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Would You Rather Drink a Margarita or a Daiquiri?

YumSugar — Sun, 18 May 2008 01:30:28 -0700

When I saw this frozen strawberry margarita, I suddenly had a hankering for a fruity blended beverage. Usually when I want berries and booze, I'll go for a strawberry daiquiri, but I have to admit that I love margaritas even more. How about you?Source and Source

Would You Rather Drink a Margarita or a Daiquiri?

Margarita please!

I can't resist a good daiquiri

Neither, I would prefer _______ (fill in the blank).

Happy Hour: Orange Mojo-ito

YumSugar — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:15:20 -0700

This Cinco de Mayo, you could serve your guests a pitcher of classic margaritas, the more adventurous michelada, or something a little bit different.

The Orange Mojo-ito is a nice twist on an old favorite, and while mojitos aren't Mexican, the new variation makes it worthy of your fiesta! To find out how to create this sublime mix of mandarin vodka, rum, and mint, please

Happy Hour: Blarney Stone

YumSugar — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 16:13:31 -0800

I was browsing around looking for a fun drink when I noticed that Absolut's website lets you pick your drinks by color. Since St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, I figured I'd hunt us down a nice green drink. Usually I just consume a lot of beer — green or Guinness — but this year I might mix it up by shaking up a few of these Blarney Stones. To get the recipe, which is minty fresh, yet tough, just

Happy Hour: Champagne Cosmo

YumSugar — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 13:28:11 -0800

I was cleaning out my inbox when I came across this recipe for a Champagne Cosmo. The folks at TheBar.com sent it over as a great holiday cocktail, but unfortunately I didn't see it in time. Luckily for us, champagne is always in style, and the cosmo is here to stay. So if you're looking for a new twist on the average glass of bubbly, then check out this recipe. I plan on giving it a go this weekend; let me know if you end up doing the same! To get the recipe,

CasaSugar's Flaming Tongs of Fire Punch

YumSugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:00:00 -0800

Every year CasaSugar and her sweetie throw a big, holiday party called a Feuerzangenbowle. The place is well decorated with homemade-snowflake chandeliers, but the highlight of the party is the actual Feuerzangenbowle — German for "tongs of fire punch" — which contains fruity and mulled wine and a flaming rum. A sugar cone is soaked in rum and placed above the punch. It is then lit and the flaming sugar drips into the holiday wine. It's definitely a festive and unique way to ring in the holidays!

This photo was taken before the cone was lit, but if you'd like to see photos of it aflame, as well as get the recipe and techniques on how to make the Tongs of Fire Punch at home,

Happy Hour: Baptist Punch

YumSugar — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 16:28:39 -0800

This past weekend I found myself standing by the punch bowl at a neighbor's party. I didn't know too many folks there, so I found comfort in the shimmering peach-colored liquid. I knew it was a spiked punch, but it didn't taste too strong, so I downed more than a few glasses. A little bit later, and just a tad lot tipsy, I finally asked what was in the punch. My neighbor told me that it was his version of "Baptist Punch" and that it contained cranberry, pineapple, and orange juice. Knowing that all of those ingredients were not the ones that got me tipsy, I asked what else was in it and he said: Everclear.

Everclear is a type of grain alcohol that contains around 95 percent alcohol — most liquors contain around 40 percent — although it is sold in a 75.5 percent blend as well . . . I should also mention that the 95 percent mix is illegal to purchase in many US states, including here in California. It's also worth noting that Everclear is difficult to detect as it's relatively flavorless and doesn't smell very strong. My neighbor, who had it specially imported from another state, made sure to mention that Everclear's nondetectable characteristics was the other reason the concoction was called "Baptist Punch." This way no one knows that you've been drinking.

To get the recipe for both a nonalcoholic and alcoholic version of Baptist Punch,

Happy Hour: Jell-O Shots Three Ways

YumSugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:13:39 -0800

I seriously thought I'd make it out of my 20s without ever having made Jell-O shots. However, sometimes a party calls for a little extra fun.

