Tag Archives: alcoholic recipes

15 Easy, Breezy Summer Cocktails

Whether you’re planning for the 4th of July or just a family BBQ, nothing gets the party started like a cold, refreshing cocktail.

cocktails GIF

But when you have friends coming over, you don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen mixing drinks…thankfully there are tons of tasty beverages you can whip up in no time…and most of these can even be made virgin for young kids or those who don’t want the booze.

From frozen adult slushies to tasty, fruity gin drinks, these easy, breezy summer cocktails are sure to get your party off to a great start!

cocktails

15 Easy, Breezy Summer Cocktails

  1. Strawberry Rhubarb Sangria
  2. Grape Frose Rose
  3. Guava Watermelon Martini
  4. Bourbon Blackberry Smash
  5. Pineapple Slushie
  6. Basil Pineapple Moscato Sangria
  7. Prosecco Party Cocktails
  8. Red, White, and Blue Sangria
  9. Raspberry Gin Fizz
  10. Lemonade Slushies
  11. Watermelon Mojito
  12. Frozen Cantaloupe Margaritas
  13. The Best White Sangria
  14. Cherry Agua Fresca
  15. Summer Lemonade Cocktail

Every Monday is a “Reci-bee” post, where I share my favorite recipes, recipe collections, and cooking and baking hints and tips. 

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9 Ways to Bake with Liquor

Whether you’re cooking up a batch of tomato sauce or making some rich brownies for dessert, there’s no denying that alcohol makes everything better. Add a little red wine to your sauce…pour some whisky in the brownie batter…a little taste of your favorite libation can boost the flavor and richness of almost any dish.

9-ways-to-bake-with-liquor

One of my favorite ways to use liquors is in baked goods. I’ve added whisky to chocolate cake and tequila to strawberry ice box pie. It’s a fun way to create delicious cocktail-inspired sweets that even the young ones can enjoy! So forgo the shots…enjoy a taste of your favorite booze with these 9 tasty alcohol-inspired dessert recipes.

9 Ways to Bake with Liquor

Absinthe Jellies

Bourbon Salted Caramel Candy

Brandy Alexander Pie

Buttered Rum Shortbread Cookies

Gin and Tonic Cupcakes

Nutella Vodka Shots

Scotch Whiskey Cake

Tequila Lime Cheesecake Bars

Whiskey Bacon Brownies

Every Monday is a “Reci-bee” post, where I share my favorite recipes, recipe collections, and cooking and baking hints and tips. 

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12 Decadent Dessert Recipes (with BEER!)

Tis the season for sweaters, pumpkins, scarves, and boots…which means it’s also time for hot apple cider, strong coffee, and tasty stouts and porters.

Image result for stout beer gif

OOOOOOH YEAH.

I could easily drink stout year-round, but I love it even more in the fall.  Often flavored with chocolate or coffee, stouts are the perfect ingredient to add to chocolate cakes and pies for added depth and flavor.

I’ve used Guinness in my baking before (check out my recipe for Guinness cupcakes!), but there are so many other (and BETTER) stouts and porters to use in your fall and winter baking…

So crack open some cold ones (for baking) and pour some whisky (for drinking) and enjoy these 12 chocolatey, decadent desserts all made with beer.

12 Decadent Dessert Recipes Made with Beer

Bacon and Beer Cookie Bars

Rich Beer Brownies

Beer Mousse

Beeramasu

Beer Cheesecake

Beer Cherry Pie

Guinness Chocolate Sauce

Coffee Stout Cookies

Rich Stout Fudge

Guinness Brownies

Vanilla Stout Pecan Pie

Stout TrufflesStout Truffles

Every Monday is a “Reci-bee” post, where I share my favorite recipes, recipe collections, and cooking and baking hints and tips. 

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Pomegranate and Lime White Wine Spritzer

Looking for a sweet n’ bubbly drink for 4th of July or an upcoming BBQ or bridal shower?  This Pomegranate and Lime White Wine Spritzer is a tasty and refreshing way to cool down this summer.

white-wine-spritzer

Garnished with beautiful pomegranate seeds and a fresh slice of lime, this drink is incredibly easy to make and great for a crowd.  You could also serve these spritzers for Christmas (it’s only 6 months away, people!).

