Category: Drink Recipes

Pomegranate Mojito

This pomegranate mojito is bright and beautiful, with a tangy minty flavor! Starring mint and bright red pomegranate juice, it…

This pomegranate mojito is bright and beautiful, with a tangy minty flavor! Starring mint and bright red pomegranate juice, it makes a big pitcher that’s perfect for entertaining. This is one of our favorite mojito variations!

Pomegranate Mojito

When it comes to parties, we’re all about pitcher drinks—especially the Mojito pitcher. But what if it’s fall or winter? Enter the pomegranate mojito! I am not lying when I say this is Alex and my favorite mojito variation to date (out of almost 20!).

Take one sip and the sweet tart, minty flavor is unreal. The bright red color makes a huge statement and it’s so perfect for parties. Garnish it with those cute pomegranate arils for a total wow moment! We’re making this for both Thanksgiving and Christmas because we are obsessed.

Tips for making a pomegranate mojito

This pomegranate mojito is a spin on the classic mojito recipe, using pomegranate juice and done up as a pitcher! Pitcher style drinks are so easy for parties, and they’re faster to whip up than shaking the drink in a cocktail shaker. Here’s what you’ll need to keep in mind:

  • Allow 30 minutes to steep the mint syrup. For the pitcher drink, you’ll make a mint simple syrup by allowing mint to steep in a warm pot of sugar and water. It takes just minutes of hands on time.
  • Use 100% pomegranate juice. Using 100% pure juice makes the best sweet tart flavor.
  • Add soda water just before serving. This preserves the bubbles, which are best when they’re just poured. You can use soda water or club soda.
  • Garnish with pomegranate arils. They come pre-shelled in the refrigerated section of the grocery, but you can seed your own too (just be careful, it can be messy!). Here’s how to cut a pomegranate.

Make a single drink instead

Want to make a single drink instead of a pitcher? You can do that too. Simply make the mint simple syrup in advance, then the recipe below has the quantities for a single drink.

Storage and make ahead tips

If you’re making a pomegranate mojito for a party, you can make the mint syrup in advance. The flavor is best the fresher it is, but a batch lasts refrigerated for up to 1 month. We suggest making it 24 hours in advance for best flavor. Then mix up the pitcher right before serving.

Pomegranate Mojito in glass

Ways to serve a pomegranate mojito

This pomegranate mojito recipe is perfect as a fall cocktail, winter drink, Thanksgiving cocktail, Christmas cocktail, and more! You can serve it in a low ball glass, Collins glass, or hurricane glass. We hope you love it as much as we do: let us know in the comments.

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Pomegranate Mojito

Pomegranate Mojito
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This pomegranate mojito is bright and beautiful, with a tangy minty flavor! Starring mint and bright red pomegranate juice, it makes a big pitcher that’s perfect for entertaining. This is one of our favorite mojito variations!

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Rest Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 drinks
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup loosely packed mint leaves, plus more for the garnish
  • ¾ cup water
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup lime juice (about 8 limes), plus 1 lime for the garnish
  • 2 cups white rum
  • 2 cups 100% pomegranate juice
  • ½ cup soda water or club soda

Instructions

  1. Add the sugar, water and mint to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and stir until all sugar is dissolved. Turn off the heat and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes. Then strain it into a large pitcher. (Makes 1 cup simple syrup; make up to 1 week in advance.)
  2. Add the lime juice and rum to the pitcher. Add the extra mint leaves and the extra lime, cut into rounds. Fill the pitcher with 4 handfuls of ice. Gently stir in soda water just before serving.
  3. Single serving variation: In a glass, mix 1 oz lime juice, 1 oz mint syrup, 2 oz white rum, 2 oz pomegranate juice, and a splash of club soda.

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More mojito recipes

Try some of our favorite mojito recipes, from our Mojito Pitcher to a Strawberry Mojito, Coconut Mojito, Blueberry Mojito, Pineapple Mojito and more.

Thanksgiving Sangria

This Thanksgiving sangria is a festive cocktail for serving to a crowd! Made with red wine and spiced simple syrup,…

This Thanksgiving sangria is a festive cocktail for serving to a crowd! Made with red wine and spiced simple syrup, it’s infused with cozy, fruity flavor. Making up a pitcher is our pick for a fun holiday drink!

Thanksgiving sangria in glass

As two cocktail experts who are also obsessed with simple recipes, this recipe is pretty much a perfect fit for our holiday. Try Thanksgiving sangria, a fruity pitcher infused with cozy flavors that’s so simple to whip up for a crowd!

A signature drink can be tough for parties if you’re shaking up individual drinks in a cocktail shaker every time (we know from experience!). So we like to mix up a pitcher of sangria instead! For this recipe, Alex had the idea of infusing simple syrup with whole spices: cinnamon, cloves, and star anise—and it’s a stroke of genius. We’re hosting Thanksgiving this year and will be serving this as a signature drink: I know it will be a family favorite for years to come!