Last week I was pulled aside and asked if I could make 60 Jell-O shots by the next day. Being YumSugar, I said sure thing, no problem; it wasn't until later that I went into panic mode. Jell-O shots? Seriously? How do I make them? What's the correct ratio? What do I serve them in? After a few minutes on Google, the panic went away, and soon I had several unpredictable flavors and a clever serving tip. So I bought my supplies, spent an hour in the kitchen, and the next day there were Jell-O shots in three flavors: margarita, classic cherry, and spiked tropical punch.

If you've always wanted to try Jell-O shots, get my recipes and tips on how to serve when you

TV Drinks: 30 Rock — Nancy Drew AKA Hardy Boy

YumSugar — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:28:31 -0800

A few weeks ago, there was a great moment on 30 Rock that made me laugh out loud. Alec Baldwin's character, Jack Donaghy, says to the bartender, "I'll have a white rum with diet ginger ale and a splash of lime." Fast forward a few seconds later and the bartender presents him with his drink, "The Nancy Drew." Naturally, a man as masculine as Jack cannot be seen ordering a Nancy Drew, and therefore corrects the bartender by saying, "For men, it's called a Hardy Boy."

Sadly, there isn't actually a drink called a Nancy Drew — or a Hardy Boy for that matter — however that doesn't mean we can't make one. After all dark rum and ginger beer is perfect in a Dark and Stormy, so a lightened up version featuring ginger ale and light rum must also be delicious! To get the recipe and see the hysterical clip for yourself,

Happy Hour: The Big Apple

YumSugar — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:27:18 -0800

Last year, while flipping through Blueprint magazine, I came across a beautifully styled drink called The Big Apple. The recipe sounded fantastic — whiskey, apple cider, vermouth — but the reason to drink it was even better. According to Blueprint, it makes the perfect "transitional" sipper and I couldn't agree more. It's definitely too cold for margaritas, and I personally can't do eggnog until Thanksgiving. Over the next two weeks I plan on enjoying a few of these Big Apples. Want to join me? Get the recipe, just

Happy Hour: Happy Hallowine!

YumSugar — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 09:13:38 -0700

If you're still looking for a fun wine to serve for tonight's Halloween bash, then be sure to check out this list of Halloween appropriate wines. From Armida Poizin to Hungary's Bull's Blood, there's something for every mood. If those two are too sinister for you, then check out Hocus Pocus or the Seven Deadly Zins. No matter what you select, you're bound to get a few comments when you serve one of these wines. To check out our full selection, scroll through below.

Happy Hour: Autumnal Equinox

YumSugar — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 13:28:33 -0700

Yesterday was the first day of fall, or autumnal equinox. This means it's just about time to put away the ice cream maker and pull out the crock-pot. If this is sad news to you, you may need a drink to help you cope. If it's great news, then you may need a drink to help you celebrate. Either way, I've got the perfect one for the occasion. The drink, aptly titled Autumnal Equinox, is a perfect mix of port wine, Grand Marnier, and amaretto. To get the recipe,

Happy Hour: Briar Patch

YumSugar — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:39:31 -0700

On a recent flight, I found myself flipping through the pages of the recent Gourmet magazine, when a bourbon-based drink called Briar Patch caught my eye. I tried my best to wish myself into the photograph, but that didn't happen, so I ended up just wishing I had one instead. I thought that perhaps it was the three screaming children on the flight that made me wish that, however once I landed I still craved the chile-blackberry bourbon mixture. I haven't satiated it yet, but hope to do so soon. If you'd like to join me, check out the recipe, just

Yummy Link: Seven Beer Wonders of the World

YumSugar — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 06:13:31 -0700

Did you know there was such a thing as chocolate beer, champagne beer and dog's beer? If not then be sure to check out this list of the seven beer wonders of the world. - Trifter

Happy Hour: Bananarama

YumSugar — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 13:18:39 -0700

When I found out that today was National Banana Lover's Day, my brain immediately jumped to the word Bananarama. And when I say Bananarama, I'm not talking about the rumor hearing girl group of the 80s, but a flirty drink instead. The cocktail, which is a creamy concoction consisting of vodka, orange liqueur and creme de banana, is perfect for banana lovers or anyone who's looking to bid farewell to a "cruel summer" — sorry, I couldn't resist another Bananarama reference...

