Say Yes to Summer Temps and Rosé Shaved Ice

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With temps in the 80s this week, make your rosé frozé and wear clothes that don't cling. 

This post originally ran July 8, 2016. Too good not to share all over again.

You can pretty much guarantee my day winds down with a cocktail or a glass of wine; it's a nod to my late grandfather but also a call to a time where cocktails were curated and had in good company. Lately due to the heat, I've been adding ice to my drinks (don't toss me to the wolves just yet) to keep me cool. Inspired by the refreshing chill, I wanted to take it a step further by turning it into a shaved ice dessert.

While any wine would work, I love the summery touch rosé brings to the mix, and who doesn't love this pale pink color? I swear it's as simple as toss, blend, and freeze. Would you expect anything else when it comes to The Great Vibes Guide? I hope you enjoy (and make it every night to satisfy your cool cravings and cocktail affairs). Cheers! Xx. 

Rosé Shaved Ice

Ingredients:

+ Your favorite Rosé, I chose Espiral from Trader Joes*
+ Ice, 2-4 cups*
+ Mint leaves (optional)

Recipe:

1. Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend on high*. 
2. Pour contents into a baking pan (or loaf pan like I did) and freeze 12 hours or overnight.
3. Pull from the freezer, and taking a fork, drag across the top to shave the ice.
4. Spoon into bowls or stemless wine glasses.
5. Serve, eat, & enjoy!

Note:

* I used about 1-2 cups of wine and then filled my blender to the top with ice. Play around with the measurements until it works for you. It has a very fruity, light on the alcohol, icy taste and is not at all overwhelmingly wine tasting. Please note that everyone's preferences are different when it comes to alcohol. If you find this is too weak or strong, adjust accordingly. If you feel like you messed up completely, pop it back into a blender, add more ice or wine, and then try it again. Don't cry over spilled cocktail is all I'm saying ;).

+ What's your favorite way to drink Rosé?

Tag @yourfriend_em on Twitter or Instagram when you make All Day Rosé Shaved Ice. Share this with people who could use some rosé in their lives. Hashtag #thegreatvibesguide to spread the Great Vibes! Xx.

Cheers to Great Vibes cocktail twists! Xx.

Connect with Emily on Social Media! 

Best Holiday Spritzer

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The easiest, festive drink around town. 

Holiday Cocktail .png

It is no surprise I love champagne (exhibits A, B, and C). But what I love even more? Easy peasy cocktails that include champagne and take less than a minute to make. Because Thursdays are traditionally reserved for quick tips and weekly niceties, I wanted to up your hostess game and share my favorite holiday cocktail. 

This spritzer is light, slightly tart, and absolutely festive. It's easy to stock up on the essentials, cranberries and rosemary, without fearing they will go bad in the next hour. With these ingredients, you can create a gorgeous cocktail for drop-ins and soiree guests alike. 

Holiday Spritzer

Ingredients:

+ champagne or prosecco (any kind will do)
+ 5-7 cranberries
+ 1-2 sprigs of rosemary
+ optional: a pinch or 1 teaspoon sweetener*

Recipe:

1. Optional: add 3 cranberries and sweetener of choice to your champagne glass and muddle.
2. Fill your glass with champagne.
3. Top with remaining cranberries and rosemary.
5. Serve, sip, & enjoy!

Note:

*I like to use organic, vegan sugar or brown rice syrup if I have it on hand. If this is too sweet, add more of your sweetener of choice.

If you would like this to be non-alcoholic, consider using sparkling water.

+ What's your favorite way to drink champagne?

Tag @yourfriend_em on Twitter or Instagram when you make this champagne cocktail. Share this with people who could use some champagne in their lives. Hashtag #thegreatvibesguide to spread the Great Vibes! Xx.

Cheers to Great Vibes & cocktails with a twist! Xx.

Watermelon Citrus Cocktail

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It's no surprise we'd celebrate with champagne, is it?

When it comes to champagne, I always have a bottle on hand (and I've talked about why that is here). As summer winds to a close, I wanted to create a drink that embraces the season's favorite fruit, watermelon. 92% of watermelon is water, which yields a large quantity of juice. Lemon and lime are always a refreshing addition, and in this case, they help cut the super sweet flavor of watermelon juice. While yes, you can buy the juice in the store, I find it best (and cheapest) to just make it at home. In under five ingredients, you'll have the prettiest cocktail for your evening drink, brunch, or end of summer parties.  

Watermelon Citrus Cocktail

Ingredients:

+ champagne or prosecco (any kind will do)
+ 1/3 watermelon
+ 1 lemon, juice of
+ 1/2 lime, juice of

Recipe:

1. Add all of the ingredients to a blender (except for the champagne), and blend on high. 
2. Scoop the watermelon pulp off the top of the mixture until just the juice remains.
3. Fill your glass half way with champagne. 
4. Top with the juice mixture.
5. Serve, sip, & enjoy!

Note:

If you'd like it to be non-alcoholic consider using sparkling water.

Adjust the measurements to suit the amount of people at your party. If you need more watermelon juice, add more watermelon. If you want more lemon flavor, squeeze in another lemon. Play around with it, and then let me know what proportions you choose in the comments below!  

+ What's your favorite way to drink champagne?

Tag @yourfriend_em on Twitter or Instagram when you make this champagne cocktail. Share this with people who could use some champagne in their lives. Hashtag #thegreatvibesguide to spread the Great Vibes! Xx.

Cheers to Great Vibes & cocktails with a twist! Xx.

Connect with Emily on Social Media!