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cocktail

Blackberry Mint Fizzy Cocktail

June 16, 2018 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Of all of the seasons to make cocktails, summer is my favorite! A cool drink with the fresh flavors of muddled fruit and mint is refreshing and bright in flavors and colors. My Blackberry Mint Fizzy Cocktail is a drink you can make for one or as a big batch for guests, if you triple the ingredients!

The best part of a serving a muddled cocktail is that it looks as if it required a ton of effort to make, but that’s simply not true. If you don’t own a mortar and pestle, you can use a wooden spoon inside of a tall glass to smash the blackberries for this drink.

I would recommend wearing an apron or coving the mortar with your other hand when muddling the blackberries to prevent stains on your shirt.

Once the blackberries are completely smashed, scoop the fruit goop (that’s a yummy word!) into the cocktail glass. (Instead of muddling the mint leaves, I tore them into super small pieces with my hands releasing their herbal aromatic flavor before dropping them into the glass.) Then add the sugar.

Next, add the juice of one lime wedge.

Summer drinks are made so much better tasting because of citrus from an orange, lime or lemon.

Now, add the vodka – yes, please!

You’re almost done! All you need to do is top off the glass with crushed ice and bubbly club soda to the rim.

:: Wishing I had Sonic ice for this right now ::

No need to transfer this cocktail to another glass to try to shake up the ingredients. Simply add colorful straws and stir the drink gently.

Garnish the glass with a sprig of fresh mint, a lime wedge, more blackberries, and colorful straws before serving! Cheers my dears!

You could easily swap blackberries for strawberries, blueberries, or another fruit of your choice.

Have a muddle cocktail recipe that you think I’d love? Please share the recipe in the comments! Happy Summer Drinking, friends!

onedelightfullife.com

1 cocktail

Blackberry Mint Fizzy Cocktail

This bubbly summer cocktail is a balance of tart and sweet and will remind you of a mojito but better!

15 minPrep Time

15 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 4-5 blackberries
  • 4-5 mint leaves
  • 1 tsp sugar.
  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • Crushed ice
  • Lime juice of one lime wedge
  • 1/2 cup club soda
  • 1-2 blackberries and a mint sprig for garnish.

Instructions

  1. Muddle 4-5 blackberries.
  2. Tear 4-5 mint leaves. Add blackberries and mint into a cocktail glass.
  3. Add 1 tsp sugar.
  4. Add 1/2 cup vodka.
  5. Fill cocktail glass halfway with crushed ice.
  6. Lime juice squeezed from one small lime wedge.
  7. Fill glass nearly full with crushed ice.
  8. Fill remaining space in glass with club soda about 1/2 cup.
  9. Stir cocktail with straw and top with fresh blackberries and a mint sprig for garnish.

Notes

You could easily substitute vodka for rum or silver tequila. Looking for a non-alcoholic cooler? Take out the booze!

7.8.1.2
89
https://onedelightfullife.com/blackberry-mint-fizzy-cocktail/
onedelightfullife.com

Nutrition

Calories

540 cal

Fat

3 g

Carbs

68 g

Protein

8 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
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Filed Under: Cocktails Tagged With: berries, berry, blackberries, citrus, club soda, cocktail, crushed ice, drink, fizzy, lime juice, mojito, mortar, muddle, pestle, smashed, straw, sugar, summer, vodka

Netflix Shows For People Who Like To Drool Over Food and Daydream About Traveling

March 26, 2018 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

True foodies. Nomadic travelers. I’m talking to you. Boy, do I have the ultimate Netflix list of must-watch shows hand-picked for your viewing pleasure!

Now, you could simply login to your account and scroll around until you discover a show that appeals to you, but I’m going to save you a ton of time. People who dream of food, who want to travel to another country vicariously through a reality culinary show, and who appreciate learning are going to love this post: Netflix Shows For People Who Like To Drool Over Food and Daydream About Traveling.

:: Bonus Discloser:: I’m pairing each of my show selections with one of my delicious cocktail recipes! Cheers!

