bourbon

A Cozy Day In + 52 Lists Giveaway

October 23, 2018 by Natalie 1 Comment

Recently I spent a cozy day in with my best friend Sam. We met each other through mutual friends 15 years ago but only became super close over the last 5 or 6. We even went to the same college but weren’t really friends then either! TBH she went on a date with my ex-boyfriend so I kinda hated her.

LOL. Sam if you’re reading this—don’t worry I’m totally over it.

I’d like to think that we came back into each other’s lives at just the right time when we were ready to be friends or perhaps when we needed each other the most. I think it’s true that people come into your life for a reason, sometimes exactly when you need them to.

As we get older different things are becoming more important to us. Last year Sam got married and also found a new job with more responsibility. While I moved in with my long-term boyfriend and started my own business. We both even talk about moving out of state sometime in the future. Which means it is possible that one day we won’t be living in the same state anymore. It’s safe to say that we both have our own busy lives going on but we try to make time for each other as much as we can.

Moorea Seal recently released another book in her 52 Lists Project series called 52 Lists for Togetherness. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to grab a copy for Sam and me to fill out together. The whole idea behind the book is to learn more about who you are, how you see your loved ones, and how you can thrive together by creating 52 lists, one for every week of the year. You can fill it out solo or you can use it as a tool to connect with loved ones by working on the lists together.

We spent a cozy day in filling out a few lists while sipping on Boozy Apple Cider a la Modes, a recipe that I made on A Beautiful Mess last Winter. This drink is so delicious and couldn’t be more perfect for fall. Mulling cider in the house is probably my favorite activity to do in the colder months. It’s so soothing and fills the air with warm baking spices.

Let us not forget about the bourbon.

Who could do such a thing?

Sam even got to meet Beemer — the little black kitten I rescued from the hood of a BMW in September. She’s so adorable and I think we might be keeping her but probably changing her name. Thoughts on the name Dolly? Please leave kitty name suggestions in the comments below. Bowie had to make an appearance too. He’s so jealous, he needs ALL the attention. It was a lovely day filled with snuggles from the animals and lots of talk about the present and the future.

I’m pretty sure the animals just wanted to steal sips of our Boozy Apple Cider a la Modes though.

I’m looking forward to filling out each list in 52 Lists for Togetherness and I’m so excited to be teaming up with Moorea Seal to gift one reader two books so they can also work on their lists with a loved one. I can’t recommend the journals in the 52 Lists Project enough. If you’re looking to deepen connections with yourself and the people around you this is the perfect way to do it. You can enter to win by heading over to my Instagram and following the rules. You can also pick up a copy here too. Good luck everyone!

What do you do to keep the relationships flourishing in your life? Would love to hear your tips below. xo

Bake This: Bourbon Banana Bread

April 2, 2018 by Natalie Leave a Comment

I have been trying to make Bourbon Banana Bread all Winter long. Even though technically it is now Spring, it did snow this morning to my dismay. Boozy baked goods are still acceptable if it’s snowing right? I promise that adding bourbon to this banana bread recipe won’t make you drunk before noon, but it does add so much delicious flavor to both the bread and glaze.

Another reason it took me so long to make this recipe is every time I went to the supermarket they were out of bananas. I know it sounds strange, but it must have been the banana shortage of 2018. I even took photos and sent them to Ethan of empty spaces in the stores where bananas use to be. Like Gwen Stefani said, “This shit is bananas, B-A-N-A-N-A-S!”.

Bourbon Banana Bread

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3 ripe bananas, mashed

2 tablespoons bourbon (I used Few)

1/2 cup sour cream

1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

bourbon glaze

1 cup confectioner’s sugar

4 tbsp. bourbon

splash of milk to thin

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan and line with parchment paper. In a large bowl of your electric stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar together. Add in the eggs and beat until combined. Stir in vanilla, mashed bananas, bourbon, and sour cream.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gradually add dry ingredients to your wet ingredients and stir until just combined.

Pour batter into a greased loaf pan lined with parchment paper. I love to use parchment paper so that the bread is easily removable from the loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and cool completely on rack.