Tips for making Thanksgiving sangria

I studied in Madrid and have long loved the traditional Spanish way to make sangria: bold, wine-forward and not too sweet. This Thanksgiving sangria is made in the same style. Here are a few tips to keep in mind (or scroll down to the recipe):

  • The spiced simple syrup infuses lots of flavor. While you could make this drink with plain syrup, simmering this syrup with whole spices adds a flavor nuance that can’t be replicated. (Ground spices don’t work in a drink, as they sink to the bottom.)
  • Prepare the sangria at least 1 hour in advance. You’ll need to chill the sangria at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld, or up to 4 hours.
  • You can adjust sweetness to taste. This recipe is balanced and not too sweet. But if you prefer a sweeter sangria, you can add sweetener to taste. Either make a double batch of the spiced simple syrup or use plain simple syrup.
Thanksgiving Sangria in glass with fruit and spice garnish

Make ahead info

You can make Thanksgiving sangria up to 4 hours in advance. We don’t suggest storing for longer than that, since the fruit becomes soggy and discolored.

You can make the spiced simple syrup up to 1 week in advance. If you want to make the pitcher in advance, you can mix up everything but the fruit and refrigerate, then add the fruit 1 to 4 hours before serving.

Dietary notes

This Thanksgiving sangria recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

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Thanksgiving Sangria

Thanksgiving Sangria in glass with fruit and spice garnish
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This Thanksgiving sangria is a festive cocktail for serving to a crowd! Made with red wine and spiced simple syrup, it’s infused with cozy, fruity flavor. Making up a pitcher is our pick for a fun holiday drink!

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

For the spiced simple syrup (see Notes)

  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 1 star anise
  • ¼ cup water
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • 1 orange, juiced (about ⅓ cup juice)

For the sangria

  • 1 green apple, sliced
  • 1 red apple, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 750 ml bottle fruity, full-bodied red wine (we prefer a Crianza from the Rioja region of Spain)
  • ⅓ cup triple sec or Cointreau
  • For garnish: pomegranate arils, more chopped fruit, whole spices

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan over medium low heat, toast the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise for 3 minutes until fragrant. Reduce the heat to low. Add the water, sugar and fresh orange juice, and simmer for 3 minutes, stirring gently to dissolve the sugar.
  2. Strain the sugar mixture into a large pitcher. Stir in the wine and triple sec, adding the whole spices from the sugar mixture. Add the chopped fruit and stir. Refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours before serving. Taste, and adjust sweetness by adding additional simple syrup if desired (here’s how to make simple syrup).
  3. To serve, pour the sangria into ice-filled glasses, garnished with more sliced fruit, lemon wedges, and if desired, pomegranate arils and whole spices. 

Notes

If you prefer a very sweet sangria, consider making a double batch of the spiced syrup. Add half to the pitcher to start, then taste and add more to taste.

You can make Thanksgiving sangria up to 4 hours in advance, but longer storage makes the fruit become soggy and discolored. You can make the spiced simple syrup up to 1 week in advance. If you want to make the pitcher in advance, you can mix up everything but the fruit and refrigerate, then add the fruit 1 to 4 hours before serving.

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B 52 Cocktail (or B52 Shot)

Here’s how to make the B 52 cocktail, aka a B52 shot! Layered Kahlua, Irish cream, and Grand Marnier make…

Here’s how to make the B 52 cocktail, aka a B52 shot! Layered Kahlua, Irish cream, and Grand Marnier make the perfect drink.

B 52 cocktail

Here’s a layered cocktail that’s mighty tasty: the B 52 cocktail! The B52 shot might be a little pedestrian, some might say. But as two cocktail experts, we think Kahlua coffee liqueur, sweet Irish cream, and zesty orange liqueur make a pretty great trio.

The combination is so classy, we’ve recreated it here as an after dinner drink in a stemmed cocktail glass. You can drink it either way, but we prefer slow sipping rather than downing it as a shot!

B 52 cocktail ingredients (aka B52 shot)

The B 52 cocktail is a layered shot of coffee liqueur (Kahlua), Irish cream (Baileys) and orange liqueur (Grand Marnier). The most popular origin story for the drink is that it was invented in 1977 by Peter Fich at the Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta, Canada, who named it after the band The B-52s. There are several other competing stories, like many other classic cocktails: everyone wants a claim!

This classic pairing of coffee, cream and orange became an instant hit, and it’s spawned all sorts of variations (including a flaming B52 shot). The B52 shot layers equal parts of these ingredients, which each float in separate layers due to their density:

B52 shot

How to make the layers in a B52 shot

How do you get those beautiful layers of separation in a B52 shot? Pour the liquor over the back of spoon! Here’s how it works:

  • Pour in the Kahlua first.
  • Gently pour in the Irish cream over the back of a spoon. Pouring it over a spoon slows it down, allowing it to float on top of the Kahlua.
  • Gently pour the Grand Marnier over the back of a spoon. This one will look a little less defined, especially if you’re making it in a cocktail glass.

Or, make it in a cocktail glass

Our favorite way to make a B 52 cocktail is in a cocktail glass. As cocktail connoisseurs and certified mixologists, we’re not really B52 shot people. Shots are designed to drink lots of alcohol in seconds, but we’re all about slow sipping and enjoying the art of craft cocktails. So, we like to make a B 52 cocktail in a cocktail glass! Here’s what to do:

  • Use 1 ounce of each ingredient (instead of ½ ounce for the shot).
  • The separation of the orange liqueur layer will not be as definitive in a cocktail glass. Because it’s larger, the layer looks muddier.
  • Stir it up before sipping! If you don’t, you’ll get a big gulp of Grand Marnier on first sip. Stirring melds the flavors together.
Kahlua

Use any coffee liqueur, like Kahlua

You can use any type of coffee liqueur for a B 52 cocktail, but the most popular type you might already have on hand is Kahlua.

