Category: Drinks

Try This---Honey Lavender Latte

Try This—Honey Lavender Latte

This is the perfect recipe for all of us coffee snobs out there that pair coffee with foods like it’s a fine wine. I made this honey lavender syrup that I was using for tea, and it’s super delicious, but being more of a coffee gal, I decided to whip up a latte and test this honey lavender syrup out. Holy moly! For some reason, the combination of milk, honey, and lavender really bring out the natural flavors of a strong cup of coffee. I, legit, felt like I was at a wine—I mean—coffee tasting! I was blown away when I tried this recipe. I really was skeptical about using honey as a sweetener for a latte, but this has totally changed my mind. Who knew that honey, lavender, and coffee could just scream fall and winter comfort. You must try this!

Try This---Honey Lavender Latte

Honey Lavender Syrup

Ingredients

  • 1c water
  • 1c honey
  • 2tbsp lavender buds

Directions

  • combine ingredients in a saucepan
  • bring to a boil
  • reduce heat and allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes
  • put the liquid through a strainer to remove the lavender buds
  • store in a glass jar

Try This---Honey Lavender Latte

Honey Lavender Latte

Ingredients

  • 1c really strong coffee (espresso, if you’re gangsta)
  • 1/4c milk of your choice
  • 2tbsp honey lavender syrup

Directions

  • In a saucepan, froth your milk of choice with a whisk over medium heat (if you’re short on time, you can heat your milk in the microwave)
  • add about 2 tbsp of honey lavender syrup to the bottom of your coffee mug
  • pour in your coffee
  • top with frothed milk

The possibilities are endless with this honey lavender syrup. Don’t just stop at tea and lattes! You can add it to seltzer water for a refreshingly sweet drink that’s not loaded with sugar. Also, (and you can thank me later for this) you can use it to sweeten up your favorite homemade lemonade recipe. I might even try adding this to rice or some other savory dish like stir fry  in the near future! Oh man! I just thought of that last one!

Condensed Milk Iced Coffee

Try This— Condensed Milk Iced Coffee (w/ vegan option)

My sister-in-law was from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a small island country in the Caribbean just west of Barbados. She was  an amazing woman with impeccable style, grace, and class. She was also one heck of a cook. I was always fascinated watching her move in the kitchen. I never knew whether or not her choices as a cook were cultural or if she was, in fact, a West Indian Wolfgang Puck. Either way, she came up with some interesting meals and drinks that were as delicious as they were unusual.

Saint Vincent

I remember, from time to time, she would relax with a glass of Guinness. I personally think Guinness is gross, but she used to mix it with condensed milk. It was kind of a weird version of a White Russian. Admittedly, I’m not much of a drinker, but I really did like the sweetness of that drink! If dry stout is your thing I would totally give it a try. If I liked it, you’ll love it.

Even though Guinness isn’t really my thing, it was a beautiful looking drink and I got to thinking about how I could recreate it with some other tasty beverage. There was just something about the way the condensed milk swirled around that glass of Guinness that was so divine! I truly am a big fan of condensed milk. It’s creamy. It’s sweet. What’s not to love? Anyway, i decided to take the look of that drink and make an iced coffee to die for. Apparently, the Vietnamese have been making this condensed milk iced coffee for some time, so I tried my hand at the recipe, and whoa nellie, is it good!

Condensed Milk Iced Coffee

Condensed Milk Iced Coffee

Ingredients

  • 6 cups of strongly brewed coffee
  • 14oz can of condensed milk (if you need a vegan option, you can find it here)
  • whole milk
  • ice

Directions

  • In a heat safe glass pitcher, slowly combine your freshly brewed HOT coffee with the condensed milk
  • Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and allow it to cool
  • To serve, pour your creamy coffee over ice and add some whole milk to taste.
  • Enjoy!

***the proportions of this recipe are just a suggestion. I find coffee making to be a very personal ritual. Try it a couple of times to find the right balance for you. You won’t regret this!

***this post is in loving memory of my sister-in-law, Daphne. I miss you.

 

 

 

Brazilian Lemonade

Try This—Brazilian Lemonade

Try This---Brazilian LemonadeTry This---Brazilian Lemonade

I was pretty sure, before I tried this drink, that there was nothing more refreshing than cucumber water on a hot summer day. You guys, Brazilian Lemonade is amazing. I’m not just saying that because it was 90 degrees yesterday and this drink literally saved my life. I’m not even saying it because it’s such a beautiful drink to look at when it’s all gussied up in a pretty pitcher. This is legit the most delicious drink I’ve had in a while. You need to TRY THIS!!!

