My 5 Favorite Mocktails

A little more than a year ago when we were tossed into COVID quarantine, my alcohol consumption pretty much ground to a halt. To be fair, I really only drank when I went out (either to dinner or a party or to a friend's house). I stopped drinking at home a while ago, and when it finally dawned on me that the after-effects of drinking weren't doing me any favors, I stopped drinking altogether. Every once in a while I will have a very short glass of wine or some prosecco to celebrate a special occasion, and sometimes if a new flavor is introduced, I'll try a spiked seltzer. Otherwise, I stick to non-alcoholic versions of my favorite cocktails.

I don't miss the taste of alcohol or the way it made me feel the next day, but I do miss some of the rituals around alcohol. Pouring a glass of wine signaled that my workday was over, and what a great feeling that always is. I can still enjoy those rituals, but now it's with a mocktail.

Here are 5 of my favorite mocktails that show that all the fun isn't just for cocktails.

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Cocktails That Are Perfect For Labor Day Weekend

Will you be entertaining guests this weekend or heading over to a friend's house to bid farewell to summer? Either way, you'll want to serve or take the cocktail that will become the talk of the party. I've got a few recipes to share today that feature Sparkling Ice, the naturally-made, zero sugar, zero calorie sparkling water brand. Sparkling Ice products make it super simple to make tasty cocktails that your guests will love!

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Summer Cocktails That Are Perfect For Entertaining

As we head into Labor Day, it's likely that you'll either be hosting parties or attending a few (or both!). Either way, it's good to have a signature cocktail to serve or a fun boozy treat to bring for everyone's enjoyment.

Here are a few of my end-of-summer favorites.

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Easy and Festive Oscar Party Food Ideas

This post was written in partnership with Nellie's Free Range Eggs. All opinions are my own.

The Oscars are all about Hollywood glitz and glamour, and your Oscars party should be as well. That doesn't mean you have to spend a ton of money or time pulling it together. A little bit of planning and organization (and some shopping and prepping!) is all it takes to throw a party that, like the Oscars, will be the talk of the town the next day!

The key is to serve quick, easy, and delicious cocktails, appetizers, and sweet treats for a glam Oscars (or any awards ceremony) viewing party!

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Cocktails for the Holiday Season

The holidays are quickly approaching. One of my entertaining must-dos is to have a signature cocktail that I serve at our gatherings. It takes the pressure off of you to be mixing up all sorts of custom-made cocktails all night long and gives you more time to mingle with and enjoy your guests and your party. Here are two of my favorites.

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Frozé Watermelon Granita

In the summer months, you'll rarely find me drinking a cocktail that's something other than rosé or sparkling rosé. It's just so refreshing and hits the spot on a warm, sunny day. But sometimes rosé with a twist is a fun way to switch things up a bit while still enjoying my favorite wine. The recipe combines the elements of a frozé with that of a granita for a truly refreshing and tasty cocktail that's surprisingly easy to prepare.

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Summer's "It" Cocktail: Aperol Spritz

Remember when expertly styled glasses of crisp rosé were all the rage on Instagram? It seemed every other picture on IG was a refreshing glass of rosé that made you want to crack open a bottle and pour a glass. Rosé has moved over and is being quickly replaced by the aperol spritz, a sunshine-hued cocktail. The year's most fashionable drink is blowing up Instagram and is a popular choice because it's not the kind of cocktail that knocks you over after just one. You could spend a few hours sipping a few over brunch and easily walk away unscathed.

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Cocktails To Serve On New Year's Eve

Every New Year's Eve celebration we host always includes a little bubbly. I mean, it wouldn't be NYE without some sparkling wine. My go to is Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore. This year in addition to serving the prosecco straight from the bottle, I'll be mixing up two delicious cocktails for those who want an added twist to their prosecco. And if you've got some leftover prosecco to use for mimosas the next morning, here's a little trick for re-carbonating it.

