The Happiest Hour {Orange Mint Mojito}

The herb garden I planted by my front door a couple weeks ago is finally starting to really blossom. The chives are growing like crazy. The rosemary is getting really tall, and the orange mint is taking over the whole pot! With so many fresh herbs now, I'm starting to get a little more creative with flavorings in my cooking like rosemary chive ricotta flatbreads and lemon parsley chicken. While I haven't done much experimenting with the mint, I have created a lot of this classic cocktail that is a light sipper on sizzling summer days. It's got a bit of flare because I planted an orange mint plant as opposed to your standard peppermint or spearmint. The mint isn't quite as pungent and has a nice light and refreshing flavor. It would also serve nice in a gin concoction if rum isn't your thing. But, if it is, here's my recipe for a crowd pleasing orange mine mojito...


:: Ingredients ::
5-6 Orange Mint Leaves
1.5 oz White Rum
2 oz Simple Syrup
1/2 Lime, cut into wedges
1/2 Cup Club Soda

:: Directions ::
1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle mint leaves and lime wedges with simple syrup. Add rum and shake vigorously.
2. Pour over ice and top with club soda. Sip and enjoy!

Have a happy Tuesday!

Mint To Be

It's no secret; mint is one of the most popular color choices for weddings this year. And, today we have a guest post from blogger Bridget Sanderford telling us different ways to incorporate it. Take it away Bridget!

"Mint is the hot color for this season’s weddings. It is cool, wistful and romantic, invoking Southern charm and an airy feminine feel. You can use mint in everything from your cake to your favors to the attire that your bridal party wears. You can even use it for your own wedding gown if you want to do something really different.

There are many ways to use mint in your wedding décor. Check out some of these amazing ideas for a little mint inspiration for your wedding:

1. Wedding Gowns: Like we said, you can really make a statement in mint. Ditch the traditional ivory gown and opt for something that’s just as soft and feminine but still pushes the envelope a bit with style.

2. Mint Suits: If you want to stick with white, have your future hubby push the color envelope with a suit of mint instead.

3. Suit Ties: Head-to-toe mint can be a lot for some people. You can experiment with just a hint of color by opting for mint ties.

4. Bridal Party: Mint is such a great choice for the bridal party. It is soft enough to fit in with almost any style wedding, and it will complement a wide variety of skin tones.

5. Wedding Cakes: Let your wedding cake create a beautiful centerpiece in mint. If you don’t like the full-on color treatment, you can stick with a traditional white cake with mint accents. (Think of this cake in the inverse.)

6. Drinks: Opt for a specialty cocktail like those shown or choose a drink with a more literal interpretation of the theme such as a mint julep or a mojito (made with fresh mint).

7. Decor: Consider some funky décor like these rustic frames painted in mint for your reception. They make great props for photo taking, as well. You can also experiment with mint-colored flowers, tea lights and other décor for your reception tables.

8. Favors: Give out mints that are also mint-colored and that also use a play on words. It’s mint all over!

Look in bridal magazines and on websites like Pinterest to get even more ideas and inspiration for your mint-themed wedding. With a little creativity, you can use this popular color to create a look for your wedding that is both unique and stylish. You’ll have a wedding that is picture-worthy and that has a style that’s all your own.

What other amazing ideas have you seen for a mint wedding? Share them in the comments!"

About the Author:

Bridget Sandorford is a freelance blog and culinary writer, where recently she's been researching top culinary school options. In her spare time, she enjoys biking, painting and working on her first cookbook.

The Happiest Hour {Strawberry Mojito}

Happy Tuesday friends! I hope everyone had a very relaxing and safe holiday weekend. We spent it hanging out with Rob's family and celebrating his mom's birthday. It was such a great relaxing weekend that I'm kinda sad is over. I want to continue the party today though by sharing a cocktail recipe that surely makes me wish today was Friday once again! Through the summer months, I'm a sucker for a fruity cocktail that is full of fresh fruits and light on the artificial juices. I've had a hankering for a mojito for a while now and with a pint of fresh strawberries hanging out in my fridge, I figured what better way to enjoy both! The combo creates a light and easy drinking summer cocktail full of flavor and freshness. Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::
3 Strawberries, halved
5 Mint Leaves
1/4 Lime, juiced
1/2 oz Simple Syrup
2 oz White Rum
Club Soda

:: Directions ::
In a cocktail shaker, combine strawberries, mint leaves, and lime juice. Muddle until strawberries are juiced and mint leaves are bruised. Add simple syrup and rum. Shake vigorously to combine. Pour over ice and top with club soda.

