• Cocktail of the Week,  Cocktails / Food

    Bootleg Cocktail

    This is a delicious lemon-lime and fresh mint summer cocktail that can be modified to your taste. You can use vodka or gin and you can make your bootleg concentrate as sweet or sour as you like.

    Club Soda, The Botanist Gin and Bootleg Concentrate

    Bootleg Concentrate

    1 can frozen limeade or frozen lemonade

    1/2 cup fresh lime juice

    1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

    1 cup fresh mint leaves, washed

    Add all ingredients to a blender (I love my Vitamix Explorian) and blend until the mint is well incorporated. I like my cocktails a little tart, but if you prefer a sweeter cocktail you can either add some simple syrup (heat 1 part sugar to 1 part water until dissolved, chill and store in the fridge for up to 1 month) to the blender or skip the fresh juice and use a can of frozen lemonade concentrate with the limeade and mint. The mint will separate when the concentrate sits, so just give it a stir each time you make a new cocktail. This concentrate will last in your fridge about 3 days before the mint starts to lose its bright green color.

    Bootleg Cocktail

    Bootleg Cocktail

    2 oz Botanist gin or Grey Goose vodka

    2 oz Bootleg Concentrate

    Add to cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well.

    Pour mixture into a glass filled with ice.

    Top with 6 oz Q club soda, more or less to taste.

    Garnish with a lime wheel or fresh mint.

    For a non-alcoholic version just combine the Bootleg concentrate with club soda and / or lemonade.

    Cheers!

    Click on the three lines to the left of the word “lifestyle” at the top of this page and enter your email address to receive notifications by email when I post something new on this blog. Also, follow me on Instagram at cocktailsandgratitude for photos of cocktails, flowers, my pets and, someday soon, more travel.

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  • Cocktail of the Week,  Cocktails / Food

    Italicus Spritz

    This is one of my favorite cocktails at RPM Italian in Chicago. The special ingredient is the Italian liqueur Italicus. Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto is a blend of bergamot peel, Cedro lemons, chamomile, lavender, gentian, yellow roses and Melissa balm. An aromatic and lightly spicy liqueur which balances honeyed sweetness with rooty bitterness. It can be difficult to find (and it’s a little expensive) but if you want to duplicate this drink, it’s an essential ingredient.

    Add to a cocktail shaker filled with ice:

    1 oz fresh lime juice

    2 oz Monkey 47 Gin 

    1 1/2 oz Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto

    A small pinch of sea salt

    Italicus Spritz: Prosecco, Monkey 47 gin, Italicus

    Shake well and strain into a large goblet with ice cubes and top with:

    4 oz of LaMarca Prosecco or your favorite brand

    2 oz of club soda

    Stir gently.

    RPM garnishes their Spritz with a lime peel but I saw several Italicus recipes that suggested garnishing with green olives. So, if you like green olives, give that a try.

    Italicus Spritz

    Cheers!

    Click on the three lines to the left of the word “lifestyle” at the top of this page and enter your email address to receive notifications by email when I post something new on this blog. Also, follow me on Instagram at cocktailsandgratitude for photos of cocktails, flowers, my pets and, someday soon, more travel.

  • Cocktail of the Week,  Cocktails / Food

    Hibiscus Rhubarb Spritz

    I love Spritz Cocktails in the summer. The basic ingredients of a Spritz are Prosecco, club soda and one or two additional ingredients for flavor. Since rhubarb season is here, I created this Spritz using rhubarb. Try the recipe below, my Aperol Spritz recipe or just grab a bottle of Prosecco and club soda and create your own Spritz flavors with other liquors or bitters you might have on hand. I’ll be posting more Spritz cocktail recipes throughout the summer.

    Hibiscus Rhubarb Concentrate

    4 c Rhubarb

    1/2 c dried Hibiscus flowers

    3 1/2 c Water

    2 T Truvia or 1/3 cup sugar

    1 lime, use a potato peeler or zester to peel the skin off the lime, try to get as little pith (the white part) as possible (juice the lime and save the juice for a different cocktail)

    Before simmering

    Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to boil. Turn the heat down to simmer. Put on the lid and simmer for 30 minutes until the rhubarb is mushy and the water is dark red.

    After simmering

    Turn off the heat and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Pour / ladle into a fine mesh strainer to remove the sediment. Store the concentrate in a small covered pitcher or jar. The concentrate is good for two weeks in the fridge.

