Spiked Lavender Lemonade Cocktail

Servings: 2 cocktails

What You Need:

4-6 tablespoons of lavender syrup (give or take)

2 shots of gin

2 Sprigs of rosemary (don’t forget it, every time you sip you get this sweet aroma)

1 1/2 cups of Homemade lemonade divided into two glasses

1 cup of ice


Recipe for Homemade Lemonade

https://thewildgems.com/2021/12/30/homemade-lemonade/

Recipe For Lavender Syrup

https://thewildgems.com/2022/02/17/lavender-simple-syrup-mix-it-in-everything/


Steps:

1. Divide the lemonade into two glasses, and pour 2 tablespoons of lavender syrup into each glass.

2. Add a shot of gin to each glass.

3. Mix well, add ice, and place a sprig of rosemary into each drink.

Sip and enjoy! Add more lavender syrup if necessary.

Happy hour anyone?

Lavender Simple Syrup – Mix It In Everything

This lavender syrup is so good. Mix it in your lemonade, your favorite cocktail, a mimosa, raw honey, cream cheese frosting, the possibilities are endless!

Enjoy!

What You Need:

1 1/2 cups of water

3 tablespoons of dried lavender

1 1/2 cups of sugar

Steps:

1. Bring the water and lavender to a boil.

2. Add the sugar and mix until it dissolves completely. Allow to simmer for 15 mins. Boiling lightly.

3. Remove from the heat and let sit for 2 hours. The aroma is so relaxing.

4. Strain the liquid into a mason jar discarding the dried lavender. Store in the fridge for 2 weeks.

Homemade Lemonade

What You Need:

A juicer (Hamilton brand is fantastic)

2 cups of fresh lemon juice (about 6-7 lemons)

2 cups of sugar

8 cups of water

Steps:

1. Wash your lemons and place into juicer, unpeeled. (The lemon rind is what really gives a nice flavor)

2. Pour juice into pitcher, add water, and sugar.

3. Serve with ice.

Can store in fridge for 5 days.

Note: we use lemons from our tree. I’ve never tried store bought lemons. Once I try it I’ll update this blog if it’s the same flavor or a little different.

Fall Wines And The Perfect Pairings That Go With Them

“Every empty bottle is filled with a great story”

-unknown

Fall is here!

Time to start planning those Fall social events and family/friend gatherings! A time to reminisce, laugh, story tell, and mingle!

Who’s excited for the season!!

If you enjoy hosting parties and enjoy wine this is the post for you. Take a look at these perfect Fall Wines and these tasty foods that compliment them perfectly!

Below are 4 Fall wines and the perfect pairings for them to make it easier for your planning.



Fall Wines And The Perfect Pairings That Go With Them

Merlot

  • Slow Cooker Beef Stew
  • Grilled Steak
  • Roasted chicken
  • Grilled Lamb Chops
  • Caprese Salad
  • Caesar Salad
  • Mushrooms (add to a salad, a sauce, or a side)
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Brussels sprouts with bacon
  • Pasta
  • Gouda and cheddar cheese

Pinot Noir

  • Salmon
  • Tuna
  • Glazed Ham
  • Grilled asparagus
  • Pulled pork
  • Pasta
  • Roasted chicken
  • Casseroles
  • Stews
  • Pizza
  • Cheeseburgers
  • Duck

Sparkling Wine

  • Shrimp
  • Fried calamari
  • Buttered popcorn
  • Stuffed mushrooms
  • Fruit based desserts
  • Smoked salmon
  • Oysters
  • Sushi
  • Asparagus
  • Almonds

Unoaked Chardonnay

  • Pasta in a creamy sauce
  • Creamy vegetable soups
  • Chicken
  • Crab
  • Grilled fish
  • Butternut squash
  • Pumpkin
  • Corn
  • Crab Cakes
  • Fried Chicken
  • Turkey

 

If you really LOVE Fall check out this list FALL MUST DO’S list! Click on the link below.

