Bourbon and Jam

Here we go!  Spring cocktail season has arrived and we couldn't think of a better way to start it off than with this bourbon jam cocktail.  It's sweet, simple, a little spicy and perfect for sipping as we transition into warmer weather.  Also, the blueberry-jalapeno jam isn't just for cocktails (or is it?) it can be spread on your toast, baked in the oven over chicken or pork, paired with your favorite cheese (I suggest manchego), used as a pancake or french toast topping or my go to...make more cocktails.  So get shaking and happy Spring!

Blueberry-Jalapeno Jam

Ingredients
2 cups fresh blueberries
1 jalapeno, diced (seeds optional)
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 lemon, juiced

Combine all of the ingredients into a medium sauce pan over medium-high heat, stir frequently.  Bring to a boil.  Then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 25 minutes.  Using a potato smasher or the back of a spoon, slightly smash the blueberries.  Allow the jam to cool and transfer to an airtight container.  Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.  Makes about 2 cups.
















































Bourbon Jam Cocktail

Ingredients
2 ounces bourbon (I use Maker's Mark)
1-1/2 tablespoons Blueberry-Jalapeno Jam
3 fresh blueberries for garnish
1-2 slices fresh jalapenos for garnish

In a cocktail shaker add the bourbon and jam.  Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until the outside of your shaker is frosty.  Strain the cocktail into an ice filled rocks glass and garnish with a blueberry skewer and jalapeno slices.  Makes 1 cocktail.

Gin(ger) and Juice

While we are all enjoying the lovely spring weather, some of us, myself included, are trying to fight off a cold/allergies or some sort of bug due to the weather change.

I have to admit I'm not much of a medicine taker so this vitamin C packed juice really helped me kick this cold.  The fresh ginger root helps with throat and sinus congestion while the coconut water (Trader Joe's brand is my favorite) is super hydrating.

OK so now about that really pretty Soda Stream in the picture above.  I almost couldn't live without it!  After spending two weeks in Europe I found a new love for soda water and now I can make it anytime I want.  If you are a soda water lover I highly suggest you look into investing in this beauty!  The perfect amount of fizz made my "get well" juice delightful and well, not so much like a "get well" juice.

So if you are starting to feel that tickle in your throat mix up some Gin(ger) and Juice!

Note:  The title of this post was inspired by our Pandora Radio listening this week while cooking.  We've been feeling a little "gangsta" and throwing it back with some real rap/hip-hop music.  Thank you 2Pac, Notorious B.I.G. and Snoop Dogg!  Seriously, "musicians" of today please start creating your own music, tell us a story, and lastly, PLEASE bring back the girl singing the hook!

Gin(ger) and Juice

2-4 slices fresh ginger root

1/2 cup fresh squeezed mandarin juice (substitute oranges, grapefruit or lemons)

1 sprig fresh mint 

3/4 cup coconut water

Soda water

Place the ginger into an 16 ounce (1 pint) jar.  Muddle the ginger slightly.  Pour the mandarin juice into the jar. Refrigerate for about an hour or over night to marinate.  Note: You can use immediately, however the ginger flavor will not be as strong.

Once marinated add the coconut water, top with soda water and garnish with mint.  Add ice if desired.  Enjoy!

Feeling fine and ready for cocktail hour?  Add 1-1/2 to 2 ounces of your favorite spirit such as vodka, tequila or gin to turn this juice into a spring time cocktail.

Smashed Blackberry-Basil Toast with Ricotta

If you remember a couple of weeks ago I featured spring time cocktails that I had made for my cousin Challise and her fiancee Zach.  The Blackberry-basil bourbon was so wonderful I could have drank at least 3 (or more), but contrary to popular belief I do use fruit and herbs for other things.  