To get the recipe,

Happy Hour: Happy Camper

YumSugar — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 13:28:41 -0700

The phrase "happy camper" refers to someone who is happy, satisfied and content. When I think of happy campers, I think of folks sitting in a lounge chair, with their feet propped up on coolers and tents in the background and a fire going on the side. These happy campers are also sipping down on a lovely drink, what kind you ask? Well a Happy Camper of course! In the drink world a Happy Camper is a lovely mix of Kahlua, Baileys and Frangelico. How could you not be satisfied and content with that drink?! To get the recipe,

Happy Hour: "Root Beer Float" Cocktail

YumSugar — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 13:18:30 -0700

If a regular root beer float is a little too tame for you, then I suggest you spice things up a bit with the grown-up version. Sure you could spike your root beer with bourbon, but why not take it to the next level? Why not indulge in a properly mixed drink that tastes just like a root beer float? The strangest part is that it actually doesn't use root beer as a base, it uses Coke! To find out how to make this fantastic concoction,

Happy Hour: Drinkable Salad aka Bloody Mary

YumSugar — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 13:18:31 -0700

When we decided to declare this week salad week, I knew that the first happy hour would have to be the quintessential Bloody Mary. In a way the Bloody Mary is like a liquid salad - celery, onions, tomatoes - only with alcohol in it. I know that a lot of people dislike the way they taste, however there is something about the savory flavor that keeps me coming back for more. To whip up your own alcoholic salad,

Happy Hour: Hennessy Shanghai

partysugar — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 13:13:41 -0700

Cognac, like Champagne, is a type of alcohol whose production is limited to a specific region of France. It's a type of French brandy that is produced in Cognac and the surrounding regions. Although cognac is used to make an assortment of specialty cocktails in America, it has only recently been accepted as a mixing ingredient in French bars. In the past, the French preferred the liquor alone, but now, with the help of popular Cognac brands like Hennessy, it's making its way onto the scene. In this cocktail it's mixed with ginger ale, bitters, and an orange peel for a refreshing taste treat. Take a look at the recipe, just

Salud! It's National Tequila Day!

YumSugar — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 01:28:13 -0700

Today is National Tequila Day, and so we thought we'd look to Mexico for our travel inspired recipes. So check back later today for shrimp tacos, tropical salsa, Tex-Mex nachos, and more. Until then, be sure to bookmark the recipe for the Margarita, and while you're sipping away, be sure to learn more about the various kinds of tequila:

Gold: Value tequilas that get their color from added caramel colorings.
Blanco (aka Silver): Unaged, clear tequila.
100 Percent Blue Agave: Premium tequila made with 100% certified blue agave. It has no added colors, flavors or sugars. May be Blanco, Añejo or Reposado.
Reposado (aka Rested): Aged 60-364 days in wooden barrels (like wine) - the barrel provides the golden color.
Añejo (aka Aged): Aged 1-3 years, also in wooden barrels. The longer aging provides a richer copper color.
Extra-Añejo (aka Reserva/Reserved): Aged 3 years+ in wooden barrels (which are often secondhand bourbon barrels) - copper or amber in color.