In no particular order…(insert drumroll)

Somebody Feed Phil (2018) You can escape to New Orleans restaurant kitchens or ride in a riverboat in Bangkok’s market district when watching this series with Phil Rosenthal, the creator of “Everyone Loves Raymond.” Rosenthal travels the globe to sample all kinds of authentic dishes from extra spicy crawfish to savory bowls of hot pho.  As he says, “food is the great connector” and he certainly makes friends wherever he goes thanks to his quick wit and charming smile. His lovable personality is infectious and his culinary travels open your eyes to areas of the world you may never visit in-person. Warning: You’re going to want to check the expiration date on your passport after binge watching his series. You may get the travel bug and want to span the globe, too. (Rosenthal also has a Netflix series entitled “I’ll Have What Phil’s Having” (2015). )

Cocktail Suggestion: Cantaloupe Margaritas 

Ainsley Eats the Streets (2014) Set our on a journey with celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott as he tastes local street food in locales like the back alleys of Taipai and the tapas bars in Madrid. His curiosity for fresh ingredients typically leads him to street markets where he samples local food. Sometimes he doesn’t always know what he’s eating — but that’s the fun part of watching his explorations! Additionally, you will learn the history of each location’s food culture because Ainsley likes to pair up with a food guide or a food blogger from the area. Because Ainsley is a chef, viewers also learn how to prepare fresh side dishes while cooks alongside market cooks. You’ll walk away with a new, ethnic recipe with each episode!

The aspect of Ainsley’s travel show that I enjoy the most is honest reaction to trying new foods. If he loves it, he passionately explains why he is falling for it. Better yet, if he dislikes it, his opinion is transparent and refreshingly authentic.

Cocktail Suggestion: Grilled Pineapple and Peach Tequila Cocktail  

Poh and Co (2016) An Australian chef of Malaysian decent, Poh Ling Yeow is one of the most creative people, and happy people, you’ll witness on Netflix. When she’s not baking in the middle of the night, she’s gardening or creating small works of art from her basement studio. Somehow she makes time to run a highly successful space at an area food market. Her zest for life is so much fun to watch because if she flubs, she laughs at herself. When a recipe goes well, she laughs at herself. She’s a real person and is perfectly imperfect in every way. For example, she doesn’t know a thing about gardening yet she’s determined to not only grow fresh vegetables, but also tend bees for their honey.

By the end of the first episode, you’ll wish Poh was your best friend (or if you’re a guy, your girlfriend). She is a delight. Watching her giggle her way through a recipe is too much fun and she makes preparing delicious pastries look easy.

Cocktail Suggestion: Blueberry Vanilla Mint Mojito

While it’s overwhelming selecting what to watch on Netflix, I highly recommend this short list. I enjoy this selection because each reality chef teaches me something about cooking and/or living elsewhere. Naturally a curious person, I’m willing to set aside hours of my life to watch television if I can enhance the experience by gaining knowledge. If you enjoy researching future travel destinations, witnessing other cultures go about their day or want to learn about new foods, please take an hour to watch at least one of these shows.

Do you have a favorite travel documentary or cooking show you prefer to watch? Tell me about it in the comments below. I’d love to add it to my weeknight line-up. Until then, you’ll find me watching Planet Earth — it’s so amazing!

Note: None of the recommendations above are affiliates.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Ainsley Eats the Streets, Australia, chef, cocktail, cooking show, cuisine, culture, destinations, drinks, episodes, food, food critic, I'll Have What Phil's Having, learn, Malaysian, Netflix, planet earth, Poh and Co, Poh Ling Yeow, reality, Somebody Feed Phil, television, travel, TV, writer

Pomegranate Martini

October 30, 2017 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Today, I’m celebrating. Time to raise a glass and say “cheers!”

It seems appropriate to honor good news with a freshly made Pomegranate Martini, a simple recipe that is ideal for serving your guests while entertaining. If you set out all of your ingredients in advance, this martini can be made in five minutes!

Grab a martini shaker and the following ingredients to prepare your bartending kitchen station:

  • Pomegranate juice (I used Bai Antioxidant Infusion Ipanema Pomegranate because I didn’t have pure pomegranate juice on hand.)
  • Orange Juice (used pulp-free)
  • Vodka
  • Apple Juice
  • Simple Syrup (heat 1/2 c. water, 1/2 sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves, then cool.)
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • 1-3 Lime rind curls for garnish in the bottom of the glass or hang over the rim

How do you celebrate the best moments of your life? With a dinner out on the town? A champagne toast with your favorite peeps? Here’s wishing you a happy upcoming holiday season full of only good news to take you into the new year!

onedelightfullife.com

Pomegranate Martini

This fruity cocktail brings a tart, berry flavor and is a crowd pleaser for any party.

