by Claire

How to order a mocktail and sound super classy

Hi! Do you like to socially drink liquids but find yourself, for some reason, unable to consume alcohol? Are you temporarily pregnant (an accurate statement!), taking medicine that doesn’t play well with alcohol, or just engaging in a “dry” month? Do you still want to take part in the social activity of “going to a bar to hang out”?? WELL, I’VE GOT NEWS FOR YOU! You can still get tasty, thoughtful drinks crafted by your favorite mixologists! You just have to know when, where, and how to order a mocktail (your alcohol-free concoctions, for newbs). Fortunately, this pregnant liquor-aficionado has figured it out and is here to show you the way. Continue reading “How to order a mocktail and sound super classy” →

A delightful frothy, effervescently refreshing, and just a tad sweet cocktail featuring peaches & cream shrub and your favorite bourbon!
by Claire

Peaches & Cream Bourbon Fizz Cocktail

S P R I N G T I M E! There are so many things to love about it. One of them, especially when you’re deep in the heart of Texas, is peaches. Fresh, beautiful, juicy Fredericksburg peaches are truly something to write home about. And knowing that peach season was approaching, I couldn’t help myself but jump the gun a little a make a peach shrub. But not just any peach shrub. No, I’m not ready to leave behind my brown liquor yet. Plus, there’s always the possibility of a late cold snap. So I leaned into creamy drinks and treats and landed on a peaches & cream shrub that pairs just beautifully with bourbon for a fizzed cocktail you won’t be able to get enough of. Continue reading “Peaches & Cream Bourbon Fizz Cocktail” →

Sweet (red) vermouth, dark rum, and honey simple syrup make up this cocktail that's sweet, herbal, and perfect to end your day with.
by Claire

Red, Rum, & Honey Cocktail

For reasons unknown, I’m having my vermouth moment. Vermouth intrigues me, partially because it’s an alcoholic mixer. Partially because I can keep it in the fridge and not stress about it going bad before I can use it. And, on top of that, I’m into it as a way to make other alcohol BETTER. So yeah, I guess vermouth and I are “talking.” Which is why I figured out how to use the sweet kind in this new, simple cocktail. Just red, rum, & honey. Hang tight, you’ll get it in a second. Continue reading “Red, Rum, & Honey Cocktail” →

History & recipe for the Sazerac: rye whiskey, Peychaud's bitters, absinthe, sugar cube, and lemon peel. Learn to make it properly and thank me later!
by Claire

Serious Cocktails: The Sazerac

There are a lot of different types of cocktails out there. Bubbly cocktails. Fruity cocktails. Cocktails that require straws. Cocktails that are best shared. Even some that are better made by the pitcher! (These are rare.) But I would remiss if I didn’t, from time to time, call out the serious cocktails. Cocktails that are about the booze, front and center. They deserve to be hailed in a class of their own, and I intend to do so, starting now. This is the first post in a series I’ll be working on about SERIOUS COCKTAILS. And, with Fat Tuesday just behind us, what better place to start than with the Sazerac? Continue reading “Serious Cocktails: The Sazerac” →

Three great cocktail recipes featuring Dr Pepper as the main (or only!) mixer. Dr Pepper versions of a Cuba Libre (rum & coke), Jack & Coke (with whiskey!), and Kalimoxto -- an amazing wine cocktail.
by Claire

Dr Pepper Cocktails

I often refer to myself as an “almost-native” Texan or Austinite. I love this distinction because we moved here when I was less than a year old, and I still live here. In fact, I’ve only spent a little over a year away from Austin. (Grad school in London, so sue me.) And as a good Texan, I have a certain affinity for Dr. Pepper. I never sported the “I’m a Pepper!” gear, but I always welcome a cold glass of the stuff on a steamy summer day. Now as a proud amateur mixologist, I’ve noticed a few great cocktails that feature Coke. Yes, Coca-Cola, the American classic. But I thought it was time to put DP to the test and see if there were some Dr Pepper cocktails worth their salt.  Continue reading “Dr Pepper Cocktails” →

Rosemary-honey vodka, elderflower liqueur, dry vermouth, and lemon mix for a perfectly balanced floral cocktail.
by Claire

All Swell Cocktail

You know the saying “all’s well that ends well”? That’s how I feel about this cocktail. All Swell (that ends well) since it took me forever to land on a *new* recipe that used some of my leftover wedding vodka infusion. Yep, this cocktail came about because even though my loved ones are excellent at drinking, I had three handles of my rosemary honey vodka to spare after marrying my beloved. Never being one to let good vodka go to waste, I set about finding a SECOND wonderful drink to enjoy my infusion with. Continue reading “All Swell Cocktail” →

Raspberry, rye, and molasses dominate this slow-burning, tangy sweet cocktail that's perfect for fireside evenings spent pouring over a book.
by Claire

Raspberry + Rye Cocktail

You know that feeling when you just need to be transported to a dusty, leather-filled library for a night? When the real world is just a bit too much (maybe since January 20th…) and you know the only respite you need is a reliable, beloved tome and a glass of something brown and smooth? It’s a very distinct calling, and I’ve felt it more than a few times this winter. Something about the world outside my home that makes me long for the comfort of a classic, indulgent night in. It’s what led me to come up with this cocktail, a raspberry rye concoction that lends itself to a quiet, cozy evening. Continue reading “Raspberry + Rye Cocktail” →

Blueberry Elderflower Sparkler Cocktail Recipe - Elderflower liqueur + cava + blueberry shrub = Blueberry Elderflower Sparkler. A floral, tart beauty of a champagne cocktail that's perfect for girls night!
by Claire

Blueberry Elderflower Sparkler

It’s February! Which means I can drink again! I’ll be honest, I kind of missed coming up with new cocktails and writing about them. But now that my January Whole30 is over, I am delighted to be back in the Drinks game. And for my first cocktail of the new year, what better place to start than a Blueberry Elderflower Sparkler?! This champagne cocktail has it all: glitz, glamor, and a home-made mixer! Continue reading “Blueberry Elderflower Sparkler” →