Prosecco-Blueberry-Lemon Pops and a Giveaway!

Still remember this gorgeous Nutella Melt Winter Cocktail that I shared (<—click on the name for the recipe) a while ago?  Great news!  The author of Winter Cocktails, María del Mar Sacasa,  just published her new book, Summer Cocktails!   With L.A.’s crazily hot temperature over the past few months, I’ve been longing for refreshing summer cocktails, way before summer arrives!  If you love to host summer parties, this book is a must have and I’ll tell you why.




As I read through the book (yes, I am a nerd and I read cookbooks like they’re novels), this Prosecco-Blueberry-Lemon Pops really caught my attention.  I love prosecco and always have a bottle or 2 chilled in the fridge, in case of emergency!  So, I gave this recipe a try and it was amazing.  You can serve these boozy pops as is, or as Sacasa suggested, add them to your glass of Prosecco to keep your drink chilled and add some wonderful flavors at the same time.  What a great idea!



Summer Cocktails is one of the most gorgeous books that I’ve came across as it’s filled with gorgeous photography and design that will give you lots of inspiration on things to serve for a cool summer party.  Of course, you’ve got to have cocktails and small bits at the party while your guests mingle.  Summer Cocktails includes many familiar classics, throwbacks, and modern updates.  It also covers punches and pitchers that are perfect for entertaining.  The frosty drinks, infused liquors, gourmet snacks sections all include tutorials to guide you through the preparation process!  Best of all, the recipes are clear and very easy to follow.  You’re going to fall in love with this book, just like I did!  




You can purchase your copy by clicking here.  Or, try your luck in winning a copy of “Summer Cocktails”, courtesy of Quirk Books!

Here are the details on how to enter this giveaway.

One lucky uTry.it reader (with an U.S., Canada or U.K. mailing address) will win a copy of “Summer Cocktails”.

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post and tell me what’s your all time favorite cocktail (mine is apple martini). Deadline to enter is May 4th, 2015 by mid-night PST.  Winner will be selected through Random.org and announce shortly after the giveaway is closed.

For extra entries, do any or all of the following (leave a separate comment for each extra entry):
1)  Add me to your Google+ circle here
2) "Like" uTry.it's Facebook Page, click here.
3) Pin a picture from this post onto your Pinterest board.
4) Share this giveaway on Facebook (with a link back to this post please)
5) Share this giveaway on Twitter (with a link back to this post please)
6) Subscribe to my Youtube channel here and never miss a video
7) Subscribe to my email updates and never miss a post (see the right hand side bar right below my profile picture)

That’s all and Good Luck everyone!  Please stay cool this summer and cheers!





Disclaimer:  I received a copy of “Summer Cocktails” for the purpose of this review and I was not compensated in any way to write this post.  Quirk Books is providing a copy of the book for the giveaway.  As always, all comments and opinions are 100% my own.
Please drink responsibly.  Health and General Disclaimers.

Blackberry Lime Mimosa

Mimosa is a cocktail drink composed of one part champagne (or sparkling wine) and one part citrus fruit juice, usually orange juice.  It is traditionally served in a tall champagne flute during brunch or to guests at weddings.  Today, I’m twisting and changing things up a bit.  As many of you know that I love having brunch at home, and a cocktail here and there.  This Blackberry Lime Mimosa is a great new taste to try if you’re feeling a little adventurous.



I started this cocktail with a good amount of fresh lime juice for the refreshing citrus flavor; then I muddled some blackberries along with fresh mint leaves for a little sweetness and freshness.  I couldn't help it but took a deep breath to take it all in.  The citrus, berries and mints smelled divine!  Then, I pour in a little simple syrup and shaken it well with some ice; next, I filled my champagne glasses half way with the blackberry lime mixture and top the glasses with some prosecco.  That’s what I usually have on hand (or I should say, available in the fridge so I don't sound like an alcoholic!  hahaha....).  Of course, you can use champagne as well.



This cocktail is slightly sweet and tart at the same time, very refreshing and perfect for Spring.  If you have a brunch to serve or gathering to host, this would make a great cocktail for your guests.  You can make the blackberry lime mixture ahead of time and simply pour the prosecco when your guests arrive.  This is a lovely recipe and I can see myself making it over and over again.  Do you have a favorite cocktail recipe to share?  What is your favorite ingredients to use in a cocktail (I love citrus)?  Leave me a comment below and let me know.  I can't wait to find out!  Cheers to Spring!





Please drink responsibly.  Health and General Disclaimers.