    Note: I don’t really like sweet cocktails, so I tried making my concentrate without sugar and the rhubarb was way too tart. Taste the concentrate before taking it off the heat to see if you need to add more sugar.

    Hibiscus Rhubarb Spritz

    1 oz Aviation gin or your favorite brand

    1 oz Hibiscus Rhubarb Concentrate

    4 oz LaMarca Prosecco

    2 oz Q club soda

    Add all ingredients to a large wine goblet filled with ice. Mix well. Garnish with a lime wheel.

    Hibiscus Rhubarb Spritz

    Non-alcoholic Hibiscus Rhubarb Lemonade

    1 oz Hibiscus Rhubarb Concentrate

    4 oz lemonade

    2 oz club soda

    Add all ingredients to a large wine goblet filled with ice. Mix well. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

    Cheers!

    If you have a favorite Spritz cocktail, leave your recipe in the comments below.

    Click on the three lines to the left of the word “lifestyle” at the top of this page and enter your email address to receive notifications by email when I post something new on this blog. Also, follow me on Instagram at cocktailsandgratitude for photos of cocktails, flowers, my pets and, someday soon, more travel.

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  • Cocktail of the Week,  Cocktails / Food

    Iced Coffee with a Kick

    If you like iced coffee, cold press coffee doesn’t have any of the bitter taste of brewed coffee but it does take 12 – 18 hours to brew. So, if you’d like an iced coffee this weekend, start making your cold press concentrate today. The cold press concentrate (undiluted) will last in your fridge about 7 – 10 days, but it will taste best if used within the first 5 days.

    Cold press coffee:

    2 c cold water

    2 oz of coarsely ground (think French press ground) coffee (if you don’t have a scale, 2 ounces of ground coffee is about 1 cup)

    Mix together in a jar or French press. Cover and refrigerate for 12 – 18 hours.

    Pour the coffee through a mesh strainer lined with a coffee filter or cheese cloth. Allow to drip for a while but don’t squeeze out the beans or your concentrate will taste bitter.

    You should have 1 1/2 – 1 3/4 cup of cold press concentrate. Pour the concentrate into a quart size mason jar, add 2 cups of cold water, refrigerate and use within 5 days. Note: If you’ve never had cold press before, it will get you buzzing. You may want to start with 4 ounces instead of 8 ounces. 

    For your cocktail: 

    8 ounces of cold press coffee

    2 ounces of Baileys Irish Cream

    Add ice and enjoy.

    Iced Cold Press with Bailey’s

    Non alcoholic cold press:

    Instead of Baileys, add 2 oz your favorite milk or milk substitute and a little maple syrup or your favorite coffee syrup for sweetener. 

    Cheers! 

    Click on the three lines to the left of the word “lifestyle” at the top of this page and enter your email address to receive notifications by email when I post something new on this blog. Also, follow me on Instagram at cocktailsandgratitude for photos of cocktails, flowers, my pets and, someday soon, more travel.

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  • Cocktail of the Week,  Cocktails / Food

    Limoncello & Prosecco

    This is a simple and refreshing cocktail that you can easily transport for a porch / patio happy hour. When we were invited to a friend’s house for a porch happy hour I packed my cooler with a bag of ice, a bottle of Prosecco and a mason jar of limoncello, along with my favorite “Mama’s Happy” glass, of course.

    1 part limoncello (use your favorite brand, I’m fortunate enough to have a son who makes homemade limoncello)

    3 parts Prosecco

    Serve over ice and top with fresh berries and a lemon slice.

    Now that the spring weather started cooperating, we recently started having one or two friends over for patio happy hours. Two weekends ago one friend came completely prepared and has now been awarded the “World’s Best Covid-19 Happy Hour Guest in recognition of Impressive self-reliance with style and flair.” How do you win such an award you ask? Well, you bring everything you may possibly need to prepare your own drinks… with matching glassware. He started with a beautiful crystal cut glass, ice and Blanton’s bourbon. Impressive start. He then reached into his cooler of tricks for a beer with a matching logo glass. To finish the happy hour, he pulled out a different imported beer and, you guessed it, another matching chilled glass. Impressive! 

    What is your Covid-19 happy hour style? 

    Limoncello & Prosecco

    Click on the three lines to the left of the word “lifestyle” at the top of this page and enter your email address to receive notifications by email when I post something new on this blog. Also, follow me on Instagram at cocktailsandgratitude for photos of cocktails, flowers, my pets and, someday soon, more travel.

