Indulge In {Rum Punch Granita}

This blog would be nothing if I wasn't honest with you. So in the spirit of being honest, this post started as rum punch pops. It clearly turned out to be an almost epic fail. In the process, I learned that making pops with an abundance of alcohol is just about impossible. But, I did learn that making granita with it is surprisingly easy and delicious. Because of the alcohol, you don't have to scrape it like a normal granita. It freezes nicely and makes a delicious, cooling summer dessert when accompanied by some fresh fruit. Serve it up after a backyard BBQ or a fun day at the beach. The best part is that when it melts, it turns into a yummy (ice cold!) cocktail. Here's the recipe..

:: Ingredients ::
*Makes 2 Servings*
1 oz Coconut Rum
1 oz White Rum
1 oz Dark Rum
1/2 oz Spiced Rum
3 oz Pineapple Juice
2 oz Orange Juice
1.5 oz Grapefruit Juice

:: Directions ::
Combine ingredients in a tupperware. Place in freezer and freeze for at least 24 hours. Using an ice cream scooper, scrape out serving. Top with fresh seasonal fruit and serve.

The Happiest Hour {Rum Cocktail Round 2}

After the research I did last week, we decided that this was a good weekend to attempt our signature rum cocktail again. This time, Rob participated in the mix up and things went a bit smoother than they did the first time. Now, we are actually on the right track. We started by trying to recreate our favorite rum drink, The Blaster, and got pretty darn close. After 5 attempts, we finally settled on the base and I actually managed to write it down so it can be recreated. This is my biggest problem with most recipes I try. From here on out, it's just a matter of adding our favorite flavors to create the perfect combination. I'd love to get your opinion on the base and what you think we should add. Here's the recipe so far!

:: Ingredients ::
*Makes 2 cocktails
1 oz Malibu Coconut Rum
1 oz Flor de Cana Dark Rum
1 oz Flor de Cana White Rum
.5 oz Captain Morgan Spiced Rum
3 oz Pineapple Juice
2 oz Orange Juice
1.5 oz Grapefruit Juice
1 Cap Full Grenadine

:: Directions ::
Combine all ingredients and shake to combine. Strain over ice and serve.

The Happiest Hour {Mint Paloma}

Before my trip to the Bahamas last summer, I was completely satisfied with making cocktails from the bottle. Then, I has the most amazing fresh squeezed cocktails at this little bar on Lubbers. It changed my cocktail theory for life. Spring is the perfect time to indulge in fresh fruits and squeeze out some amazing libations. I took a trip to the farmer's market last weekend and picked up an array of seasonal fruits for beverage making. First on the list, a twist on the classic Paloma. I added a bit of fresh muddled mint to add another dimension of flavor to the favorite tequila cocktail. It's a light, refreshing sipper for those warm afternoons ahead. Here's the recipe!

:: Ingredients ::
Juice of 1/2 Grapefruit
6 Mint Leaves
1/4 Cup Tequila
1 Tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice
1/4 Cup Club Soda

:: Directions ::
1. Place mint leaves in the bottom of a glass and muddle.
2. Add grapefruit juice, lime juice, tequila, and shake to combine.
3. Pour over ice and top with club soda.
4. Sip and enjoy!