  • Kahlua is a coffee liqueur that’s made in Mexico: it’s made with rum, sugar and coffee (no dairy!). It does have some caffeine, but only about 25% as much as the same volume of coffee.
  • Some substitutes are like Tia Maria or Sheridan’s.
  • Other cocktails that use Kahlua are Kahlua drinks like a White Russian, Black Russian, Bushwacker, or the popular Espresso Martini.

Options for the orange liqueur

There are lots of different types of orange liqueur, and the differences can be a little confusing. Here’s what’s best to use in a B52 shot:

  • Grand Marnier is the most high end of all orange liqueurs. It’s a mixture of Triple Sec and Cognac and has a sophisticated, developed flavor, with notes of vanilla and oak.
  • Cointreau is a good substitute: it’s a clear, orange-flavored liqueur with a lightly sweet, citrus perfume flavor (it’s also great in a Margarita).
  • Triple Sec is any clear dry orange-flavored liqueur. Bottles labeled Triple Sec are typically lower in quality and more affordable than Cointreau. It has a straightforward orange flavor. 

Frequently asked questions

What does a B52 shot taste like?

A B52 shot has a sweet and creamy flavor with hints of coffee and orange. The layering of the ingredients creates a unique taste experience.

Can I make variations of a B52 shot?

Yes, there are many variations of the B52 shot. Some popular options include the B53 (with Sambuca instead of Grand Marnier), the B54 (with Amaretto instead of Baileys), and the Flaming B52 (with a lit top layer).

Is it safe to flame a B-52?

Flaming cocktails should always be handled with caution. Make sure the shot glass is heat-resistant, and never leave a flaming drink unattended. If you’re unsure, it’s perfectly fine to enjoy a B-52 without flaming it: it tastes the same either way!

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B 52 Cocktail (or Shot)

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Here’s how to make the B 52 cocktail, aka B52 shot! Layered Kahlua, Irish cream, and Grand Marnier make the perfect sip.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Poured
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce* Kahlua (½ ounce for the shot)
  • 1 ounce Irish cream (½ ounce for the shot)
  • 1 ounce Grand Marnier (½ ounce for the shot)

Instructions

  1. Add the Kahlua to a glass or shot glass. Slowly add Irish cream by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
  2. Slowly add the Grand Marnier over the back of spoon, allowing it to layer on top. The smaller size of the shot glass makes a more visible Grand Marnier layer. If drinking as a cocktail, you’ll want to stir before sipping. Enjoy! 

Notes

*1 ounce = 2 tablespoons

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Creamy Coconut Margarita

This coconut margarita recipe is the cocktail you didn’t know you were missing! It’s zingy and creamy, pairing lime and…

This coconut margarita recipe is the cocktail you didn’t know you were missing! It’s zingy and creamy, pairing lime and tequila with coconut.

Coconut margarita

Here’s a drink that’s creamy, cool, refreshing and an absolute must for any margarita lover. Alex and I have tasted over 30 fruity and margarita recipes, and this coconut margarita to the top. It’s not like any other margarita spin you’ve tried!

Coconut pairs perfectly with the zing of lime and bite of tequila. The best part? The toasted coconut drink rim gives you a crunchy, tropical infusion to each sip. We love all our margarita recipes, but this one—this one is special.

Ingredients in a coconut margarita

The margarita was invented in Mexico in the 1930’s, and today remains one of the most popular classic cocktails of all time. The Classic Margarita has just 3 ingredients: tequila, triple sec and lime juice. For the coconut spin, add cream of coconut for a creamy, tropical flair. It’s truly magnificent! Here are the ingredients you’ll need for a coconut margarita:

Buy cream of coconut, not coconut cream

The most important thing about this coconut margarita is getting the right coconut product. Buy cream of coconut, not coconut cream! A rule of thumb: opt for the squeeze bottle, not the can. What’s the difference?

  • Cream of coconut is a sweetened syrup used for cocktails made with coconut cream and sugar. It’s sold in squeeze bottles to make it easy to add to drinks. Cream of coconut is easy to find online or liquor stores (a popular brand is Coco Real).
  • Coconut cream is unsweetened: it’s thick with a strong coconut flavor, sold in cans next to the coconut milk. Coconut cream is made from chilling coconut milk and then skimming off the layer of cream that floats to the top.

Tip: To use up the bottle, try popular coconut cocktails like the Piña Colada, Painkiller, Chi Chi, Coconut Martini, or Bushwacker!

Coconut margarita recipe

Tips for the toasted coconut rim

The best part of this coconut margarita recipe is the toasted coconut rim! Drink rims are more than just visual: they add a crunch and pop of toasty flavor to each sip. Here’s what to know about making this tropical drink rim:

  • Toast the coconut. Here’s how to toast coconut, which accentuates the coconut flavor. Make sure to keep an eye on it: coconut can burn in a flash!
  • Use the cream of coconut to adhere the coconut. Alex had a stroke of genius with this drink: he used the cream of coconut to stick the coconut to the glass. It works like a charm!
  • Dip the rim in cream of coconut, then a plate of toasted coconut. You’ll just want the outer edge of the glass to be covered. It takes a little time, but it’s worth it for the flavor.

