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Cocktails

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The Everyday Hostess and IBB at Home Summer Soiree

This Strawberry Moscato Lemonade is one of my all time favorite cocktails to serve at summer bashes of all types! It’s refreshing, it’s bright, and oh so tasty! What more could you want in a summery sip?!

The Everyday Hostess and Lindsay Davenport Photography Summer Soiree

This festive beverage is simple to make and only requires mixing 3 ingredients, which means it’s super easy to make in bulk! For larger parties, I always love having at least one pitcher cocktail like this one, so I can spend more time enjoying my guests rather than spending time at the bar crafting custom cocktails….don’t get me wrong, I do LOVE a good craft cocktail, but they are definitely easier for smaller and more intimate events!

The Everyday Hostess and IBB at Home Summer SoireeView More: http://lindsaydavenportphotography.pass.us/kate-styled-picnic-4-17-2016-print

Whip up a batch of this little delight, and your guests will be in heaven! It’s always a crowd pleaser and an absolute summer favorite!

Note – For the kiddos, just leave out the moscato and vodka. Garnish the lemonade with the same frozen strawberries and lemon slices, and they will still feel like part of the party!

The Everyday Hostess and Lindsay Davenport Photography Summer Soiree

Strawberry Moscato Lemonade
Serves 10
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Prep Time
5 min
Prep Time
5 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 Bottle Pink Moscato
  2. ¼ Cup Strawberry Vodka
  3. 6 Cups Lemonade
  4. Frozen Strawberry Slices
  5. Fresh Lemon Slices
Instructions
  1. In a large pitcher, mix all the ingredients. Allow to chill in the refrigerator and serve over ice! Enjoy!
The Everyday Hostess https://www.theeverydayhostess.com/
 Check out more cute pictures from this photo here

Styled by: The Everyday Hostess

Photography: Lindsay Davenport Photography |

Florals: The T Shop|

Strawberry mojitos are the ultimate summertime cocktail! They are light and refreshing and feature some of summer’s freshest fruits to give it an added bit of sweetness!

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I recently made this delicious cocktail as the signature beverage for the Memorial Day party I hosted with Glitter and Spice and boy was it a hit! Plus, with only a few ingredients, it’s easy to make for large crowds as well! What could be better?!

Margaritas are the perfect complement — or focal point, let’s be honest — of Cinco de Mayo festivities everywhere.

This mango jalapeño rendition of the Mexican staple is the perfect way to spice up your celebration!

Mango Jalapeño Margarita
Serves 2
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Prep Time
10 min
Prep Time
10 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 oz tequila (mixologist’s choice)
  2. 2 oz Grand Marnier
  3. 2 oz jalapeño simple syrup
  4. 2 oz lime juice
  5. 3 oz mango juice
  6. Sliced jalapeño to taste
  7. Sugar or salt for the rim
Instructions
  1. For the uninitiated, simple syrup is made by boiling water and adding sugar an equal amount of sugar. Once water is at a rolling boil, add the sugar. Let the combination cool in a separate jar, and add jalapeños to infuse. The longer it sits, the more jalapeño flavor will infuse in the simple syrup -- we went with 24 hours for a nice kick.
For the drink
  1. Add sugar or salt to the rim (coat the rim with lime juice first to help it stick).
  2. Muddle a couple fresh jalapeño slices in the bottom of the glass in which you plan on serving the cocktail. If you don’t have a muddler, the back of a thick spoon or spatula will work -- the point is to crush the peppers to get the juice out!
  3. Add the tequila, Grand Marnier, simple syrup, lime juice and mango juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly and pour over ice/jalapeño in glass.
The Everyday Hostess https://www.theeverydayhostess.com/
Now it’s time to kick back and enjoy your Cinco de Mayo with friends! Olé!!

It’s only April, but down here in Texas, summer is in the air and we are definitely ready for it!   Flowers are blooming and the weather is warming up, but the clearest sign of summer are the packed parking lots at every nearby park, trail and lake! Everyone is outside enjoying the sun and getting some Vitamin D after a long winter!

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After a hot day in the sun, one of my favorite things to do is come home and enjoy a refreshing glass of iced tea. Especially down here in the South, sweet tea is a crowd favorite and is the perfect beverage to keep on hand in your fridge. You never know when you will have a last minute guest stop by or when you just want to kick your feet up on the porch with a refreshing drink.

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A brewed sun tea is always a classic, but if you want to mix up your sweet teas on tap a bit, this Peach Tea is calling your name! The cold peach slices paired with the peach syrup creates the perfect combination of sweetness and freshness.

I recently made this Fresh Peach Tea for an outdoor tea party that I hosted, and boy was it a hit! Luckily I made an extra batch to keep at home, but I assure you this did not last long either! Give this recipe a try and it will soon make it to the top of your summer favorites!

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Cheers!

