Mix of the Month: The Cranberry-Orange Mimosa

Happy 2012, everyone!

It's a new year. You've made resolutions, set goals, and promised yourself that you're going to start this year off right. After all, you've got to start it off right to end it that way!

It seems only natural that January's featured cocktail recipe includes champagne, seeing how we all started our year off toasting with glasses full of it! Allow me to introduce January's Mix of the Month: the Cranberry-Orange Mimosa. This morning-time drink is refreshing and sweet, and only requires three easy ingredients. It's also super easy to make kid-friendly! Here's what you'll need:

Cranberry-Orange Mimosas

 2 parts Brut Champagne or Sparkling Wine

1 part light cranberry juice cocktail

1 part orange juice

Tip: If you're only making these mimosas for a couple people, your grocer should sell champagne or sparkling wine in packs of 4 small bottles. This way, you don't have to open an entire bottle to make a couple of these drinks for you and your spouse or a friend. 

Want to make it kid-friendly? Simply replace the champagne/sparkling wine with sparkling grape juice!

Cheers to the New Year! Enjoy :)

Mix of the Month: The (Georgia) Peach Margarita

With summer right around the corner, there's nothing better than getting outside and enjoying the sunny weather with a fruity, refreshing drink in hand. Whether you like them frozen, on the rocks, or however the bartender's serving them, ice cold margaritas are perfect for kicking back on the deck or relaxing poolside. In the first installment of a monthly feature I'm calling "Mix of the Month," I'm taking this popular staple and giving it a twist that I know you'll love.

The (Georgia) Peach Margarita

This southern style drink is light, refreshing and easy to make! And, with the addition of homemade peach puree, you can drink something you know is super fresh while supporting your local farmers. To make your own homemade peach puree (and if you live in Georgia, you should - peaches are in season right now!), pick up some ripe peaches from your local grocery store. The amount you'll need will depend on how many of these tasty concoctions you'll want to make; two peaches will make enough peach puree for approximately 4 margaritas. Peel, pit and chop the peaches. Toss the peels and the pits and put the fruit pieces in the blender, blending until smooth. Strain the puree mixture into a measuring cup. Voila! It's that simple. Now, it's time to mix up those margaritas!

1 1/2 oz Silver Tequila

2 oz Limeade

1 oz Peach Puree (recipe above)

1/2 oz Triple Sec

1/2 oz Peach Schnapps

*Slice of lime for garnish

*Sugar for rimming the glass

 *optional

Pour all ingredients (except sugar) into shaker with ice. Shake until frost forms on the outside of the shaker.

If desired, run a slice of lime across the top of a margarita glass. Dip the outside rim in sugar.

Strain shaker into margarita glasses and enjoy! This recipe will make 2 margaritas.

If you prefer your margaritas frozen, just add the above ingredients plus crushed ice into a blender and mix together for a sweet, frosty version (you should add the same amount of crushed ice as you have liquid in the blender).

Looking for a great summer drink without the "kick"? No problem! For a super easy, super light, "designated driver" version of this month's featured cocktail, pick up a box of Crystal Light's "Peach Tea." Whether you're making it by the glass or by the pitcher, all you'll need to do is add water!

I hope these margaritas leave you feeling "peachy"! Please feel free to leave me any comments/suggestions, and stay tuned for more!

Cheers!