Make the glaze while the bread is cooling. Stir together the sugar and bourbon, adding a touch of milk to thin to glaze consistency. Pour or spread the glaze on the cooled bread.

This is by far my favorite recipe for banana bread. Some recipes that I’ve tried in the past just don’t have enough banana in them. One or two just isn’t enough for me, I feel like adding a third is definitely the sweet spot. The other secret to making great banana bread is sour cream. Adding it produces a superior bread that is moist and delicious. Let’s talk about that bourbon glaze, which is so easy to make and delightfully boozy.

I’ll be making this Bourbon Banana Bread whenever I have too many bananas turning brown on my hands, which happens almost too often. Lately, I’ve been freezing them for smoothies too! I love the flavor the bourbon adds to this bread but you could also experiment with other spirits. Adding dark rum and coconut would be a great Summer variation. I guess maybe I have some experimenting to do. If you decide to make this Bourbon Banana Bread make sure you chime in on the comments below. I’d love to hear how it turns out. xo

Lemon Meringue Hot Toddy

February 20, 2018 by Natalie Leave a Comment

If you’re reading this I’m in sunny and beautiful Palm Springs, California by now. The night before we left, however, was a mere 32°F with mixed rain and heavy snow. It’s safe to say I was ready to hop on that plane! I teamed up Talbott Teas for this post to show you how I stayed warm this February with my delicious Lemon Meringue Hot Toddy using one of their teas!

Talbott Teas offers an exotic and extensive array of gourmet tea flavors to suit any mood or occasion. Characterized by their rich flavors, vivid colors, and soothing aromas, Talbott Teas’ premium tea blends provide a sophisticated playground for the senses. Masterfully blended and made with hand-selected, whole tea leaves, their specialty teas are full-bodied, suffused with subtle yet complex character. Their Luscious Lemon Meringue was the perfect addition to one of my favorite Winter beverages.

Lemon Meringue Hot Toddy, serves one

1 1/2 oz. bourbon

1/2 oz. Licor 43

1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice

1/4 oz. honey

top with Talbott Teas Lucious Lemon Meringue

garnish with a float of toasted Swiss meringue*

*Swiss Meringue Topping

2 egg whites, room temperature

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

First, make your meringue. In a saucepan, bring two inches of water to a low simmer. In a clean heat safe bowl, place the egg whites and sugar and mix them well with a whisk. Place the bowl on top of the saucepan with barely simmering water and mix continuously. This is important as the whisking prevents the egg whites from cooking.

Stir the egg whites and sugar with the whisk for about 2-3 minutes until the sugar has dissolved and the egg whites become creamy white in color. Remove the eggs from the double boiler and immediately start whisking the egg whites with your stand mixer, to make the meringue. Whisk on high for about four minutes until the egg whites have tripled in volume and have stiff peaks. Add vanilla and mix until incorporated. You can store this in an airtight container until ready to serve. You can also make this ahead of time as it will keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Making your cocktail is the easy part because all you have to do is brew your tea and assemble. Add bourbon, Licor 43, lemon juice, and honey to a serving mug of your choice and top with tea.

Finally, top with meringue and toast it using a torch. This was really fun and was actually my first time making meringue or using a kitchen torch. I can’t wait to use it for other things!

This is probably my favorite Hot Toddy of all time as a matter of fact. Licor 43 adds a nice vanilla flavor which makes this drink a lot like having a piece of real lemon meringue pie. The lemon meringue tea from Talbott Teas adds fresh herbal notes of lemongrass which is bright, refreshing, and aromatic. Adding fresh lemon juice balances the sweetness in this drink and is a key ingredient to making a classic hot toddy in addition to honey.

