fizzy drinks

I'll have a glass of sparkling water, please.
Since graduating from college I have cut back on drinking way, way, way much; to the extent where having a drink is a very rare occasion for me. There were a number of reasons that prompted me to cut back/eliminate drinking - no longer was I in a super social atmosphere, most of my weekend days and mornings were busy with work at the boutique, yoga, running groups and mass, and after awhile, when your tolerance goes way low, you just don't like it that much anymore (at least in my case).
If truth be told, indulging in cookies & cream ice cream is more up my alley than a glass of wine...but to each their own. 
One of my struggles (that I am still working on) with this 'no drinking,' is feeling a little lame when I go out for dinner or drinks because I just have a glass of water. I haven't had soda in years and am not a coffee nor tea drinker since caffeine makes me wired and tea is even worse than coffee in staining your teeth. While I was fine with drinking my H20, I wondered if it was just a tad boring.
This spring, my Grandpa cut back on drinking alcohol and has substituted with tonic water & lime or San Pellegrino. I have started doing the same -most of the times bars don't even charge you, especially when tonic or soda water on tap is all that's available in the sparkling beverage department. I have been ordering sparkling water with a citrus wedge -usually orange - and squeeze and stir in my fizzy drink and it's been divine! I am still figuring out the beverage thing, but for now my little sparking cocktail has been just grand.
While my Italian fizzy water combo is a good go-to for now, I think I'll always be okay with an excuse to click champagne glasses and sip the bubbly :)

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cocktail hour

The Seven Classic Cocktails Every Sophisticated Woman Should Know

The spring always puts me in a better mood and makes me think of sundresses and early evening cocktails on the patio. Everyone seems lighter, happier and more energized. Social engagements tend to be loads of fun with sunset cocktails continuing long after the moon rises, with twinkling lights and fire flies adding sparkle to the balmy air. While I can hardly tolerate the summer heat, I love those summer nights.

I don't drink even a fraction as much as I did in college - definitely a good thing in many regards - but I find, as such, that my cocktail list is far from sophisticated. My cocktails of choice include - and are limited to - white wine or a classic beer. When selecting wine, I often choose chardonnay (thanks to this wine personality quiz) and when I have a beer, I either choose Fat Tire or just a Bud Light. Fat Tire is my go-to when I am around craft brew drinkers.

When I saw this cocktail list on Veranda, it was just the perfect drink-spiration and I wanted to share with all of you. Maybe this will help you jazz up your summer cocktail order, whether or not you clink glasses weekly or just on those special nights out on the town!

Enjoy your weekend, toodles!

MOSCOW MULE

For those who always order: vodka sodas

What it's made with: vodka, ginger beer, lime juice

These drinks are what put vodka on the map here in the United States. Their bright taste - and the fact they're easy to drink - make the favorite for many, especially when they're served in their (correct) copper cup.

GIMLET

For those who always order: gin & tonics

What it's made with: gin, lime juice

Actually created for sailors as a way to prevent scurvy, the drink was later seen as an old person's cocktail - until its revitalization right about now. The drink is one part sweetened lime juice to four parts gin, so it's sweet but packs a punch. And if you're asking for limes in your G&T, consider this your new go-to. 

DAIQUIRI

For those who always order: rum & cokes

What it's made with: rum, simple syrup, lime juice

Contrary to popular belief, a true daiquiri isn't anything that comes out of a frozen slushy machine. A shaken cocktail made with rum, lime juice and simple syrup, the drink was often served in a frosted glass or over crushed ice. The more modern take is to serve it straight up in a cocktail glass. 

FRENCH 75

For those who always order: champagne

What it's made with: gin, sparkling wine/champagne, sugar/simple sugar, lemon (or other citrus)

This drink was made in 1915 in New York (happy 100th birthday!) and we really don't know what to say, other than look at the ingredients. Gin and champagne?! Be still our hearts. 

THE PALOMA

For those who always order: margaritas

What it's made with: tequila, grapefruit, club soda

Refreshing, tequila-based, and easy to make - this is the best alternative to ordering a margarita. Just don't ask if it comes in frozen. 

TOM COLLINS

For those who always order: gin and sodas

What it's made with: gin, lemon juice, sugar, soda

A Tom Collins is a reminiscent of spiking lemonade with gin - not that that is a bad thing. It's honestly the easiest way to add some interest to your gin & soda order...and all bartenders should learn how to make them; otherwise run far, far away. 

SIDECAR

For those who always order: whiskey gingers

What it's made with: cognac, orange liqueur (triple sec), lemon juice

The sidecar came to prominence in the 1950s, and while whiskeys and cognacs are completely different spirits, they both fermet in a barrel and both tend to be a bit smoky in flavor. That, mixed with the sweetness of the triple sec and lemon, makes for a good strong drink. 

(via Veranda Magazine)

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breakfast to go ... or stay

This week has been a LONG one. Lots of late nights finishing projects for work and trying to get my fall calendar in order. It's amazing how many things kick back into gear come September - and so far there is no sign of anything slowing down soon. I think I am 'booked' nearly every weekend through the end of October. Phew. I am worn out already!

It hasn't helped that my phone is on the permanent fritz and has been shutting off for 18-24 hour intervals over the past month. It has gotten progressively worse and is such a hassle. Granted, I don't dislike being on a "tech sabbatical" (ask any of my friends from college), but this is a getting to be ridiculous. 

In the midst of all of this craziness, something as simple as spending a couple of hours in the morning morning sipping a hot beverage and eating a croissant sounds more than ideal - just the perfect relaxation. Granted I am not the best at 'relaxing,' I usually try to do a gazillion things at once (you should see me 'watch' TV). BUT -  if Paris was thrown into the equation, ultimate relaxation might be doable :)

Here's to the weekend, long morning coffee breaks, necessary sweet treats, and dreams of Parisian cafes - or whatever relaxation suits your fancy! 

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