15 MUST DO’S For A Memorable FALL – The Best Season

Fruit Combinations For Refreshing Water – Perfect For Hosting A Brunch Or Shower

 

sliced green fruits
Photo by Badulescu Badulescu on Pexels.com

 

Truth be told I had never thought of adding fruit or veggies to my water, other then lemon.

And the only reason I know of lemon in water is probably because when you’re at a restaurant they ask if you would like lemon in your water (the answer is always yes btw).

Little did I know that adding fruit or veggies to your water adds vitamins and minerals to it.

As if ice cold water couldn’t be more refreshing when you’re super thirsty, right! The fruit in the water definitely takes it up a notch.

I was first introduced to fruit infused water or, what some would call ‘spa water’ was actually when I worked in a spa as a front desk receptionist.

You would walk into this gorgeous spa and a giant, beautiful glass, self serve pitcher caught your eye. Ice water with the fruit of the day.

It was super appealing. I actually wanted to drink water! There was just a hint of flavor but enough to tell the difference.

Ever since then I’ve been hooked! This is a terrific way to stay refreshed and hydrated!

‘Spa Water’ is perfect for weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, a brunch, etc.

A gorgeous way to serve water to your guests and keep them hydrated.

Try these tasty fruit combinations in your water today and let me know what is your favorite!

You can get super creative with fruit combinations, but here a few to inspire to get you creative with your own flavors! Enjoy!

CUCUMBER COMBINATIONS

  • Cucumber and strawberries
  • Cucumber BY ITSELF
  • Cucumber and raspberries
  • Cucumber and lemon

STRAWBERRY COMBINATIONS

  • Strawberries and blueberries
  • Strawberries BY ITSELF
  • Strawberries and Lemon
  • Strawberries and lime
  • Strawberries and kiwi
  • Strawberries and apples
  • Strawberries and mango
  • Strawberries and peaches

ORANGE COMBINATIONS

  • Oranges and raspberries
  • Oranges and limes
  • Oranges and strawberries
  • Oranges and blueberries
  • Oranges and pineapple

LEMON COMBINATIONS

  • Lemon BY ITSELF
  • Lemon and grapefruit
  • Lemon and raspberries
  • Lemon, strawberry, and orange

MINT COMBINATIONS

  • Mint, strawberries, and cucumber
  • Mint and strawberries
  • Mint, cucumber, and lemon
  • Mint, lime, and strawberries
  • Mint, lemon, and blueberries
  • Mint, watermelon, and cucumber

BLUEBERRY COMBINATIONS

  • Blueberry and lemon
  • Blueberry and raspberries
  • Blueberries and black berries

WATERMELON COMBINATIONS

  • Watermelon and limes
  • Watermelon and cucumber
  • Watermelon and strawberries

RASPBERRY COMBINATIONS

  • Raspberry and limes
  • Raspberry and peaches
  • Raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry

 

Have fun with this! Thanks for stopping by!

Mama’s Summer Sun Tea

When I think of summer time, I think of long sunny days. Living in Arizona, I think of long sunny REALLY HOT days lol.

But what’s great about these summer days is they are perfect for making sun tea. One of my favorite drinks to sip during these blazing hot days. I remember my mom making sun tea when I was a kid, and now I have a husband who requests this sun tea constantly.

My daughters enjoy this tea too. So you could say it’s husband and kid approved. However I don’t let my kids drink too much of it because of the caffeine. They have enough energy!

Now let’s make some of Mama’s Summer Sun Tea!

WHAT YOU NEED:

A large glass jar or pitcher that can hold 14 1/2 cups of water

4 teabags of Lipton- iced tea 100% natural specially blended for ice tea (24 family size tea bags)

1 cup of sugar (not Splenda or any “healthy sugar”, just sugar!)

Fill up a large GLASS jar with lid of 14 1/2 cups of water. Then place outside all day in direct sunlight. I typically leave my jar out from 10am to 7pm. Remove tea bags, and add 1 cup of sugar into tea and mix. Let chill overnight, THEN ENJOY!

You can even get more creative and add sliced lemons, fresh raspberries, or peaches to the tea. You can leave it unsweetened too if you prefer. This is the way we enjoy it and it’s always a treat!

Hope you enjoy! Let me know how you like it!