Week of Drinks : Fresh Margaritas

I am blessed with plenty of Florida sunshine and juicy citrus fruits. This makes my tequila very, very happy ! 

This past Thanksgiving Day, we prepared an untraditional meal...Turkey Tacos!!! 

So I experimented with this fresh new recipe 

for our festive drinks!!! Seriously delicious !!! 

Week of Drinks : Green Smoothie

The best part about preparing a stash of Green Smoothie Pellets 

is you can always have a healthy drink available 

with out all the fresh ingredients on hand. 

It's fun to experiment with different ingredients...

so go forth and drink your fruits and veggies !! 

Week of Drinks : Watermelon Basil Cocktail

A Week of Drinks : Aztec Chocolate

When I lived in Mexico I cooked with local produce, spices and flavors of the region. 

I walked or rode my bike to the Mercado in my neighborhood.

I prepared dinners with fresh offerings of the day.

Sometimes chickens so fresh, they were still warm. 

Cilantro dirty and peppers dusty.

I introduced cinnamon and cloves to my chili 

and spicy peppers to my chocolates.

Tequila was always involved.

And then I was ruined after watching the movie "Chocolat"

Of course, I already was a Gypsy. 

Of course I wanted to be the local Chocolatier. 

But instead, I now live here in the States 

and I try my best to reinvent those memories with my tongue.

( did I just type that ? )

Now why do you wonder about Jack Daniels in this post?
Because this time of year causes me to crave whiskey.
So before I introduce you to my warm chocolate drink recipe, 
I offer you a salut to a very merry holiday season...
with or without whiskey !! 

A Week of Drinks : Bloody Mary

After a day ( or two ) of too much fa la la la la, a healthy serving of Bloody Mary's can cure what ails you. This is a delicious concoction, even sans vodka !! It's like creating at the salad bar...build it the way you like ! That's the fun part...make it as hot and spicy or mild and sweet as you like it ! The pineapple juice tempers the heat...try it !! Also, squeeze plenty of lime, lemon and orange for that extra kick of Vitamin C !!! 

A Week of Drinks : Chai Tea

Beginning today is my gift of seven days of drink recipes 

for you to enjoy this holiday season...

ALL YEAR LONG !!

Some are spirited, others will be enjoyed by the entire family. 

Some are tropical with a summer twist...

some are warm and steamy for cozy fireplace snuggles.

I have been a bartender since the early 80's, so I know my beverages. 

I believe a cocktail should be handcrafted with the finest ingredients such as 

freshly squeezed juices and served in a fancy glass.

 Mason Jars are the exception ! No plastic allowed !

I believe in starting each day with your favorite beverage of choice...

and remember, IT IS A CHOICE.

OK, you can drip your coffee or steep your tea...

but what about French Press or loose Tea Balls??  

and what about that warm lemon water?

OH MY !! 

I believe the way we begin our day can enhance the direction of our mood.

Are you a racehorse right out of the chute? 

Or a slowly merging butterfly from the cocoon?

How about those mornings you have time to linger over a creamy cup of chocolate 

or bolt out the door with a bold cappuccino?

Or remember those vacation days started off with Bloody Mary's and Mimosas?

Do we drink enough water?

Guilty as charged.

Nope. Not me.

I try.

It's so boring.

So this week, I am bringing you some of my favorites and interesting beverages.

The recipes are in J-Peg format...feel free to right click and save ! 

and if you are on Instagram or Facebook feel free to tag your creations and libations with #weekofdrinkswithdeb #ctyw ( cheers to your weekend ) 

the above recipe can be adapted to your favorite teas. 

Also I like to add a couple Star of Anise to the blend

See y'all tomorrow !! 

~CHEERS!~