5 minPrep Time

5 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 oz pomegranate juice
  • 1 oz. orange juice
  • 1 oz. vodka
  • 3/4 oz. apple juice
  • 1/2 oz. simple syrup
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • lime rind curls to garnish
  • ice

Instructions

  1. Fill a martini shaker with 3/4 full of cubed ice.
  2. Add all liquid ingredients.
  3. Add lid to martini and shake vigorously for a few minutes.
  4. Strain martini shaker into a martini glass.
  5. Garnish with lime rind curls.

Notes

You can also use a citrus infused vodka, if you prefer.

7.8.1.2
86
https://onedelightfullife.com/pomegranate-martini/
onedelightfullife.com

Nutrition

Calories

169 cal

Carbs

25 g

Protein

1 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
ESHA Logo

Filed Under: Cocktails, Taste Tagged With: alcohol, apple juice, bartender, booze, celebrate, cheers, cocktail, drink, fall, fruity, holiday, job, lime, lime zest, martini, orange juice, pink, pomegranate, shaker, simple syrup

Crisp Fall Day Cocktail

October 18, 2017 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Am I the only one who craves apples during the fall season?

Fuji, Pink Lady, and Gala are my go-to favs but there are so many more varieties that continue to be show stoppers in my fall recipes. If you know me at all, then you know I’m going to mix a delightful happy hour concoction like this Crisp Fall Day Cocktail made with delicious apple pie liqueur and chilled cider. Who’s ready to clang a glass with me and say “Cheers my dears?”

Okay, apple fans. This one is for you. Simply pour the liqueur, cider, and juice in a glass. Add ice and garnish with a straw and you’ve made yourself the easiest “it-must-be-fall-now” cocktail.

Fancy straws make happy hour that much…happier.

Not sure where to find apple pie liqueur? I’ve been to a couple of liquor stores and Dr. McGillicuddy’s and Travis Hasse’s each make an affordable liqueur to try in the occasional recipe around $9-$15. Partial to Louisburg Apple Cider since it’s located in my beautiful home state, Kansas, you could use any brand. (Shop local!) Finally, I add Old Orchard’s Black Cherry Cranberry Juice but if you can’t locate it, you could easily use any cranberry or cran-apple store-bought juice.

Has someone seen my flannel blanket?

If it’s not cocktail hour at your home right now, pin this recipe for later. You’ll thank me. Cheers my dears!

Craving more fall drink recipes? Try making my uber spooky cocktails for your upcoming boo bash or this Salted Caramel Apple Martini rimmed in dripping warm caramel!

*no affiliates mentioned in this post.

One Delightful Life

1 cocktail

Crisp Fall Day Cocktail

3 simple ingredients make for 1 amazing fall cocktail

5 minPrep Time

5 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 3 oz. apple pie liqueur
  • 1/2 c. apple cider
  • 1/2 c. black cherry cranberry juice (or cranberry juice)
  • ice
  • apple slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pour liquid ingredients into a cocktail glass.
  2. Add ice.
  3. Stir with a straw.
  4. Garnish with apple slices.

Notes

Wanna to get really fancy? Rim the glass in apple juice and crushed graham crackers.

7.8.1.2
85
https://onedelightfullife.com/crisp-fall-day-cocktail/
onedelightfullife.com

Nutrition

Calories

356 cal

Fat

14 g

Carbs

54 g

Protein

4 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
ESHA Logo

Filed Under: Cocktails, Taste Tagged With: adult beverage, apple, apple cider, apple pie, autumn, booze, caramel, cheers, cocktail, drink, fall cocktail, happy hour, ice, juice, Kansas, liqueur, Old Orchard, party drink, spooky

Pink Lemonade Blueberry Splash

July 5, 2017 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Some of the best tasting recipes are simply made and cocktails are no different.

