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 {Apple Pie Vodka}

Everything is set and ready to go for Thanksgiving tomorrow. We are off today to Rob's parents to spend the holiday enjoying mother nature and good company. I wanted to take today to focus on my favorite part of the holidays, cheerful cocktails. My new obsession is to turn decadent holiday treats into drinks filled with holiday spirit.

Last week we were visiting my sister on our way up to Tennessee for a wedding. After dinner she pulled out a mason jar of something divine smelling. It was apple pie liquor. Made in large quantities, I figured out this was the perfect thing to make and give to friends over the holidays or serve up at parties with a splash of club soda. Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::
1 Gallon Apple Cider
1/2 Gallon Apple Juice
3 Cups Sugar
8 Cinnamon Sticks
1 Liters Vodka (The higher the proof the better. 190 proof is suggested, however a lesser proof can be used.)

:: Directions ::
1. Combine apple cider, apple juice, sugar, and cinnamon sticks in a large pot. Bring to a boil and remove from the heat.
2. Once completely cooled, strain to remove sediment. Add vodka and portion into mason jars. Secure lids tightly and enjoy!