Source: Imbibe Magazine
Image Source

Happy Hour: Vixen by Fox Creek Wines

YumSugar — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:03:38 -0700

This weekend I had the opportunity to taste a lovely sparkling red wine. Even though I knew it was a sparkling Shiraz, I couldn't help but think it would be light colored, like a rosé. However, when I poured Vixen by Fox Creek Wines into my glass, it was definitely a full-bodied red color. The effervescence caused by the bubbles added just the right bit of fizz, and it definitely rounded out the subtle black cherry flavor. Overall, it was very smooth and fruity, but had just enough bubbly that it ended up dancing on your tongue. Sparkling reds are still uncommon in the US, but are increasing in popularity in Australia and I'm sure it's only a matter of time before it becomes commonplace on our shores. Available for $19.99.

Yummy Link: Lychee & Lime Martini

YumSugar — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 13:30:39 -0700

This lychee and lime martini sounds like it would hit the spot this summer. - Never Bashful with Butter

If You Like Piña Coladas...

YumSugar — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 01:08:39 -0700

I can't help it, every single time anyone says "Piña Colada," that song gets stuck in my head. You know the one that goes:

If you like Piña Coladas, and getting caught in the rain...

Well, something tells me this song is going to be stuck in my head all day long because today, July 10, is National Piña Colada day! So put on the song, get out your blender and get to work. There are only 23 hours left to celebrate!

To get a great Piña Colada recipe, and the video clip so you can bump the Piña Colada jam,

Happy Hour: Butterbeer (Hot & Cold)

YumSugar — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:18:39 -0700

In case you haven't heard, the latest Harry Potter film opens this Wednesday. Since PartySugar and I are ~~total dorks~~ big kids at heart, we're hoping to find ourselves in line for the midnight screening. However, it's bound to be chilly, so I thought it would be nice to pack a flask or two of warm delicious drinks - specifically warm, frothy butterbeer (if you have to ask what that is, then either do yourself a favor and start at book 1, or run as fast as you can to the next post). If you'd like to whip up your own batch of butterbeer (we've got two versions - hot & cold), just

Raspberry Beret Turns Twenty-Two

YumSugar — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 01:38:39 -0700

I don't know if all of you can remember back to the summer of 1985, but if you can, you might recall that Prince's Raspberry Beret was the number one song in the US. When I discovered that fact, I knew I had to hunt for a drink with the same name. The one I found is a delicious frozen treat that is one part raspberry liqueur, one part Irish cream, one part vodka and all parts delicious. So put on the song, mix up a batch and hit the dance floor! To check out the recipe,

Are Beersicles Illegal?

YumSugar — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 08:01:39 -0700

Quick! What's the first word that comes to your mind when I say "Frozen Beersicle?" If it was "illegal" then you and the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control think alike. Rustico Restaurant of McLean, Virginia began selling frozen beer pops as a way to beat the summer heat. Executive chef Frank Morales tested over 100 varieties before landing on Belgian derived "Raspbeer-y," Lambic driven "Plum," and stout-based "Fudgesicle." However, according to the Virginia DABC, it's illegal to sell beer pops since beer must be served in its original container, or served immediately to a customer once it is poured from the original container. Philip Disharoon, special agent in charge of the Alexandria division of the Virginia DABC, stated:

If we're talking about taking a beer and pouring it from a bottle or a keg into some sort of mold and freezing it, then that product is not legal.

The restaurant is planning on keeping them on the menu, however Disharoon believes there is no way it will be legal.

Source: WTOP News

Happy Hour: Strawberry Watermelon Slushie

YumSugar — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 13:18:32 -0700

When the weather gets warm, I like to give fresh chunks of watermelon a whir in the blender. The result, a delightfully sweet and superbly cold affair, is the perfect way to beat the afternoon heat. When I was younger, I didn't think it could get much better than that, however I later learned that I was wrong. With the addition of fresh strawberries, lemon juice, and vodka, the innocent drink becomes a not-so-innocent concoction. If you've never had a Strawberry Watermelon Vodka Slushie, then do yourself a favor and get the recipe. Oh and consider yourself warned, these go down a little too easily.