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  • Cocktail of the Week,  Cocktails / Food

    Hibiscus Margarita

    It’s almost Cinco de Mayo so get your margarita fixings ready. I’ve already posted three margarita recipes on my blog, click on the links for those recipes and pick the one that appeals to you. My all time favorite Scratch Margarita recipe here, my Refreshing Margarita recipe with Suja juice here and my Grapefruit Margarita recipe here. I love all of these recipes, and you’ll see they all have the same basic ingredients, but I wanted to branch out a little and try something new this year. (Click on any blue words in the post for recipes or more information.)

    Hibiscus Margarita Ingredients

    First, make a hibiscus concentrate. If you can find hibiscus flowers that’s great, (available on Amazon) but if not, just pick up a container of natural hibiscus tea at the grocery store. The Republic of Tea is a good brand.

    Boil 1 1/2 cups of water

    Add 1/4 cup of hibiscus flowers or several tea bags

    Let steep for at least 10 minutes until the concentrate is a dark red.

    Strain out the flowers and discard. Refrigerate the concentrated tea for up to one week. (I like to store my fresh juices and concentrates in Mason jars.)

    To make your drink extra special you can make a hibiscus rimmer for your glass. Grind equal parts sugar and dried hibiscus flowers together with a mortar and pestle. The sugar will help break down the hibiscus petals. Then add salt to taste.

    Pour a little Cointreau in a plate to wet the rim of your glass and then dip the glass in your hibiscus rimmer. Fill your glass with ice and set aside.

    Hibiscus Margarita

    To make the margarita, combine in a cocktail shaker filled with ice:

    1 1/2 oz Patron Silver tequila, or your favorite brand of tequila

    1 oz Cointreau

    2 oz fresh squeezed lime juice

    1 oz hibiscus concentrate

    Shake well and strain into your glass with the hibiscus rimmer and ice.

    Salud!

    For a non-alcoholic drink with the hibiscus concentrate try: 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 1 oz Hibiscus concentrate and 5 ounces of club soda over ice.

    Click on the three lines to the left of the word “lifestyle” at the top of this page and enter your email address to receive notifications by email when I post something new on this blog. Also, follow me on Instagram at cocktailsandgratitude for photos of cocktails, flowers, my pets and, someday soon, more travel.

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  • Favorites,  Guides,  Travel

    “Fixer Upper” Girls’ Trip to Waco, Texas

    If you’ve visited my blog before, you know I love to travel. During this time at home, what I’m missing most is the ability to travel. So, what better way to pass some time during quarantine than to start planning trips for when it’s safe to travel. I’m planning a few trip options so I’m ready to utilize any travel deals that may be offered.

    If you love all things Chip and Joanna Gaines, consider a trip to Waco, Texas. I was there for four days in November 2019 for an annual girls’ trip and we had a great time. It’s a charming town that’s easy to navigate and everyone was really friendly. 

    How to get there:

    You can either fly into Dallas (DFW) and drive less than two hours South to Waco or fly into Austin (AUS) and drive about an hour and a half Northeast. Check airline prices and flight times to determine which airport will work best for you. 

    Where to Stay: (Click any blue words below for more information / websites.)

    I would strongly consider booking a “Fixer Upper” home. Several of the houses featured on Fixer Upper are listed on VRBO or AirBnB. We stayed in the Mid-Century Modern Home owned by Josh and Jill Barret. It was so much fun to stay in a Fixer Upper house.

    Mid-Century Modern Kitchen
    Mid-Century Modern Dining Room
    Mid-Century Modern Living Room
    Mid-Century Modern Master Bedroom

    Also, check Magnolia.com for the three vacation rental homes owned by Chip and Jo. Chip and Joanna are also renovating a historic building in downtown Waco and converting it into a hotel that is scheduled to open in 2021. 

    If a hotel is more your style, I would recommend staying downtown so you can walk to many of the shops and restaurants. Hotels downtown include: Hotel Indigo, Marriot Residence Inn and Hilton Waco.

    Things to Do:

    Waco Tours: I strongly suggest starting your visit with the Classic Waco Tour. It’s a two and a half hour tour that will give you a nice overview of the city on your first day. During the tour they do talk about Fixer Upper, but the tour also includes a history of the area, a visit to the Baylor University campus, a stop at Heritage Creamery and Common Grounds coffee shop, suggestions for restaurants and things to do as well as a coupon book to use during your stay. One of the owners of Waco Tours, David Ridley, had a house on season three of Fixer Upper.

