Cocktails

the ooohs and aaahs: holiday party attire

December 4, 2014

‘Tis the season, y’all! I know everyone says this, but this is truly, really my favorite time of the year. My birthday falls right after Thanksgiving and the only thing I ever want is to decorate for Christmas. I’m serious!

Because of this, Windy and I have put together a ‘Holiday Gift Guide-slash-Our Favorite Things’ for you! We’re hoping to continue this throughout not only the Holiday season, but into next year as well. We always find ourselves lusting after a gorgeous pair of shoes or a set of gold-rimmed stemware. So without further adieu, we introduce:

ooohsandahhhs2cocktailfashioncollage{daphne pearl necklace from stella and dot, secret garden studs from kate spade, Maybelline’s SuperStay Lipstick in color Wine and Forever, skinny gold bangles DesignSea via Etsy, ASOS Peace of Mind gold heels, black chiffon jumpsuit from Target, gold feather comb from Anthropologie, Essie’s lacy-not-racy}

This jumpsuit is insane. It’s so comfy and a perfect transition outfit. Pair it with simple earrings and flats for a walk around town and glam it up using the above suggestions for a cocktail party or two! I only wish I had purchased this sooner! Currently strutting this nail polish as well–perfect for this time of year! And while I know everyone is splurging this season on gifts, dinners, and decor, each of these items is under $100! You can thank me later!

What are you donning this Holiday season? Any special function you are particularly looking forward to? We’d love to hear your styles and favorite things! Send them our way!

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pumpkin spice bourbon sangria

October 31, 2014

Happy Halloween!

If I’m speaking honest, I’m not the biggest fan of this annual Holiday, but the sweet tooth in me loves any opportunity to overload my system with sugar. In case you’re in need of a last minute, festive cocktail to warm you up while you’re trick-or-treating with your kids or just to sip on over a fire with friends, this is the perfect one to set the mood!

Original_Liz-Gray-Pumpkin-Spice-Sangria-Beauty-3_h_lg[HGTV]

WARM PUMPKIN SPICE BOURBON SANGRIA

2  apples
2 pears
1 orange
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup brown sugar, or more to taste
1 cup bourbon
3 cups apple cider
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 bottles pinot grigio, chilled

Thinly slice fruit and mix in big bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning.  Add honey, brown sugar, bourbon, cider, and spice, stirring to combine. If you’re able, let it sit for a few hours to enhance the flavors. Top with pinot grigio and serve! [We prefer this warm for a cozy treat, but it’s just as refreshing chilled!]

Have any fun Halloween plans you’d like to share? Joining in on the Hanover Avenue fun in Richmond’s Fan District? Bonfire with cider and s’mores with friends? Or just walking door-to-door with your inevitably precious kids? We’d love for you to share!

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crafty cocktails

August 29, 2014

What a perfect way to kick off this Holiday weekend–cocktails! And not just any cocktail, these three delicious recipes all feature Richmond’s own Belle Isle Moonshine, a locally made 100% organic corn moonshine, distilled in copper stills. But that is not all! One of my September Groom’s, Alex Wotring, is the co-founder and managing partner of this incredible local company! He so graciously shared his top three most favorite drinks with me and we’re featuring them today. Go grab some Belle Isle Moonshine and make your self a refreshing cocktail this Holiday weekend!content_cocktailoftheweek725

Monk on Moonshine

38oz of Belle Isle Premium Moonshine
19 1/2oz of Punt e Mes Sweet Vermouth
4oz of Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
4oz of Green Chartreuse
Aged in a new, charred oak 2 liter barrel

Most people don’t want to wait 5 to 6 weeks for a drink or buy a barrel, but if you have patience, it is totally worth the wait! Because all of the ingredients are aged together, the cocktail takes on a silky smooth texture that is on a different level.

oldfashioned

Shiny Old Fashioned

2oz Belle Isle Premium Moonshine
1/2oz simple syrup
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
1/4oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
Bourbon soaked sun dried cherries
Fresh orange wedge

Might be my favorite! The sweetness from the muddled orange and maraschino liqueur works perfectly with the bitters and the pepper finish of the Premium Moonshine. If you take the time to make the bourbon soaked sun dried cherries, it’s a great snack when you get to bottom of your drink!

moonshine-mule

Moonshine Mule

2oz. Belle Isle Premium Moonshine
1 oz. fresh lime or lemon juice
Ginger beer
Lime wheel for garnish

It is a play on a very popular cocktail right now, the Moscow Mule. Our spirit is similar to a vodka, which is traditionally used in Mules, but the sweetness from the organic corn blends even better with a good ginger beer than even the best premium vodka. I prefer lemon juice in my mules and will sometimes use Crabbies Alcoholic Ginger Beer when we need an added kick!

indexWe just love supporting local business, especially if they allow for cool, creative cocktails at a party or event. Consider incorporating local foods and beverages into your wedding and adding signage so that you’re guests, especially the out-of-town ones, get to know Richmond and our incredible resources. I also encourage you to read up on Belle Isle Craft Spirits on their website and their book that just launched. They’ve teamed up with renown restaurants in the area to create some super yummy recipes for every palate.

Thank you, Alex, for sharing some recipes and feedback with us! We are thrilled for your wedding in just two short weeks!lindsay-signature

Make sure to follow Belle Isle Moonshine on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!