libations

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

sangria, and the pitchers they live in.

11/03/2009 | 2 Comments | Topics: Italian food, libations

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… [more]

Beer so far.

06/22/2009 | Leave a comment! | Topics: libations, places to go

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: libations, people to see

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: libations

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: libations

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: libations, 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… [more]

January hot drink

01/31/2008 | 5 Comments | Topics: food., libations, recipes

I realize it is the end of January and the Holiday Season has come a gone and perhaps with the roundness of our bellies, best be forgotten. However, a dear friend of mine gave me a well-appointed holiday present over our ritual cup of coffee: a book of 50 recipes for hot drinks. Which was quite fun, since when I am craving a steaming drink I usually just make hot… [more]

a New Year's toast: with my favorite drink.

12/31/2007 | 5 Comments | Topics: food., libations, recipes

What drink am I? My 5th grader recently had a class writing project where he had to describe his favorite candy bar in 10 sentences. It could not contain the name of the candy bar, but enough hints and clues that people could guess the name of the bar. I thought I would do the same; though, lucky you there is a visual aid. I would have posted a… [more]

things to do today: make eggnog

12/10/2007 | 17 Comments | Topics: edible gifts, food., libations, recipes

Things to do today: buy Christmas gifts for kids’ coaches & teachers, buy packaging tape and boxes, call eye doctor, clean out email in box, make eggnog. Top priority: make eggnog. When I read Brandon Eats‘ message to make your eggnog now or it is too late, I knew I had to put it on top of my ‘to-do list.’ It takes a minimum of three weeks for… [more]

Mummy Juice

10/26/2007 | 5 Comments | Topics: food., libations

Mummy Juice is one of my favorite new drinks. I am making it for Halloween—though it will definitely outlast this holiday. Perfect for Thanksgiving in fact. The color, the spiciness of the ginger, the citrus notes lent by fresh oranges. This one is a keeper. When I have dinner parties, I am always excited to offer a special drink before dinner. In fact, some of my friends have come to… [more]