Fresh Peach Tea
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Prep Time
45 min
Cook Time
6 hr
Prep Time
45 min
Cook Time
6 hr
Peach Syrup
  1. 1 cup Sugar
  2. 1 cup Water
  3. 3 Peaches, fresh and sliced
Tea
  1. 3 Tea Bags
  2. 6 cups Water
Instructions
  1. In a medium sized pot, bring the peach syrup ingredients to boil. Then reduce heat to medium.
  2. Using a fork, crush the peach slices as you stir to dissolve sugar.
  3. Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let sit for 30 minutes.
  4. In a separate medium sized pot, prepare the tea. Bring the water to a boil. Remove the pot from the stove and brew the tea letting steep 5 minutes.
  5. Remove tea bags and refrigerate.
  6. Strain syrup through a fine strainer to remove fruit pieces.
  7. Add syrup to tea and refrigerate for 3-6 hours. Serve over ice.
Adapted from Passion for Savings
The Everyday Hostess https://www.theeverydayhostess.com/

 Decor: 

Drink Me Straw Flags: Curl by JSD | Your are My Cup of Tea Sign: Pretty Lovely Prints |

Clear & Gold Glass Chargers: Amazon | Easter Decor: Holiday Warehouse

Photography: Beckley & Co

 

Don’t forget to pin for later! 🙂

Fresh Peach Tea

 

One of my favorite cocktails of all time is a good ol’ Moscow Mule. It’s a total classic! They are super simple to make, yet taste like a craft cocktail that a mixologist labored over forever!

How to make a moscow mule

Besides the absolutely delicious taste, my favorite part of a Moscow Mule is that it only requires a couple ingredients that are easy to keep on hand, so you can quickly mix one up for a last minute guest. It is always fun to offer something a little bit more special than a bottle of beer or glass of wine, and this is the perfect beverage to have ready in your back pocket.

And of course, no Moscow Mule is complete without the signature copper mug! The cold mug brings a sense of formality and authenticity to the cocktail that I swear makes it taste like 10 times better! I have been eyeing these mugs for a year now, and my boyfriend’s mother just got me a beautiful set of hammered copper mugs for Christmas, and I am OBSESSED! (Thank you again!! 🙂 ) Literally obsessed! Now that I own these little gems, you can bet we will be making Moscow Mules at our house regularly!

With Christmas right around the corner, I have been rushing around finishing all of my last minute Christmas shopping and decorating. I’ve been checking thing after thing off my list, but I have one last gift to make! Gifts for my colleagues and neighbors! I like to hand make these types of gifts because it gives them a little bit more of a personal touch and shows that I put more thought and love into each one.

This year, I decided to make these adorable mason jar hot chocolate mixes! We’ve done all the heavy lifting for you with these cute printables, so all you need is some craft paper, a printer, and the hot chocolate ingredients and you have yourself the perfect little gift! Plus, they are super affordable and only take 10 minutes to assemble, which is always a bonus!

In order to assemble these, all you need is one pint sized mason jar, 6 tablespoons of powdered creamer, 6 tablespoons of powdered milk, 6 tablespoons of powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons of milk chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons of chopped candy canes, and ½ cup of mini marshmallows.

Hot Chocolate Mason Jar - Cocoa Powder

Hot Chocolate Mason Jar - Powdered Milk

Hot Chocolate Mason Jar - Powdered Sugar

Hot Chocolate Mason Jar - Chocolate Chips

Layer the powdered ingredients in the bottom of pint sized mason jar and then add the chocolate chips and candy canes. Finally top with the marshmallows, add the lid, and tie on the printable recipe and instructions with a festive ribbon! And there you go! The perfect, affordable, and thoughtful gift for all your friends, neighbors and colleagues!

Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Hot Chocolate Mason Jars
Serves 2
The perfect homemade holiday gift for your friends and neighbors!
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Prep Time
10 min
Prep Time
10 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 pint sized mason jar
  2. 12 inches ribbon, string, or twine
  3. 6 tbs powdered creamer
  4. 6 tbs powdered milk
  5. 6 tbs powdered sugar
  6. 3 tbs cocoa powder
  7. 2 tbs milk chocolate chips
  8. 2 tbs candy canes, chopped
  9. ½ cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
  1. Layer the powdered ingredients in the bottom of a pint sized mason jar. Add the chocolate chips and candy canes and then top with the mini marshmallows to fill the jar.
  2. Seal the jar with the lid and attach the printable recipe tag (linked above) with a ribbon.
  3. When ready to enjoy, remove the marshmallows from the jar and set aside. Boil 2 cups of water and add the remaining ingredients to the pot. Mix until fully combined.
  4. Pour the hot chocolate into two mugs and top with marshmallows! Enjoy!
Adapted from Love Grows Wild
Adapted from Love Grows Wild
The Everyday Hostess https://www.theeverydayhostess.com/

Margaritas are no longer reserved as your classic summer cocktail! With this festive little number, margaritas are making their holiday debut! Presenting…the Cranberry Margarita!