Happy Hour: Jolly Rancher

YumSugar — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 13:58:39 -0700

In celebration of National Candy Month, I thought I'd dig up a recipe for one of the first drinks I ever enjoyed: The Jolly Rancher. Much like its name implies, this drink tastes like the sweet candy treat. It's a mix of apple, peach and cranberry and leaves a lovely fruity taste in your mouth. If you haven't had one, you'll be surprised by how much it actually tastes like a Jolly Rancher, and if you've had one before, it's probably time to try it again. To get the recipe,

Happy Hour: Rum Crusta

YumSugar — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 14:01:18 -0700

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to try a drink called a Rum Crusta. I usually shy away from rum, but for some reason - I think it may have been the lovely sugar coated rim - this one was calling my name. It's a sweet, but sour drink, containing triple sec and lime juice, that slides down real nice. To make one for yourself, or to impress your friends with a new drink, get the recipe,

Happy Hour: French 75

YumSugar — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 13:13:38 -0700

A few weeks ago I attended the closing gala for San Francisco's Cocktail Week. The event was a casual happy hour spotted with lovely specialty drinks by the talented Absinthe Bar bartenders. The party served as closure to the week, as well as a release party for Art of the Bar, a cocktail book by the Absinthe bartenders. So naturally, they were showing off some of their specialty drinks.

I was lucky enough to experience several different selections, but the one I was gaga for was called French 75 - a champagne cocktail made with gin and citrus juice. If you've never had one, treat yourself tonight. It's simple, it's classy, it's tasty. Get the recipe, just

Yummy Link: Michelada

YumSugar — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 11:23:18 -0700

If the warm weather decides to grace us with its presence this weekend, you can bet I'll be serving up a batch of michelada. Beer + lime + worcestershire + tabasco? Sign me up! - Hedonia

Happy Hour: The Goonie

YumSugar — Thu, 24 May 2007 15:48:31 -0700

One of my favorite movies of all time is The Goonies. So when I saw that there was a drink called "The Goonie," I knew it was something I would have to try. I'm not really sure why it's called that (if anyone has any idea, let me know), but it sounds great. It's an equal mix of vodka, raspberry liquer, cranberry juice and orange juice that should be nice and fruity for the summer. If nothing else, just telling people that you've made them a Goonie should be good enough. After all, Cyndi Lauper said, Goonies 'R' Good Enough"... To check out the recipe,

Happy Hour: Kumquat Champagne Cocktail

YumSugar — Mon, 14 May 2007 15:28:53 -0700

One of my new favorite past-times is to head down to the farmer's market grab a bunch of tasty produce and relax in the sun at the Hog Island Oyster Company for a few oysters and a cool glass of bubbly. However, this weekend I had to get home to whip up some snacks for a friend's potluck birthday picnic, so there was no time for the bubbly. Not wanting to break my new tradition, I decided to have a glass that afternoon instead. While at the market I picked up a bunch of delicious kumquats and figured they'd make a great addition to the bubbly. While looking for a bit of inspiration, I came across this recipe for a Kumquat Champagne cocktail and knew it was the right recipe for me. To check it out,

Happy Hour: Mashed Old Fashioned "East Coast" Style

YumSugar — Thu, 03 May 2007 12:28:19 -0700

The other night geeksugar, PartySugar and I went to grab a much-needed drink after work. I was leaning towards a champagne cocktail, but wasn't 100% sold, so I asked Scott - our bartender at Perbacco - what his favorite drink was. He started talking about how fantastic a Mashed Old Fashioned was and then proceeded to say you can tell a lot about a person by what they drink.

So what does it say about me that I almost ordered a froo-froo strawberry puree champagne drink, but switched to Scott's favorite Mashed Old Fashioned instead? Does it say that I'm almost prissy and girly, but really I'm tough and jaded instead? Oh my! I suppose if that's what it takes to get a darn great drink, then so be it, because my drink was fantastic (thanks Scott!) and would definitely kick that champagne cocktail's behind. For the recipe,

TV Dinners: Ugly Betty - Dirty Girl Scout

YumSugar — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 11:58:31 -0700

Today's happy hour comes from one of my favorite new shows, Ugly Betty. I don't know if you guys watch, but on last week's episode, Betty and Christina find themselves at Club Prague where another club patron suggests that Betty orders a "Dirty Girlscout." Later, Betty (in a clichéd Betty moment) actually refers to it as a Filthy Girl Scout, which I somehow find even funnier.