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Fun and Festive Fourth of July Cocktails

For any holiday, I like to serve a signature cocktail. It puts a festive, fun and customized touch on the celebration. For the Fourth of July, the possibilities are endless. There's so much you can do with a red, white and blue theme. Here are two suggestions for fizzy, fruity cocktails made with zero-calorie Sparkling Ice and world-renowned Italian winery Santa Margherita for your star-spangled holiday.

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Raspberry Peach Prosecco Punch

Whenever we entertain for a large group, I like to serve a signature cocktail or drink. It keeps people from being overwhelmed with choices of wine, beer, and cocktails, and it makes it much easier on me as the hostess.

On Sunday, we will be hosting Easter dinner, and I plan to make this tasty punch.

RASPBERRY PEACH PROSECCO PUNCH

Ingredients
12 oz. frozen raspberries
2 cups peach nectar, chilled
1 bottle of Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore DOCG, chilled

Preparation
1. Place frozen raspberries in a large glass pitcher or bowl. 
2. Top with the peach nectar and Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore DOCG.
3. Fill remainder of the pitcher with ice cubes. Stir and serve cold.

NOTE: I like to use frozen peach slices as ice cubes. They keep the drink cold, and they look so pretty.

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Two Delicious Cocktails to Celebrate National Blueberry Month

New Jersey is one of 10 states that account for 98% of blueberries grown in the U.S. So, it's only natural that I love this tasty little berry and make every attempt to use it in any kind of recipe, including cocktails.

Since July is National Blueberry Month, we'll be celebrating by visiting a local farm to pick (and sample) all the blueberry goodness we can get our hands on. And when we return home, I'll treat myself to one of these two tasty cocktails.

WINE SUPERCOOLER

Ingredients

1 Part Reisling (3 oz.)
1 Part Pomegranate Blueberry Sparkling Ice (3 oz.)
Pomegranate Seeds
Blueberries
Cranberries
1 Teaspoon Agave
Mint, to garnish

Preparation

1. Mix all ingredients in a pitcher

2. Pour contents into wine glasses

3. Add mint to garnish

MONTMORENCY (I love any excuse to uncork a bottle of Champagne!)

Ingredients

1 Part Dry Champagne (2 oz.)
1 Part Pomegranate Blueberry Sparkling Ice (2 oz.)
Mint, to garnish
Blueberries, to garnish

Preparation

1. Mix all ingredients in flutes

2. Add fresh mint and blueberries to garnish

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Cheers To Groundhog Day Cocktails

Groundhog Day may not seem like an occasion worthy of celebrating. But trust me, if I hear there will be six more weeks of winter, I'll be in need of a cocktail. On the other hand, if I hear spring is just around the corner, I'll want a cocktail to celebrate the good news.

Whether Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow or not, these fun and fruity, warm-weather inspired cocktails are perfect for celebrating the outcome, good or bad.

Shadow Spritzer

Ingredients

1 Bottle of Strawberry Lemonade Sparkling Ice
Dash of lime juice
1 ½ oz. vodka
Fresh raspberries for garnish

1 lemon, thinly sliced
Crushed ice

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Bahama Breeze: A Restaurant For All Occasions

This post is written in partnership with Bahama Breeze, All opinions are my own.

Although we love a quaint celebration at home, but for a nice change of pace, we enjoy a celebration out at a restaurant. Who doesn't love the chance to sit back and leave the cooking, serving, and cleaning up to someone else? Whether you are celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, a girls' night out, a retirement, or a report card of straight As, Bahama Breeze can make your celebration a memorable one.

On a recent Saturday, the girls and I had a shopping trip planned to pick out the dress Emma would wear to the dinner/dance during her 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C. But before we hit the mall, we wanted to have lunch. We were eager to try somewhere new, and we mutually decided on Bahama Breeze in Toms River.

Upon our first step into Bahama Breeze, we were immediately transported to the tropics. Lush tropical plants and decor surround you, giving you the feeling of being on a tropical island.

We ordered some icy beverages and perused the menu. The girls ordered non-alcoholic piña coladas, and I ordered the "Shark Attack Shack" rum flight. You can read more about my beverage choice here.