Make a pitcher for a crowd

Serving a crowd? Mix up a coconut margarita pitcher instead! A pitcher is more efficient because it makes 8 servings in just 5 minutes! You’ll mix 8 times the ingredients with 3 large handfuls of ice in a pitcher. The ice is important because it dilutes the drink and simulates shaking in a cocktail shaker.

Frequently asked questions

What if you accidentally buy coconut cream?

You can save your coconut margarita if you buy the wrong one. Here’s what to do: Use ½ ounce coconut cream and ½ ounce simple syrup in place of the 1 ounce cream of coconut.

What type of tequila is best for a coconut margarita?

A good quality blanco tequila works best. Blanco tequila has a clean, crisp flavor that lets the other ingredients shine.

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Creamy Coconut Margarita

Coconut margarita
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5 from 4 reviews

This coconut margarita recipe is the cocktail you didn’t know you were missing! It’s zingy and creamy, pairing lime and tequila with coconut. 

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

  • Sweetened shredded coconut, for the rim
  • 2 ounces tequila blanco
  • ½ ounce triple sec (or Cointreau)
  • ½ ounce fresh lime juice
  • 1 ounce cream of coconut (not coconut cream — see Notes)
  • Ice, for serving (try clear ice)

Instructions

  1. Toast the coconut. Remove it from the heat and place it in a single layer on a plate. 
  2. Add a bit of extra cream of coconut to a separate plate and dip the edge of the rim of the glass into it. Then dip the rim into the plate of toasted coconut.
  3. Place the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and cream of coconut in a cocktail shaker and add one handful ice. Shake until cold. Strain the margarita into the glass with the coconut rim. Fill the glass with ice and serve.
  4. For a pitcher: add 2 cups tequila, ½ cup triple sec, ½ cup lime juice, and 1 cup cream of coconut to a pitcher. Add 3 handfuls ice and stir. 

Notes

*You can save your coconut margarita if you accidentally buy coconut cream. Here’s what to do: Use ½ ounce coconut cream and ½ ounce simple syrup in place of the 1 ounce cream of coconut.

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More unique margarita recipes

Almond Milk Smoothie

This almond milk smoothie is full of sweet flavor, fiber, and nutrients! This dairy free milk is perfect for blending…

This almond milk smoothie is full of sweet flavor, fiber, and nutrients! This dairy free milk is perfect for blending into fruity purees.

Almond milk smoothie

Want to make a dairy free smoothie recipe? Almond milk is perfect for vegan smoothies: it’s lightly creamy and brings fruity purees together into the ideal texture.

Here we’ve created a strawberry banana spin on our popular strawberry smoothie that is fully plant-based and stars almond milk! Here’s exactly how to make this berry almond milk smoothie: and a little more about using almond milk for blending up healthy drinks.

Why use almond milk in smoothies?

Almond milk is a dairy free, plant based milk made with almonds and water. It’s great for using in smoothies because it’s a dairy free liquid that helps to achieve a creamy texture.

  • Can you taste almond milk in smoothies? Not really! Most almond milk has a very neutral flavor, so it’s virtually imperceptible in a smoothie.
  • Does almond milk make smoothies thicker? No. Almond milk is a good liquid that helps smoothies blend, but its texture is closer to water than milk. By itself, it does not lend creaminess to a smoothie. But with other ingredients, it helps to form the right smoothie texture.

Ingredients in this almond milk smoothie

There are lots of different ways to make an almond milk smoothie. This one’s our favorite: you can’t go wrong with strawberry banana! Our kids absolutely love this smoothie, which makes us confident you will too. Here’s what you need to make this smoothie with almond milk:

  • Frozen strawberries: Frozen strawberries add just the right texture. They’re easy to find at the store and great to store for making on demand smoothies. Substitute any frozen fruit: blueberries, mangos, pineapple, mixed berries, etc.
  • Fresh banana: We always have bananas at our house, but we don’t always remember to freeze them. So we like using room temperature bananas in our smoothie recipes!
  • Almond milk: Use plain or unflavored almond milk. Vanilla also works, but we like using almond milk with no artificial flavors.
  • Ice: Ice adds just the right frozen texture to this fruity puree.
Almond milk smoothie with strawberries and banana in glass with straw

Amp up the protein

Here’s the thing: almond milk itself is not a great source of protein. If you’re drinking this almond milk smoothie to get a boost of protein, here’s what to do:

  • Almond butter: Mix in 1 tablespoon of almond butter to this smoothie (or up to 2 total). It does add an almond flavor and dulls the color of the smoothie a bit.
  • Protein powder: Add a scoop of favorite brand, plain or vanilla. We like this Orgain brand protein powder.
  • Greek yogurt: If you can eat it, yogurt adds quite a bit of protein! Try blending in ¼ cup to ½ cup, to taste.

Variations

You can use this almond milk smoothie recipe as a template for making other flavors! Here are a few ideas for how to swap out the 2 cups frozen strawberries:

  • Mango almond milk smoothie: Substitute frozen mango.
  • Pineapple almond milk smoothie: Substitute frozen pineapple.
  • Mixed berry almond milk smoothie: Substitute mixed berries.
  • Blueberry almond milk smoothie: Substitute frozen blueberries.

