The Weekend Cheers: Skinny Beach Bum

This cocktail has been on solid rotation all summer, particularly at the beach a few weeks ago, hence the name of this drink. I loooove the Smirnoff Sorbet Light Pineapple Coconut Vodka! Have you tried it yet? If not, RUN to the liquor store around the corner and pick up a bottle for the weekend. It's also low-cal...awesome!! To make the shredded coconut stick to the side of the glass, simply dip the rim in a little honey and you've got a delicious garnish. Cheers to the weekend fellow peaches! Hope it's a good one.

*****Skinny Beach Bum*****

// Ingredients //

1.5 oz. Smirnoff Sorbet Light Pineapple Coconut Vodka
2 oz. Grapefruit Juice
Shredded sweetened coconut, honey and a pineapple wedge for garnish

// Instructions //

Combine vodka and juice over ice. Garnish and serve!

*photo and styling by Amy Mikkelsen

Cinna-sugar White Hot Chocolate

So we're just a few weeks into the official winter season and Atlanta saw some brutally cold temperatures this week.  Getting back into the routine of school and work was difficult enough but these freezing temps made facing the world a little more daunting. Luckily though, we're all healthy again and I'm finally feeling well enough to experiment with some new spirits. I've been anxious to try the new Smirnoff Cinna-sugar Vodka so what better way than to mix it up in a warm chocolaty cocktail? Let me say now that you will be in winter wonderland heaven while sipping on this Cinna-sugar White Hot Chocolate. It is perfection! The only thing missing was a roaring fire but the weekend is still young and there's plenty of time to recreate the moment. 

***** Cinna-sugar White Hot Chocolate *****

// Ingredients //

(serves 2)

1/2 cup white chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli)

1/2 cup half and half (I used fat free)

2 cups milk (I used whole milk)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 oz. Smirnoff Cinna-sugar Vodka

Whipped cream and cinnamon for garnish

// Instructions //

Over low heat melt chocolate chips and half and half, stirring constantly.  Then, add milk and vanilla extract and heat to a low boil. Add vodka to a mug and then add hot chocolate mixture. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon and enjoy.

*photos and styling by Amy Mikkelsen

(Thank you Smirnoff for providing samples for me to create something special! Opinions are my own.)

His & Hers Valentines Day Cocktails

I know it seems a bit early to be posting ideas for Valentines' Day but I just couldn't wait any longer to share these "His and Hers" cocktails with y'all.  After all, you can never start planning too early!  I knew I wanted to do something with cherries and this was the end result.  If Daniel and I are cocktailing at home, he tends to prefer bourbon while I stick to vodka.  So for the guys, I created a simple sparkling cherry bourbon cocktail and for the ladies, I mixed up a chocolate cherry martini that is divine!  Normally, I don't focus on coordinating our cocktails but I thought it might be a fun idea for Valentine's Day!  Here's what you'll need to surprise your loved one on the big day.  (More photos at the end of the post.)

***** {his} Sparkling Cherry Bourbon*****

// Ingredients //

1 oz. Knob Creek bourbon whiskey 
2 oz. Knudsen's Sparkling Cherry Juice (found in the juice aisle!)
Fresh cherries for garnish

// Instructions //

Pour bourbon over ice.  Top with cherry juice and garnish with fresh cherries.  Serve with a kiss!

***** {hers} Chocolate Cherry Kiss *****

// Ingredients //

1 oz. Godiva chocolate vodka
2 oz. Knudsen's Sparkling Cherry Juice
Chocolate covered cherries for garnish

// Instructions //

In a cocktail shaker, pour vodka over ice.  Strain into a martini glass.  Top with sparkling cherry juice and garnish with chocolate covered cherries.

Hope you have a fabulous weekend and stay warm snuggled up to someone special!

*photos by Amy Mikkelsen