libations

fun cocktails, whimsical drinks, new twists on old faves.

bloody mary.

12/03/2010 | 5 Comments | Topics: food., libations, recipes

When I was a kid, I sometimes saw adults drink them and thought ‘eeewwww—gross.’ How could they drink tomato juice with ground pepper, spicy white stuff and a celery sticking out the top? Cold!?!?! I was no fan of tomatoes as a child, though somehow I managed to like canned tomato soup: with piles of oyster crackers (for the record: NOW my tomato soup needs to be… well, not canned).… [more]

Pom-tinis & Dropping pombs.

11/12/2010 | 5 Comments | Topics: contests, food., just talk, libations, recipes

I am thinking of putting on a cooking class on holiday cocktails. What do you think?
It is not-too-distant in my future to host cooking classes. No worries. Before I start promoting classes, I will ask for emails so you can all sign up for a newsletter. THEN you will know what classes are happening when. But for now: a paltry substitute with personality reaching only from my fingertips to… [more]

when life gives you lemons… make limoncello!

09/04/2010 | 11 Comments | Topics: food., Italian food & wine, libations, recipes

You have probably already heard that saying. But I kinda like it. Besides, big bushels of lemons make me happy.
I was walking around Monterosso—the northern-most city of the big five that make up Cinque Terre… [more]—when I got ‘lost’.
Every so often, I ‘get lost on purpose.’ It is good for the soul, the discoverer in me, the insatiable curiosity I feel when it comes to: what is around

Italian spritz.

05/23/2010 | 3 Comments | Topics: food., Italian food & wine, libations, recipes

I was in Venice when I finally broke down… and had a Spritz (aka also spelled Spritx).
I had read about this drink, walked around this drink, raised my brows while contemplating this neon orange concoction… but hadn’t yet tried it. But on our last sunny day in Venice, with nothing but time on our hands, I gave in. I walked straight up to the bar, asked if I could… [more]

sangria, and the pitchers they live in.

11/03/2009 | 2 Comments | Topics: food., Italian food & wine, libations, recipes

The truth is, sangria was a recipe that landed on my blog a few years ago. I make it often, as it adds a festive punch (ah, love the puns) to any meal. AND since I am in Italy, it is an appropriate twist on a weekday table wine.
Besides tasting lovely, it is a great way to stretch one’s budget. Seriously. I buy relatively inexpensive, fruity table wine, … [more]

Beer so far.

06/22/2009 | Comments Off | Topics: food., frolics., libations

Well, I didn’t come to Holland for the wine or the coffee or even necessarily its culinary prowess. Different countries are known for different things. You go to Italy for wine and pasta, olive oil and tomatoes. Belgium ranks high with beer, fries, waffles, chocolates and the like. Holland is famous for its dairy especially cheese and all the custards, yogurts and ice cream. Southern Holland and Germany can boast… [more]

sledding in winter—and sipping summer

01/12/2009 | 1 Comment | Topics: food., frolics., just talk, libations, recipes

The holidays wouldn’t be the holidays without cocktails. And it had been awhile since I flirted with flavors and mixed up new concoctions. And to be fair, this one isn’t exactly new. Think of it as upgraded for the new year.
We were fortunate enough to spend some time with great friends over the break: friends that are family. And thanks to Ericka, I had moments in these last few… [more]

Drunken Pear.

11/21/2008 | 6 Comments | Topics: food., libations, recipes

Well, I couldn’t just leave that drink dangling in London. It was good then, but why not remake it and enjoy it here? I couldn’t just NOT make it. You and I both know better.
“I will have the one with pear, I forget what it is called.”
Because many of the cocktails while delicious, seemed to highlight the flavor of cherry. And well, cherry reminds me of cough syrup.… [more]

Halloween drink: Maggotini

10/28/2008 | 3 Comments | Topics: food., holiday food, libations, recipes

If ever there is a time of year to come up with crazy drinks and thematic brews, now is the time. And none to soon, as Halloween tricks and treats are just around the dimly lit, spider infested, witch crouching corner.
As gin so infrequently grabs my attention, I thought now is as good a time as any, to give it its hypnotic due.
This drink resonates with a cucumber… [more]

after school snack: smoothies

10/13/2008 | 5 Comments | Topics: food., libations, recipes, snacks

Hey mom, why don’t you post on smoothies? My reflex response: because they are so typical in our family I don’t think they count. They couldn’t possibly be interesting to people.
And yet.
We love them and have them almost every day. And they are so easy to make, they evade the rigid parameters of a recipe. Our smoothies are typically enjoyed for breakfast or as part of an after… [more]