Make sure to use a good white wine for this…Pinot Grigio is probably best, though a Riesling would also work if you dig sweet wines.

white-wine-spritzer1

Also, if you’re nervous about seeding a pomegranate or can’t find fresh pomegranates at your local grocery store, you can often find just the seeds in the refrigerated section of the produce isle.

 

Pomegranate and Lime White Wine Spritzer

Ingredients:
*Makes 1 drink

  • ½ cup seltzer water
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds
  • 2 lime wedges

Instructions: 

Add ice to glass.  Add wine, top with seltzer water.

Garnish with pomegranate seeds and lime wedge.

 

 

Every Monday is a “Reci-bee” post, where I share my favorite recipes, recipe collections, and cooking and baking hints and tips. 

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15 Amazing Margarita Recipes

Not like we ever NEED a reason to go out for happy hour, but this Wednesday…February 22…is NATIONAL MARGARITA DAY. A DAY OF MARGARITAS. TEQUILA FLOWING LIKE WATER. THIS IS NOT A DRILL, YOU GUYS.

drinking jon stewart alcohol happy hour margarita

Now it’s no secret that I love tequila. If a beer just won’t do and I need something stronger, tequila is my go-to. I love it straight and I love it mixed…just don’t you dare ruin that delicious liquid with your nasty drink mixes…just don’t do it.

friday tequila margarita tequilasaur

If you have to make a fruity, girly drink, baller up and make it! Margaritas are crazy easy to make and oftentimes only require five ingredients or less:

drinking alcohol archer tequila margarita

Now let’s celebrate National Margarita Day the RIGHT Way…with tasty homemade cocktails that go down oh so easy and are great for us Midwestern folk who are just daydreaming of warm summer beaches and sunshine.

15 Amazing Margarita Recipes

margarita-recipes

Pink Lemonade Margarita

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Strawberry Mango Margarita

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Champagne Lemonade Margarita

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Cranberry Margarita

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Mango Raspberry Margarita

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Blackberry Margarita

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Coconut Margarita

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Jalapeno Watermelon Margarita

margarita8

Blood Orange Margarita

margarita9

Skinny Champagne Margarita

margarita10

Cucumber Lime Margarita

margarita11

Peach Margarita

margarita12

Tropical Rum Margarita

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Strawberry Jalapeno Margarita

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Cantaloupe Margarita

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Every Monday is a “Reci-bee” post, where I share my favorite recipes, recipe collections, and cooking and baking hints and tips. 

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10 Winter Cocktails to Warm Your Soul

Chicago has already seen some freezing cold days…and going into February, I’m sure it’s only going to get worse…

But there’s one thing that can easily help when it’s too cold to play outside…BOOZE.  Whether you like warm drinks or cold ones, these 10 Winter Cocktails to Warm Your Soul are sure to get you in a better mood when the blistery winds blow.

Enjoy these tasty beverages with friends and family around the fireplace, or make your own virgin batch so you can enjoy it with the kids!  Spicy, bold and bursting with winter flavors, these cocktails will have you falling in love with winter all over again.

winter-cocktails

  1. Spiced Irish Coffee
  2. Crock Pot Mulled Wine
  3. Cranberry Orange Margaritas
  4. Apple Cider Margaritas
  5. Boozy Mexican Hot Chocolate
  6. S’more Martini
  7. Apple Pie Sangria
  8. Pear and Ginger Champagne Cocktails
  9. Kahlua Hot Chocolate
  10. Maple Bourbon Chai Tea

Every Monday is a “Reci-bee” post, where I share my favorite recipes, recipe collections, and cooking and baking hints and tips. 

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9 Foods that Help Cure Hangovers

First thing’s first – HAPPY NEW YEAR! Phew, 2016 is finally over and done with and I bet we’re all ready to move on to bigger and better things.