The icing on top of the cake, or in this case the drink, is what really brings everything together, the Swiss meringue. It’s beautiful, delicious, and makes this Lemon Meringue Hot Toddy the perfect dessert drink to warm you up on those chilly February nights. I’m hosting a giveaway on Instagram so you can have a chance at winning some Talbott Teas of your own. You have to promise if you win that you will make this Lemon Meringue Hot Toddy though. Good luck everyone and I hope you’re keeping warm. Spring is just around the corner! xo

Super Bowl Party Ideas

January 24, 2018 by Natalie 2 Comments

I’m so excited to be teaming up with Bai for this post to bring you some fun Super Bowl Party Ideas. If you’re hosting a Super Bowl gathering or heading to a friends house, these DIYs and recipes should be a part of your goodie bag of tricks. I’m breaking down some fun, totally easy ways to gussy up that Sunday football fest in style!

Bourbon Caramel Popcorn

6 cups popped popcorn

cooking spray or parchment paper

6 tbsp. butter

1/3 cup dark brown sugar

3 tbsp. corn syrup

1/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla extract

4 tbsp. bourbon

Preheat the oven to 300°. Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Pop the popcorn and transfer it to a large bowl. Heat the butter, sugar, corn syrup, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Once the mixture starts bubbling, cook for one minute more. Remove from heat and add the bourbon and vanilla. Stir and pour over the popcorn. Stir until popcorn is nicely coated and then transfer to the baking sheet, spreading out to an even layer. Bake for 35 minutes, stirring halfway through. Let cool and serve in a bowl or cute football snack bags. Store leftovers in a sealable container — if you have any leftovers.

Football Snack Bags

brown paper bags

white paint

paint brush

Simply paint line on a brown paper bag to resemble a football. Let dry and use to serve your Bourbon Caramel Popcorn or to send guests home with a Super Bowl goodie bag.

DIY Football Field Tray

clear lucite tray

astroturf

white duct tape

white number stickers

scissors

hot glue gun and glue sticks

Cut the astroturf to the size of the inside of your lucite tray. I found my lucite tray onsale at HomeGoods for $12.99! Cut a strip of duct tape to the width of your tray and fold it lengthwise so it is smooth on both sides. Repeat until you have enough strips to fit your tray. My tray was small so I only did four. If you have a larger tray you can do five or six strips. Lay out each of the strips on the astroturf until they are evenly spaced to form the yard lines. Hot glue in place. Lay out the yard line number stickers. My stickers weren’t very sticky so I secured them with hot glue too. Place on either side of the yard line on both sides of the tray.

Your tray is Super Bowl ready!!

Fizzy Bourbon Strawberry Lemonade

2 oz. Bourbon

3 oz. Bai São Paulo Strawberry Lemonade

top with club soda or champagne

chocolate covered strawberry football for garnish

I kept the cocktail easy peasy because I know hosting for game day can be tough. These can be made easily to order, built right in the glass or you can toss all the ingredients in a punch bowl for easy self-service.

If you want to take this cocktail a step further you can add the bourbon, Bai Sao Paulo Strawberry Lemonade, fresh strawberries and mint to a cocktail shaker then muddle and shake with ice. Strain into a highball glass over ice and top with club soda. If you’re feeling lucky you can swap out the club soda for champagne and kick the ABV up a notch.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Footballs

strawberries

dark chocolate melting wafers

white cookie icing

Fill a coffee mug with the dark chocolate melting wafers and put in the microwave for 10 seconds. Take out, stir the chocolate, and return to the microwave for another 10 seconds. Repeat this until all chocolate has melted but be careful not to burn the chocolate. Take your strawberries by the stems and dip into the mug of chocolate. Place on a piece of parchment paper and let the strawberries set in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. Remove from the refrigerator and pipe the white cookie icing on to resemble footballs. Now you have the cutest and most delicious garnish for game day!

