Thursty Thursday- Naught-A Shirley Temple

When I think of Americana, I can't help but this the sweet cherub face of Shirley Temple.  I am not quite sure if the grenadine-7 up drink is actually named for her or not, but as a child I loved a Shirley Temple, most especially on festive occasions.

Clearly I am not one for over the top sugary drinks, but I have created the most delightful, refreshing adult version of a Shirley Temple.  One in which my mom asked, "Is this a Shirley Temple?" and after one sip she exclaimed "Shirley is a naughty girl!"  (hints the name).

Naught-A Shirley Temple

2 shots Citron Vodka (I used Svedka)
2 shots tonic water
Fill up with cranberry juice (leave about an inch at the top)
Rose's Sweet Lime (as a topper)
Lime Wedge

Combine all ingredients over ice in a pint glass, squeeze the lime edge, toss in a straw or two and enjoy the taste of summer!

#thurstythursday- All American Apple Pie

We made it to June, y'all!  Which means we are halfway through the year and today is the 4th of June which means ONE MONTH until the best holiday (in my opinion) ever... The 4th of July!  In honor and with much respect, each week of June I want to share a patriotic cocktail with you until we get to Independence Day.

Nothing says America like an apple pie... Or maybe that is just Jason Biggs in "American Pie" but wither way, I love me some fresh, delicious apple pie.  I love it even more when I can't drink it down and get a buzz.

Fireball Whiskey is a favorite of mine as is apple juice and I am sure there like a million different people already making this concoction, but I just love it!  I even have a Christmas version similar to this one, but you'll have to wait for that!


All American Apple Pie:

1-2 shots Fireball Whiskey
1-2 shots Apple Juice
Splash or more of club soda (optional, I use it to cute the sugar down)

Shake together and pour over ice and enjoy.

If you want an A La Mode  version, add a shot of whipped or vanilla flavored vodka and VOILA!

These also make for great shots during the fireworks show!

Thursty Thursday- Cucumber Lemon Refresher

It's Thursday again and my "Friday" which means it is vital to get my drink on...  Well maybe not "vital" considering I drank too much last night, but we won't talk about that nor the pounding headache I have.

I have been in a cool and refreshing type of cocktail mood and have always loved club soda (soda) with vodka.  I was partial to vodka tonics until I realized how many calories are actually in tonic water. I also recommend switching this up with lime, as that is just as delicious.

Cucumber Lemon Refresher:
2 shots vodka
Perrier or club soda
Cucumber spear
Two lemon wedges

Pour two shots of vodka over ice, add soda, juice of one lemon (or lime) wedge, add cucumber spear to stir and garnish with the other lemon (lime) wedge.  Enjoy!

I have also joined up with some awesome ladies for this Target gift card giveaway on Instagram!  It is a loop giveaway ending May 18, so hurry over here and find the image I posted to enter!

Thursty Thursday- Kentucky Derby Style

I don't know about y'all, but there is something so charming and VERY Southern about the Kentucky Derby that I just love.  I enjoy the ponies and would love to attend the Derby someday, but until then I have the classic Mint Julep and Sparkling Mint Julep recipes from you.

There are so many different versions of the Mint Julep but historically the recipe is as follows-
3 ounces Bourbon
2 Sugar Cubes (2 tsp)
3-4 Mint Leaves
High ball glass

via

Muddle the sugar and mint leaves together, add bourbon and pour over ice in high ball glass... Enjoy.
It is so very simple and I love that I don't have to make simple syrup, which is super easy, but I am super lazy!

Another rendition I came across via Kitchen Is My Playground is the Sparkling Mint Julep.  I have to admit, I am very very sad I didn't previously make this recipe up, because it is that delicious!  I mean who wouldn't love champs with a splash of bourbon and the amazing mint/sugar combo?
3 large mint leave
2 tsp simple syrup (sugar water)
2T bourbon
Chilled Prosecco
Champagne glass

via

Muddle the mint leaves with simple syrup, add bourbon.  Pour into champagne flute, add Prosecco and garnish with a mint leaf.

Hope y'all enjoy the Derby.  I am ready with my Kern's Kitchen pie, Mint Julep, and big hat.

Remember the number 7 horse!

Thursty Thursday- Orphan Girl!

Hey y'all!  I am joining Kristin again for some Thursty Thursday throw down action.

This week I didn't concoct one single cocktail.  Literally everything I have consumed has come premixed and delicious from the bottle.  Especially this amazing Montana sipping bourbon by the name of Orphan Girl from Headframe Spirits.

I don't know about you, but I love a smooth and tasty sipping bourbon a lot of the time.  The great thing about Orphan Girl is I can drink it over crushed ice, mixed with coffee and if I am feeling REALLY fancy I do a little root beer and it tastes like a root beer milkshake.  Yum!

I am more partial to Orphan Girl over Bailey's Irish Cream.  I do love Bailey's but it is like Jack Daniels in the fact that the distinct taste can sometimes be overwhelming.  Orphan Girl is subtle and smooth and a definite favorite of mine.

Thirsty Thursday- Cranberry Cooler

Yesssss!!!  We made it to Thursday, a perfectly thirsty Thursday.  I don't know about y'all, but I sort of love Thursdays!

Today I want to share my Cranberry Cooler.  It is REALLY simple- I promise!

Budlight- Cranbrrrita
Sparkling water
Lemon or lime wedge

Equal parts Cranbrrrita and sparkling water in a stemless wineglass or tumbler over crushed ice.
Garnish with lemon or lime.

The reason I love this drink so much is because the actual Cranbrrrita is too sweet and syrupy for me.  I am so happy Bud Light chose to bring the cranberry back permanently as it is my favorite of all the  "Rita" drinks.  I tend to buy one tall can of the Bud Light and one bottle of club soda and I can drink for hours.  The plus side is although it is refreshing, you don't have a hangover the next day!

Thirsty Thursday- Whiskey Float

It is no surprise that like a nice strong cocktail from time to time..  Not as often I used to, but enough that I like to create my own recipes.  Especially cocktails containing whiskey or vodka.  I will not turn down rum and tequila, they just are not front runners in my world.  Seeing as how much I love a good drink, it should be no surprise that I decided to join Kristin over at Hopelessly Ever After and Lisa at Showered With Design for a little cocktail recipe .  

My current favorite thing to drink is whiskey and cream soda.  In order to get the smoothest tasting drink, you need a fine whiskey- think Jameson not Jack, although I do love Jack.  The cream soda has to be A&W brand, nothing else will cut it.  I pour one part whisky to 2 parts soda over crushed ice topped with whipped cream for what I term The Whiskey Float.  Simply turn it into a shot by shaking with a dollop of whipped cream. It is quite tasty and comforting at the same time.



Next Thursday I will be starting up the "Third Thursday Travel" link up.  I am really excited about this link up because it is only once a month and you can post anything about travel!  If you are interested in co-hosting please send me an email at kristaketterhagen@gmail.com.  

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