This gorgeous Blueberry Lavender Lemonade Cocktail is perfect as we shift towards warmer weather. The blueberries add a fantastic color and the lavender creates floral overtones. Perfect for sipping outside in the sunshine. Or, pack a thermos full for your next picnic.

Blueberry Lavender Lemonade Cocktail
Yields 8 Cocktails

We like to make the lemonade by the pitcher, and then add a shot of vodka to each glass. That way you can adjust the amount of vodka for the individual, and leave some lemonade for your designated driver (or the kids). But, you can always just stir in a cup of vodka to the pitcher before serving.  Read more…

La Playa Cocktail adds a spicy twist to the classic margarita with chile peppers. They insert some zing into the cocktail while the pineapple and lime juices mellow it out. And, the addition of the aromatics of basil is genius! Just be certain to strain the herbs well.

You need to begin to infuse the tequila at least 24 hours in advance, so if you want some for Cinco de Mayo start right away!

La Playa Cocktail Recipe
Yields one cocktail

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This refreshing cocktail is perfect sipped at a brunch or outdoors on the deck. It is bubbly and refreshing with a splash of citrus. Consider buying mom a bottle of St. Germain Elderflower Liquor for Mother’s Day and giving her this recipe handwritten in a card.

Saint Germain is a delicate, balanced liqueur made from elderflowers. It delivers hints of pear, apricot, lychee and grapefruit zest—plus a bit of tartness to balance it out. Elderflowers have a unique, sweet fragrance reminiscent of honey spiced with a little clove and ginger. It’s no wonder that bees (and humans) find them irresistible.

Elderflowers grow abundantly in California, and you can pick their blossoms and berries in gardens and in the wild throughout the summer. Be careful to separate them from the stems, as other parts of the plant are toxic.

The Elder Blossom
Yields one cocktail Read more…

Death and Taxes
It’s unavoidable, we hear. This little something might help to take the sting out—becasue even if you don’t owe, tax prep can be tiresome.

Some form of the Stinger Cocktail was known before prohibition, and its name brings to mind upper-crust citizens like the Vanderbilts. It is a simple and delicious cocktail that is hard to mess up.

For variety, you can serve it with a twist of lemon or a splash of your favorite bitters.

The Stinger Cocktail Recipe
Yields one drink  Read more…