I’m so happy with how my Super Bowl Party Ideas turned out. Super bowl and super cute tend to not go hand in hand usually, but I feel like I totally scored with these! There is no better day to nosh on popcorn than on Super Bowl Sunday and the fact that it’s boozy popcorn makes it all the better. The fizzy bourbon strawberry lemonade is easy, delicious, and that chocolate covered strawberry football garnish is a win in my book! Serving in style is key and the DIY football field tray is a cute detail that pulls everything together. I hope this inspires you to make your game day festivities a little more fun. Ethan’s team (The Eagles) are going to the Super Bowl so I can’t wait to recreate these ideas for Super Bowl Sunday. xo

Holiday Spirit Gift Guide

December 16, 2017 by Natalie Leave a Comment

Are you a last minute shopper like me? Every year I say I’m going to get a head start but I never do. I think I work better under pressure anyways. I put together this Holiday Spirit Gift Guide in case you need any last minute ideas on what to get that special someone. I’m never disappointed with a bottle of booze and I’ve included all my favorites to gift and get. The best part? These are all under $50!

Monkey 47 Gin $45– An unusual gin from the Black Forest in Germany, Monkey 47 contains a unique ingredient, cranberries! The 47 comes from the number of botanicals that go into this unique gin and is bottled at a healthy 47% ABV. In 2011 Monkey 47 won the World Spirits Award Gold in the Gin category and Gold for best in class for the Gin Worldwide at the International Wine and Spirits Competition London. Such a great gin to use in cocktails and a staple in my home bar.
Plantation Pineapple Rum $32-This blended rum is crafted in two parts, first by infusing ripe Queen Victoria pineapples in rich, aged Plantation Original Dark Rum for 3 months. Then they distilled a second batch using pineapple rind with their classic white rum, blended the two and before bottling, matured them for an extra period in the barrel. The result is an absolutely delicious, bright rum with pineapple essence to blend with the lushness of the infused Plantation Rum. Enjoy it straight on ice or mix it with a cocktail. This was originally supposed to be a limited edition Rum gifted to friends, family, and limited stock in certain bars. It was such a hit they decided to keep making it. I was lucky enough to receive one of the very first bottles and that’s the one that sits at home on my bar cart. I’ll sip on it when I’m feeling special!
Olmeca Altos Reposado Tequila $25– Altos Reposado Tequila is a super premium, high quality, 100% agave tequila. Altos Reposado is aged in oak barrels for 4-6 months, which creates a rich and complex taste perfect for drinking on its own or in cocktails. Margarita, please! It was rated a 94 at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
Laird’s Apple Brandy $32– Laird’s Apple Brandy is hands down my favorite spirit there ever was. Besides the fact that it is a must-have for any at home cocktail enthusiast because of its history and presence throughout classic cocktail culture, it is from my home state of New Jersey. Laird’s also holds distilling license number 1 in the USA making it the oldest and the first distillery in America. It’s also the oldest family-run distillery in the country, run by a 7th generation Laird, Lisa Laird Dunn. Did I mention George Washington is the only other person to have the family recipe? Drinking this is like drinking history and everyone needs a bottle on their home bar. The Jack Rose is my favorite classic cocktail and are perfect for drinking during the holidays.
Pierre Ferrand Cognac $40– A top-quality golden Grande Champagne Cognac from distinguished boutique producer Pierre Ferrand. A lively, expressive style with fresh fruit flavors and good depth from this award-winning house. This is what I drink and mix with at home and also what I prefer to use behind the bar. Ferrand is also the producer of the Plantation Rums. Pretty much my favorite line of spirits. Check out Citadelle Gin too!
Glen Grant 12 year Scotch $48– I’m not a huge Scotch drinker but I love the Glen Grant 12 year. I call this the beginner Scotch because it is so easy to drink! It’s light and fruity with notes of apple pie, caramel, vanilla and subtle spice. Glen Grant 12 year is great to drink alone but also mixes great in cocktails because of its subtle flavors.
Amaro Nonino $47– This is one of my favorite Amaro’s because it is so unique! A digestif made from grappa infused with herbs, plus grain alcohol, and ingredients that include caramelized sugar, bitter orange, cinchona, licorice, quassia wood, rhubarb, saffron, sweet orange, and tamarind. Has an herby fragrance, with a mildly bitter spicy taste. Great on its own before or after dinner and in my favorite Paper Plane cocktail!
Elijah Craig Bourbon $33– Bottled exclusively from a dumping of 70 barrels or less, all drawn from the middle to upper floors of the traditional metal-clad rickhouses. It is the original Small Batch Bourbon, having been made available even before the term was invented.
Del Maguey Vida Mezcal $36– I love all the expressions that Del Maguey puts out but the Vida is really great for the price. A fruity bouquet complemented by honey, vanilla and agave. Palate spiced with cinnamon, sandalwood, and ginger, with a citrus undertone. Finish is smoky soft and lingering. Great on its own but especially great in cocktails. I use this at home and behind the bar.
Faretti Biscotti Liqueur $30– A uniquely delicious spirit, the famous Faretti liqueur comes from Northern Italy where wonderful biscotti cookies are baked in rustic brick ovens. This is one of my absolute favorite liqueurs! It is great on its own, in coffee, but especially in cocktails. You’ve probably seen me use it on the blog numerous times. It is a great substitute for when amaretto is called for in drinks and in my opinion yields a much more delicious flavor. Faretti is so festive for the holidays and makes a wonderful Christmas gift. Crack it open with coffee and dessert!