8 more almond milk smoothies

You can use almond milk in many smoothie recipes! If you don’t want to make the recipe below, here are a few more ideas! They’re all Vegan Smoothie Recipes.

Green Smoothie

This smoothie is an immunity-boosting drink starring green apple, spinach, and protein-packed nuts. Substitute water for almond milk!

Peanut Butter Smoothie

With just 3 ingredients, it’s got the perfect sweet flavor and creamy texture. It tastes like a healthy milkshake!

Pineapple Smoothie

This pineapple smoothie has just the right creamy texture and is bursting with tropical fruity flavor.

Fruit Smoothie

This recipe has a little bit of everything: berries, mango, apple and banana -- to make a refreshing drink. Substitute almond milk for the water!

Kale Smoothie

Here's a bright green smoothie with the most irresistible fruity flavor, a tasty way to eat your greens! Substitute water with almond milk.

Mango Smoothie

This mango smoothie has the perfect sweet flavor and creamy texture! We dare you not to take another sip.

Avocado Smoothie

This avocado smoothie is creamy and full of tropical flavor! It’s plant-based and loaded with nutrients. Substitute almond milk for water!

Blueberry Banana Smoothie

This blueberry banana smoothie is a favorite, with a sweet berry flavor and a luscious texture. Substitute the water with almond milk.

Almond milk is also great for…

Of course, you can use almond milk in so many different ways! Almond milk is also great for:

Dietary notes

This almond milk smoothie recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

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Easy Almond Milk Smoothie

Almond milk smoothie
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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

This almond milk smoothie is full of sweet flavor, fiber, and nutrients! This dairy free milk is perfect for blending into fruity purees.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 small smoothies
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Blended
  • Cuisine: Smoothies
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

  • 2 cups frozen strawberries
  • 2 bananas (room temperature)
  • 1/2 to 2/3 cup almond milk
  • 8 ice cubes
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in a blender, breaking the bananas into pieces. Blend until smooth.
  2. Serve immediately or store in a covered jar in the refrigerator for 2 days.

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More smoothie recipes

Want more healthy smoothie recipes? There are so many to try:

Salty Dog Cocktail

The Salty Dog is a refreshing citrus cocktail that pairs grapefruit juice, gin, and a salted rim. It’s perfect for…

The Salty Dog is a refreshing citrus cocktail that pairs grapefruit juice, gin, and a salted rim. It’s perfect for brunch or happy hour!

Salty dog cocktail

Want a citrus cocktail with a salted rim that’s not a margarita? Enter, the Salty Dog! This cocktail’s got a unique name and a beautiful pale pink color. It’s tangy and refreshing, perfect as a brunch drink or for happy hour.

As cocktail experts, we find the Salty Dog is a true winner: it’s unique, simple, and it’s always fun to say the name (ha!). It’s got a light summery vibe, but it works in winter when citrus abounds. Really, it works anytime!

Ingredients in a Salty Dog

The Salty Dog cocktail is believed to originate in the 1920’s. It’s similar to a Greyhound cocktail, which is essentially the same ingredients, without the salty rim! Here are the ingredients you need to make a Salty Dog (for exact quantities see the recipe below):

  • Gin
  • Grapefruit juice
  • Salt for the rim
  • Simple syrup or maple syrup (optional)
  • Lime wedge (optional)
Salty dog cocktail

So why is it served with salt?

Why the salt? According to some sources, during and after Prohibition, cocktails were often served with a sugar or salt rim to make up for the fact the liquor was sub-par. So, the crappy gin was covered up with a salty rim!

What’s the point of serving with salt today? Salt intensifies the sweet and sour flavors in the drink. It makes the sour seem brighter, which makes the overall drink experience more pleasurable.

How to make a Salty Dog: basic steps

After making the salt rim, the Salty Dog is shaken in a cocktail shaker until cold, then served over ice! Here’s what to do:

  1. Rim the glass with salt. It doesn’t just look cute! The salt enhances the overall flavor of the drink. How to make the perfect salt rim? See below.
  2. Shake in a cocktail shaker. Take that gin and grapefruit juice and shake it together in a cocktail shaker with 4 ice cubes. We like adding 1 dash simple syrup or maple syrup, which rounds out the flavor (otherwise it’s very tart).
  3. Strain into a glass and add ice. Strain the drink into the glass and add ice. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and you’re done!

Tips for the salt rim

For salt rims on cocktails, we like to use flaky sea salt. You can also use kosher salt if you have it, which has large grains. Avoid iodized salt: it is too concentrated of a flavor and can add a metallic taste! Here are a few tips to making a salt rim:

  1. Spread the salt on a plate in an even layer.
  2. Take a lime wedge and cut a notch in the middle: then slide it around the rim of the glass. This moistens the glass rim without having to use your fingers.
  3. To rim the glass, the salt should be on the outside rim the glass only, not the inside where it can fall into the drink. To do this, tilt the glass and gently turn so the outside edge goes into the salt. Shake off any loose salt into the sink.
Bottle of gin

Best gin for a Salty Dog

For this Salty Dog, you’ll want to use the high quality gin! The better the gin, the better the drink. Try to invest in a mid-price range gin: the drink will only taste as good as the gin you invest in! Also, be on the lookout for local gin, if you have distilleries in your area.

