Grasshopper

A grasshopper walks into a bar and hops up onto the counter. The bartender says 'we have a drink named after you.' The grasshopper replies 'You have a drink named Carl?'

Such a funny joke – now I have a drink for you once you stop laughing!   

I’ve never had a grasshopper before – but since I bought both crème de cacao and crème de menthe for another recipe (coming soon), I had a mix one up for my husband and I.   It’s a really great substitute for dessert – especially if you blend in some ice cream – yum!  Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 ounce green crème de menthe
• 1 ounce white crème de cacao
• 2 ounces milk, cream or soy milk

Directions

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass to serve.  Top with whipped cream (optional). 

Source: adapted from Drinks Mixer

Pumpkin Spice Latte

I’m actually not much of a coffee drinker – but sometimes I just really desperately need it to continue to function normally (I’m sure others out there know what I mean) – and when I do, it has to have flavoring, cream and sugar for me to drink it.  And whipped cream on top helps too!  :)

I know what you’re thinking – why should I make my own pumpkin spice latte when I can just go to Starbucks and buy it.  Well, not only will you save yourself over $4 for the drink – it is really easy to whip up and a very close replica of it and drink this all year ‘round if you want. 

So if you have some pumpkin puree leftover from other baking endeavors – whip one of these up for yourself – you will not be disappointed.  Enjoy! 

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk (I used soymilk)
• 2 Tbsp. canned pumpkin
• 2 Tbsp. sugar
• 2 Tbsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, plus additional for sprinkling
• 1/4 cup of espresso or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee
• whipped cream (optional)

Directions

1. In a saucepan combine milk, pumpkin and sugar and cook on medium heat, stirring, until steaming.

2. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and spice and whisk the mixture really well with a wire whisk.

3. Pour into two large mugs. And add the espresso or coffee on top.

4. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle additional pumpkin pie spice on top.

Source: The Kitchn

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Peach Wine Coolers

  This is an ingenious, delicious, refreshing drink.  And super simple to make – you basically puree some peaches, wine and schnapps together.  Then strain (or not – but I preferred it strained) into some ice and more wine and you get the perfect summer refreshment!   And for someone like me – who cannot get enough peaches this time of year and who really likes wine – it really does not get much better than this.

See I loved it so much I put it in my garden to photograph!  :)

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh peaches, peeled and chopped
• 2 ounces peach schnapps
• generous pinch of kosher salt
• 2 750-mL bottles dry Riesling, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc (I used Riesling)
• ice, for serving

Directions

1. Combine the peaches, peach schnapps, salt, and 2 cups of wine a food processor or blender.  Puree until smooth and frothy, about 1 minute.

2. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer, or transfer directly to a pitcher or bowl.  Refrigerate at least 2 hours.

3. To serve, fill a large wine glass with ice, then fill about halfway with the peach mixture.  Top off glass with reserved wine.

Source: Pink Parsley Catering

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Sherbet Punch

This is a super easy punch recipe.  That is quick to throw together and refreshing and delicious!  I love orange sherbet – but you can use rainbow or lemon/lime as well. 

In a punch bowl – mix together the following:

• 1 – 2 liter bottle of Sprite or 7UP
• 2 cups of orange juice

top with

• scoops of orange sherbet
• frozen raspberries

Now go enjoy your party!  :)

Strawberry Margarita

Mmmmmm……are you thirsty yet?  My favorite alcohol is definitely tequila.  I love it in any form, whether straight up or mixed with something.

But my weakness is margaritas.   I’ll drink them on the rocks or blended…but definitely with salt!    This recipe is perfect for summer – so refreshing and sweet.  You can easily adjust it to your personal tastes, as there are lots of different opinions on how to make the perfect margarita. 

Enjoy – have one for me!  :)

 

Ingredients (for 2 margaritas)

• 1/2 pint of fresh strawberries, plus 2 for garnish
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 tbsp. caster sugar
• splash orange juice
• 8-10 ice cubes
• 3 ounces tequila
• 2 ounces triple sec
• coarse salt, to rim glasses

Directions

1. Clean strawberries and remove stems.  Reserve two for garnish.

2. In a blender combine the strawberries, lime juice, sugar, orange juice, ice, tequila and triple sec.

3. Blend until smooth, adding more ice if needed. 

4. Rub the rim of the glass with lime juice and dip in salt.

5.  Pour in strawberry margarita and garnish with lime wedge and strawberry.

Source: adapted from Recipezaar

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