Bahama Breeze mixes up a variety of cocktails including signature cocktails. legendary island cocktails, tropical favorites as well as non-alcoholic concoctions, beer, wine, and sangria. Bahama Breeze proudly serves premium spirits and takes pride in every drink the mixologists make.

While we leisurely enjoyed our delicious drinks, we munched on the coconut shrimp appetizer. The large, succulent and crunchy shrimp are served with a citrus-mustard sauce.

Bahama Breeze specializes in American cuisine with an island infusion. Caribbean-inspired specialties abound, and whether you are a seafood lover or a landlubber, there's something on the menu for everyone to enjoy.

Both the manager Matt and our server were all too willing to give us recommendations and offer up their favorite menu items. I seriously wanted to order every item on the menu, so their feedback was very welcome.

After going back and forth between the Calypso Shrimp Linguine and the Lobster Mac & Cheese, I ended up going with the mac and cheese. One bite, and I knew I made the right choice. It was delicious. It was rich but not so much so that you could barely have more than 5 bites. The side of fresh green beans offered a nice balance to the richness of the lobster and the cheesy pasta.

Although there is a kids' menu, my girls ordered from the regular menu. They were both eager to try Caribbean twists on their favorite foods. Emma, who has a penchant for spicy foods, ordered the Jamaican Jerk Chicken and cleaned her plate.

Harper ordered the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad and was thrilled with it. The chicken is marinated in a mango sauce before it's grilled, and the salad is topped with huge shavings of Parmesan cheese.

And what's dinner without dessert? Bahama Breeze has six desserts on the menu, all sound as mouthwatering as the next, and after much discussion, we finally agreed on Rebecca's Key Lime Pie, a tangy pie with handmade brown sugar crust and peaks of golden meringue.

Whether you are celebrating a momentous occasion or a small milestone, let Bahama Breeze play host to your next gathering.  If it's cocktails and appetizers for one or dinner for ten, Bahama Breeze brings the islands to you in a fun, vibrant, and lighthearted atmosphere.

Bahama Breeze also hosts a happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 pm to 6 pm and a late night happy hour Sunday through Thursday from 10 pm to close. Enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, half-priced appetizers, and a good time.

For more information, follow Bahama Breeze on its social channels below and on the Web at www.bahamabreeze.com.

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Bahama Breeze, Toms River is located at 1201 Hooper Avenue (on the outskirts of the Ocean County Mall). For more information, call 732-736-7012. 

This post is written in partnership with Bahama Breeze.

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Rumtoberfest is Happening NOW at Bahama Breeze

This post is written in partnership with Bahama Breeze.

It's Halloween in the islands, and that can mean only one thing: Fun! While you may be thinking Oktoberfest, it's time to shift your thinking to Rumtoberfest. Yes! A celebration of rum and fun is happening right now through November 8, 2015 at the Bahama Breeze in Toms River, New Jersey.

What is Rumtoberfest?
Every Friday through November 8th, Bahama Breeze invites you to its Toms River location for barrels (pun intended!) of rum-fun which includes live music, a fortune teller, a friendly pirate, games, prizes, and even secret password specials. To go along with all the fun and games, Bahama Breeze will be serving signature Rumtoberfest flights and Hurricanes. Keep your eyes peeled for the rum barrel as it makes its way around the restaurant. You don't get more authentic than that!

I sat down and settled in for my "flight"...rum flight, that is.

If you are looking for a quick island getaway, a Rumtoberfest rum flight is your answer. There are three different cocktail flights to choose from, each flight priced at $9.79 per flight. Matt, one of the Bahama Breeze managers at the Toms River location suggested the "Shark Attack Shack" flight for me. Or if you are a rum aficiondo, sample a flight of straight rums. Bahama Breeze offer top shelf rums that will please your palette and give you the ultimate island experience.

The "Shark Attack Shack" included the Painkiller (Pusser's Dark Rum, cream of coconut, pineapple and orange juices with freshly ground nutmeg), the Yaka Hula Hickey Dula (pineapple juice, Riesling, and Bacardi Black Rum), and the Zombie (Barcardi Black and Barbancourt Rums with Peach Schnapps). Although each was delicious in it's own right, my favorite was the Painkiller. It tasted like a liquid pina colada. Delicious!

