Friday Happy Hour: Aperol Spritz

So I've been trying to organize all my pictures on my computer (there are a LOT), and have been coming across some pictures I meant to blog about but for whatever reason never got around to... so there might be a few throwback pictures and posts that are a LONG time coming... this is one of them :)

Ever since I visited Lutz a few Thanksgivings ago (way back in 2010 JEEZ!) and he introduced me to Aperol Spritzes, I've LOVED them!! Flossie and I met for drinks while I was still in Orlando and I had one at Brio and it was as good as I remembered. :) Aperol is definitely an acquired taste, it's a little bitter, but it's so refreshing when you mix it with champagne. I usually pour almost a full glass of champagne and just add in a topper of Aperol. A little goes a long way!!

Try something new for 2014!!

Lutz & I at a German Christmas Market (Nov 2010--told ya, throwback!)

xoxo,

janie from scratch

Friday Happy Hour: Sparking Pomegranate Cocktail

YAY!! My first Friday Happy Hour post in about 14.765 years :)

At my Coq au Vin dinner party a few weeks ago I made this cocktail to have with our appies. It was super easy and yum!

Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail

• 1 ounce simple syrup (equal parts sugar & water, bring to a boil and let sugar dissolve, cool)
• 2 ounces vodka
• 2 ounces pomegranate juice
• 3 ounces sparkling wine

In a shaker, mix simple syrup, vodka and pomegranate juice. Strain into ice-filled glasses and top with sparkling wine. ENJOY!

(Sorry there's no pics, of course they were all drank before I had a chance!)

Friday Happy Hour: Strawberry Lemon Drops

WOOO FRIDAY!! Cocktail time:)

A few weeks ago I made lemon drops, and my friend Ashley wanted me to make strawberry lemon drops. I found a recipe online, and they were super easy to make. Make them today, or for your next party!

Strawberry Lemon Drops
1 1/2 oz strawberry vodka
2 oz sweet and sour mix
3 drops lemon juice
1/2 tsp sugar (I had simple syrup on hand, so I used that instead of sugar. I used about 1 1/2 tsp simple syrup.)

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and strain into a martini glass rimmed with sugar. Garnish with a lemon and 1/2 teaspoon of grenadine, if you want it to be pink.

Enjoy!

Friday Happy Hour: Peach Bellini

It's Friday again... and that means it's cocktail time!

Today's cocktail is really simple--another champagne cocktail. I just LOVE champagne (as you know). It's already a "special" drink, and it's so easy to dress it up. This past weekend I had a delicious pomegranate-flavored champagne out at a bar, but today I'll show you how to make an easy peach bellini at home (for a fraction of the cost).

Start with those little bottles of champagne. I always have them on hand if I need a little pick me up in the middle of the week and don't want to pop the cork on a bigger bottle. Next, get some peach nectar, you can also get little cans so you don't have to open a big can for a few cocktails. Mix some of the peach nectar with the champagne and voila! How easy is that? (As Ina would say!) If you like your drinks a little sweeter, add more peach nectar to make it to your tastes.

Enjoy and happy weekend to you!!

Valentine's Day Cocktail--Pomegranate Champagne Punch

So I've been super busy this week, and didn't get a chance to write the usual Friday Happy Hour Cocktail....so instead, I'll write one that you can share with your honey on Valentine's Day. I made this one for Christmas and it was delish!

For a larger batch you can double this.

Pomegranate Champagne Punch
1/4 cup water + 1/4 cup sugar: make simple syrup (if you've forgotten, check out this blog to remind yourself!)
1 750-ml bottle champagne, chilled
3/4 cup white rum
5/8 cup pomegranate juice
1 lemon, sliced
pomegranate seeds
chopped mint leaves

Make sure all your liquids are chilled, and mix together. If you want, you can create some ice cubs with chunks of lemon or pomegranate seeds or mint leaves in them to keep your punch cold while you're serving it.

Check out this website if you need help getting the seeds out of your pomegranate.

I didn't take a picture when I made this for Christmas, but here's a pic I stole from Bon Appetit (where I found the recipe):

Enjoy!