Fall Spice Syrup + Old Fashioned

September 29, 2017 by Natalie 3 Comments

I couldn’t have planned this post any better because today it finally feels like Fall. The windows are open, there’s a beautiful breeze coming in and it’s a most wonderful 66 degrees out there. Time for an old fashioned, right? 😉 I had an idea to make a Fall spiced syrup that you can use a number of ways all throughout the cold months. My favorite way to use it is in an old fashioned, but you can use it in a daiquiri, a fix, or even your coffee. Use it in any cocktail that calls for simple syrup by merely swapping it out and making your drinks a little more Fall appropriate….

Cherry Whiskey Sour

July 1, 2017 by Natalie Leave a Comment

Watching the produce change at my local farmers market is probably my favorite part of every season. I was super excited to see a variety of cherries available this past week and really wanted to make a pie. Instead, I’ve brought you cherry pie in a glass with this fun and easy twist on the classic whiskey sour. I’m not sure what’s better, the pie or the drink? I’d still like to get around to making a pie and maybe some homemade brandied cherries too before summer ends. The depth and color the cherries bring to this classic cocktail is wonderful, and it wouldn’t be a traditional sour without egg whites, so let’s get cracking!

Cherry Whiskey Sour

2 oz. bourbon

3/4 oz. lemon juice

3/4 oz. simple syrup (1:1)

1 egg white

5 cherries

Peychaud’s bitters for garnish

In the larger side of your tin, crack your egg and separate, only using the egg white and discarding the yoke. In the small side of your tin add the lemon juice, simple syrup, cherries, and muddle. Add the bourbon and dry shake your cocktail to aerate and incorporate all ingredients. Add ice and shake again. Strain into a coupe and dash your Peychaud’s bitters on top. I drag a straw through my dashes to create a little design.

I love the way this cocktail came out. It’s super lush from the cherries and creamy from the egg white. It’s a really nice cocktail to serve after dinner, and like most egg cocktails, also a great brunch drink. But let’s be real – it’s any ANYTIME drink! I hope you can whip a few of these up over the long weekend. If you do, enjoy them and let me know how they turn out.

Is there a certain egg white cocktail you love to make at home? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. Cheers everyone!

Peach Mint Julep

May 6, 2017 by Natalie Leave a Comment

I love a good theme and excuse to make cocktails, and Derby Day has always been one of my favorites. I’ve done everything from throwing sponsored showings of the Derby to doing a DIY hat and mint julep class (which I would really love to do again), but this year I’m kicking it at home with this delicious Peach Mint Julep variation of the southern classic. This is a simple addition to an already simple drink that’s perfect for Summer and sipping on your porch.

Peach Mint Julep, serves 1

2 oz. bourbon (I used FEW)

1 barspoon peach liqueur

1 sugar cube

a handful of mint

2 peach slices cubed

Take your sugar cube, mint, and cubed peaches and place them in your serving vessel. Add the peach liqueur and muddle.I love to see the mint and peaches at the bottom of the glass so I opted to use glass instead of a traditional julep cup. If you have julep cups at home you can use them. They keep your drink icy cold.

