Thirsty Thursday

Thirsty Thursday: Frozen Floats

Posted by Erin — No Comments

So, my youngest. The baby. She is about to be 4! I know I say this all the time, but the days drag and the years are flying by. She might as well be 14, because how can this:

Turn into this in the blink of an eye?

In addition to being almost 4, this little lady knows exactly what she wants for her birthday. She wants lasagna, salad, and a soccer cake with Elsa and Ana from Disney’s Frozen on Top. So, I am doing my best to abide. I thought it also might be fun for the little princess I would make a special drink for all her guests who join us for dinner too.

Our friends introduced us to the Frozen Punch at their daughter’s birthday party, and rather than make an entire bowl of punch, I decided to downsize and whip up some Frozen Floats that I can make to order for the smaller crowd we will be hosting this weekend.

They are Coco tasted and approved and perfect for all the princesses (and princes) in your life.

Frozen Float (makes 1)

2 scoops vanilla ice cream

4 oz chilled Polar Blast Hawaiian Punch (or blue fruit punch like beverage)

4 oz Lemon Lime soda (I used Sierra Mist)

Scoop ice cream into chilled glass. Pour Hawaiian punch over ice cream. Top with soda. Serve immediately.

Now, to clarify this Soccer Elsa and Ana cake business.

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Thu
21 ^st

Thirsty Thursday: Back To School Celebration

Posted by Erin — No Comments

The kids are back in school, and I’m over the trauma of summer being over. In fact, I’m happy to see the kids so excited. I’m happy to have the routine back. I’m happy for the silence.

In addition to being able to enjoy Target Solo like the gals at Whats Up Moms, I was thinking about having a Back to School Celebration for all my Mom Friends that would include some of the fun and fancy drinks I made this summer.

So here is a recap of some of the tasty and fun drinks (both virgin and alcoholic I made this summer). Go ahead and try them with your friends while you celebrate the start to school.

Tequila Thyme Lemonade

Cherry Amaretto Sours

Cheers, Readers!

Want to read more about all things domestic with a touch of humor? Become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write such as ChicagoNow or Chicago Parent follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Thu
14 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: Cherry Amaretto Sours

Posted by Erin — No Comments

Every time I walk into the store or roam around the famers’ market this time of year, I cannot resist heading straight for the cherries. They are in season, on sale, and going fast. I was trying to think of a way that I could make a THIRSTY THURSDAY recipe with them. Sure, I could add them to a classic vanilla milkshake for the kids, but that wouldn’t have quite the kick I was looking for to get me through the school supply shopping I have yet to tackle (yes, I know, time’s a tickin’ and I am clearly in denial).

One of my favorite cocktails is an amaretto sour, and everyone knows cherries and almonds are a good mix, so I thought why not mix up some sweet and sour cherries with some amaretto and see what happens. It was hard finding a recipe with amaretto and fresh cherries, but I was glad to see I wasn’t the only one with the idea, and saw this recipe from The Pet Lamb Girls. I, of course, doctored it up a bit, and when I did this is what happened and it was awesome:

Cherry Amaretto Sours (makes two)

1/2 cup fresh pitted cherries
1 lemon cut into wedges
2 Tbs light brown sugar
4 oz amaretto liqueur
4 oz lemon lime soda

Add ice to two small glasses to chill, and set aside. In a large glass, muddle together cherries, sugar, and lemon wedges until lemon is fully juiced and sugar is dissolved and cherries are juicy Divide this mixture among glasses. Then top with divided amaretto and soda. Garnish with a cherry.

Enjoy and think about school supply shopping another day.

If you like cherry drinks, check out these cherry rum and cokes. For all things beverage related, check out the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!

Thu
24 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: National Tequila Day & Not Your Mom’s Tequila Cocktail

Posted by Erin — 2 Comments

Today is National Tequila Day! When most people think tequila they think of their salt and lime shooter days in college (just me? ok then.) or blended up in a margarita. However, whether you decide to sip over ice or mix it up in a cocktail, tequila can be enjoyed in a number of ways.

