EASY SUMMER COCKTAIL RECIPE: SPARKLING LEMON DROP

The Steele Maiden: Easy Summer Cocktail Recipe - Sparkling Lemon Drop

I know I keep saying it lately, but simple is really the name of the game for me amidst a busy, often stressful summer.   And this cocktail is about as simple as they come. It all started with this Spindrift sparkling water, which is flavored with real squeezed fruit. They’re SO refreshing (not sponsored.. I’m just really a fan! Plus, their packaging is pretty which always gets me) that aside form sipping them on their own I figured, why not add a little kick?

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The Steele Maiden: Easy Summer Cocktail Recipe - Sparkling Lemon Drop

To be honest, this one wasn’t a super exact recipe – just kind of to taste. I used a really tiny pinch of sugar to sweeten it up and offset the tartness of all the lemon but you could totally omit that or use more, up to you! Otherwise, a good quality vodka (Tito’s is always a hit), fresh lemon juice and this subtly flavored sparkling water – shake, shake, shake – and you’re good to go. Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy.

The Steele Maiden: Easy Summer Cocktail Recipe - Sparkling Lemon Drop

P.S. Spindrift sent me these sparkling waters to try, but if you’re on the hunt for them too I’ve seen them at Whole Foods or my local specialty grocery store. 

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SPRING BRUNCH COCKTAIL RECIPE: BOURBON PALOMA

The Steele Maiden: Spring Brunch Cocktail Recipe - Citrus Bourbon Paloma

Without fail it happens every March – cabin fever. Adam and I spend so much of our time outside, roaming the city when the weather allows, that after a long winter I just start to go a little stir crazy in our tiny apartment. So I decided if I had to be cooped up, I may as well make the best of it and mix up a spring-inspired cocktail perfect for weekend brunch. A Paloma is usually the tequila and grapefruit version of a mimosa. But I took the mix one step further and subbed bourbon for tequila plus added blood orange and lime and finished with club soda and a dash of pink salt (have you ever used this? It’s so pretty!). The results – a burst of fresh citrus, bit of fizz and an incredibly smooth and refreshing finish. Out of all the cocktails I’ve shared on the blog so far, this may just be my favorite. Below the recipe. Cheers to the weekend friends!

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The Steele Maiden: Spring Brunch Cocktail Recipe - Citrus Bourbon Paloma The Steele Maiden: Spring Brunch Cocktail Recipe - Citrus Bourbon Paloma The Steele Maiden: Spring Brunch Cocktail Recipe - Citrus Bourbon Paloma

*Original recipe found via Girl in the Little Red Kitchen

HOLIDAY COCKTAIL RECIPE: PEPPERMINT PROSECCO

The Steele Maiden: Holiday Cocktail Recipe - Peppermint Prosecco

This time of year it seems like every other night there’s an occasion to be clinking glasses. And since you’re already worrying about what to wear, what hostess gift to bring and how on earth you’ll find a cab home.. I thought this easy holiday cocktail recipe might just come in handy. This takes just 3 ingredients, maybe 3 minutes to make and tastes – I swear to you – like actual Christmas in a glass. It’s sweet from white chocolate liqueur, refreshing thanks to the mint and balanced out with the fizz and dryness of Prosecco. Oh, and it was also featured in my ‘Complete Guide to the Holidays‘ along with something a little stronger if that suits your mood (or you’ve had the kind of week I’ve had). Here’s to spreading a little extra holiday cheer this weekend!

The Steele Maiden: Holiday Cocktail Recipe - Peppermint Prosecco The Steele Maiden: Holiday Cocktail Recipe - Peppermint Prosecco

FALL COCKTAIL RECIPE: APPLE CIDER MOSCOW MULE

The Steele Maiden: Fall Cocktail Recipe - Apple Cider Moscow Mule

Last weekend we took a drive upstate and stopped at an apple orchard to pick up fresh pressed apple cider and – obviously – apple cider donuts. As soon as we got home I knew I wanted to find a fall cocktail recipe that could incorporate the cider. This seasonal take on traditional moscow mules was just the thing. Sweet from the cider but with a bit of zing from the lime and ginger beer and dash of spice from the cinnamon – these tasted like fall in a mug. Oh – and couldn’t be easier to make. If you’re looking for something to make at this weekend’s parties this one could be made in bigger batches is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

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The Steele Maiden: Fall Cocktail Recipe - Apple Cider Moscow Mule The Steele Maiden: Fall Cocktail Recipe - Apple Cider Moscow Mule The Steele Maiden: Fall Cocktail Recipe - Apple Cider Moscow Mule

LABOR DAY RECIPE: WHITE PEACH SANGRIA

Labor Day Recipe - White Wine Peach and Basil Sangria

There’s always something so bittersweet about Labor Day. I hate to see Summer come to an end, but I also love kicking off Fall with a long holiday weekend. To make the most of these last few unofficial days of the season, I’m mixing up an easy recipe for White Wine Peach and Basil Sandra. Make a big batch and enjoy over a day or so – the longer it sits the better it gets!

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Labor Day Recipe - White Wine Peach and Basil Sangria

To be completely honest, I’m usually more of a beer or cocktail girl myself. But earlier in the Summer I attended an event to celebrate the launch of The Dreaming Tree collection of wines and ever since, I knew I wanted another taste. In lieu of drinking it straight (although that tastes good too) – I opted for a Sangria that could make the the most of white wine and also summer’s fruits. The Sauvignon has a nice dryness to it that paired nicely with the sweetness of the fruit – and then was tempered by the basil. All in all, an effortless drink to sip throughout the weekend. Whether you’re partying at the beach or hunkering down while Hurricane Hermine passes through. Cheers to 3 days off work!

The Dreaming Tree Sauvignon Blanc c/o | World Market Carafe | Turkish-T Towel | Stemless Glasses

Labor Day Recipe - White Wine Peach and Basil Sangria