Can you tell that I thoroughly enjoyed my Rumtoberfest rum flight?

In addition to the Shark Attack Shack, there are two additional rum-filled cocktail flights to delight you. "Mama's Hooch & Holler" and "Float My Boat Bar" will transport you to islands with warm breezes, steel drums, and lazy afternoons in the sun.

Whether you are a rum expert or just trying it for the first time Rumtoberfest is for you. There's no need to hop on an airplane to head to the islands. It's much easier than that. Hop in your car and head to Bahama Breeze in Toms River.

Unleash your inner creative islander and show up in your best island costume for a scary good time at Bahama Breeze. Not into costumes? No worries. How about a pirate tattoo instead? Whatever your fancy, you'll find plenty of fun and rum at Rumtoberfest.

Rumtoberfest will be celebrated every Friday at the Toms River Bahama Breeze location through November 8. For more information, follow Bahama Breeze on its social channels below and on the Web at www.bahamabreeze.com.

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Bahama Breeze, Toms River is located at 1201 Hooper Avenue (on the outskirts of the Ocean County Mall). For more information, call 732-736-7012. 

This post is written in partnership with Bahama Breeze.

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The Screamsicle Martini

Halloween is c-r-eeeeping up on us, and it’s time to start thinking of spooky drink recipes that will have family and friends screaming in delight. Although it's a ton of fun to mix up a big bowl of punch for the kids, the holiday isn't complete without a mixed drink for mom and dad. Adults will love the Screamsicle Martini.

Ingredients
6 oz. Cascade Ice Orange Mango
1/2 oz. orange-flavored vodka
2 oz. whipped cream-flavored vodka
Red or black licorice for garnishing, optional

Preparation
Mix 6oz Cascade Ice Orange Mango with 1/2 oz of orange vodka and 2oz of whipped cream-flavored vodka in a glass with ice. Garnish with some red or black licorice for the perfect cocktail!

Cascade Ice waters are free of unnecessary and unhealthy "extras" found in other flavored waters like calories, sodium, caffeine, gluten and sugar. Compared to many popular soda brands which can contain upwards of 38 grams of sugar, Cascade Ice beverages are sugar-free and full of flavor.

Find more information on Cascade Ice's Facebook page.

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Pink Champagne and Raspberry Granité

This frozen dessert can double as a cocktail, cool you down when you’re ready to melt, and totally impress your guests. It's simple to prepare, and requires only 4 ingredients and can be made up to 3 days in advance. Top the granité with your favorite summer berries and a sprig of mint for a pretty presentation.

Pink Champagne and Raspberry Granité (Makes 6 to 8 Servings)

Ingredients

2 ½ pints raspberries

½ pint blueberries

 1 ⅓ cups sugar

One 750-ml bottle rosé champagne

Juice of 1 lemon

Preparation

1. Combine 2 pints of raspberries, the sugar, and ¼ cup of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and process until smooth.

2. Strain the purée through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl. Stir in the champagne and lemon juice. Scrape the mixture into a shallow metal baking pan, cover, and freeze until firm, at least 8 hours. (You can make the granité ahead and keep it covered in the freezer for up to 3 days.)

3. Using the tip of a spoon or the tines of a fork, scrape the granité into chilled dessert glasses, garnish with the remaining ½ pint raspberries and the blueberries, and serve immediately.

Recipes appears courtesy of Francois Payard.

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Refreshing Summer Cocktail: Grapefruit Bubbly

A scorching hot summer day warrants a refreshing cocktail. This one has the crisp taste of gin combined with pink grapefruit sparkling water. Garnish with lime slices for a pretty contrast of green against the pink.

GRAPEFRUIT BUBBLY COCKTAIL

Ingredients

• 3 oz.  Pink Grapefruit Sparkling ICE
• 1.5 oz. Gin
• ½ oz. elderflower liqueur
• Lime slices for garnish

Preparation

1. Using a tall Collins glass, pour gin and elderflower liquer, then Pink Grapefruit Sparkling ICE over ice.  Stir gently to mix.

