For Auld Lang Syne, My Dear

Can you believe that 2013 is here?  As you prepare your numerous apps and dips, you can't forget about the beverages!  I do not really love the traditional cocktail.  Why?  High alcohol content and harsh flavors.  I have been researching and trying different beer cocktail (bocktail, maybe?) recipes for about 6 months and found a few that I would like to share.

Sunburnt Arnold Palmer is a cocktail I wrote about over the summer.

• 1 can of Arnold Palmer Iced Tea/Lemonade
• 1/4 cup of Rascal Wild Red raspberry beer
• Garnish with thin slice of lemon

Fruit Punch Beer is the name my other half uses to describe anything with Framboise. This is a flashback our welcome of 2012.

• 1 cup of sparkling grape juice
• 1/8-1/4 cup of Lindemans Framboise
• Garnish with berries

The Cure is an easy and cheap way to brighten up your evening (original recipe on Epicurious)

• 2 tablespoons of ginger ale
• ~1/2 bottle of a light lager (Miller/Bud Light)
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
• Garnish with 3-4 matchsticks of ginger

In addition to these recipes, a fun and easy way to keep your drinks cold without diluting the flavors is to freeze grapes until rock hard and drop them in your glasses!  These concoctions are based on the size of a pint glass.  If you are going to use flutes or even wine glasses, you will need to severely cut down the proportions.  You could even adjust the recipes for guests to self serve like a punch.  If you try the bocktail (I'm trying to make it a thing) this coming New Year's celebration, please share your successes and photos in comments or tweets!  As always, please enjoy responsibly and do not drink and drive.  Slainte and Happy New Year!

Bottle Up Your Holiday Cheer!

I love this time of year.  The colors, the sounds, the smells, and, of course, the festive decorations.  I know that I have done a terrible job keeping up with my blog over the fall/winter months but I found a fantastic and fun addition to your holiday trimmings while paging through Pinterest.  Whether you are home brewing or planning holiday soirees, these Ellinee labels will really jazz up your bottles and truly make your days merry and bright.  All you need is a stack of Avery labels, stock #5265, and a color printer.  To read more and print the PDF, visit HERE.  Happy holidays!