  • Every bottle of gin tastes a little different and has different botanical flavors. Experiment to find your favorite!
  • We like Malfy gin for a martini, so it’s our choice for a Gibson.
  • Steer away from Tanqueray gin: in our personal opinion, it gives a strong floral quality to the martini. It’s better used in a gin and tonic or Negroni.

Sweetener is optional

Officially the Salty Dog cocktail does not include sugar. However, it’s so tart without it that bartenders often add a dash of simple syrup. Here are two ways to sweeten this drink:

  • Maple syrup: To keep things naturally sweet, we like using pure maple syrup to sweeten our cocktails. Not only does it provide a gentle sweetness, it gives a nuanced undertone (it doesn’t taste like maple).
  • Simple syrup: Or if you prefer, head to How to Make Simple Syrup to make it in 5 minutes! You’ll only need a dash in this recipe.
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Salty dog cocktail

Salty Dog Cocktail

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  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
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Description

The Salty Dog is a refreshing citrus cocktail that pairs grapefruit juice, gin, and a salted rim. It’s perfect for brunch or happy hour!

Ingredients

  • Flaky sea salt
  • 3 tablespoons (1 ½ ounces) gin
  • 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
  • 1 teaspoon (1 dash) simple syrup or maple syrup
  • Lime wedge
  • For the garnish: Grapefruit wedge

Instructions

  1. Cut a notch in the lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of flaky sea salt.
  2. Place the gin, grapefruit juice and syrup in a cocktail shaker with 4 ice cubes and shake until cold.
  3. Strain the drink into the glass with the salted rim. Fill the glass with ice and top with a squeeze of lime. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Cocktails

There are a few drinks that are similar to the Salty Dog, mainly because they use grapefruit juice as well:

Spiked Apple Cider

This hot spiked apple cider recipe hits all the cozy notes! Rum or bourbon perfectly complement the cinnamon, cloves, and…

This hot spiked apple cider recipe hits all the cozy notes! Rum or bourbon perfectly complement the cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. It’s a fall tradition for our family!

Spiked Apple Cider

What’s better than a warm drink in hand when the weather is chilly? Here’s a classic that’s required for fall, in our opinion: Hot Spiked Apple Cider! There’s something about the combination of sweet cinnamon and cloves with the subtle spicy finish of rum or bourbon that’s absolutely soul warming.

Alex and I love how the liquor melds seamlessly into the hot cider, making a smooth sip and a cozy finish. This recipe has just the right balance of spices with alcohol: and a side benefit: it makes your kitchen smell like a fall candle.

Ingredients in spiked apple cider

This spiked apple cider recipe is simmered with mulling spices, then combined with bourbon or rum for a tasty finish. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

  • High-quality apple cider, preferably from your farmers market or local orchard. We like unfiltered cider for the best flavor and color. If you’re in a time crunch, you can always buy a pre-spiced apple cider and add rum to that.
  • Whole spices: cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Using the whole versions of these spices (not ground) is key to getting the best flavor. Star anise is the most unique: it should be available at your local grocery store or you can buy star anise online.
  • Bourbon or rum: White, aged or dark rum works for the rum, or use your favorite brand of bourbon.
Apple cider spices

How to make spiced apple cider: basic method

Making this hot spiked apple cider recipe is incredibly easy: all you need is time! Here are the basic steps (or jump to the recipe for quantities):

  • Toast the spices: Toast the spices for a few minutes on the stovetop. This releases their fragrance (and makes your kitchen smell amazing).
  • Simmer: Add the apple cider and heat until warmed through, about 30 minutes. You can also use a slow cooker or Instant Pot: see below.
  • Filter: You’ll notice that particulate rises to the top of the cider while it’s cooking. Use a fine mesh strainer or sieve to strain it off.
  • Spike it: Add the rum or bourbon all at once, or add about 2 ounces to each 1 cup serving.
Spiked Cider

Serving spiked apple cider for a party

Here are a few tips if you plan on serving this warming drink at a party:

  • Double or triple it: You’ll need to use a larger pot to accommodate.
  • Consider Crockpot or Instant Pot: Using a slow cooker to keep the spiked cider warm is great for parties. Head to our Slow Cooker Apple Cider.
  • Spike the drinks individually: When you’re serving a crowd, it’s nice to have the flexibility to spike the cider for each person individually. Then, the drink works for both kids and adults.

Best alcohol for spiked apple cider

Rum or bourbon are the best choices for spiked cider, but brandy also works well. You can also add a small amount of orange liqueur like Triple Sec, Cointreau or Grand Marnier.

Rum melds most seamlessly into the flavor of cider, making it our top choice. Any type of rum works: white rum, aged rum, or dark rum. Aged or dark add more flavor complexity with vanilla and oak notes.

Bourbon is a close second, and has a slightly more prominent flavor on the finish; use your favorite brand of bourbon.

Dietary notes

This hot spiked apple cider recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, plant-based, dairy-free, and vegan.

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Spiked Apple Cider

Spiked Apple Cider

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5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: A Couple Cooks
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 drinks
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Description

This hot spiked apple cider recipe hits all the cozy notes! Rum or bourbon perfectly complement the cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.

