Whiskey Watermelon Cocktail

Remember way back in March when I made my big blogging comeback after a long 7 month absence?  Well I believe I failed to mention that just because I was "back" didn't mean that I would be back to blogging as consistently as I used to.  Which...you might have already figured out by now.  Considering that it is indeed June.

I'm still in that settling phase (even though I've been in Nashville for 7 months) with work, a new house, and so many lovely visitors.  With so much going on it's been a bit hard to carve out time specifically for blogging BUT I'm working at it...And I think I'm slowly getting better!

Other than being a busy busy bee, there is another major reason for the delay.  I haven't had my own space to take pictures, write, and do all of the wonderful things that are associated with putting up these posts.  However, two weekends ago a magical thing happened.  Momma Bear swooped down to Nashville for a last minute surprise visit and helped me create that space I had been so desperately needing.  And guess what?  I'm totally in love with it.  The room sits at the back of the house and is completely filled with windows and a gorgeous view of the back yard and garden.  With so much light, quiet, and coffee back here I have a feeling it will be so much easier to finally sit down and share more recipes with you.

In fact, I have TWO more recipes that have been made and photographed that are just sitting on the back burner waiting to be devoured.  Exciting right?

Moral of this story?  Don't give up on this thing yet.  I'm coming back to you.  Slowly but surely.

Let's move on to the cocktail.



It's purely coincidence that my last two posts have come about after a bloody mary or two.  Sunday = day off = bloody marys = blog posts.  At least it's productive.

This cocktail is for the bourbon lover (me) and was concocted by a good friend and cocktail making connoisseur (who I've promised not to name for fear of an overwhelming amount of fan mail/drink requests).

I completely understand that the whole watermelon/cucumber/basil combination is screaming to be mixed with vodka...BUT this little drink knocked my socks off.  The muddling of the watermelon, basil, and cucumber adds some flavor to the overall simple drink without taking away from the bourbon.  It's light, refreshing, and the perfect non-sweet drink for summer.

So make yourself a cocktail, sit back, and relax.  I'll be back soon!



Makes: 1 drink
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:
2 ounces bourbon (I used Bulleit)
2 small chunks watermelon
1 slice cucumber
2 basil leaves (I used rosie basil)
2-3 dashes bitters
1/2 ounce sweet vermouth                                                                              

Directions:
Muddle the watermelon, cucumber, and basil with a couple dashes of bitters.  Add bourbon and sweet vermouth.  Add ice and stir.

Pimm's Cup

Goodness.  It's about time for another post don't you think?

I'm almost back to Boston for goodness sake.

I've been working on another "What I've Been Eating" post but there are so many delicious things to include that it's taking me a while.  I'm just here to teach you patience.  And I think I'm doing one hell of a job.

But I won't require anymore for this post.  Before leaving Boston I spent an unbelievably warm afternoon with my amazing foodie friend, Zach.  I could talk about all of our culinary adventures but that would require rambling.  So let's talk about the drink.

Zach had been preaching about Pimm's for quite some time.  In his opinion we needed to make a Pimm's Cup.  I wasn't completely convinced that it would be the most amazing thing in the world but I was still completely willing to play along.  So on that unreasonably warm afternoon, we decided that the only way to kill the heat would be to create a thirst quenching boozy drink.  That included Pimm's.  Naturally.

And guess what?  Zach was absolutely, positively right.  The drink was out of this world delicious.  I mean...It's refreshing.  There's booze.  And a healthy dose of fruit is involved.  What more could you ask for?



Adapted from Bon Appetit

Makes: 1 drink
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

{Printable Recipe}

Ingredients:
1 3-inch piece English cucumber, cut into 1/2-inch slices, plus 2 spears (for garnish)
1-2 brown sugar cubes
3/4 cup Pimm's No. 1*
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
ice cubes
2 sprigs each fresh rosemary, thyme, and mint
2 lemon slices
2 fresh strawberries, halved
ginger beer, chilled

Directions:
Place 1/2-inch-thick cucumber slice in cocktail shaker with 1-2 brown sugar cubes.  Using muddler or handle of a wooden spoon, mash well.  Add Pimm's and lemon juice.
Fill 2 pilsner glasses with ice and set aside.
Add ice to Pimm's mixture, cover, and shake vigorously 20 times.  Strain into glasses.
Push 1 rosemary sprig, 1 thyme sprig, 1 mint sprig, 1 lemon slice, and two strawberry halves into each glass.  Fill glasses with ginger beer.  Garnish with cucumber spears.

Old Fashioned with a Twist

I can finally say the words I've been dreaming of for the last few months.

I. Am. Completely. 100%. Done. With. College.

And obviously I skimped on an English course or two because that kind of sentence is not acceptable.

It's such a weird feeling.  I went from living in the library with no sleep and a grumpy disposition to plenty of sleep, plenty of free time, and pure happiness.  But it was quite an abrupt change.  And I'm still scrambling around trying to figure out what to do with myself now that it's all over.  Once I settle down I plan on blogging like a mad woman, going to as many pilates classes as I possibly can, frolicking in the gorgeous New England spring weather, and probably working a little to support the fun.  But it doesn't sound too bad does it?

