Blue Moon Old Fashioned - Kentucky Derby Style

New Year, New You!

Here we are in 2015!  It's the new year, and I know what that means.  Everyone and their brother is on a health kick.  Well optimum health is my way of life.  I try not to over due anything.  Everything is great in moderation.

For your new year resolutions, instead of not drinking anything at all, maybe try switching to red wine for awhile.  It has so many health benefits.  It has antioxidants, it's anti-aging, and cancer preventative properties.  Red wine has reservatrol which can increase your life span, protects against Alzheimers, and dementia.  It reduces the risk of heart and cardiovascular disease.

Now, I know you red wine drinkers are saying Yes, I knew I was doing something right!  Well, yes you were.  Moderation, doesn't mean drinking a whole bottle by yourself every night.  But a glass of wine or two is more than enough.  Remember, moderation is key.

Here's to a new you, taking more steps to living a healthier life, and being a happier version of you in 2015!

Salud!

Thanksgiving libations!

Thanksgiving is here and pairing your libations throughout the day to go with your meal is a great idea to make the most of your food and taste buds.

It's a holiday, so start yourself off with a refreshing mimosa or Aperol spritz with breakfast.  You make think to yourself, I won't eat breakfast today because I'm going to eat a huge meal later.  Big mistake!  Get your body fueled up for the day with a bite to eat.  A nice hot Jameson and coffee is perfect for a holiday brunch while watching the Thanksgiving football game!

I put together a cheese platter for our Thanksgiving appetizer, which can also be used for dessert!  Perfect for a nice light wine before dinner, a rose, or a sauvignon blanc.

Now, it's time for the turkey!  A light white wine goes well with turkey.  It doesn't cover up the flavor of the bird.  Stay clear of big chardonnays.  A riesling, gewurtzraminer, or a lambrusco is great.  Pinot Noir is a great choice for red.  Serving it chilled is refreshing, and light.

Now, you are so full, you can't possibly eat another bite, and out comes dessert.  Pumpkin pie, apple pie, that cheese platter is back.  Perfect time for a digestive.  I love Fernet Branca, a nice cognac, or a port will make your Thanksgiving holiday meal complete!

Hot apple cider for fall!

A hot cup of apple cider for the colder months is perfect for the whole family.  You can warm it up for the kids and add a cinnamon sugar rim with a cinnamon stick.  For the adults just add spiced rum and a cinnamon stick.

I look forward to this time of year, when I pick up fresh apple cider from my farmer's market.  You can also find it at Trader Joes all year round.

For my evening walk with my dog, I bring a hot cup and watch our beautiful sunset at the beach or sitting by my roaring fire.  Heavenly!

Hemingway Daquiri

There are so many delicious new rums that I have tasted lately.  It reminded me of old classic drink called the Hemingway Daquiri.  You take 2oz of light rum, 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice, 1/4 ounce fresh grapefruit juice a dash of simple syrup, and a teaspoon of Maraschino liqueur, and shake vigorously in a shaker.  Serve straight up or on the rocks in a cocktail glass.

Hemingway frequented the El Floridita Bar in Havana Cuba where he was served this drink and he drank if regularly.

Pumpkin Colada

Pumpkin season is back!  Finding a new twist on an old favorite just add pumpkin to a pina colada recipe.

I would use a spiced rum like Captain Morgans to give it a pumpkin pie flavor.  Just take 2 oz of cream of coconut, 2 oz pumpkin puree, 2oz of spiced rum, and 2 oz of pineapple juice and 1 cup of ice and blend together.  Garnish with pumpkin pie spice.

Here in California its still 80 degrees this time of year.  For us it's the perfect way to cool down!
Salud!

Mama's Boy Infusions

Tequila just got spicier!  Introducing Mama's Boy Infusions.  Created by Sean Conley, a local Los Angeles bartender.  Sean created this tequila by infusing blue agave, pure filtered water, exotic fruit, and Mama's exclusive chili blend.

His first bottled infusion is pineapple, mango and chili flavor.  Can you imagine these flavors infused in your favorite tequila.  It's to die for!  The sweetness of the fruit and the heat of the chili.  Hot mama!  You can drink it on the rocks, mix it in a cocktail, make a spicy margarita, the possibilities are endless.

You can find Mama's Boy tequila at Busby's West, Circle Bar, Del Friscos, Enterprise Fish Company, The Shack, Tony P's, and many other establishments.   If your local bar or restaurant doesn't carry it, ask them to carry it.  I am a big advocate on supporting local companies, and this is one tequila company I can definitely support.

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