Ingredients

  • ½ teaspoon cloves
  • 3 star anise
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 8 cups apple cider
  • 1 cup rum (of any kind) or bourbon
  • For the garnish: star anise, cinnamon stick, orange slice

Instructions

  1. Toast the spices: Add the spices to the bottom of a pot*. Toast over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
  2. Simmer: Turn the heat to low. Pour in the apple cider and bring to below a simmer, just barely bubbling. Set a timer for 30 minutes and reduce to low heat (don’t let it simmer).
  3. Filter: Skim off any particulate that rises to the top of the pot using a fine mesh sieve or strainer (or you can pour it through a strainer into another pot). 
  4. Serve: Pour in the rum or bourbon (or add 2 ounces to each 1 cup serving). Ladle into 8 mugs. If desired, garnish with star anise, cinnamon stick, or an orange slice.

Notes

*Or, go to Crockpot Apple Cider for slow cooker or Instant Pot instructions. Make the cider, then add the rum or bourbon before serving. 

  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

A few more cozy drinks

Outside of this spiked apple cider recipe, there are so many winter drinks and hot cocktails to try:

Homemade Apple Cider Recipe

Homemade Apple Cider Recipe – Easy and delicious homemade apple cider recipe made with apples, oranges, and spices. Simple to make on the stovetop or with my slow cooker apple cider recipe with step-by-step instructions for both methods!

Orange and apple slices, cinnamon sticks and spices in a large crock.Homemade Apple Cider Recipe - Easy and delicious homemade apple cider recipe made with apples, oranges, and spices. Simple to make on the stovetop or with my slow cooker apple cider recipe with step-by-step instructions for both methods!

Thanksgiving Punch

This Thanksgiving punch is vibrant and tastes irresistibly light and fruity! Pomegranate juice and citrus make magic in this drink…

This Thanksgiving punch is vibrant and tastes irresistibly light and fruity! Pomegranate juice and citrus make magic in this drink that’s perfect for serving a crowd.

Thanksgiving Punch

Here’s a punch recipe that caught us by surprise…because it’s even more delicious than it looks. This ruby red Thanksgiving Pomegranate Punch stars pomegranate Juice and fresh citrus with a hint of maple syrup. It’s our favorite pomegranate juice to use in drinks and cocktails.

Take one sip and it’s light, fruity, bubbly, and sweet tart: a true burst of refreshing flavors! Spike it or drink it non-alcoholic: either way, you won’t be able to stop sipping it (we couldn’t!).

Ingredients for Thanksgiving punch

This Thanksgiving pomegranate punch is all about flavor and color! For entertaining recipes, you’ll want a stunning look and flavor: and this recipe delivers both. That eye-popping color of the juice is beautiful and adds a big burst of sweet tart flavor. It’s a great alternative to punch recipes that call for sodas or added sweeteners! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Pomegranate Juice
  • Lemons
  • Oranges
  • Soda water or club soda
  • Maple syrup
  • Bourbon, brandy or white rum (optional; see more below!)

Using pomegranate juice in cocktails

Pomegranate juice is ideal for cocktails because of its sweet tart flavor and antioxidant goodness. Here’s why we love it:

  • It’s 100% juice. Most bottles of pomegranate juice contain no added sugar, fillers or preservatives.
  • The flavor is ideal for elevating cocktails. A little sweet and a little tart, it adds a unique burst of flavor to any drink recipe.
  • It adds antioxidants. Cocktails with pomegranate juice harness the antioxidant power of pomegranates.
Thanksgiving punch

Use bourbon, brandy, or rum

Another great thing about this Thanksgiving pomegranate punch? You can make it with various types of liquor, and it tastes different with each. Here are our favorites, in order of preference:

  • Brandy: The fruity flavor of brandy is true perfection with the sweet tart pomegranate juice! This was Alex’s idea and while I doubted it at first, it was the clear winner. It complements the lightness of the fruit flavors perfectly!
  • Bourbon: Bourbon adds a cozier, warmer vibe and it’s more alcohol-forward. This one is ideal for bourbon lovers.
  • Rum: We can’t resist a good rum punch! White rum melds into the flavors and highlights the lighter characteristics of the pomegranate punch.
Thanksgiving Punch

Make it spiked or non alcoholic

This Thanksgiving pomegranate punch works spiked or non-alcoholic. It’s also customizable for both if you have people spike the drink after they ladle it out of the bowl. This offers the most flexibility, especially when serving kids and adults avoiding alcohol. You can essentially serve both an alcoholic and non-alcoholic punch at the same time!

  • Add the liquor right to the punch bowl. If everyone’s drinking, this is the way to go.
  • Or, spike the drink after ladling it out! The most versatile way to make Thanksgiving punch is to spike the drink after you ladle it out of the punch bowl. The best ratio is 1 ounces liquor to 6 ounces (¾ cup) punch.
  • Or, make it as a non-alcoholic punch! It’s just as good (really). In fact, we almost prefer it non-alcoholic: it’s so fruity and light.
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Thanksgiving Punch

Thanksgiving Punch

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5 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings
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Description

This pomegranate Thanksgiving punch is vibrant and tastes irresistibly light and fruity! Pomegranate juice and citrus make magic.