There are several different kinds of tequila, and when shopping for tequila it can be hard to know what you want for your mixology bar. Tequila is made from agave and like most liquors has a very unique and distinctive taste. For me, I typically use silver tequilas which is tequila that is clear and is extremely pure in taste and has no additives. It is great for mixing in cocktails. If you are a tequila sipper you can try tequilas that have been aged anywhere from 2 months to more than three years. These tequilas are like whiskey and have been aged in barrels where the flavor has been enriched and become much more complex and even more smooth.

While I have always been a fan of margaritas both on the rocks and blended, made with every fruit under the sun including mangos. I wanted something a little different for today. When looking for a cocktail recipe for today, I wanted something where I could really taste the tequila, use some herbs in my garden, and have a nonalcoholic option for my non drinking friends. Thanks to Martha Stewart, I found this recipe and doctored it up a bit.

Thyme & Tequila Lemonade (makes one cocktail)
3 lemon wedges
3 sprigs of thyme
2 tsp granulated sugar
2 oz tequila (optional)
3 or 4 oz sparkling water or club soda
extra thyme for garnish
1/2 cup ice

In a small cocktail glass add ice, and let the glass chill. In a large cocktail shaker or glass, muddle together lemon wedges, thyme and sugar until thyme leaves have fallen off and sugar is almost dissolved in lemon juice.

Strain mixture over ice into cocktail glass. Top with tequila and sparkling water. Add thyme sprigs and give a little stir. Enjoy immediately.

Be ready for good times, because let’s face it, where there’s tequila or lemonade, there’s fun!

If you like summertime drinks that can be virgin or alcoholic check out this peach iced tea or these watermelon slushies or these two version of mint juleps. For all things beverage related, check out the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!

Thu
17 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: Peach Iced Tea

Posted by Erin — No Comments

Tea is my drink of choice, and when I get the chance to drink it I do. Whether it be hot or cold, it is the perfect drink for any time of day. However, there are times when the same old iced tea isn’t cutting it for me, and I like to jazz it up. Especially, when soaking in a beautiful evening.

For the middle of July, the weather has been a little cooler than usual. In fact, it has been perfect for sitting outside and watching the world go by. So while the kids eat popsicles or ice cream outside, I have been joining them with a glass PEACH ICED TEA. Peaches are still in season, and you can add some Absolut Apeach for a little adult zing, or leave it out.

PEACH ICED TEA (makes 2 servings)
2 tea bags (I used TAZO Peachy Green Tea)
2 cups boiling water
2 tsp granulated sugar
1/2 peach sliced
2 cups ice
2 shots Absolut Apeach (optional)
mint sprigs for garnish

In a heat safe pitcher, pour boiling water over tea bags. Allow to steep for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in two glasses add ice, peaches, mint, and vodka. Once tea is steeped, add sugar to tea and sir until dissolved. Pour mixture over ice, and serve immediately.

Be careful, relaxing and good conversation may take place.

If you like summertime drinks like iced tea, lemonade or slushies, try this recipe for fresh pink lemonade. Or for all things beverage related, check out the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!

Thu
19 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: Watermelon Slushies

Posted by Erin — 2 Comments

Summer Vacation is officially here! While we have set up a nice little routine for each day, with a few things to do so we aren’t bored, it is a loose schedule around here. We have been soaking up every single bit of summer. In fact, I don’t think there has been one day of June where my little one hasn’t had her bathing suit on, even if it has been to run in the sprinklers. As for me, I dozed off with the kids yesterday after a morning spent playing outside and it reminded me of when they were just little babies snuggled up on my chest. I wasn’t passing that moment by, so we all napped instead of chores. It’s summertime!

With watermelon so plentiful this time of year, my little guys are always asking for it when we walk to the market, and I happily oblige. With the weather getting hot, it is a refreshing treat, but blended up with plenty of ice and some lemon, it is a perfect THIRSTY THURSDAY treat on a super hot summer day.

Watermelon Slushies (makes one large slushy or three kid sized slushies)
2 cups watermelon cubed
1/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 2 medium lemons)
1 lemon zested
2 TBS sugar
2 cups ice

In a blender, add all the ingredients, and blend until desired consistency.

