Mezcal Aperol Gimlet with a Twist

Equally comforting over ice during a heatwave or neat during the winter while you’re wrapped in a blanket by the fire—I’m calling this my new exceptionally easy go-to.

Sometimes I think I try too hard, think too much—everything has to be thisclose to perfect or all the other good things will fall apart; if I post this, then this will happen, and all the other good things will fall apart. Hence why I haven’t done the things I love for this site. All in the name of being exceptional or bust.

This site may never reach global millions. It might. But more than likely it’s going to stay a digital shoebox of my favorite memories and pieces of life, shared with the people who want to read it (maybe 2, maybe 200, maybe millions). And that’s not perfect OR exceptional OR a bust.

It just is.  

Last week I asked my best friend over a quick text if she would be into a little mezcal/aperol mash-up. I made this cocktail recipe for the two of us over the weekend. I photographed everything on Saturday and edited the photos on Sunday. I wrote this post on the way to the subway, wrote some more on the train out to work, added to it over lunch, and finalized it all on my computer at home.

Life comes together in pieces—I’m coming together in pieces—and for a long time I convinced myself that wasn’t okay, that it wasn’t a good representation of a woman who has her life together. Whatever the hell having it all together means. Maybe that’s this way? Maybe that’s this way for just me, but a lot of different other ways for everyone else. Regardless, I’ll just be here, drinking this cocktail and convincing myself I don’t need to think so much about it. Pretty sure you just want the recipe anyway ;). 

Mezcal Aperol Gimlet with a Twist

Equally comforting over ice during a heatwave or neat during the winter while you’re wrapped in a blanket by the fire—I’m calling this my new exceptionally easy go-to. Make it once following the recipe, and twist it up to be yours the second time around. Do please tell me what you changed in the comments; I’d love to know. Enjoy! 

Ingredients:

• Cocktail shaker

• Glass tumbler

• ~10 ice cubes

• 2 oz. Mezcal

• 2 splashes Aperol  

• Juice of 2 limes

• Juice from a slice of grapefruit (about 2 inch slice)

• Optional: agave, honey, or simple syrup to sweeten

Recipe:

1. Chill tumbler in freezer

2. Add liquid contents to shaker

3. Toss in 5-7 ice cubes

4. Shake for 30 seconds

5. Pour into tumbler of ice 

6. Garnish with a thin wedge of grapefruit 

7. Cheers!

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+ What's your favorite way to drink Mezcal? Aperol?

Tag @yourfriend_em on Twitter or Instagram if you make this cocktail. Share this post with people who could use a stiff drink in their lives (you know that one). Hashtag #thegreatvibesguide to spread the Great Vibes! Xx.

Say Yes to Summer Temps and Rosé Shaved Ice

With temps in the 80s this week, make your rosé frozé and wear clothes that don't cling. 

This post originally ran July 8, 2016. Too good not to share all over again.

You can pretty much guarantee my day winds down with a cocktail or a glass of wine; it's a nod to my late grandfather but also a call to a time where cocktails were curated and had in good company. Lately due to the heat, I've been adding ice to my drinks (don't toss me to the wolves just yet) to keep me cool. Inspired by the refreshing chill, I wanted to take it a step further by turning it into a shaved ice dessert.

While any wine would work, I love the summery touch rosé brings to the mix, and who doesn't love this pale pink color? I swear it's as simple as toss, blend, and freeze. Would you expect anything else when it comes to The Great Vibes Guide? I hope you enjoy (and make it every night to satisfy your cool cravings and cocktail affairs). Cheers! Xx. 

Rosé Shaved Ice

Ingredients:

+ Your favorite Rosé, I chose Espiral from Trader Joes*
+ Ice, 2-4 cups*
+ Mint leaves (optional)

Recipe:

1. Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend on high*. 
2. Pour contents into a baking pan (or loaf pan like I did) and freeze 12 hours or overnight.
3. Pull from the freezer, and taking a fork, drag across the top to shave the ice.
4. Spoon into bowls or stemless wine glasses.
5. Serve, eat, & enjoy!

Note:

* I used about 1-2 cups of wine and then filled my blender to the top with ice. Play around with the measurements until it works for you. It has a very fruity, light on the alcohol, icy taste and is not at all overwhelmingly wine tasting. Please note that everyone's preferences are different when it comes to alcohol. If you find this is too weak or strong, adjust accordingly. If you feel like you messed up completely, pop it back into a blender, add more ice or wine, and then try it again. Don't cry over spilled cocktail is all I'm saying ;).

+ What's your favorite way to drink Rosé?

Tag @yourfriend_em on Twitter or Instagram when you make All Day Rosé Shaved Ice. Share this with people who could use some rosé in their lives. Hashtag #thegreatvibesguide to spread the Great Vibes! Xx.

Cheers to Great Vibes cocktail twists! Xx.

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Best Holiday Spritzer

The easiest, festive drink around town. 

It is no surprise I love champagne (exhibits A, B, and C). But what I love even more? Easy peasy cocktails that include champagne and take less than a minute to make. Because Thursdays are traditionally reserved for quick tips and weekly niceties, I wanted to up your hostess game and share my favorite holiday cocktail. 

This spritzer is light, slightly tart, and absolutely festive. It's easy to stock up on the essentials, cranberries and rosemary, without fearing they will go bad in the next hour. With these ingredients, you can create a gorgeous cocktail for drop-ins and soiree guests alike. 

Holiday Spritzer

Ingredients:

+ champagne or prosecco (any kind will do)
+ 5-7 cranberries
+ 1-2 sprigs of rosemary
+ optional: a pinch or 1 teaspoon sweetener*

Recipe:

1. Optional: add 3 cranberries and sweetener of choice to your champagne glass and muddle.
2. Fill your glass with champagne.
3. Top with remaining cranberries and rosemary.
5. Serve, sip, & enjoy!

Note:

*I like to use organic, vegan sugar or brown rice syrup if I have it on hand. If this is too sweet, add more of your sweetener of choice.

If you would like this to be non-alcoholic, consider using sparkling water.

+ What's your favorite way to drink champagne?

Tag @yourfriend_em on Twitter or Instagram when you make this champagne cocktail. Share this with people who could use some champagne in their lives. Hashtag #thegreatvibesguide to spread the Great Vibes! Xx.

Cheers to Great Vibes & cocktails with a twist! Xx.

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