Cantaloupe Martini Cocktail

The Headlines:

Every Fall Party needs an Orange Cocktail!

I don't even like Cantaloupe.

Best Cantaloupe Martini recipe EVER!

Plus a cute, kid version. 

This can be downed all year long (hello Summer) but it's orange so, come fall, the drink really fits! 

We've made this cocktail for years.  It is major yum.  Blows me away every time I taste it.  It's so easy, so refreshing and so beautiful!  Yes, it's a Cantaloupe Martini and I will tell you it's like biting into that fruit, but better.  Because, honestly, I don't even like cantaloupe.  I love watermelon, honeydew... but cantaloupe... I always leave in the fruit bowl. 

Here's What You Need:

2 oz Orange Juice (I get medium pulp)

2 oz Marie Brizard Watermelon Liqueur (found at Total Wine or ask your local grocer)

1 1/2 oz Three Olives Vodka (1 of my favs)

Splash of lime

Here's What You Do:

Mix all together...

Shake well over ice in a shaker and pour.

Makes 1 drink.

 It's a little taste of heaven, I promise!

At our house this year, we'll be throwing a Halloween Night Party -- and for something like that you've got to get the kids a special drink too!  And yes, it has to be orange.  Rather than just throwing orange juice in their cups I came up with a version of my cantaloupe cocktail.  And it's almost as good as the adult one.  But... not... quite. 

Here's What You Need:

Orange Juice

Fruits Punch Gatorade

7-Up or Sprite 

Here's What you Do:

Mix about 2/3 orange juice, 1/3 Sprite and a few splashes of the Gatorade to give it a "cantaloupe" color.  It's really yummy and will look good in a large pitcher!

Yea, may not be my favorite holiday... but it's getting there.   

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Best Rose' Wine List #summerwater

The Headlines:


I love me some wine!

Make it Pink & it's even better.

Let's call it #summerwater



It's funny... a light pink wine used to remind people of White Zinfandel.  You know... the stuff your grandma drinks?  No offense.  I love Sutter Home and the good family of Trinchero.  I'm aware that special juice put them on the map.  But me personally,  just not my fav.  It wasn't until recently that light pink wine, (i.e. Rose') came back in style.

Boy did it - now it's unstoppable.  Let's just say Rose' is the New Black.

I get why.  It's light, it's well priced and it's absolutely stunning in a glass!  Perfect for Summer.

Here are some of my favorites.  And don't miss the last one.  

2015 Rosa dei Masi - Rosato - $12-$14

I love Masi which comes from Italy.  The bottle screams "girls night" to me.  It's light but packs a powerful punch and goes well with almost anything. 

Miner Medocino Sangiovese - $22-$25

Miner is a great Rose' from California.  It's tall/thin appearance and darker shade of "pink" might be more appropriate if a guy joins you for the night!  It retails for more than the Masi and I think it's rare to find in grocery/liquor stores.  But you can always ask your retailer.  They may say they can't get it...  but they can.

Martin Ray - Russian River Pinot Noir - $12-14 

Martin Ray is classy, clean and cool.  It's made from a Pinot Noir grape.  It too comes from California.  In the Sonoma area (Russian River Valley to be exact).  It's retailing in this picture (at Costco) for $12.99, which is a great value!  

Another great #summerwater is Sauvignon Blanc.  Its light, crisp, fruity taste is always a favorite chilled on a hot Summer day!  Here are three I really like... starting with this one:

Trinchero Mary's Estate Grown Sauvignon Blanc - $20 

Pick it up, it's a solid bottle.  A good one to take to a Summer BBQ because the bottle is a nice, heavy grab.  It seems substantial and it is... especially for the price - $20 at some grocery stores.   

2014 Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc - $11-13

I love Joel Gott wines.  He's a solid California wine-maker that's made a name for himself in the wine world.   I think I wrote about him in my Holiday wine picks.  Just checked, sure did.  Exact same wine as a matter of fact.  See that HERE ... goes to show it's a good wine all year 'round! 

He now also makes a Rose' that I happened to have just recently in Napa.  Loved it!  Think it may be a little hard to find...

Sidenote, when in Napa (Yountville, ST. Helena) you must go to Gott's Roadside Grill (formally known as Taylor's Refresher).  Cool place, BEST FOOD, Great prices.  It's a must stop by if you're there.  Burgers are amazing.  I love the Ahi Burger and the PB shake.  Major yum.  Major. 

Angeline Reserve Sauvignon Blanc - $10-12

Just a quick last mention... another Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc.  It's good.  It opens fast (screw top), can't go wrong.  Yes, that bottle is empty.

I am saving the best for last!  It's this puppy...

Gerard Bertrand - Cote des Roses - $12-$14

I kinda can't get over it.  First of all, it's GORGEOUS!  Look at that lovely, very light pink color.  I can NOT stand it, it's so beautiful!  But it gets better.  Look.

The bottom of the bottle is in the form of a rose.  The GLASS top/lid... is a very light pink color.