I have to say I am usually a pretty big breakfast eater.  I love having dippy eggs (eggs over easy) with buttered toast along with my hot cup of coffee in the morning.  Something about the smell of eggs cooking in the pan while my bread toasts in the toaster always puts me in a good mood.  However, there are a few mornings where I do want something a little lighter, especially in the spring and summer months.  So as I  perused my refrigerator a few mornings after making those spring time cocktails I decided why not put those beautiful berries on my toast.  The freshness of the berries and basil on top of the creamy ricotta made for a deliciously perfect breakfast, which I enjoyed in the sunshine on my patio.  With coffee of course.

Smashed Blackberry-Basil Toast with Ricotta

Ingredients

1 piece of bread, toasted

7-9 blackberries, washed

3-4 large basil leaves, washed and chopped

1-2 tablespoons ricotta

Salt and pepper to taste

Place the berries in a small bowl.  Carefully smash them (blackberry will stain) with either a fork or potato smasher.  Add the chopped basil and stir to combine.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Generously spread the ricotta on the toast.  Top with the blackberry mixture and enjoy!

Notes:  All of the ingredients can be adjusted to your taste.  Also a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic would be a great addition.  This recipe can also be made in a larger batch and spread on sliced french bread for a party appetizer.

Spring Time Cocktails

Spring is such a wonderful time, full of bright colors, new blooms, and outdoor adventures in the sunshine.  Frequenting the farmers market is one of my favorite warm weather pastimes and here in Southern California they are in full bloom.  The vendors have the stands filled with fresh berries, vibrant greens, beautiful vegetables and herbs and gorgeous flowers.  After enjoying my morning perusing through the market I came home with my purchases ready to dig into all of my fresh produce, and of course beginning with the making of a cocktail.

Spring time cocktails are just what I know some of you need right now.  Even though  daylight savings has happened and we are getting an extra hour of light, I know that some of you are still covered in snow.  So whether you live where the sun shines often or if you are praying for the sun to peek through, these delicious fresh beverages will be perfect to cure the winter blues.   


These cocktails were inspired by my beautiful cousin and bride-to-be Challise and her fiancee Zach.  They are in the midst of planning their wedding and as a newlywed myself I know how stressful the planning process can be.  These cocktails made with their favorite spirits and fresh berries will hopefully be a wonderful way to help them relax, enjoy each other and prepare for the amazing day ahead.  Enjoy!

Raspberry-Basil Gin Spritzer

Ingredients
3 fresh raspberries
2 medium basil leaves, slapped and torn (see directions below)
2 ounces gin (I suggest Bombay Sapphire or Hendricks)
Club soda
Ice

Make sure to slap the basil (yes I said slap!) to bring out the flavors and aroma and then tear it into smaller pieces before you muddle.  In a shaker muddle the raspberries and basil until the berries are crushed and the basil is slightly bruised.  Add the gin and ice.  Shake the cocktail until the shaker is very cold.  Pour all the contents in a rocks glass and top with club soda.  Add more ice if needed.

Blackberry-Basil Bourbon Cocktail

Ingredients
2-3 fresh blackberries
2 medium basil leaves, slapped and torn
2 ounces of bourbon (Maker's Mark is preferred)
1/2 teaspoon honey or agave nectar
Club soda 
Ice

Make sure to slap the basil (yes I said slap!) to bring out the flavors and aroma and then tear it into smaller pieces before you muddle.  In a shaker muddle the blackberries and basil until the berries are crushed and the basil is slightly bruised.  Add the Bourbon, honey and ice.  Shake the cocktail until the shaker is very cold.  Pour all the contents into a rocks glass and top with club soda.  Add more ice if needed.


Martini anyone?  Both of these cocktails can be dressed up and made into elegant and colorful martinis.  Simply omit the club soda in both recipes, add and extra 1/2 ounce of liquor and strain the cocktail from the shaker into a martini glass and garnish with a slapped basil leaf.  

Need to make it virgin? For my readers who are pregnant, under 21 or just a non-drinker these cocktails can be made sans liquor.  Substitute the gin with club soda or a mix of lemonade and club soda.  As for the bourbon, substitute it with your favorite sweet iced tea.  These non-alcoholic drinks are perfect for backyard parties, baby showers or boosting your mood.