Add your bourbon and then top with crushed ice. You can crush some ice in a blender or by putting it in a cloth bag and hitting it with your muddler. Garnish with a healthy bouquet of mint and dust with powdered sugar.

Here’s a little sneak peek of the wallpaper in my living room. The big reveal is this week so stay tuned. I’m in love!

Mint juleps are so refreshing but I love this one especially because the peach adds brightness and fruitiness to a somewhat boozy cocktail. These are definitely a little dangerous and go down way too quickly, so take it easy! I hope you’re all doing something fun today. Put on a hat, sip a Peach Mint Julep and route for your favorite horse! Happy Derby Day!

Cinnamon Apple Whiskey Sour

February 17, 2017 by Natalie Leave a Comment

I’m so excited to share a recipe from my friend Kristy Gardner’s brand spanking new book called Cooking with Cocktails. This cookbook gives the phrase “happy hour” a whole new meaning because every recipe is made with wine, beer, or spirits, and that is A OK with me! I couldn’t imagine that any of you would disagree. As I was looking over the book, the Cinnamon Apple Whiskey Sour caught my eye. It’s been rather cold and snowy here and there’s no better cure for the winter blues than some warm spices, sweet fresh apples, and a bottle of bourbon.

Her recipe doesn’t call for egg whites but rather includes a “Tipsy Tip” to add them if you’re feeling adventurous. We’re adventurous here, and I love a good traditional sour with that delightful froth on top! I played around with the recipe and adapted it to my own taste. Kristy encouranges you to break the rules and be inventive in the kitchen, as do I, so let’s “pop the cork and see what happens!”

Cinnamon Apple Whiskey Sour, serves one

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 apple, cored and thinly sliced

White of one egg

2 oz. bourbon (I used Wild Turkey)

3/4 oz. simple syrup

3/4 oz. lemon juice

Dash of angostura bitters

Dry apple cider to top

Rosemary

Prepare your simple syrup (1:1) and your cinnamon sugar and set aside. Crack your egg and seperate it, dumping it into the larger side of your shaker tin. When you’re making drinks with dairy or egg white, you want to keep them seperate from your citrus until the moment you are ready to shake.

In the smaller side of your shaker tin add the bourbon, simple syrup, lemon, and angostura bitters. Add the smaller tin to the larger tin and dry shake to incorporate the egg into the rest of the ingredients. Open your tin, add ice, and shake again. Strain into the glassware of your choice. Top with apple cider. Take your apple slices and dip them into the cinnamon sugar mixture and spear with rosemary as the garnish for your drink.

Hope you enjoy this delicious variation on the classic whiskey sour. Make sure you grab your own copy of Cooking with Cocktails to try more recipes just like this one. Kristy also blogs over at She Eats, so check her out over there as well for more ideas about making fresh, seasonal and locally sourced meals and drinks.

Earl Grey Lavender Hot Toddy

January 20, 2017 by Natalie Leave a Comment

Happy Friday everyone!

I had a hectic week and I’m so glad for it to almost be over. I’m working on some exciting projects this weekend and can’t wait to get to it. Am I the only one that gets excited about work? lol.

Anyways, it’s been a little cold and dreary here, and with all this stress I really needed to take a chill pill. That’s why I put together this Earl Grey Lavender Hot Toddy. I took the simple ingredients in a classic toddy and combined them with the soothing and calming effects of lavender and some much needed tea to maximize your buzz and relaxation. It is also just a super simple subsitute, because instead of adding hot water to top, we’re adding freshly brewed earl grey tea.

It’s fun to think about all the different ways you can infuse this drink with other flavors and teas to make so many variations. If you have a favorite tea besides earl grey, try that. Let me know how it turns out. I’d love to hear about how you like your hot toddy! Do you add something fun and different? Herbs? Special Honey? A different spirit?

Whip up one of these, kick your feet up, put a mask on, and some cucumbers over those eyes, it’s FRIYAY!