    Waco Tours
    Waco Tours stop at Common Grounds

    Magnolia Farms Shops: This is an entire block downtown that includes the silos, the Magnolia Press coffee shop, the Silos Baking Co, Magnolia Seed + Supply garden store, a big green lawn bordered with food trucks and Magnolia Market. Check online for opening days and times. Note: Most shops in Waco are closed on Sundays, including anything affiliated with Magnolia. Also, if you want to avoid the crowds, I read that Mondays and Tuesdays are the quietest shopping days at Magnolia.

    Magnolia Farms Silo at dusk
    Silos Baking Co,
    Magnolia Market
    Chip’s Corner inside Magnolia Market

    Little Shop on Bosque: This is the original Magnolia location at 3801 N. Bosque. It’s a much smaller location and typically has last season’s left-over products from the Magnolia Market. If you buy anything at Magnolia Market, bring your receipt and you will get a 10% discount here.

    Tip: When we made purchases at any of the Magnolia shops, including the Magnolia Table Take Away + Market, we received a card with a discount code for future online purchases. If you didn’t travel to Waco with an empty suitcase, buy a few small items to find out if they are still giving out the discount code with purchase. If so, consider only buying items not available online during your trip and utilize the discount code to purchase items online and have them shipped directly to your house. 

    JDH Iron Designs: There is a small pop-up trailer located across from the silos on 8th Street. (You most likely will meet Jimmy Don during your Waco Tour.) Jimmy Don’s main shop is located on Lone Star Parkway near Valley Mills which is about a 30-minute drive West of Waco. If you have the time, it’s a nice relaxing drive. At the shop, there is a larger selection of metal work than what’s available at the trailer in Waco. There is also a viewing window where you can watch workers cut the signs. (Waco Tours coupon book)

    The Findery: A great home goods and clothing store just across the street from the Magnolia Press coffee shop. (Waco Tours coupon book)

    Harp Design Co: Clint Harp’s store has a lot of beautiful wood home goods like candle stick holders and cutting boards as well as other merchandise like t-shirts and earrings. (Waco Tours coupon book) The shop is located next to Harp House from season one of Fixer Upper which is available as a vacation rental. 

    Spice Village: An indoor market that consists of 60 individual vendors, but you make all of your purchases at one check-out counter. Note: When we were in Waco this market was open on Sundays. (Waco Tours coupon book)

    Fox & Gray: A nice boutique with clothing, shoes and jewelry.

    Iron Willow: The walls in this shop are covered with signs of all styles. (Waco Tours coupon book)

    Savage Finds Antiques and Oddities: If you like looking for hidden treasures in antique stores, make sure to stop here.

    Dr. Pepper Museum: Definitely worth a visit for the $10 admission. Pick up some Dr. Pepper jelly beans at the little gift shop. Yum! (Waco Tours coupon book)

    Simply Irresistible: A huge shop featuring home decor, clothing and jewelry.

    Waco Suspension Bridge: Built in 1870, this is a pedestrian only bridge that’s surrounded by parks, sculptures and a Riverwalk.

    Cameron Park: A giant park that includes one of the most desired neighborhoods in Waco. Great hiking and views of the river. (Included on Waco Tour)

    Farmer’s Market: Open on Saturday mornings, in the parking lot on Washington and 3rd Street near city hall. There are several food trucks, so go hungry. 

    Fixer Upper Homes:

    Click here for an interactive map of the houses from the first three seasons of Fixer Upper.

    A few addresses from season 4 of Fixer Upper:

    • 2419 Arroyo
    • 2611 Arroyo
    • 826 W Panther Way, Hewitt
    • 3391 Speegleville Rd

    Although some of the homes are available for vacation rentals, many are single family homes so be respectful of the families living there. 

    Drive around the Castle Heights Neighborhood and make sure to drive by Cottonland Castle at 3300 Austin Avenue, which is owned by Chip & Joanna.

    Restaurants:

    Magnolia Table: Open for breakfast and lunch. They take a limited number of reservations Mondays – Thursdays but walk-ins are available as well. Chip has been known to stop by the restaurant around opening to meet people and take photos. If there’s a line when you arrive (and most likely there will be), put your name on the list and then browse the Take Away + Market and hang out on the patio while waiting for a table. Everything on the menu is delicious!