After you drink it put the bottle by your tub with some bath crystals.  Use it as a vase.  Whatever.  Just keep it.  Now taste.  Ummmmm.... yum!  It's a blend of 3 grapes and it has a light, subtle, fresh taste that is truly #summerwater in your mouth!  Not to mention, it comes from France which makes it seem even cooler for some reason.  

I mean really, run don't walk, to get this stuff for Summer.  Can I tell just tell you Costco buys it in bulk and they sell out every time?  No people it's not a secret.  But I just found it.  Now you must too.  So get in on the action.  You'll be glad you did.  

Cheers to you... now go enjoy your newly branded bottles of #summerwater and don't forget to... 

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Holiday Wine 411!

The Headlines:


Looking for good wine?

You've come to the right place. 

This chick knows some good wine!

Let me be very clear.  I love wine.  I really do.  I enjoy a light Sav Blanc with fruit on a Summer day.  Or a big, bold Cab when I eat a rich and hearty steak.  I think wine enhances food enormously.  A good dish can become over the top incredible if you pair it right.  Sometimes, even if you don't.

So when it comes to the holidays... the months when we, as a people, consume probably almost half of our yearly caloric intake - it's fitting to do so with fabulous wine!  But I know many people just really don't... know... where... to... start.

You can read all the super well educated, certified, typical wine geek information of the world (no offense) we love and need you people!  Or you can listen to ONE PICKY CHICK like me.  I'm not a geek or a wine critic of any sort.  I officially do not know what I'm talking about.  But I will say, I'm fairly good at knowing what's good.  It's not that hard.  You probably are good at knowing what's good too.  Cause I'm pretty sure you have taste buds, right?  The difference may be that I have been fortunate enough to go to many, many wine tastings all over the world... YaY!

With that said, I get nothing for any of my "recommendations" here.  DARN!

So take these seriously (but don't take them to your sommelier - they'll want you to buy much more expensive wines).  These are good, popular, not ridiculously priced wines that will make everyone happy this Holiday!  Promise.

Schrammsberg.  Blanc de Blancs. $31-$35 (highest priced of the bunch - worth every penny)

This is an amazing bottle of bubbles.  It's pricier than Korbel but not Cristal dollars.  Believe me?  Don't take my word for it... go to the White House.  Every president since, like Nixon, has served it there.  Not sure about Obama but if not, his term isn't over yet.  It's a fabulous way to start a holiday party.  Bubbly always puts people in the mood.  It's not just for wedding toasts anymore!

Washington Hills. Riesling.  $9-$12

First things first, you must know Riesling is considered the most "turkey paired" wine.  It works for the big bird.  But here's the deal about Washington Hills.  This puppy sells all year long.  Arguably one of the most popular Rieslings around... it's a good solid bet to make your guests happy.  Especially if they're having the standard: turkey/stuffing/potatoes!  Not to mention, did you see that price?

Joel Gott.  Sauvignon Blanc.  $11-13

Know this guy?  If you've ever been to Napa Valley you may know his burger joint.  It's not subtle.  You can't miss the red & white restaurant called Gott's Roadside - which is literally off the main road that runs through that area in St. Helena.  It's good food.  And he's now making really good wine (well, he's been doing it for a while actually).  Yep, he's a real guy.  I happen to like a lot of his wines.  But I really love this one.  It's light, refreshing, crisp.  Everything you want in an SB and you don't have to go over seas to get it.  Huh?  Take a look at a lot of the popular Sauvignon Blancs we drink here in the states.  They're mostly from New Zealand.  Sure it's a good region to grow that grape but taste this one.  You may decide it's time to keep your dollars here at home.


Chalk Hill. Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. $19-$22

Some guests just want Chardonnay.  It's America's favorite white varietal of all time.  So if you're going to have people over for the holidays... you have to have it.  This Chard blows.  It blows your mind that is!  Now, it's not their Estate Chardonnay - which some may consider an iconic white wine in the industry - but it's a more value priced white that's super duper, duper good.  Want to impress people?  Buy this!


Angeline.  Pinot Noir.  $11-$13

If you're hosting, you also must have a Pinot for guests during the holidays.  It's just gotten so popular since that movie, you know the one I'm talking about (that bashed Merlot like 10ish years ago)  "Sideways"!?  Anyways, since then, some people think they absolutely MUST have it.  This is one that I would agree, you must have.  As I write this, I'm actually sitting here enjoying a glass of it with an incredible cold smoked salmon, chopped salad that is a MUST MAKE, by the way, which you can find HERE.  People love it.  You will too.  I digress.  Back on topic.  Buy this wine!


Menage a Trois Silk. Blend (Pinot based). $10-12

In case you didn't know, Menage a Trois (traditional) is theee number 1 selling red wine in the state of Arizona.  It's probably that or close to that where you live too (if you're not here)!  So here's the new wine they're introducing and it's killing it.  It's tracking to be on par, if not surpassing their traditional blend.  Here's a hot tip: head into any Arizona Target and you'll see it front and center for a steal...

You are reading that right... $7.99 for this pupper is ridiculous.  For the value, it's a blend you can't beat.


