The Happiest Hour {Bourbon & Peach}

Being from the south, I think it might be considered a sin if you don't like bourbon. Why? I'm not quite sure but it seems to be the drink of choice for just about everyone…myself included. Now I'm not talking week nights or even every weekend, but when given the choice on a cool winter's day, I will probably pick bourbon. While I do love a nice glass on the rocks, this bourbon and peach cocktail is my absolute new favorite. It epitomizes all that is southern and is perfect for those who aren't quite as big of bourbon lovers as the rest of us. I recently served it up for Rob's Whiskey and Cigars birthday bash and it was a huge hit. Even the guests who swore that bourbon didn't fit their taste enjoyed a glass! The best part is that with only three ingredients, it couldn't be simpler to mix up a batch for any event. Here's the recipe…enjoy!

:: Ingredients ::
(Makes 1 Cocktail)
1 oz Simple Syrup
4 oz Bourbon
3 oz Peach Nectar

:: Directions ::
Combine ingredients in a glass over ice. Stir and garnish with basil.

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.

The Happiest Hour {Salty Breeze}

Hi and happy Tuesday! If there is something I love more than special events, it's got to be mixing up tasty, seasonal cocktails. Sun shiny days are on there way and it's time to store the bourbon and break out the juicer. Fresh squeezed cocktails always seem to taste better, and using summer citrus will make the perfect seasonal sipper. This one is a combo of lemon and lime juice with a touch of honey, a bit of vanilla, a splash of gin and a sprinkle of sea salt. The subtle salty flavor give a nice balance to the sweet and tart. This very well may be my new spring cocktail. Here's the recipe.

:: Ingredients ::
2 oz Simple Syrup
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 Tablespoon Honey
1 Lime, juiced
1/2 Lemon, juiced
3 oz Gin
1/4 Teaspoon Sea Salt

:: Directions ::
1. In a small saucepan, combine simple syrup, vanilla extract and honey. Heat and stir till honey is melted.
2. Combine the simple syrup mixture with remaining ingredients and shake to combine. Strain over ice, garnish with lime, and enjoy!

The Happiest Hour {Vodka Limeade}

I'm happy as happy can be. The groundhogs told me last week that spring is quickly approaching and I'm preparing already. Trying to think of fun cocktails, spring parties, bright decor, and more has consumed my thoughts for the past couple days. I'm full of ideas and can't wait to share them as the warmer weather gets closer. I want to start the spring season off right with one of my favorite warm weather cocktails, limeade. When mixed with a shot of vodka, it's wonderful to serve at afternoon garden parties or sip on the beach. Light and refreshing, it won't make you feel to full on a hot afternoon. Here's the recipe.

:: Ingredients ::
1.5 Limes, Juiced
1/4 Cup Simple Syrup
2 oz Vodka
2/3 Cup Water

:: Directions ::
Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Strain over ice and serve with a lime wedge garnish.

The Happiest Hour {Lime Margarita}

Welcome to Margaritaville! I told you to beware of Jimmy Buffet themed posts this week. Tomorrow we are off to Jacksonville for the Buffet concert and I can barely contain my excitement. All night long I'll be sure to be sipping on my favorite Buffet themed beverage, the margarita. While I consider myself to be a margarita aficionado, I've been struggling to find the perfect fresh squeezed margarita since our trip to the Bahamas this past June. However, with a bit of trial and error, I think I may have perfected it. Here's my recipe for the perfect fresh squeezed lime margarita.

:: Ingredients ::
12 Limes, juiced
4.5 Cups Tequila
1.5 Cups Simple Syrup
1/4 Cup Triple Sec
1.5 Cups Orange Juice

:: Directions ::
Combine ingredients in a pitcher. Stir to mix and pour over ice to serve.

The Happiest Hour {Clementine Martini}

Ever since Rob came home last week and announced that he had a sore throat, I've been incorporating enormous amounts of Vitamin C into my diet wherever I can. One way I've been doing this is by eating tons of clementines. However, the problem with clementines is they come in such a large box inspiring me to find different ways to use them. My new favorite way is the clementine martini. A combination of fresh squeezed clementine juice, blood orange juice, vodka and simple syrup, this martini is a fun way to incorporate a bit of Vitamin C and serve up a fresh, seasonal libation. Here's my recipe.

:: Ingredients ::
3 Clementines, juiced
1 oz Blood Orange Juice
1.5 oz Vodka
1/2 oz Simple Syrup

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

The Happiest Hour {Vintage Daquiri}

One of the other amazing gifts I got for my birthday was from my friend Colae. It was a book of vintage cocktails that I had fun putting my own spin on this past weekend. My new favorite cocktail has a bit of a tropical flair with plenty of sweet lime flavor. While its not what I would have traditionally called a daiquiri, it's all I think of now when I hear the name. Here's the recipe!

:: Ingredients ::
2 oz Key Lime Rum
3/4 oz Fresh Lime Juice
1 oz Simple Syrup

:: Directions ::
Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Mix and pour over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

*Image courtesy of The Black Dress Traveler