Made with Bacardi Limon Rum this boozy Pink Lemonade Blueberry Splash cocktail uses fruit that is in season and doesn’t require you to make fresh lemonade. Simply add citrus flavored rum over ice, fill the glass 3/4 of the way full with store bought pink lemonade, top with lemon seltzer water, a squeeze of lemon wedge and stir. I prefer to cut the citrus sour flavor with a teaspoon of sugar or Splenda. Then, garnish with a sprig of mint, a slice of lemon and you’re on your way to happy hour!

Here’s the recipe rundown quick list:

  • 1 travel sized bottle of Bacardi Limon Rum
  • 1 small bottle of store bought pink lemonade
  • 1 can of lemon seltzer water
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp sugar or Splenda
  • ice
  • garnishes = sprig of mint, slice of lemon

Don’t forget to add a fancy Nancy straw. Now that’s one pretty drink. Pretty delightful that is…;-) Cheers!

If you’re not interested in adding alcohol and want to drink a poolside mocktail instead, simply add more lemonade or seltzer water in place of the rum.

Pink Lemonade Blueberry Splash

A big fan of seasonal blueberries? Try my take on a warm Vanilla Blueberry Sauce that goes great over lemon bars or ice cream. Still craving blueberries? Add them to fresh fruit to create a last minute picnic side Watermelon Blueberry Salad with Feta and Mint. 

Filed Under: Cocktails, Drinks Tagged With: Barcardi, Barcardi Limon, Barcardi Rum, blue, blueberries, blueberry, booze, boozy, citrus, cocktail, drink, fresh fruit, fruit, garnish, happy hour, juice, lemon slice, lemon-lime, lemonade, mint, mocktail, pink, pink lemonade, poolside, rum, seasonal fruit, seltzer, sip, splash, summer, water, yellow

Berry Rum Smash with Lime Cocktail

May 29, 2017 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Determined to create a cocktail that I could use to raise a glass in honor of those who served during Memorial Day, I created Berry Rum Smash with Lime Cocktail, a blender drink topped with carbonated soda. It’s a refreshing drink that is prepared with aged rum, berries, lime juice, and lemon-lime soda.

A liter of Cruzan Aged Rum cost me $14.99, a value!

I love a cocktail that stretches my creativity. This recipe requires you to use a blender to make a smooth juice from fresh blueberries, pitted sweet cherries, lime juice, aged rum (you can use silver rum), the juice of half of a lime, and Stevia for sweetness. After blending the above ingredients on high until the pulp of the fruit is minimal, pour it into a glass filled with crushed ice.

You can find these festive straws and garnish picks for $1 at Target. (not an affiliate)

After pouring the berry mixture into the glass of crushed ice, top the glass with lemon-lime soda water until filled. That’s it! It’s a fruity, cool drink to serve to guests at your next outdoor deck party or just because you want to delight in a new cocktail made from your home bar.

Cheers, my dears!

onedelightfullife.com

2 glasses

Berry Rum Smash with Lime Cocktail

This refreshing cocktail doubles down on berries, aged rum, lime juice, and lemon-lime soda.

15 minPrep Time

15 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 oz. aged rum (I used Cruzan)
  • 2 tsp Stevia
  • 1/2 c. pitted sweet cherries
  • 1 c. fresh blueberries (reserve a few for garnish)
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • crushed ice
  • 1 can lemon lime sode

Instructions

  1. Blend all of the ingredients except the ice in a blender on high until very smooth.
  2. Fill a glass with crushed ice.
  3. Pour berry mixture into glass.
  4. Top with lemon lime soda until full
  5. Garnish with blueberries and a lime wedge.

Notes

You can use frozen fruit for this blended cocktail. Add 1 tsp of honey for added sweetness.

7.8.1.2
74
https://onedelightfullife.com/berry-rum-smash-with-lime-cocktail/
onedelightfullife.com

Nutrition

Calories

189 cal

Fat

1 g

Carbs

47 g

Protein

3 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
ESHA Logo

 

Filed Under: Cocktails, Drinks Tagged With: aged rum, alcohol, alcoholic drink, berry, blueberries, blueberry, cherries, cherry, cocktail, fruit, garnish, lime, lime juice, mint, patriotic

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Ammar
Hello! I'm Vanessa. Welcome to One Delightful Life, a blog created to add more delight to your life with delicious recipes, travel destinations, and lifestyle improvement ideas. Thanks for exploring my blog!

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