Honeydew Lemon Verbena Sparkler

We have a lot to celebrate on this beautiful Friday! The official relaunch of Intrinsic Beauty (yay!), the fact that the weekend is here and, well....it's still summer! We have plenty of time to enjoy pool parties, beach BBQ's and al fresco gatherings. To help celebrate...I have concocted a refreshingly light cocktail with an unusual flavor combination; honeydew melon and herbaceous lemon verbena. This little drink goes down very easily and can be quite the thirst quencher. If you are wanting to sip it alcohol free substitute the rum/prosecco with Pellegrino water. Cheers! Go to the jump for the recipe!

Cocktail Hour: Minty Peach Slush

Inspired by the bushels of peaches at the farmer's market yesterday, I promptly went home and concocted this cocktail for Friday night happy hour. The combination of freshly picked mint and ripe peaches created just the right summer sip. This is definitely going to be in rotation all weekend long. Follow the jump for the recipe. 

Cocktail Hour: Strawberry Basil Daiquiris

Last Sunday, as we were heading to the beach, I quickly threw together this cocktail recipe. I combined strawberries, basil, rum, lime juice, agave syrup and some ice into a blender. Then poured the mix into mason jars, and screwed the lids on tightly. When we got to the beach, we added a few more ice cubs, and some basil for garnish. We then watched the sunset with our no-fuss cocktail in hand. It was absolutely delightful!

Hope you all are having a wonderful Fourth of July. Here is to our great nation and our independence! Read more for the recipe...

Cocktail Hour: Watermelon Rosé Coolers

For many, this weekend kicks-off the beginning of a week long Fourth of July holiday. And the start of any holiday deserves to be recognized with a cocktail. These Watermelon Rosé Coolers taste like summer in a glass, and will definitely get you into the patriotic "spirit." Keep reading for the recipe!

Cocktail Hour: Elderflower and Lemon Mint Spritzer

We have reason to celebrate today -  it's summer! And in my mind, it's the perfect excuse to gather your friends and family to toast the rising temperatures, beach days, and all the fun that comes with summer! For an early afternoon gathering, I am all about "white wine spritzers." They are light, refreshing and don't get you too inebriated on a hot day. For this spritzer recipe, elderflower, mint and citrus combine for a slightly tangy and herbaceous drink. 

Cocktail Hour: Limoncello Raspberry Sparkler

Oh, how I love "pretty pink cocktails!" As summer approaches, I can't help but indulge in girly drinks brimming with fresh fruit. We served this sparkler for the peony arranging party and it was a hit. Keep reading for the recipe.

Southern Influence: Dinner for Two & A Tangerine Bourbon Cocktail

I recently took a whirlwind tour through the Southeast, hitting Memphis, Birmingham, Tampa and Jacksonville. After having a few days in warm weather, complete with good southern fare, drink and charm, I was not quite ready to say goodbye. So upon my return, I set a table and created a menu for my hubby and I to enjoy that had touches of southern influence.

Cocktail Hour: "Black Blood"

For my adults only, spooky glam dinner party, I created a sinister looking cocktail that was bubbling with "black blood" Combining the delightfully refreshing and sparkle-enlivened Lambrusco with Cassis Liqueur and fresh blackberries, this is a fruity cocktail with subtle floral overtones.  It's not too strong so it's perfect for sipping All Hallow's Eve long.....

Cocktail Hour: Sparkling Persimmon Margarita

This cocktail recipe is featuring one of my fall favorites - persimmons. The beautiful bright orange fruit is not only aesthetically pleasing but it is surprisingly versatile. The Fuyu variety, which looks similar to a tomato has a sweet, slightly mango like flavor and can be eaten either firm or soft. They are good in salads, stuffing's, cobblers, breads, grain dishes, tarts and much, much more. I decided to try the seasonal darling in a cocktail.....

Cocktail Hour: Cucumber & Orange Vodka Sparkler

Before we head into the weekend, here is a cocktail to toast the end of summer and a welcome to fall! It's cooling yet not summery sweet! Cheers! 

Ingredients: 

• 4 ounces cucumber vodka 
• 2-3 ounces fresh squeezed orange juice 
• 1 teaspoon agave syrup (optional) 
• 1 bottle sparkling water
• 4 slices english cucumber
• 4 sprigs rosemary 
• Ice 

Directions: 

1. Fill a cocktail shaker three-quarters of the way full with ice. 
2. Add cucumber vodka, orange juice and agave syrup. 
3. Shake vigorously. 
4. Pour evenly into champagne coupes. 
5. Top-off with sparkling water. 
6. Garnish each glass with a slice of cucumber and a sprig of rosemary.  

Makes: 4 servings

Cocktail Hour: Champagne + St. Germain + Silver Edge Thyme

Yes, that's right - we have two back-to-back posts on cocktails. Well, to be fair, yesterday's cocktail  was just straight-up Thyme Lemonade. We do a ton of entertaining in the summer, so you can be sure, we will have lots more cocktail hour posts. This sophisticated bar set-up was for our Sunday Dinner at Twilight. We were going for intimate and relaxed, but with a dressed up elegant look. Therefore I set-up a self-serve bar with champagne on ice and if one chose, they could add a splash of St. Germain and a sprig of Silver Edge Thyme (fresh from the garden).

Cocktail Hour: Thyme Lemonade

HELLO, summer! It's finally official - you are here! Can't wait to celebrate your arrival all weekend long!! Earlier this week, I featured a Picnic for Two and on the menu was Thyme Lemonade. Our herb garden is turning out this little gem quite nicely so I thought mixing it with my favorite summertime thirst quencher would be a good combination. It has just the right amount of herbal essence and when served in mason jars, gives you a down home country feel. Now, this recipe does not have any alcohol, but if you want to add some, a jigger of cucumber vodka or a splash of bubbly per serving will do the trick.

Cocktail Hour: Watermelon & Meyer Lemon Sangria

It's not a party without a signature cocktail, right? Even for the smallest gatherings, I always like to have a special creation. Last weekend, for the English Garden Style Luncheon, I concocted a  Watermelon & Meyer Lemon Sangria. This is not just any ordinary sangria, it has an unexpected array of spectacular flavors  - watermelon, meyer lemon, vanilla, lime and mint, which all come together making it a refreshingly light cocktail that tastes delish!  Keep reading for the recipe!

Strawberry Rhubarb Mint Lemonade

After a busy morning of brunching and gardening, we enjoyed the remainder of Mother's Day afternoon sitting out on the deck, soaking up the the sunshine and sipping on ice cold Strawberry Rhubarb Mint Lemonade. Thankful to have the temperature soar into the high 70's, we wanted to have a drink that reminded us summer was just around the corner and the weather was here to stay!