Cranberry Sparkling Martini

Can't believe it's only a few days from Christmas!  Are you in the Holiday mood yet?  If not, give this Cranberry Sparkling Martini a try and you will be in the Holiday mood for sure.  Forget about the holiday baking and chaotic shopping malls for a while.  Let's relax with a Holiday drink, and cheers!



I love the slightly sweet and tart flavors from this Cranberry Sparkling Martini.  First, I prepare the cranberry syrup by cooking up some fresh cranberries with some water, sugar and orange peels.  Let the syrup steep a little so the flavor really infused into the syrup.  When you're ready to put the cocktail together, prepare the orange zest sugar rim for the martini glasses.  The orange zest is so fragrant and refreshing, and truly brightens up this drink.  Not only the sugar rim tastes wonderful with this drink, it makes the martini glasses super festive as well.



I finished up the drink by shaking up some vodka, sherry, and the cranberry syrup along with some ice.  Then, top off the glasses with some champagne, or you can use processo as well.  The bubbly is so refreshing and makes this Cranberry Sparkling Martini really sparkle, fun and festive.



Now, you've got a festive and refreshing cocktail under your sleeves, hope you'll give this a try on your next gathering.  Cheers!




Please drink responsibly.  Health and General Disclaimers.

Frozen Raspberry Sparkle

This Frozen Raspberry Sparkle is the official Holiday cocktail in my house.  You’ve guessed it right!  Yes, I am the one who made it official.  Why not?  I’m sure we all can use a cocktail in between all these crazy holiday shopping and baking chaos.  Besides, it’s a festive and beautiful drink that you can serve during the holiday gatherings.  Best of all, it’s super easy to prepare.



I love the frosted look of these frozen raspberries.  They are just so pretty to look at.  I freeze up some extras and they made a wonderful snack on their own.  Plus a few of them in your drink will keep your cocktail nice and chilled without diluting your drink with the ice.  Pretty cool, huh? 




I can’t believe Christmas will be here in less than a week!  So, how far are you with the holiday shopping and preparation?  Are you all prepared, almost done, half way through, or haven’t even started yet?  I think I belong to the 'almost done' group, I guess.  I would love to hear from you.





Please drink responsibly.  Health and General Disclaimers.

Meyer Lemon Sorbet with Fresh Thyme

Some of you might not know, I don’t really like summer.  It’s so hot that sometimes I hesitate to turn on the oven to bake my cakes or cookies.  It’s way too hot to wear clothes that cover my baby fats (note: fats from babies that I had, of course….no, there’s no buns in the oven, I promise).  It’s way too hot to workout under the sun after 10 am!  I probably can go on and on….but let’s focus on the positive of summer, shall we?  The best thing about summer that I can think of, would be indulging in frozen desserts like this Meyer Lemon Sorbet with Fresh Thyme without feeling guilty.  It’s a really light and refreshing treat that won’t weight you down.  Plus, it’s super simple to make.
 


I added some fresh thyme leaves to infuse the simple syrup that’s going into making this sorbet.  The lemony fresh thyme compliment the Meyer lemon really well.  Last year, I made the Mixed Berries-Kiwi Sorbet with fresh basil in it.  I love the fresh herbs in these sorbets.  The earthiness of the herbs added the depth of flavor and balance out the sweetness. 



I made the Mixed Berries Sorbet without an ice cream machine last year.  Simply stir the mixture once or twice after the mixture is in the freezer for an hour.  You can do the same with this recipe if you don’t have an ice cream machine.  But, I really recommend you to get one.  Besides sorbets, you can use it to make some Valrhona Dark Chocolate Ice Cream, Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream, or French Roasted Coffee Ice Cream.  See how much fun I’ve been having with my ice cream machine? 



Besides enjoying this Meyer Lemon Sorbet with Fresh Thyme as is, my favorite way to serve it is to pour processo over a couple of scoops.  What should I call it now?  hm…Let's see, it’s a dessert, it’s a drink, it’s cool and it’s a totally fun treat.  Whatever you want to name it, I don’t think I care much.  Just give this a try and I'm sure you’ll love it too.  



If you’re serving this sorbet to the kids and they also want the bubbly fun, simply substitute the processo with some sparkling white grape juice.  Until next time, have fun and make this Meyer Lemon Sorbet with Fresh Thyme soon!


 

**Reminder: Don't forget to enter my current giveaway (click here to enter).  Don't miss it!  Deadline to enter is August 10, 2012 by midnight.