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Isn’t this absolutely gorgeous?! If this isn’t swoon-worthy, then I don’t know what is! And I can promise you it tastes even better than it looks! The fresh lime juice pairs perfectly with the cranberry juice and once you add the fresh cranberries as garnish and the sugar coated rim, you have the most festive looking cocktail there is! This beverage is perfect for all of your holiday cocktail parties this year!

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What are your favorite holiday cocktails? Follow us on Instagram and tag #theeverydayhostess with your favorite holiday drinks for a chance to be featured on our account.

Cheers!

Photos by Stephanie Drenka

Holiday Cranberry Margarita
Yields 2
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Prep Time
5 min
Prep Time
5 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 1/2 cups 100% cranberry juice
  2. 3/4 cup fresh lime juice
  3. 3/4 cup tequila
  4. 1/2 cup Triple Sec
  5. ice cubes
Instructions
  1. Stir all ingredients together until completely combined. Serve in a sugar rimmed glass and garnish with fresh cranberries. Enjoy!
Adapted from Gimme Some Oven
Adapted from Gimme Some Oven
The Everyday Hostess https://www.theeverydayhostess.com/

Whenever I host a party, I always like to include a signature cocktail as part of the menu. Wine and beer are a given at my events, but it’s always fun to create a craft cocktail that aligns with the theme and formality of the party. Having an open bar gets very pricey, so this is the best way to mix up the drink menu without blowing the budget.

Sparkling Apple Cider Cocktail

This Sparkling Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail is the easiest craft cocktail to make for any type of fall or holiday party. Plus it is absolutely delicious and super festive! The spiced apple cider with the cinnamon just screams fall, doesn’t it?

Cheers! Sparkling Apple Cider Cocktail

One of my favorite parts of this recipe is that it can easily be made in large quantities. Often times, cocktails have to be made individually and specially crafted, which makes them harder to serve at large parties. This recipe is perfect for parties of all sizes and can be made and served in a large pitcher without losing any of its flavor or consistency.

By: Hunter Sprague

Introduction from Kate: I am so excited to introduce my good friend Hunter Sprague. Hunter is a wine connoisseur who believes that no dinner party is complete without good wine. He has taught me so much about the art of wine pairing, and I am honored that he is sharing with us today! I know his insight and knowledge have been so helpful for me in planning my dinner parties, and I hope it does the same for you! So take it away, Hunter!

Everyone loves to wine and dine every now and again… I think that’s scientific fact. Thus, the quintessential dinner party needs an ample amount of vino for the guests. There’s a lot more to it, though, than pouring a glass of Two-Buck Chuck and calling it a night (save that for the kick-your-feet-up-and-relax evening the day after the party. You earned it).

How to Incorporate Wine into a Dinner Party

You’ve likely spent all week preparing — and using recipes from The Everyday Hostess, obviously — so you’re not going to pair your carefully-crafted appetizers and entrées with the first thing you see on the shelf. That’s where I come in. I’ve provided some guidelines to keep front of mind when planning your next dinner party:

Kick the night off with some bubbly. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and it pairs with any appetizer on this blog. I’d personally recommend Prosecco. It’s light, fruity, and reasonably priced. Anything from Italy in the $10-$25 price range will surely be a hit. Nobody wants to be at the dinner party that runs out of sparkling wine, so play it safe here. Any extras can be saved for your next brunch party or any after-dinner entertainment.

Once all the guests have arrived and the food starts coming out, there’s a ton of variation on what wines to open, when to open them, and what to pair them with. There’s a lot to think about. But I’ve got your back. 

How to Create the Perfect Mimosa Bar

Decor:

Tissue Paper Tassels || Juice Swing Bottles || Fruit Bowls || Juice Labels || Mimosa Bar Print

Mimosas are the perfect addition to any brunch or bridal shower! Such a simple cocktail, yet it is so fun and a total crowd pleaser! 

Mimosas consist of an equal part of champagne and citrus juice and then topped with a little fresh fruit. Of course there is the classic mimosa with champagne and orange juice, but there are so many fun ways to spice it up a bit and make your mimosa bar a little more unique!

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Start by considering how many people you want your mimosa bar to serve. I usually yield about 8 servings per champagne bottle. Then select an assortment of juices. Orange juice is always a necessity, but instead of buying multiple orange juices, mix it up a little and add some other types of juices. Pomegranate, raspberry, blueberry, limeade, and grapefruit juice all make beautiful mimosas!

BP #14

Presentation is key, so pull out some fun champagne flutes and top your mimosa with some fresh fruit. Sliced oranges, raspberries, lemons, strawberries, and cranberries all make beautiful additions.