Coppola Claret.  Cabernet Sauvignon. $16-$18

You know this brand.  Francis Ford Coppola?  The famous director turned wine maker?  Check it out.  It's an impressive bottle.  Something you could bring people as a gift if they're hosting Thanksgiving or any holiday occasion.  It's a large, balanced Cabernet that guests will enjoy.  The bottle has the extra touch of net strewn over it so that it resembles old world Europeans bottles.  Plus, here's a money saving tip: you can grab this HUGE version (seen below) at Costco for 60 bucks (it's 4 bottles in 1) - do the math - not bad, eh?

Bottom line, it's a fabulous Cab and for the price and presentation - hard to beat!


That is all my friends.  Hope I helped.  You can find most of these at all your major grocers and wine/liquor stores.  Most will be on special during these holiday weeks.  Some of the prices mentioned above could get EVEN BETTER!  So enjoy your family, food and festivities this holiday and don't forget to pass the wine!

Perfect Summer/Spring/Baby Shower/Wedding Bottle of Bubbles

The Headlines:

I know it's blue.

But it's great.

Here's why...




I am currently obsessed with a "special occasion" sparkling wine.  I say it in quotes because I often ask, "why does sparkling wine have to be special occasion?" I think, in some cases, it should be opened on a Wednesday with a friend.  To make that Wednesday just a little more superior.

But this wine is a little different than your usual sparkler.  Why?  Because it's....

yup... Blue!

It's called Blanc de Bleu and it's a sort of "turquoise/aqua" color.  In short, it's gorgeous!  I mean really a stunner.  Like stop in your tracks cool.  The bottle and the drink inside.  Perfect for any Spring or Summer event.  Even more perf for a baby shower, Mother's Day, Easter dinner... and clearly the people at the Blanc de Bleu are marketing it to those planning weddings.  You can check out their website HERE - ladies in white are all over the place.  Get it?
 

Something old, something new, something borrowed something Blue!

Little ol' me just likes to serve it on a sweet Summer day.  I mean it couldn't fit in any better.  Look at this stuff?

Most of my friends are right with me... but there's an occasional one who looks at me a little cross eyed and says, "blue wine is frightening!"   Fair enough, I understand, not your normal champs so here's the deal... it's good.  Not flip your skirt, jump off the high dive fabulous... but good.  When it comes to bubbles it's better than Korbel (much) and not as incredible as Schramsberg (nope).  But it is good.  Especially for the price point.  Word is, it should retail for around or less than $15.  Not bad, eh?  Of course, it'll be much higher at a restaurant/club.  Especially since it's such a beautiful presentation.  Take this bottle to someone as a hostess gift and they're stopping in their tracks.  See, I'm happy!

Don't claim it to be fit for the POTUS... call it what it is... a fun bottle of bubbly!  Technically, it's a Cuvee... made in Northern California starting in 2006.  The back of the bottle claims it carries flavors of premium grapes with a hint of delicate blueberries.  Maybe that's where the blue comes from?  But otherwise, no, I have no idea where it comes from and I really don't care.  

All I know is... I like it.  A lot.  And you will too... if you can find it.  I'm not sure where it's sold so ask your local grocer or wine store to get their hands on it.  Trust me, it's worth it!  Every last blue drop!

Cheers to Spring - Lemon Basil Martini

The Headlines:

Celebrate Spring with a cocktail.

Try this Lemon Martini.

It's a fun time of year... Spring.  The birds are singing, the sun is shining, everyone feels "lighter and brighter" and Mama needs a special drink after a long hard week!

Lemons, as I've said here before... scream Spring.  Luckily, many of my friends have given me them from their gardens.  You may have seen me decorate with them.. if not, you can HERE.  But as they get older and riper I need to either throw them out or use them.  Besides warm lemon water drinks (which are uber healthy for, ironically, your liver)... we also made a Lemon Basil Martini (there's the irony, see?)!

Quick and easy, as always.

Here's what you need:
Fresh Lemons
Basil leaves
4 cups Menage a Trois Vodka

** EVERYONE knows Menage a Trois Wine.  Now the brand has ventured into Vodka.  It happened over a year ago but you may want to try - never bad to add a little Menage to any Spring festivities)!

1 1/2 cups Simple Syrup (this is easy to make - boil cup of water w cup of sugar until dissolved - done)
Lemon rimming sugar
Ice

Here's what you do:
Take a handful of basil leaves & pour a little vodka in bottom of a pitcher to muddle the leaves.  Add the rest of the vodka, simple syrup, lemon juice, 10 ice cubes and stir.  Then leave in fridge for as long as possible. This is important.  All the flavors meld better the longer you keep it "marinating." Plus, the Basil flavor really comes out that way.  If you leave the pitcher in the fridge OVERNIGHT and while the leaves will look a little wilty... the drink will be fabulous.

If you like drinks more sour just pour (over ice, optional) and serve... if you like them a little sweeter rim your glasses with lemon sugar.  That's how I like them!  Then when ready to serve, pour in a shaker, shake and pour.

You can use a martini glass or a high top glass for guys.

One last thing, a citrus vodka may work nicely in place of regular vodka in this recipe... but I didn't try that this time.  Next time...  Cheers to Spring!