The Happiest Hour {Fresh Squeezed Margaritas}

Two of my favorite holidays (they are all my favorite really) are coming up this weekend. With both Derby and Cinco de Mayo celebrations on the calendar, it's only appropriate I share a cocktail for each. Stay tuned for my Mint Julep recipe on Friday, but for now I'm reposting my favorite fresh squeezed margarita recipe. It's got just the right bit of tartness and sweetness to refresh you through out the day. Margaritas have always been one of my favorite cocktails and I can't wait to sip away at this one this weekend. Here's the recipe...

:: 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 {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!

Stock the Holiday Bar

Tis the season for holiday parties! They can be such fun to attend, but if you are hosting your own it, like any other party, can get a bit overwhelming. You want to make sure all guests are pleased and have something there they enjoy, but can't tailor a menu to everybody's taste. The same goes for the bar. Some people prefer vodka over gin, whisky over scotch, craft beer over commercial styles, and champagne over wine. Either way, you want to make sure there is something there for everybody but don't want to break the bank buying everything in the liquor store. Fear no more! Here is the guide to stocking the perfect holiday bar. You won't break the bank and everybody is sure to be pleased. With these staple items guests can make the cocktail of their choosing. Happy Holiday bar stocking!

Liquors:
1 Vodka
1 Rum
1 Whisky
1 Tequila

Wines:
1 Red
1 White
1 Sparkling (Champagne, Prosecco, etc.)

Mixers:
Coke
Sprite
Sweet n' Sour
Orange Juice
Cranberry Juice

Additions:
Limes
Cherries

Color Me {Citrus}

Nothing beats the refreshing taste of homegrown citrus on a hot summer day. But, what's even more refreshing is the amazing color palette created by combining my favorite citrus fruits. When brought together, the bright shades of lime, lemon, orange, and grapefruit are eye catching and beautifully stunning. While the shade combination can be a bit overwhelming if you aren't a color aficionado, it's best to introduce the shades in subtle ways. Whether as a centerpiece, as your dinnerware, or as your food, these stunning citrus hues are bound to impress. If you are feeling bold, use any of these citrus shades as a main element at your soiree. You will be sure to turn heads wearing one of these colors and your tables will be the center of attention draped in citrusy orange, yellow, lime, or grapefruit. Whichever way you decide to use it, its a head turning refreshing color combo bound to make the perfect impact. 

Indulge In {Margarita Cupcakes}

The Drunken Baker has returned! I told you last time I'd be back and I wasn't kidding. This week I was lucky enough to rock out at my 3rd Jimmy Buffet concert. The Tuesday night gathering of Parrot Heads provided the perfect excuse to escape to the beach for a little mini vacay. The relaxing was great, but the best part was that I got a chance to be creative and work without interruptions, oh and engage in my favorite past time, baking. Light and fluffy with a hint of margarita make these the perfect Buffet flavored treat! Like the Hypnotiq Cupcakes, I used my go to white cake, replacing the liquid with margarita.  Ice with a whipped margarita frosting and garnish with lime, these delectable sweets are like a tropical vacation in a cake. Enjoy!

:: Margarita Cake ::

• 1 C white sugar
• 1/2 C butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 C all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 C Margarita
• 
  
• 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a muffin pan with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, cream together the sugar and butter. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Combine flour and baking powder, add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Finally stir in the milk until batter is smooth. Pour or spoon batter into the prepared pan.
  3. Bake 20 to 25 minutes.
  4. Let cool, frost, and garnish!

:: Whipped Margarita Frosting ::

1/4 C Butter, softened

1 7oz Jar Marshmallow Creme

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 16oz package powdered sugar

2 tablespoons Margarita

1. Combine butter, marshmallow cream, and vanilla and beat on medium until combined.
2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar. Mix well after each addition of sugar.
3. Add Margarita and mix until smooth.

This Party Inspired By {Margaritas}

There's something about the summer that makes me crave margaritas. I love them. I'm kind of obsessed and kind of crave them all the time. Does anyone else have this problem? Anyways, in my current obsession, I have found inspiration in the limey flavor. While not normally one to gravitate towards bright colors, when throwing a margarita bash, it's only necessary to deck the room with lime details.  Not to mention, when throwing a margarita soiree, your food should match accordingly. Try margarita cupcakes and guacamole bruschetta. Pretty delish right? Amp up the cuteness by serving your margaritas in mini Patron bottles and your guests will swoon over the adorableness!