In the Spirit of Spirits

CELEBRATING OUR FAVORITE WINE AND COCKTAILS

When it comes to alcoholic beverages, there are few that are as universally loved as wine and favorited mixed cocktails. These classic drinks have a rich history and a timeless appeal that make them perfect for any occasion, whether you’re relaxing at home or out with friends.  Here are just a few of our favorites… 

WINE: A Timeless Classic

Wine is a drink that has been enjoyed for centuries between friends. From deep, rich reds to light, refreshing whites, there’s a wine for every taste and occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, wine is the perfect drink to enjoy with a meal or on its own.

TEAM FAVORITES:

Amy’s Favorite: Cakebread Pinot Noir Wine or Veuve Clicquot Rose Champagne
Danielle’s Favorite: Malbec or Shiraz (anything that has a fun label!)
Haley’s Favorite: Stella Rose Moscato
Kierstyn’s Favorite: A Wisconsin local pick, Door County Cherry Wine from Simon Creek Winery

One of the great things about wine is that it’s versatile and can be paired with a variety of foods. From spicy Mexican cuisine to a hearty steak dinner, there’s a wine that will complement your meal perfectly and ample online resources. A favorite website we use is: The Wine Folly

Pairing wine with a charcuterie board is our favorite because the diverse selection of cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments offer a range of flavors and textures that can be paired with different styles of wine. The combination of savory and salty meats with tangy and creamy cheeses, and the nuanced flavors of the wine create a delightful and indulgent experience for the taste buds.

MARGARITAS:

A Celebratory Drink. Few can compete with the classic margarita!

TEAM FAVORITES:

Haley’s A classic strawberry margarita
Megan’s A Paloma- Made with grapefruit and lime juice, it’s sweet, sour, and refreshing.

MOSCOW MULES

Moscow mules are a team go-to pick for a variety of reasons. The combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice creates a unique and refreshing flavor profile that is both tangy and spicy. The drink is also often served in a distinctive copper mug, which not only keeps the drink cold but adds a touch of visual appeal to the overall experience.  This cocktail is easy to make and customize, making it a popular choice for both home bartenders and professionals alike.

TEAM FAVORITES: 

Kierstyn’s BlackBerry Champagne Mule
Megan’s Mexican Mule- Made with a favorite tequila instead of vodka!

Do I Really Need A Copper Mug?
No. But they do make for better presentation and actually serve a purpose. The copper insulates the drink and keeps your mules surprisingly chilled for much longer than glass. Copper mugs are inexpensive and can be purchased just about everywhere. We recommend you always hand wash for longevity!

CRAFTED MARTINIS

Making your own martini can be a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to customize the drink to your exact liking. First, choose your base spirit, whether it’s gin or vodka. Decide what you will add along with it whether it’s vermouth, juice or an additional spirit. Next, choose your garnish, whether it’s an olive, a twist of citrus, or something more creative. Finally, decide how you’d like your drink served – shaken or stirred, up or on the rocks. The process of crafting your own martini is not only fun but also allows you to experiment with different flavor combinations until you find the perfect recipe. Plus, the sense of satisfaction that comes from sipping a perfectly made martini that you created yourself is hard to beat.

TEAM FAVORITES:

Amy’s The Lavender Martini
Recipe: 1oz Creme de Violette 1 oz Gin 1 oz Vodka ¼ Domain de Canton ¼ St Germaine (elderflower liqueur) 1 dash Scrappy’s Lavender Bitters and Fresh cut lavender for garnish
Megan’s Raspberry Martini Fizz
Recipe: In a shaker filled with ice add in 2 oz Raspberry vodka, with a splash of cranberry juice, splash of pineapple juice, and a touch of fresh squeezed lime juice. Shake it up and then pour into a martini glass. For a special twist, garnish with some frozen raspberries, and top it off with your favorite champagne!
Danielle’s  Raspberry Cosmopolitan
Recipe: 2 oz vodka 1 oz Triple Sec 1 oz Chambord Liqueur Splash Cranberry Juice and fresh squeezed lime juice. 

BLOODY MARY

Bloody Marys are a popular cocktail that is often associated with brunch and breakfast menus, but their popularity extends far beyond just that. Many bars and restaurants feature Bloody Marys as a staple menu item, and they are a favorite of many cocktail enthusiasts. Some people even enjoy a spicy Bloody Mary as a pick-me-up in the morning or as a savory evening drink.

Here’s a classic Bloody Mary recipe with garnish ideas:
2 oz vodka
4 oz tomato juice
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp hot sauce
Pinch of salt and black pepper
Garnishes: Celery stalk, lemon wedge, green olives, pickled vegetables (carrots, asparagus, green beans), cubed cheeses, and a slice of cooked bacon or meat stick.

TEAM FAVORITES: 

Megan’s   Canadian Ceasar- made with Clamato Juice
Andrea’s   The Appetizer Bloody Mary- not just a drink.

MOCKTAILS

Mocktails, or non-alcoholic cocktails, are a great alternative for those who want to enjoy a delicious drink without the alcohol. Whether you’re pregnant, a designated driver, or simply don’t drink, mocktails offer a fun and tasty way to celebrate and socialize.  Its easy to take any cocktail and just eliminate the hard liquor and viola! Cheery mocktails for all ages!
Virgin Mojito Recipe:
A virgin mojito is a classic mocktail that’s perfect for a hot summer day. Made with mint, lime juice, sugar, and soda water, it’s a refreshing and tasty drink that’s sure to please. Simply muddle the mint, sugar, and lime juice in a glass, add ice and top it off with soda water.

AT HOME BAR

If you enjoy playing bartender at home, we love incorporating a stylish bar cart that can enhance the experience and make it feel more authentic. Don’t forget to add in your favorite spirits, mixers, and bar tools, and arrange them beautifully on your bar cart to create a charming and functional space.

Amy’s love for herbal cocktails has taken her on a journey of discovering new flavors, experimenting with different ingredients, and ultimately led her to cultivate a small container of herbs each year. The cocktail garden is a vibrant and colorful collection of herbs that includes rosemary, lavender, basil, jalapenos, mint, thyme, and cilantro. Each of these herbs has its unique flavor profile, which she blends together to create delicious and refreshing cocktails!

Whether you’re in the mood for a glass of wine or a refreshing cocktail, these classic beverages are sure to please. All of them have a timeless appeal that makes them perfect for any occasion, from a relaxing evening at home to a night out or in with friends. We would love to hear your favorites in the comments below!  Cheers!

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XO

Amy & The Interior Impressions Team