The Happiest Hour {Blood of the Tropics}

Life changed forever here last week. Whole Foods opened! Walking in was like walking into a completely different world. Items that have been impossible to find down here were all of a sudden right in front of me begging to be bought and turned into deliciousness. From Meyer Lemons to craft beer from far away lands, I wanted to buy everything in sight. But the biggest excitement came when I walked into the produce section and spotted my beloved blood oranges. I've had this blood orange obsession since my first trip to Italy many many years ago. However, trying to find them here was like trying to find gold at the end of a rainbow. Over the years mediocre blood orange juices and sodas popped up at places like World Market, but nothing ever compared to the pure juice that came from squeezing the fruit myself. Once spotted, I grabbed as many as I could without looking like a weird-o. The mission was to create the most delicious blood orange cocktail I could and the end product ended up being better than expected. A tropical blend of coconut rum, pineapple juice, and fresh squeezed blood orange juice was exactly was I was looking for as an afternoon sipper on warm afternoons. Refreshing and light but full of flavor, I could drink them all day long. Plus, the color (and name!) is perfect for upcoming Halloween bashes! Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::
1 Blood Orange, juiced
3 oz Pineapple Juice
3 oz Coconut Rum

:: Directions ::
Combine ingredients in a rocks glass over ice. Stir to combine, garnish with a blood orange round and sip!

The Happiest Hour {Blood Orange Margarita}

If you tuned in yesterday you were able to catch the back story on my love of blood oranges. Ever since my first trip to Italy, the flavor was something I craved since finding the product here was close to impossible. Ever since that time, it has steadily become more available in specialty stores. Saturday morning though, when strolling through my local grocery store for breakfast ingredients, we stumbled upon blood orange juice made by no other than Tropicana. Almost unable to believe my eyes, I grabbed the bottle as fast as I could and my head stared realign with cocktail ideas. Since this week is all about my favorite things, I decided to create a drink combining two of my favorite things, margaritas and blood oranges. It's sweet and amazingly delicious! Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::
2 oz Clear Tequila
2 oz Blood Orange Juice
1 oz Sweet & Sour Mix
1 oz Grand Marnier
1/2 oz Grenadine
Lime Slices
Sugar (optional)

:: Directions ::
1. Combine tequila, blood orange juice, sweet & sour, Grand Marnier, and grenadine in a shaker.
2. Rim glass with sugar, pour margarita over ice, garnish with lime and enjoy!

Color Me {Blood Orange}

On my first trip to Italy years ago, I fell in love with the flavor of blood orange. It's was so distinctive and flavorful and no where to be found when I returned to the states. Ever since that first trip, my love of it grew and so did its availability at home. Since it's my birthday week, I'm filling this week's posts with things I love starting with the color of blood oranges. It's bold, beautiful and different than anything else. With a single slice being an ombré of deep reds, oranges, and everything in between, the combos are sure to create a gorgeous event.

Love blood orange as much as I do? Tune in tomorrow for my blood orange margarita recipe!

The Happiest Hour {Cup of Cheer}

This cocktail is just that, a cup of cheer! Taking inspiration from the songs of the season, this rosy red sipper is dazzling and delicious. A glass of prosecco, a splash of blood orange, and a drop of grenadine make up this spirited drink. It's perfect with holiday dinner or toasting with friends. Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::
3 oz Prosecco
1 oz Blood Orange Juice
1/2 oz Grenadine
Maraschino Cherry for Garnish

:: Directions ::
Combine first 3 ingredients in champagne flute. Garnish with cherry and enjoy!