Cocktail Recipes
Union Square Cafe Bar Nuts
Inspired by the iconic New York City restaurant, these rosemary-infused nuts are lightly spiced, perfectly salted, and completely irresistible. Snack on them anytime, or enjoy as a pre-dinner nibble with your drink of choice. The first time I ate at the famed Union Square Café years ago, we started our meal with the bar nuts.…
Rosemary Simple Syrup
A fragrant, easy-to-make syrup that adds an herbal twist to cocktails and mocktails — even baked goods, coffee, and tea. If you’ve made my Rosemary Paloma (which tastes great in non-alcoholic and classic form!), you already know how this simple syrup can transform the drink. A quick simmer of sugar, water, fresh rosemary, and a…
Rosemary Paloma (NA or Classic)
Grapefruit, lime, and rosemary are the stars of this fizzy, bright drink that’s delicious with or without the alcohol. If you’re looking for a signature drink that works for everyone at the table, this Rosemary Paloma may be your new go-to. When I was creating the recipe, I wanted something refreshing, seasonal, and a little…
Pink Pony Cocktail
The Pink Pony is a spin on a Greyhound with Paloma vibes and options to use vodka, gin, or tequila. It’s the ultimate customizable drink and a party favorite! My favorite cocktail is a little number we call the Pink Pony. Inspired by the classic Greyhound cocktail with a Paloma vibe, it’s a citrus-forward drink…
Jack’s Favorite Bloody Mary
A pitcher-full of outstanding Bloody Marys is easy to make and infinitely tastier than store-bought mixes. Bloody Maria, Dirty Mary, and Virgin Mary variations are included and are customizable by the glass. For added fun, offer a make-your-own garnish station! An olive loaded Bloody Mary with a crisp stalk of celery and a generous amount…
Lavender Syrup
Lavender Syrup is simple to make and adds a sweet, floral note to hot and iced coffee and tea, lattes, lemonade, cocktails, desserts, and more. A clever trick makes the syrup a pretty shade of purple! The first time I had a lavender latte, I didn’t finish it. Despite rave reviews from friends who claimed…
Honey Deuce
A cocktail version of raspberry lemonade and the official drink of the US Open, you don’t need to be a tennis fan to love this refreshing drink! (Pitcher measurements and non-alcoholic variation included.) People go to the US Open for the tennis. But the official drink of this long-standing tennis tournament lures throngs of fans…
Sangria Spritz
Enjoy the fruity, sweet-tart flavor of classic sangria in this light, refreshing, 3-ingredient spritz – and then customize according to season with your favorite fruit garnishes. The concept of a spritz dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans; it is believed that wine was often diluted with water to keep people from becoming…
Cranberry Simple Syrup (and bonus cocktail recipe)
This easy-to-make syrup adds festive color and seasonal flavor to a variety of cocktails and mocktails. Makes a lovely gift too! Taking a few minutes to prepare an infused simple syrup is an easy way to create the type of cocktail that garners big bucks at trendy restaurants. And while I most often use…
Shirley Temple for Grown-Ups
A grown-up rendition of an adored childhood drink, this pretty cocktail is quick to make and can be easily scaled to make a pitcher-full. When I think of a Shirley Temple, I can’t help but smile. One of the first restaurants my parents took my sister and me to as young girls was The…
Big (and Bigger) Batch Frozen Margaritas
Slushy-like with spot-on margarita flavor, a big batch of this party favorite takes minutes to mix up and can be stored in the freezer until needed. Ideal for Cinco de Mayo celebrations, potlucks, and backyard barbecues all summer long, the frozen margaritas can even be served one or two at a time. Years ago, a…
Cranberry Mimosas
Quick, festive, and colorful, this twist on the traditional mimosa is an easy choice for holiday breakfasts and brunches throughout the year. A merry looking drink that offers easy prep and broad appeal, my family has given this drink a variety of names over the years. Christmas and holiday mimosas are the more straightforward…