    Silos Baking Co: open Monday – Saturday 7:30 AM – 6 PM, great pastries, buy your cupcakes early in the day before the line is crazy long

    Magnolia Press Coffee Co: open Monday – Saturday 7:00 AM – 6 PM

    Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits: coffee in the front, craft cocktails in the back

    Lula Janes: limited hours and menu, but worth a visit; great bakery

    Butter my Biscuit Cafe: great breakfast and lunch

    Café Cappuccino: three locations, great breakfasts, huge pancakes

    Harvest on 25th: wonderful breakfast and brunch place

    Ninfas: good Tex Mex (Waco Tours coupon book)

    La Fiesta: Tex Mex (Waco Tours coupon book)

    Torchy’s Tacos: delicious, fast food style tacos and margaritas, ask for the secret menu, order the queso (Waco Tours coupon book)

    Vitek’s Market: great BBQ with indoor and outdoor seating, don’t forget an order of banana pudding

    Milo All Day: “farm to table” Southern inspired food

    George’s by Baylor: comfort food

    Twisted Root Burger Co: gourmet burgers

    1424 Bistro: steaks and Mediterranean food (Waco Tours coupon book)

    Diamondbacks: very nice restaurant, make a reservation to avoid a long wait

    Moroso’s Pizzeria: wood fired pizza and nice atmosphere

    Heritage Creamery: amazing Homeade ice cream (Waco Tours coupon book)

    Brazos Bar & Bistro at Hotel Indigo: good cocktails and food (Waco Tours coupon book)

    Until we’re able to travel again, enjoy Joanna’s blog, Joanna’s Instagram and The Magnolia Journal. If you are planning a trip to Waco and have any questions or would like additional suggestions, please contact me.

    Click on the three lines to the left of the word “lifestyle” at the top of this page and enter your email address to receive notifications by email when I post something new on this blog. Also, follow me on Instagram at cocktailsandgratitude for photos of cocktails, flowers, my pets and, someday soon, more travel.

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  • Favorites,  Lifestyle

    Things I Love – #11

    Like many of you, I’m spending most of my time at home right now. I’m not wearing make-up very often which means it’s a great time to focus on beauty products and treatments that make my skin look its best sans make-up. I’ve also included a favorite candle and perfume – because when the space you’re working and living in smells good, it improves your mood. (Click on the photos below or any blue words for more information about each product.)

    Goop Glow Superpowder

    At this point, I think everyone has heard of Goop. I use a couple of products from the Goop Glow line. The first is the Superpowder. Every morning, I dissolve one packet into a cup of room temp water. Mix it well until dissolved and then add ice. After a few weeks, your skin will start to glow from the Collagen and vitamins! 

    Goop Glow Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator

    Massage this microderm scrub onto your skin and leave on for three minutes to benefit from both the physical and chemical exfoliation components. When you rinse it off, your skin will look smoother and brighter. I use this a few times every week; but if your skin is looking dull from winter, use it nightly to uncover your spring glow. If you have a big night out, try using this before doing your make-up; your make-up will apply easier and you’ll have a beautiful natural glow.

    Goop Glow Glycolic Acid Wipe

    The third Goop Glow product I use at least twice a month is the 15% glycolic acid overnight peel. (They also have a 5% glycolic acid peel if you have sensitive skin.) After you wash and dry your face at night, wipe all over your face, neck, chest and even back of hands. It will tingle, but I find it really helps when I fan my face for the minute or two while it’s drying. Do not wash off. After 15 minutes you can put on moisturizer, but I prefer to leave it alone for the night so it can do its magic at full strength. Wash your face in the morning and moisturize like usual. 

    Caudalíe Vinoperfect Brightening Essence

    Caudalie is a French skincare line and the Vinoperfect products are specifically focused on anti-aging. After I wash my face, I’ll use a cotton round to wipe my face with the Brightening Essence. If I’m not wearing any make-up, I’ll skip the full face wash and use this to clean my face at night.

    Caudalie Beauty Elixir

    The second Caudalie product I like to use is the Beauty Elixir. This is a light toning spray that hydrates your skin while smoothing fine lines and it has a nice scent.

    Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum

    After the Beauty Elixir, I apply the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum. This is an oil-free serum that combats dark spots, evens skin tone and boosts radiance. If I was only using one Caudalie product, this would be the one.

    Augustinus Bader Rich Cream

    Now that your skin is clean and prepped, the most important thing you can do is apply a lotion that will help your skin repair and regenerate, especially at night. I’m on my second bottle of Augustinus Bader Rich Cream and I’ll say my skin has never looked healthier.