Brazilian Lemonade

Ingredients

  • 6 cups cold water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 limes
  • 6 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk

Directions

  • Mix water and sugar together until sugar is dissolved. Put in the fridge to chill until ready to use.
  • Use soap and water to thoroughly wash the limes. You want to scrub really well because you are going to be using the whole lime! After you’ve washed and scrubbed your limes, cut the ends off the limes (DO NOT MISS THIS STEP!) and then cut them into eighths.
  • Place half of the limes and half of the sugar water in your blender and pulse 5 times. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into the pitcher that you are going to serve it in. Discard the pulp. Repeat with the second half of your limes and sugar water. Mix in the sweetened condensed milk. Serve over lots of ice.

***You can add a little white rum to this bad boy to give it an extra kick!

Source: playzwithfood

Try This—Oatmeal Latte

So this happened. An Oatmeal Latte! I seriously can’t believe that I never thought to do this before. I love coffee and I love oatmeal. This recipe should’ve been a no-brainer. As it is, I only heard about it from a high school friend of mine who was back in New York on a short visit after living in Colorado for a long time. There’s a coffee shop in Breckenridge that has this on the menu. Gah! Yet another reason to visit Colorado! Anyway, this is delicious, you guys. Like D-E-licious…TRY THIS!!!
Oatmeal LatteOatmeal LatteOatmeal LatteOatmeal LatteOatmeal LatteOatmeal Latte

Oatmeal Latte Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old fashioned oats
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 (or 4!) shots of espresso
  • granola for topping

Directions:

Place the oats and 1 1/2 cups of milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the salt and cinnamon. Stir to combine. In the meantime, froth or steam the remaining 1 cup of milk. Add about 3/4 cup of the steamed, frothed milk to the oats. Cook, stirring often, until the oats are super creamy and milky. Remove from heat. Stir in the remaining milk. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract.

***The measurements are slightly different, but honestly the measurements are only a suggestion. It all depends on what consistency and sweetness you prefer. I have replaced the whole milk with soy milk a couple of the times that I made this. I’ve left out the cinnamon once or twice. Whatever. Point is— Play with your food, y’all!!! This one is almost impossible to mess up.

Source: Oatmeal Latte | How Sweet It Is

The Absolute Best Holiday Cocktails

Holiday Drinks

Playing the part of a sophisticated and creative bartender is easy if you have some go-to recipes up your sleeve. So when you’re hosting your holiday cookie party, or just hanging out with the family after hours of gift wrapping and putting the kids to bed, these drinks are sure to please. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite showstopping, holiday cocktail recipes. Each one is pretty easy to make, and will add a touch of festive charm to your next holiday get together.

1 The Chocolate Peppermint Stick

Image Credit: mixthatdrink.com
Image Credit: mixthatdrink.com

This recipe calls for white creme de cacao and peppermint schnapps. As creamy and delicious as it is pretty to look at, this drink is a perfect addition to your cocktail menu. Check out the full recipe here.

2 The Snowball

Image Credit: mixthatdrink.com
Image Credit: mixthatdrink.com

Another beautiful drink, the Snowball is traditionally a summertime drink, despite the name. I have no idea why, especially since it boasts holiday flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, and Kahlua. Oh well. Rules are made to be broken from time to time. Get the full recipe here.

3 Red Hot Santa ‘Tini

Image Credit: mixthatdrink.com
Image Credit: mixthatdrink.com

This drink adds just the right amount of fire to your ice. For those Lou Reeds out there that like to take a walk on the wild side and spice things up, this is the cocktail for you. It features the bold flavor of chili infused vodka. Get the full recipe here.

4 Hot Holiday Cocktails and Kid-Friendly Mocktails

For some of my favorite hot holiday cocktails, and even some non-alcoholic ‘mocktails’, check out this list.

Seriously, guys. Don’t just read this post and say to yourself that these drinks sound delicious. They do not disappoint. Make one immediately!— (unless you’re driving or about to drive…Bailey cares).