This drink is best enjoyed after a day in the sunshine! For those that are so inclined, a shot of Bicardi Limon or even Absolut Citron might give this treat an adult zing.

If you like summertime slushies or blended drinks, try this recipe orange cranberry coolers. Or for all things beverage related, check out the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!

Thu
12 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: Father’s Day Chelada

Posted by Erin — No Comments

In preparation for today’s Father’s Day installment of Thirsty Thursday, I asked Brian what his favorite cocktail is because. His response, “I don’t have one.” To which I responded, “Me either. There’s just so many!” and he said, “No, I like beer.” Silly Brian, beer is a mixer too! I’ve made lemonade shandy and black velvets, and I knew I would be able to try something else to treat him for Father’s Day.

Brian loves Mexican cuisine, so when I found a Mexican cocktail called a Chedlada made with beer, I knew he would love it. It is simply adding some salt and lime to a Mexican beer, and it is refreshing and perfect for a summertime BBQ. Of course, it wouldn’t be Thirsty Thursday, if I didn’t customize things a bit. Brian’s favorite brew in the summertime is Goose Island 312, which is a light wheat beer.

Father’s Day Chelada (makes one cocktail)
1 small lime juiced
Course salt
1 bottle of 312 Urban Wheat Ale

In a bowl add half the lime juice and dip the rim of the glass into the juice. Then, immediately dip the rim of the glass into salt. This will rim the glass with just the right amount of salt.

Next, add the rest of the lime juice to the glass.

Next, pop open a beer a pour over lime juice. (NOTE: Homer Simpson bottle opener is optional.)

You can garnish with a slice of lime. Enjoy outside while waiting for a burger to cook up on the grill.

Happy Father’s Day!

If you like summertime cocktails, try this recipe for a minty mojito or a cherry rum and coke. Or for all things beverage related, check out the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!

Thu
22 ^nd

Thirsty Thursday: Pure Vanilla Shake

Posted by Erin — 2 Comments

This weekend kicks off the unofficial start to summer! Can you believe it?! Even though school is still in session, we have already started doing some things you can only do in the summer time. We have been playing in the water table, staying up a little later, playing lots of catch outside, and enjoying our favorite frozen treats.

The kids are currently on a vanilla milkshake kick, and while I appreciate the ease of dumping vanilla ice cream and milk into a blender, my oldest complained that it doesn’t taste like a vanilla cupcake. I agreed, it just isn’t vanilla-y (is that a word?) enough. So this week for THIRSTY THURSDAY, I made it my mission to fix this problem!

I played around in the kitchen. I don’t know if you all remember my hot vanilla from the winter (I know we are all trying to block out winter), but I tried a few tricks from that creation, and I think I have found the perfect recipe for a PURE VANILLA MILKSHAKE! (NOTE: A good grown-up version might be to add a shot of vanilla vodka! YUM!)

PURE VANILLA MILKSHAKE (makes two large shakes)
2 cups vanilla ice cream
2 cups cold milk (I used 2%)
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 Tbs sugar
1 pinch cinnamon
whipped cream for garnish

In a blender, add ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and garnish with whipped cream.

What is your favorite summer frozen treat?

If you love milkshakes, try this recipe for an OLD FASHIONED CHOCOLATE MALT. Or for all things beverage related, check out the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!

Thu
08 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: Flavored Waters

Posted by Erin — 2 Comments

Oh YEAH! Yesterday was deliciously warm, dare I say summer like. Instead of bundling up for soccer practice we wore shorts and the kids were actually sweaty. It.Was.Awesome!
Now that we will be outside more and exercising more, we have all been drinking more water around here.

I have to be honest though, after my morning cup of tea and a few glasses of water, by lunch I’m adding lemon. Water all day just seems a little bland. The self proclaimed Queen of Thirsty Thursday needs a little more zing! You know?