Ingredients

  • 48 ounces 100% pomegranate juice (6 cups)
  • 2 large lemons, squeezed into juice (½ cup)
  • 4 to 5 large navel oranges, squeezed into juice (2 cups)
  • 24 ounces soda water (3 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 16 ounces bourbon, brandy or white rum, optional (2 cups)*
  • For the garnish: pomegranate arils (seeds), mint, star anise, orange and lemon slices

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients together in a serving bowl, adding the soda water last.
  2. Top with garnishes and serve. (As a note, pomegranate arils sink to the bottom of a punch bowl. To keep them on top before serving, gently balance them on top of citrus wedges. They’ll settle to the bottom during serving.)

Notes

*You can also add the alcohol by the glass, so it works as non-alcoholic and alcoholic. Measure out 6 ounces (¾ cup) punch, then add 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) liquor of choice. Brandy was our favorite here: it makes the ideal light and fruity flavor. Bourbon is darker and cozier, and rum is on the lighter end.

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Stirred
  • Cuisine: Punch
  • Diet: Vegan

More pomegranate cocktails

There are so many ways to use POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice in cocktails! Here are a few more pomegranate drinks we love:

Apple Cider Spritz

The bubbly apple cider spritz is one of the easiest fall drinks, pairing Aperol with apple cider and Prosecco. Build…

The bubbly apple cider spritz is one of the easiest fall drinks, pairing Aperol with apple cider and Prosecco. Build it right in the glass and top with an apple slice, and it’s perfect for any fall occasion.

Apple Cider Spritz

Why we love this recipe

We’re all about fall cocktails, from spiked cider to the hot toddy. Today we’ve got a bubbly, refreshing drink that’s got the season written all over it: the apple cider spritz!

You may know the ever popular Aperol spritz. To Alex and me, the classic is a little too sweet—so spritz variations are where it’s at. This drink tastes sweet and balanced by dialing back the Aperol and swapping in fruity apple cider. The best part: you can build it right in the glass: no cocktail shaker needed. As two cocktail experts, this one is a new fall favorite!

Ingredient notes for an apple cider spritz

This apple cider spritz is a spin on the Aperol spritz, an Italian aperitif made with Aperol, Prosecco, and sparkling water. The spritz was actually invented back in the 1800’s in Italy as a way to water down sparkling wine by mixing in water! This fall spin trades a bit of the Aperol and sparkling water for apple cider.

  • Aperol: This Italian amaro—bitter liqueur—is also known as an aperitif, a liqueur meant to drink before a meal. Aperol is bright orange and on the sweeter side, invented in 1919 in Italy.
  • Sparkling wine: You can use either Prosecco or champagne: we like Prosecco because it has a great flavor and is typically cheaper.
  • Apple cider: Instead of soda water, you’ll use apple cider to bring a tangy body to the drink. Look for unfiltered cider, which has the best flavor and color.

🍾 Tip: A 750 ml bottle of Prosecco is 25 ounces, enough for 8 drinks. If you’re making 2 drinks, a mini bottle is perfect—it holds 187 mL or about 6 ounces!

Aperol

How to make an apple cider spritz: step by step

You can build an apple cider spritz right in the glass, which makes it the perfect fall drink for entertaining! Here are the main steps, or skip right to the full recipe:

  • Stir: Stir 1 oz Aperol in a glass with ice to make it cold.
  • Top with bubbles: Top with 2 oz apple cider and 3 oz Prosecco.
  • Garnish: Add an apple slice and garnish with a straw.

Note: The apple slice shown in the photos fits easier if you slice it into a half circle. We just liked the look of it as a whole round for the photo, though it’s tough to balance in the glass that way!

Apple Cider Spritz in glass with ice and straw

More apple cider cocktails

Fall is the time for all the apple cider drinks! Here are a few we recommend:

Dietary notes

This apple cider spritz is vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, plant-based, and dairy-free.

Frequently asked questions

What type of apple cider should I use?

Fresh, unfiltered apple cider is ideal for the most authentic flavor. However, if you can’t find it, a good quality bottled apple cider will also work. It also works with spiced cider.

Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the Apple Cider Spritz just before serving to ensure it’s bubbly and refreshing. However, you can mix the apple cider and Aperol in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to add the sparkling wine.

What other garnishes can I use besides an apple slice or cinnamon stick?

Get creative! A sprig of rosemary or a star anise pod can add a festive touch. You can also rim the glass with cinnamon sugar for an extra hint of sweetness (following the instructions in this Cinnamon Toast Crunch shot).

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Apple Cider Spritz

Apple Cider Spritz

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
Save Recipe
Print Recipe

Description

The bubbly apple cider spritz is one of the easiest fall drinks, pairing Aperol with apple cider and Prosecco. Build it right in the glass and top with an apple slice, and it’s perfect for any fall occasion.

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce Aperol, chilled
  • 2 ounces apple cider, chilled
  • 3 ounces Prosecco or other sparkling wine, chilled
  • Ice (try clear ice!)
  • For the garnish: apple slices

Instructions

  1. Add the Aperol to a glass filled with ice and stir. Top with the apple cider and Prosecco.
  2. If desired, stir gently, then serve. Top with an apple slice and serve with a straw to minimize dilution.

Notes

Additional garnish ideas: If desired, you can add a cinnamon stick for garnish or grate a little using a microplane onto the top. You could also rim the glass in cinnamon sugar (follow the instructions in this Cinnamon Toast Crunch shot).

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegan