Seasonal eating is always preferred, but I confess a fondness for watermelon all year long. Watermelon (and its juice) is available perennially at most grocery stores. The bright pink elixir of juice, mixed into cocktails or mocktails, brings fond memories of balmy summertime. Continue reading
Confession : I adore Coke, and specifically Diet Coke. Sadly, these beverages do not love me back. Thinking the caffeine was preventing a good night’s rest, I tried Caffeine Free Diet Coke. Same result. Whatever is in these tasty fizzy drinks disagrees with my body chemistry. Cue the violins. Continue reading
A good cocktail recipe becomes a mocktail recipe when you remove the alcohol and add something refreshing like fizzy water. Readers of River City Good Eats notice alcohol- free variations in my cocktail recipes. Today’s White Pepper Grape Cocktail is no different. Flexibility is key in gracious entertaining, I say. Continue reading
Holiday entertaining season begins this week. Here’s a refreshing beverage to accompany your homemade appetizers. This Cranberry Apple Brandy Cocktail hits all the right notes and goes with everything. Continue reading
A summer cocktail with the subtle, yet distinctive, flavors of cucumber and rosewater requires a special spirit. Sugarcane-based rum is too sweet and tequila from the agave plant is too strong. Continue reading
Basil tastes lively right up until that first chilly night, when wilted leaves the next morning means revival is futile. Likewise, the time for stone fruits is over until next year. Basil Plum Cocktail, with fruit infused vodka and basil simple syrup, is our goodbye to autumn warmth . Continue reading
Wine coolers enjoyed a surge in popularity many years ago. They were the low alcohol counterpoint to more potent cocktails made with spirits. Nevertheless, like many fads, they passed into oblivion. Modern takes on coolers are more likely to involve vodka with something citrus and something fizzy. Continue reading
I want to break my dependence on single serving beverages. I get thirsty when I’m running errands so I grab an iced tea at the store. Aluminum cans and glass bottles are more readily recyclable than plastics, which I try to avoid, but I’m still contributing small containers to the huge pool of Things That Must Be Recycled. Most iced tea brands use plastic packaging; many recent articles inform us that only a small fraction of plastics are actually recycled and repurposed. Continue reading
Pear Whiskey Sour is what I’m making this holiday season to make my spirits bright. I am toasting the upcoming year. We have just endured a year that cannot be repeated, right? I am hopeful and wanting the world to recover all that has been lost. Some things may not come back to full speed, like raucous bar behavior. Restaurant patrons, those who enjoy conversation that does not need to be shouted, will likely agree. Homemade cocktails suit me just fine for now, unless takeout is an option. Continue reading
Homemade cocktail mixers are the most handy items taking up valued space in your fridge, ever chilled and at the ready for adding to spirits, fizzy beverages or enjoyed over ice as a solo drink. Continue reading