2. Garnish with lime slices. 

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Happy Hour at Home

On Friday afternoons when the clock strikes 5 o'clock, I imagine I look a lot like Fred Flintstone sliding down a dinosaur's tail at quitting time. Nothing excites me more than the promise of a summer weekend ahead, and that weekend usually starts with happy hour.

However, here at the Jersey shore, the bars become mob scenes on Friday evenings. Nothing puts a damper on my spirits faster than an overcrowded bar with overpriced drinks and over zealous twenty-somethings jockeying for a space at the bar to order the next round. No thanks. I'll pass.

I've managed to do a good job of re-creating happy hour at home, complete with yummy drinks, tasty food, and good music. At my happy hours, you wont fight the crowds for a spot at the bar, and you certainly won't encounter a long wait for the women's restroom!

It's really very simple once you have the key components for a great happy hour at home.

1. Start with a signature cocktail
Whether it's a happy hour or a party I am hosting, I mix up a signature cocktail for my guests to enjoy. It cuts down on chaos in the kitchen and you avoid having to mix customized drinks for guests. Whether you mix a pitcher of gin and tonics, margaritas, sangria, or Champagne cocktails, choose one universally appealing drink for your guests.

Cherry Mojito | Bloody Mary | White Sangria | Pool Party Mojito

2. Serve cocktails with conversation napkins
Allow your cocktail napkins to serve as conversation pieces. When I use the napkins shown in the collage above, I ask my guests what their favorite drink is and how it came to be. There are so many great stories behind my friends' favorite drinks!

3. Use appropriate stemware and glassware
There's no need to buy expensive crystal, but it is important to have the appropriate glasses for serving drinks. You don't want to serve Champagne cocktails in tumbler glasses, for example.

4. Serve light bites
Serve a few carefully selected hors d'oeuvres that pair well with the signature cocktail. For added fun, offer guests fun plates for their fun food. Serve the light fare on serving platters and trays.

5. Set the mood
Place flowers in the center of the table and lanterns throughout your entertaining area for ambience.

And don't forget the most important components of happy hour at home: kick back, relax, and enjoy!

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Friday's Fresh Picks: Festive Fall Cocktails

Just as you change up your wardrobe each season, you should change up your cocktails too! I love to take advantage of in season produce and incorporate it into my cocktails. Autumn is the perfect time for this. An abundance of apples and pumpkins makes for some incredibly tasty concoctions.

Pick one or two and try them this weekend. You'll be glad you did!

{Warm your insides with spiked apple cider}

{Take a break from beer and serve up a pitcher of Autumn sangria for football Sundays}

{Fall is synonymous with apples. So, what's fall without a candy apple martini?}

{It may not be better than a sweet, crunchy caramel apple, but a caramel apple martini comes close}

{The trifecta of drink combinations: pear, vanilla, and vodka cocktail}

{Grab the chips and guac and serve them with spiced apple margaritas}

{If you like white Russians, you'll LOVE autumn Russians}

{A hot buttered rum is perfect for a cozy night in}

Friday Fresh Picks are hand-picked favorite items, reviews and highlights from the amazing women you see above.

Visit their websites to learn about other amazing picks from this week!

Sarah from Finnegan & The Hughes

Hilary from A Fancy Girl Must

Tina from Life Without Pink

Erica from No Sleep 'til College

To view all of my Friday Fresh Picks posts, click here.

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Sweet and Spooky Creamsicle Martini

Whether you are hosting a big Halloween bash or just a few friends, this frighteningly delicious cocktail is perfect for the occasion.

Creamsicle Martini
Ingredients

1.5 oz. Vanilla flavored vodka
3.5 oz. Orange Mango Sparkling ICE

Preparation:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Serve with candy corn and rock candy swizzle stick.

For more cocktail recipes, view all of my cocktail posts and my Cocktails Pinterest board.

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