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Thursday, May 28, 2015

Wedding Cocktails

Friendships that begin with ugly khaki button down shirts, "safari adventures," jungle coladas, and late night shots at a local bar are bound to last a lifetime.  As much as we all complained about that weird California chain restaurant we worked in many years ago, we can only be forever thankful for the relationships we gained from it.  



We saw each other through that crazy time of our twenties where we were all figuring out life while working hard and partying even harder.  Fast forward to the present we survived and made it through new jobs, a new business, four weddings and a baby!
Photography by Scott Nelson Photography.  Photographer: Alex Morgan

The latest wedding was definitely one to put down in the books!  You can't go wrong with Malibu sands, the ocean breeze, the sunny California blue sky, laughter, love and strong cocktails!  That's were we come in, the strong cocktails.  Greg and I were so honored when our dear friends Evan and Erin asked us to create their signature cocktails.  Greg and I dived right in and enjoyed many (buzzed) nights coming up with new recipes that would best reflect our incredible friends.


Photography by Scott Nelson Photography.  Photographer: Alex Morgan

Erin is the most beautiful (ok let's just agree she is a model) soul you will meet!  We needed to create a cocktail that showed off her beauty and class.  With the help of our pretty roses from our garden we were able to create a sophisticated drink for our vodka loving bride.



Cucumber Rose Vodka Spritzer

Ingredients
4 ounces cucumber infused vodka (see recipe below)
1-1/2 ounce rose simple syrup (see recipe below)
Soda water
Rose petals for garnish

In a cocktail shaker add the cucumber infused vodka, rose simple syrup and ice.  Shake vigorously.  Pour into two ice filled cocktail glasses, top with soda water and garnish with rose petals.  Makes two cocktails.

Cucumber Infused Vodka:  Pour 8 ounces of vodka into an airtight jar or container.  Add 4-6 slices of cucumber.  Allow to infuse in a cool place or the refrigerator for 2-3 days.  Strain the vodka and discard the cucumbers.  Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. 

Rose Simple Syrup

Ingredients
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup organic old fashion rose petals, washed and dried

In a small sauce pan over low heat dissolve the sugar into the water.  Once the sugar has completely dissolved remove from the heat and add the old fashion rose petals.  Stir to combine. Cover and allow to steep for 20 minutes.  Strain the syrup and discard the rose petals.  Allow to completely cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.  

Note:  If you do not have or cannot find old fashion roses than you can simply combine equal parts store bought rose water and sugar together over low heat to make your syrup.



Evan is our laid back friend who is no nonsense when it comes to bourbon.  We needed a twist to make his signature drink unique and wanted something rustic and bold.  Thanks to our grill we were able to created a easy to drink (or shoot) bourbon cocktail.


Photography by Scott Nelson Photography.  Photographer: Alex Morgan

Grilled Citrus Bourbon Cocktail

Ingredients
1 grapefruit
1 orange
1 lemon 
1 mandarin orange
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 ounces bourbon
Mint sprigs for garnish

Turn on and heat your grill according to the manufacturers directions.  

Cut each of the citrus in half.  Juice one half of each citrus and set aside.  Brush the olive oil on the remaining citrus halves.  Place the citrus on the heated grill flesh side down.  Grill for about 7-10 minutes until the citrus is slightly charred and caramelized.  Remove from the grill and allow to cool.  Once cooled juice the grilled citrus and mix with the fresh squeezed citrus.  

In a cocktail shaker add the bourbon and 4 ounces of citrus juice.  Add ice and shake vigorously.  Pour the cocktail into two ice filled cocktail glasses.  Garnish with mint sprigs.  Makes 2 cocktails.






Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Ahlgren!



Photography by Scott Nelson Photography.  Photographer: Alex Morgan











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