I'm happy to be back.

So let's celebrate with a good drink?  There is no better way you know.



Adapted from Julian Van Winkle


Makes: 1 drink
Total Time: 5 minutes

{Printable Recipe}

Ingredients:
1 slice fresh orange
2 raw brown sugar cubes (if you can't find cubes, regular raw sugar works)
4-6 drops Aztec Chocolate Bitters
1 cherry
2 ounces bourbon whiskey
ice cubes

Directions:

1. Add a slice of fresh orange and 1 cherry to a glass.
2. If you were able to find sugar cubes, place two cubes on a cocktail napkin placed on top of the glass and drop the bitters into the cubes.  (The napkin helps soak up the excess bitters.)  Then dump the sugar cubes into the glass and throw away the napkin.
3. Ad just a few drops of whiskey and muddle the sugar with the fruit, but not the orange peel, until the sugar is almost dissolved.
4. Add 2 ounces of whiskey and stir with some good ice cubes.
5. Stir again and enjoy!

Dark and Stormy Cocktail

This week is going to be another one of those where I don't eat at home...once.  Well that's a lie.  I had breakfast at home this morning.  But other than that I'm going to be out and about and therefore don't need a Meal Plan for the week.  If you were hoping for some Meal Plan inspiration for your home this week look down to your left for the "Meal Plan" button...it will provide weeks of inspiration!

Are you dying to know why I won't be home for meals this week?  Of course you are(n't).  Well...my family is coming to town!  How exciting is that?  My mom, uncle, aunt, and three cousins will be making their way into Boston tomorrow for a few days of exploration, food, and fun before we all head to New York City for the weekend.  And I'm so excited.  I love having visitors in town.

So, instead of a Meal plan for the week I'm going to share one of my new favorite cocktails with you.  And it's unbelievably simple.  I'm almost a little embarrassed that I'm putting up a "recipe" for it because it's really not necessary.  But let's play pretend and act like it's absolutely necessary, okay?  Thanks.

It's called a Dark and Stormy.  But I made mine with Light Rum...making it a Light and Stormy...and it was still delicious so don't feel stifled by the whole "dark rum" thing.  It's perfect for a hot summer day so I suggest you call in sick to work, make yourself a cocktail, and head to the pool.  You need a day off, right?

Makes: 1 Cocktail   Prep Time: 1 minute  Total Time: 1 minute

{Printable Recipe}

Ingredients:
1/4 lime
2 ounces dark rum
5 ounces ginger beer
ice
lime wedge for garnish, optional

 In a glass filled with ice, combine rum...

ginger beer...

 and lime.

 Throw in a straw.

 Stir.

And enjoy!

P.S. - Make sure to check back tomorrow for July's Foodie PenPal reveal day!

Rhubarb Ginger Cocktail

Is anyone else dying via heat?

I say I'm dying...but really I'm just being dramatic.  Sure it's hot.  But I'm spending these hot days by the pool...or by the ocean so.....I can't really complain.  And yesterday was a double whammy.  I got to spent a good majority of the day at the pool and then come home to have a few refreshing cocktails.  Not too shabby right?

So, this drink. is. to. die. for.

Seriously, it might be my new favorite.  I feel like I say that a lot but really this thing is good.  Have you heard of ginger beer?  Because I hadn't until yesterday.  And I legitimately thought it was beer until I was corrected.  Anyways, I kind of adore ginger beer now.  It's super duper delicious.  Who would have thought.  Combined with rum, the semi tart but a little sweet rhubarb syrup, and basil muddled in lemon juice?  Combination of the week.  Maybe even the month.

I know it's a pain that you have to make the rhubarb compote first but trust me it's totally worth it.  AND it only takes 10 minutes...so that plus the drink making is only 15 minutes out of your day for a few delicious cocktails!

rhubarb ginger cocktail...

Makes: 1 cocktail   Total Time: 5 minutes

{Printable Recipe}

Ingredients:

1/2 ounce lemon juice

3 basil leaves (plus 2 more for garnish)

1 ounce rhubarb ginger syrup {recipe found here}

2 ounces light rum

1-2 ounces ginger beer

 

 Gather your ingredients.

 Add 3 basil leaves to a glass.

 Add lemon juice.

And muddle until the basil leaves are completely broken down.  (And yes I understand that a spoon is not the ideal tool for this...)

 In a nifty shaker (like this one) filled with ice, add rum...

 Ginger beer...

 Rhubarb ginger syrup...

And the lemon juice/basil.

 Shake vigorously and pour over ice.

 Add a sprig of basil for color.

And you've got yourself a tasty summer drink!

 Enjoy it!

A few more things....

1) You should check back tomorrow for a Meal Plan Monday that is centered around goods for your 4th of July feast!
2) Does anyone have any recipe requests?  I haven't asked this in so long and I would love to get some ideas from you guys!  Leave me some comments!