I hope you all had a wonderful, fun, and SAFE New Year’s celebration! After a night of drinking and celebrating, it can be hard to get up and going the next day…especially if you’re nursing the common New Year’s hangover…

But you don’t have to suffer through it! There are things you can eat and drink now to help put a kabash on those headaches and stomach pains so you can get 2017 off to the right start!

cure-hangovers

Unfortunately, the science of hangovers (and how to prevent them) hasn’t quite made it to the research table…leading to brave souls inventing their own “cures” for morning headaches, nausea, and overall crappy-ness.

Though there is nothing that exists – that we know of, at least – that can act as a 100% cure all elixar, there are certain foods and drinks that are better for refuling than others. Stick to foods high in fructose, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals to banish those horrible headaches and help break town the toxins that are causing the reaction…and remember that alochol is a diuretic, which means it pushes water out of the body…so keep drinking water before, during, and after your night of drinking to help avoid a horrible morning.

If you still need some help getting out of bed today, here are a few drinks and foods that will help re-energize you, as well as a few foods to avoid so you don’t have problems later on!

9 Foods that Help Cure Hangovers

Water
Well this is a no-brainer. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means is pushes liquids out of the body (which is why you have to pee so much when you drink). For nourishment, the body will draw water from any available source, including the brain…thus the headaches. Drinking water before heading to bed and when you wake up can help prevent, or at least lessen, the hangover headache.

Sports Drinks
Sometimes there’s just nothing like the taste of a good ol’ fashioned Gatorade to get you back on your feet. Packed with electrolytes and sugar, sports drinks can help restore liquids and help you feel like your normal self.

Ginger or Peppermint Tea
If the nausea bug’s got you down, try an herbal tea. Ginger and peppermint are both known to help reduce nausea and motion sickness and may help ease stomach pain.

Coffee
If you drink coffee on the daily, keep on keepin’ on. The liquid in coffee can help rehydrate your body and skipping it may even lead to a worse headache. However, if you’re not normally a coffee drinker, the caffeine in coffee could make your headache worse…so to each his own.

Eggs
Ugh, eggs are literally one of the last things I want sometimes, but they are chock full of amino acids, which boost liver function. They also help break down the chemicals in alochol that cause headaches.

Bananas or Leafy Greens
Bananas have been praised for ages for having a lot of potassium, but there are actually some greens out there that pack more potassium than bananas…regardless, anything with potassium can help restore important electrolytes in the body. Add yogurt to your banana for an even stronger boost of the good stuff.

Chicken Noodle Soup
All us Jews out there know…this stuff is magic. Chicken noodle soup can help restore liquids in the body as well as restock sodium levels. The chicken is also packed with nutrients that are great for liver recovery.

Oats
A hot bowl of oatmeal contains a ton of essential nutrients, including B vitamins, calcium and iron. Oats can also help neutralize acids in the body and raise blood sugar levels, giving you an instant energy boost.

Watermelon
Any water-rich fruit will help hydrate you and watermelon is loaded with potassium and magnesium, as well as other amino acids that help boost blood circulation.

WHAT TO AVOID

Greasy Foods
I know, I know…everyone says that a greasy spoon breakfast is what you need to fix everything, but actually a hamburger and fries is much better at PREVENTING a hangover than curing it. If you’re planning a big night of drinking, down a good pub meal beforehand to help prevent alcohol from being absorbed into the stomach lining and bloodstream. Eating food like this after you’re already hung over may actually cause more hurt by irritating your stomach.

Hair of the Dog
The Scandinavians were the ones who gave us this popular saying, but boozing in the morning is not the best solution to curing that hangover. Alcohol can help take the edge off, but it will further dehydrate you and make your hangover symptoms worse throughout the day.

Every Monday is a “Reci-bee” post, where I share my favorite recipes, recipe collections, and cooking and baking hints and tips. 

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Patriotic Sangria

A refreshing, fizzy, light, and delicious drink is the perfect way to cool down and relax this Memorial Day (or 4th of July!). Made with dry white wine, champagne, and fresh fruit, this sparkling Patriotic Sangria is just as delicious as it is beautiful!

red-white-and-blue-sangria

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle chardonnay
  • 2 cups fresh blueberries
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries
  • 1 cup apple juice
  • 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 bottle champagne
  • 3 Granny Smith apples
  • Ice

 

Directions:

  1. Stir together chardonnay, blueberries, raspberries, apple juice, and strawberries together in a pitcher. Cover and chill for 2 to 4 hours.
  2. When you’re ready to serve, slice Granny Smith apples and cut out stars using a small star cutter. Add champagne, apple stars, and ice to pitcher. Serve immediately.

Every Monday is a “Reci-bee” post, where I share my favorite recipes, recipe collections, and cooking and baking hints and tips. 

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12 Ways to Cook with Beer

On January 16, 1919, the US government ratified the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting the “manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes”. It remained in effect until 1933, when the 21st Amendment revoked prohibition.

Today beer and other alcoholic beverages have a much better reputation, especially with creative chefs and bakers. The health benefits of beer are said to be better than those of wine and the idea of craft brew and at home brewing has many adventurous beer-lovers aching to try the newest beverage on the market.

With the release of thousands of flavorful and lagers,  cooking with beer has never been more exciting. I had a blast pulling together these delicious recipes and I wish there was time to include even more!

From the traditional beer bread and beer braised meat to the more original use of beer in various desserts and side dishes, this collection of beer-themed recipes helps celebrate and honor this well-loved beverage.

beer-recipes

1.  Beer Braised Chicken Tacos with Beer Corn Tortillas from The Beeroness

2.  Guinness Chocolate Pudding from Sprinkle Bakes

3.  Honey Beer Bread from LuLuLu at Home

4.  Braised Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Beer from A Spicy Perspective

5.  Crockpot BBQ Beer Chicken from How Sweet It Is

6.  Beer Battered Onion Rings from Pennies on a Platter

7.  Sourdough Beer Pretzels from Sugar Crafter

8.  Chicken with Honey Beer Sauce from So, How’s it Taste?

9.  Founder’s Porter Macaroni and Cheese from Michigan Beer Blog

10.  Beer Braised Pulled Pork from Domestic Fits

11.  Beer Battered Asparagus from CraftBeer.com

12.  Teriyaki Porter Drumsticks from The Brooklyn Brew Shop

Every Monday is a “Reci-bee” post, where I share my favorite recipes, recipe collections, and cooking and baking hints and tips. 

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8 Clever Uses for Guinness

Guinness.  It’s not St. Patrick’s Day without it.  It’s near impossible to think that us Irish folk would use Guinness for anything other than drinking, so here are some fun Guinness facts for you.  I wish you all a very happy St. Pattie’s day!  Have a Guinness…”It’s Good for You.”

1.  Guinness is not only brewed in the Land of the Green…it’s made in over 150 countries, including Nigeria and Indonesia.

2.  Hard to believe by looking at it, but a pint of Guinness is less than 200 calories.  That’s less than what most people drink on a daily basis, including milk.

3.  The old saying that Irish people have “Guinness in their blood” may not be far from the truth.  Supposedly pregnant women in Ireland drink a glass of Guinness every day to fortify themselves and their baby.

4. You can also thank Guinness for that yearly book of world records that we all enjoy reading.  In 1954, the head executive of Guinness Beer commissioned a handy reference book filled with facts as a means for him to settle disputes with friends and acquaintances.  The first edition of said book, The Book of Records, was a promotional item Guinness gave to bars to thank them for buying their beer and to use to help settle disputes before a bar fight broke out.

5.  Although nothing says Irish Pride like a good frothy pint of Guinness, Great Britain actually holds the record as the country that consumes the most Guinness.  Ireland comes in second, followed by Nigeria, the United States, and Cameroon.

6.  Despite the fact that Ireland is in a close second regarding the Guinness drinking record, it’s still the #1 drink sold in Ireland…and Guinness easily makes roughly 2 billion dollars annually.

7.  A perfect pour of Guinness should take 199.50 seconds.

8.  Guinness is an amazing addition to tons of recipes.  Try it in chocolate cake, beef stew, french toast, and much more.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all my Irish and “Irish for a day” friends out there!  Slainte!

Knowledge is power!  Learn fun facts, hints and tips, and creative ways to use every day items with “The Buzz” posts on Thursday.

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