To find out how to make your own Filthy Girl Scout (which gets its name because it reminds people of the Thin Mint Cookie),

Happy Hour: Funky Garlic

YumSugar — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 13:18:37 -0700

When PartySugar told me that today was National Garlic Day, I immediately set out to find us a cocktail that uses garlic as an ingredient. And yes, yes, I know it sounds horrible, but done well I bet it would be good - think of a Bloody Mary, that sounds horrible on paper too...

At any rate, I was thwarted - turns out it may be a disgusting idea after all - and could not find any cocktail recipes featuring garlic. I did, however, find a recipe called Funky Garlic that actually sounds sort of refreshing (if not also somewhat terrible). It's a mixture of wine and soda, and it sounds dirty, yet light and bubbly. To check out the recipe (oh and if you know of any drinks that feature garlic, let us know),

Happy Hour: Grasshopper

YumSugar — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 13:10:41 -0700

For some odd reason, during my college years, my friends and I became obsessed with bocce ball (Italian lawn bowling). There was this little Italian restaurant/bar/bocce court on the outskirts of town and somehow (thanks Scottel) it became our regular hangout. The place was an old school Italian place, with a no nonsense old timey bartender to match. You know, the kind of guy who looks you in the eye and makes you a little bit afraid. The kind of guy you probably should only order a simple drink, like scotch on the rocks or something else that would put hair on your chest.

Well, at the time, we were all slowly turning 21 (I say slowly because I was the youngest and man it was taking forever) and what in the world did we know? Our first night there, my friend Blair, high off of just turning 21 a month or so before, looked our bartender in the eye and said, "I'd like a grasshopper please." The rest of us stood still and tried hard to close our gaping mouths while the bartender said, "Boy, what in the hell is a grasshopper?" Trying to sound assertive, Blair explained that it was a minty frothy drink and our bartender, not used to seeing folks like us in his bar (like I said it was right outside of town, so most college kids never set foot inside), just sort of shook his head and said, "All right. I'll see what I can do." Fast-forward a few months and our group had been dubbed "grasshoppers", and good ol Al (I think that was his name, but you know, I'm really horrible at details) would have the ingredients ready for us when we arrived. Turns out our little ol' bartender turned out to be not so scary after all. To check out the recipe for your own grasshopper,

Happy Hour: Red Headed Slut

partysugar — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 13:51:13 -0700

On Saturday night a big group of us went out to celebrate my sister's 22nd birthday. We started the night with dinner at my favorite new pizza place and then continued the party a few doors down at a few bars. My sister has bright beautiful red hair (think young Lindsay Lohan in her Parent Trap days) and for some reason everyone kept ordering her red headed sluts. As we were taking shot after shot of this red concoction, I couldn't help but wonder where did these drinks come from and more importantly who named them such horribly derogatory names (purple hooters, anyone?). Sure we were all close friends celebrating a birthday in good fun, but how is my sister going to feel when she goes into a bar and some random guy orders her a red headed slut? Although they may be straight out of Girls Gone Wild, in honor of spring break, here's the recipe - the drink itself isn't half bad so,

Happy Hour: Lemon Rain

YumSugar — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 13:08:37 -0700

Me and my big mouth.
I've been talking about how nice the weather has been, so naturally this weekend was icky, gloomy and rainy. However, instead of being sad by having to stay indoors, I decided to take the rain as inspiration and went in search of a good "rain" drink. I found this one by Bar Chef Daymon Smith of the swanky Roosevelt Hotel in LA. The drink, called Lemon Rain, brings out the best part of a rainy spring day, the crisp cool feel. To check out the recipe,