I am so excited to share this Happy Hour Cocktail share with a really fun and inspiring modern day influencer! Maria Provenzano is truly a modern day girlfriend, sharing her personal stories, recipes, tips and crafts on her GORGEOUS site From Scratch With Maria. Maria offers a wonderful and inviting forum for not only us modern day girlfriends but for the working moms out there to connect with each other.
Maria and I are both super busy, hardworking, “modern day girlfriends,” who can’t seem to find a perfect time to get together to have a drink, which we both need by the time Friday (or Tuesday) rolls around. So, we actually came up with a cute idea that involves work AND cocktails with a Happy Hour cocktail share. Summer is coming to an end, and we wanted to share what our favorite cocktails have been this summer. We hope that this inspires you to get your girlfriends, boyfriends, any friends, to get together, have have a cocktail, and forget any worries.
What has been your favorite cocktail this summer? Get in the conversation with #CocktailShare
I am sharing Maria’s drink! For my Grapefruit Blueberry Ginger Fizz to From Scratch With Maria!
Is summer really coming to an end? I have to admit, I am looking forward to fall, but part of me is really going to miss these hot summer days. Having to leave the beach to head home for the day is never easy, unless you can look forward to having a cold, refreshing summery cocktail when you get there!
Pineapples have been everywhere this summer! From clothes, to beach gear, to beach totes, pineapple inspired décor is on everything. I am a fan of the stylish fruit, but I like it even more in a cocktail. Lime is a surprising compliment to the pineapple, even though they are both acidic, the pineapple’s sweetness balances out the acidity. I created a drink that features these two bright flavors, and cooled them down with the flavor of mint. Mint simple syrup is easy to whip up, and makes a big difference in the overall taste of the drink. Unlike store-bought sweeteners, homemade simple syrup made with fresh mint really packs a punch in terms of flavor. My favorite spirit to have with this is good-quality vodka. It doesn’t compete with all of the other flavors. Top it off with a little soda water for some refreshing effervescence, and you will have a perfect summer cocktail. Something sweet, tart, acidic, and cool.
Pineapple, Lime, and Mint Sparkler:
For a single drink:
- ½ cup unsweetened pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons mint simple syrup
- 2-3 fresh mint leaves; torn into smaller pieces
- 1-2 shots vodka; depending on how strong you want the drink to be
- ice
- a splash of soda water
Instructions:
- Place all of the ingredients, except for the soda water, into a glass and stir together well; you can also shake this in a martini shaker for a very cold drink
- Top it off with a splash of cold soda water and stir until combined
- Decorate with a piece of fresh lime or pineapple
Homemade Mint Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup fresh mint (more can be used if desired)
Instructions For Mint Syrup:
- Combine the water and sugar together in a saucepan over medium heat
- Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the water is just starting to boil
- Bring to a simmer over low heat and pour in the mint by tearing it a bit to release the natural oils
- Simmer for about 8-10 minutes stirring frequently
- Allow to cool
- Pour through a strainer to remove the mint pieces
- Store in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use
- Cheers!
For more info on Maria’s website check out fromscratchwithmaria.com
Instagram: @fromscratchwithmaria
Twitter: @MariaProvenzano
