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!

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

The Happiest Hour {Hot Apple Cider}

Besides the s'mores cupcakes I showed you yesterday, I think hot apple cider may be one of my favorite fall treats. It is definitely my favorite fall cocktail. When served hot with a splash of bourbon or rum, it's sure to warm you up on a cool evening. While you can simply buy a gallon of cider from the store, I prefer to spice mine up. Here's my recipe for the perfect cup of hot apple cider!

:: Ingredients ::
1 Gallon Apple Cider
1 Orange, sliced
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
2 teaspoons Whole Cloves
1/2 teaspoon Ground Allspice
4 tablespoons Brown Sugar

:: Directions ::
1. Combine ingredients in a medium sauce pan. Over medium high heat stir until sugar is dissolved.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Serve with a splash of bourbon or rum.

Happy Weekend!