Then, I was thinking to when my sister and I go for our yearly SISTER DAY at the spa and how much I love the SPA WATER there. It is just water infused with just a hint of fresh fruit, veggies, or herbs. I decided to make some flavors of my own, and let me tell you, this is almost as relaxing as a cocktail as it makes me feel like I am back at the spa. Also, there are the added bonuses of no hangover, it is healthy, and no one is judging me for drinking it before 5:00 p.m.

I made three flavors: Minty Cucumber Lemon, Citrus, and Mixed Berry Mint these waters are perfect for making ahead and having to grab out of the fridge all day to stay healthy and hydrated!

Minty Cucumber Lemon Flavored Water (Makes one water bottle worth)
4 or 5 slices of cucumber
4 slices of lemon
5 sprigs of fresh mint
cold water
ice (optional)

In a large water bottle or mason jar, add cucumber, lemon and mint and add just enough water to cover. (NOTE: This will help to infuse a small portion of the water and then topping off with more water later will help to dilute as there won’t be such a strong flavor, and will also taste fresher.) Store in the refrigerator. When ready to drink or take with you add ice and fill to the top with water.

Citrus Water
4 slices of lemon
4 slices of orange
3 slices of lime (optional)
cold water
ice (optional)

In a large water bottle or mason jar, add lemon, orange, and lime. Then, add just enough water to cover. (NOTE: This will help to infuse a small portion of the water and then topping off with more water later will help to dilute as there won’t be such a strong flavor, and will also taste fresher.) Store in the refrigerator. When ready to drink or take with you add ice and fill to the top with water.

Mixed Berry Mint Water
2 Strawberries cut in half
4 or 5 raspberries
4 or 5 blueberries
4 fresh mint springs
cold water
ice (optional)

In a large water bottle or mason jar, add berries and mint. Then, add just enough water to cover. (NOTE: This will help to infuse a small portion of the water and then topping off with more water later will help to dilute as there won’t be such a strong flavor, and will also taste fresher.) Store in the refrigerator. When ready to drink or take with you add ice and fill to the top with water.

What flavors of what do you think you could come up with?

If you love all things beverage related, check out the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!

Thu
01 ^st

Thirsty Thursday: Two Kinds of Juleps

Posted by Erin — 2 Comments

Saturday is the 140th Running of the Kentucky Derby. All three of my kids are smitten with horses but especially my son, George. Everything is horses! Of all my kids’s obsessions Legos, Wii, Princesses, the horses are my favorite. I love that he has such an interest in such a beautiful animal. We love reading books, and pretending to be jockeys and watching Secretariat over and over again. It must be in our blood. My great grandfather before leaving Ireland for Chicago was a blacksmith.

Since I know we will be glued to the TV on Saturday for coverage of the race, this THIRSTY THURSDAY I thought I should learn how to make some Mint Juleps.

Also, because I cannot do anything traditionally, I made a change as a nod to my Irish roots and used made them with Irish Whiskey instead. In addition, I decided to make a NON ALCOHOLIC version so the kids and and anyone who is refraining from alcohol can join in on the fun!

Irish Mint Julep (makes one cocktail)
2 TBS simple syrup (in a sauce pan over low heat mix equal parts sugar and water and stir until sugar is completely dissolved and cool. Keep on hand for you cocktails for the day.)
1 shot (2 oz) Jameson Irish Whiskey
5 fresh Mint sprigs
1/2 cup crushed iced

In large glass muddle together mint and simple syrup. Pour this mixture over a small glass filled with ice and top off with Jameson. Garnish with another sprig of mint.

Virgin Julep Tea
6 oz Sweet Tea (CLICK HERE for my recipe, you may also steep mint leaves with tea for extra boost of mint flavor)
5 fresh mint sprigs
Sparkling Water or Club Soda
1/2 cup crushed ice

In a large glass muddle together mint and crushed ice. Pour in tea and and stir. Top off with a few ounces of sparkling water or club soda for some fizz and garnish with mint.

Now, time to decide which hat to wear!

This #ThirstyThursday was organized with Red Envelope as part of their #redBar project.

If Juleps are not your thing, but beverages are, check out the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!

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