Color Me {Pastel}

For the past couple of days my house has been decorated in an array of bright colors, multi toned fringe, and tri-colored streamers. It's been a world of high spirited fun that surely put me in such a good mood just staring at the rainbow of flags draped across my living room that gave me the inspiration for today's post. Why pick just one color when you can have them all? With out a doubt, more colors equal more fun. Granted they all have to coordinate, but an array of coral, mint, lavender, rose, and butter yellow scream of the perfect spring soiree. These pastel shades aren't just for tea parties and baby showers anymore. Try them for a fun ice cream social, an outdoor birthday bash, or even a wedding!

Have a great Monday!

The Happiest Hour {Mint Julep}

Two cocktail posts in one week? It must mean that a weekend of celebrations are ahead. I posted my favorite fresh squeeze margarita recipe earlier in the week and now for something to sip on while watching the Derby tomorrow. Served in a traditional silver cup, the mint julep is a must at any Derby party. Fresh muddled mint and simple syrup add freshness to this whisky cocktail making it suitable for warm spring afternoons. Even though the derby only lasts only a short two minutes, mix up a pitcher of juleps and drink them all afternoon! Here's the recipe for a perfect mint julep from New South Food Company.

:: Ingredients ::
3 Sprigs Fresh Mint
1 oz Simple Syrup
1/2 Cup Crushed Ice
4 oz Good Bourbon
1 Mint Sprig for Garnish

:: Directions ::
1. Muddle mint with simple syrup in bottom of cocktail shaker.
2. Add ice and bourbon. Shake well.
3. Pour into rocks glass, garnish with mint sprig and serve.

Color Me {Mint}

Happy Monday y'all! Spring has officially sprung (even though the temperatures may not feel like it) and it's time to pack away those lifeless winter colors. I've been dreaming a lot about bright spring shades lately and can't get enough of how happy they make me. I posted last week about vibrant coral but wanted to save my favorite spring shade till the season had officially begun. Even before mint was the color of the year, I was obsessed. It reminds me of the islands and relaxing times. Plus it's just one of those colors that makes me smile just looking at it. And isn't that what spring is all about! 

The Happiest Hour {Blue Ginny}

It's taken over a year, and many a recipes, but finally I have come up with the Events Uncorked signature cocktail. I'm not quite sure why I didn't come up with it sooner, but maybe I was just putting a bit too much thought into it. It's a refreshing combination of mint, blueberries, St. Germain, gin, and soda water that makes for one delicious sipper. So, without further ado, here's the recipe for the Events Uncorked Blue Ginny...

:: Ingredients :: (Makes 6 Cocktails)

3 Cups Fresh Blueberries

30 Mint Leaves, plus more for garnish

6 oz. St. Germain 

6 oz. Bombay Gin

3 Cups Soda Water

Ice

:: Directions ::

1. In a pitcher combine fresh blueberries and mint leaves and muddle.

2. Pour in St. Germain, Gin, and Soda Water stirring to combine

3. Serve immediately over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with Mint Leaves and enjoy! 

Color Me {Coral & Mint}

I think this might be one of my favorite color combinations of all time. It's bright, vibrant, and makes a big impact. The eye catching combo is perfect for any summer soiree portraying a feeling of fun and relaxation. I'm a big believer that the color scheme sets the mood for the event. Black and white fairs for formal affairs, deep purples and browns are wonderful for fall, and sunny colors are ideal for summer fun. Mix in metallic gold to keep it modern and add an extra punch.

With coral blooms in abundance, place them in gold vases atop mint linens to carry out the color scheme. Drop bits of green and blue food color into cocktails and encourage guests to dress the scheme.  It makes such an impact when every aspect of your event is in the color combination of your choosing. 

What's your favorite color combination for a party?

Color Me {Mint}

Happy Monday dolls! I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend. It's been rather cold here which has left me hoping and wishing for spring time temperatures. And with spring time comes bright colors everywhere. One of my favorites is mint. I love it's beautiful, refreshing combination of blue and green. This shade leaves me longing for an outdoor lunch with friends filled with good food and good laughs. Snacking on caprese salads and french macaroons, the tables would be overflowing with bright eclectic flowers perched atop a patterned mint table cloth. For an added punch, drop a bit of blue and green food coloring into cocktails to freshen up your sips. Better yet, encourage guests to dress in their favorite springy hues to brighten the mood!