefully top with cold Guinness, using a bar spoon to prevent the two from mixing. The  Guinness should float on top of the champagne. 

According to Wikipedia, black velvets were first created in 1861 to mourn the death of Prince Albert, symbolizing the black armbands worn by mourners. It really has nothing to do with St Patrick's Day, but I'm going to drink it anyway.

Cheers,
Ashley

Please Excuse This Mess (+ holiday drink)

I feel like I should have that tattooed on my forehead sometimes...

We had two shows in the middle of last week so things were rather chaotic. (I'm just relieved they happened in between waves of printing!) Sorry there was no blogging or real updates, there just wasn't any time.

To make up for it, here's a wintery cocktail recipe, courtesy of The Art of Manliness (they have interesting articles, not just for men):

Hot Buttered Rum

Don't worry, that's a stirrer, not a straw.

Make the batter: 4oz good quality butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground cloves. Mix well. Use 2 Tbsp batter / serving. Put the batter in a mug/glass, add 6oz hot water (or hot cider, will try that next!),  and stir until dissolved. Then add a shot of dark rum.

It's pretty tasty, but not to be a regular drink for me, thanks to All That Butter. (mmmm butter.)

Do you have a favorite hot cocktail? If so, please share in the comments!

Cheers,
ashley