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 {Vampire's Dream}

The hunt for the perfect rum cocktail continues! I shared attempt number one last week and have been doing some research ever since for attempt number two. I figured it best to consider all of my flavor combination options before making my next mix. I found this recipe on Pinterest and loved the flavor combination. Add in a bit of coconut and a squeeze of lime and it may be perfect! I'll create my next version this weekend, but until then enjoy this this recipe from Ezra Pound Cake.

:: Ingredients ::
1/4 Cup Spiced Rum
1/3 Cup Cranberry Juice
1/3 Cup Pineapple Juice
Splash Grenadine

:: Directions ::
1. Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake. Strain over ice and serve.

Have a great weekend!

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!

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!

The Happiest Hour {Candy Cane Cocktail}

No holiday party is complete without a signature holiday cocktail. Cranberry, chocolate, and gingerbread are all excellent choices, but for this gathering, I opting for something a little fresher and mintier, candy cane. The minty freshness and bright red color are ideal for any gathering. To make this holiday libation, I combined crushed candy cane's and vodka. After the candy cane's dissolved, mix with a bit of grenadine and a splash of soda water for a party worthy sipper. Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients for Vodka ::
12 Full Size Candy Canes
750 ml Vodka

:: Directions for Vodka ::
1. Crush candy canes to a fine powder and pour into vodka.
2. Shake to mix and let sit until candy canes dissolve, about 30 minutes.

:: Ingredients for Cocktail ::
1 part Candy Cane Vodka
1 part Grenadine
1 part Soda Water

:: Directions for Cocktail ::
Combine ingredients, garnish with candy cane, sip and celebrate!