    L’Occitane Hand Cream

    If you’ve been washing your hands as much as I have, you need a good hand cream to keep your skin from drying out. This L’Occitane shea butter hand cream is thick and moisturizing. They also sell one ounce tubes for your purse and car.

    Simpatico – No. 92 Honeysuckle Hobnail Glass Candle

    Not only are these Simpatico Hobnail glass candles beautiful, the candles smell great and burn clean. And, bonus, the empty glass makes a pretty storage container for everything from make-up brushes to pencils.

    Tocca – Florence

    Tocca produces eau de parfum in several scents; but Florence has scents of bergamot, pear and gardenia. I had gardenias in my wedding bouquet so I’m often drawn to that scent.

    What special products are you using during this time at home?

    Click on the three lines to the left of the word “lifestyle” at the top of this page and enter your email address to receive notifications by email when I post something new on this blog. Also, follow me on Instagram at cocktailsandgratitude for photos of cocktails, flowers, my pets and, someday soon, more travel.

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  • Favorites,  Lifestyle

    Book (and Cocktail) Recommendations

    While everyone’s travel has come to a halt, consider ordering or downloading a book set in a beautiful, fun destination – maybe some place you’ve always wanted to visit. And, since almost everyone is looking forward to happy hour right now, I’ve suggested a cocktail to go with each location!

    Nantucket / Martha’s Vineyard: read with a Nantucket Spritz (1 oz tequila, 1 oz Cointreau, 2 oz blood orange juice, 2 oz champagne – chill ingredients, combine and serve in a champagne glass)

    The Nantucket Spritz photo and recipe from The Kachet Life

    The Nantucket Inn by Pamela Kelly (the first of four books in the Nantucket Beach Plum series) – In the first book Lisa Hodges decides to turn her large, waterfront home into a bed and breakfast.

    Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand (the first of two books in the Paradise series) – All of Elin’s books are based in Nantucket and I’ve enjoyed them all.

    A Beautiful Place to Die: Martha’s Vineyard Mystery #1 by Philip R. Craig – If you’re more of a mystery book reader, this is a nineteen-book series.

    Italy: read with a glass of Italian red wine, or an Aperol Spritz (recipe here)

    Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes – If you enjoyed the movie, you’ll love the book.

    A Vineyard in Tuscany by Ferenc Máté – A very entertaining read about Ferenc and his wife, Candace, restoring a thirteenth-century friary, planting a vineyard and building a winery. 

    Living in a Foreign Language by Michael Tucker – Remember “L.A. Law” stars Michael Tucker and Jill Eikenberry? This book details their ups and downs buying and renovating a 350-year-old house while trying to learn Italian. 

    France: read with a glass of well-chilled French rosé, or a French 75 (recipe here)

    A Riviera Retreat by Jennifer Bohnet – Jennifer has numerous books based in the French Riviera, all quick easy reads that will have you pulling up a map to see exactly how close Cannes, Antibes, Nice and Monaco are located. I’m definitely adding The French Riviera to my list of future travels.

    A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle – Peter recounts the highlights of living in a 200-year-old farmhouse at the base of the Lubéron Mountains. If you enjoy Peter’s writing style, he has numerous books based in Provence.

    Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald – If you’re looking to read a classic set in The French Riviera this book is often seen as a follow-up to The Great Gatsby.

    Leave a comment with the books you’re reading now. I’m always looking for more suggestions.

    Cheers and happy reading!

    Click on the three lines to the left of the word “lifestyle” at the top of this page and enter your email address to receive notifications by email when I post something new on this blog. Also, follow me on Instagram at cocktailsandgratitude for photos of cocktails, flowers, my pets and, someday soon, more travel.

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  • Cocktail of the Week,  Cocktails / Food

    Bramble

    The Bramble was created in London in the 1980s. It’s a refreshing spring cocktail that basically tastes like a blackberry lemonade. Enjoy this as the weather starts to warm up.

    Bramble Ingredients

    1 1/2 oz Nolet Silver Gin

    .75 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice

    .75 oz simple syrup

    .5 oz Chamboard or Creme de Cassis

    To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water and heat until the sugar is dissolved. Chill. This will keep in the fridge for one month.

    Add gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well.

    Fill a glass with crushed ice and pour in gin mixture.

    Top with Chambord or Creme de Cassis. Garnish with lemon and a blackberry.

    Cheers!

    Bramble
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