Kir Royal, A Luxurious Delight
July 29, 2008
I love my cocktails- I really do. One that I particularly cherish is the Kir Royal.
That bubbly black currant combination always brings a smile to my face- how can you not be happy and relaxed?
There’s something delightful about having a late breakfast on a Saturday or Sunday and pairing it with this beautiful drink.
I love to sit at a French Bistro and watch the world go by, nibbling on some rich appetizers and sipping my Kir Royal.
Its lovely in the evenings, too- of course. Any beverage is, but there is just something special about it in the day that I cannot help but indulge in.
Prepared quite simply and not to be fussed with:
Creme de Cassis … and
Champagne
Garnished as you like, though little is needed for this delightful drink. Who needs an excuse to enjoy a little champagne anyway? Make your own little celebration for your pretty self.
The Pear And Its Delicious Appearances
June 6, 2008
So beautiful and so delicious, how many ways can it continue to marvel and delight? An absolute refreshing treat on its own, when brought to the dessert table it transforms to another beautiful demon. Poached pear is a favorite of mine, and when it can be prepared in multiple ways its even more delightful of a venture. From white and red wines to champagnes, touches of honey or vanilla, its absolutely up to you where you wish to take it.
Even the restaurants are more than happy to show their turn on it. Presentation is always a beautiful thing, and even more so when the textures and tastes meld perfectly as well. The crisp with the soft, the right amount of warmth and bite and fragrance- that is what it is all about.
Maybe this is more than I would do at home, but it certainly makes my mind move to new ideas of what I may do. When dining out, however, I will absolutely be more than happy to try such ventures.
Much like my other favorite fruits- wonderful by themselves and even more so when introduced to vodka, the pear is no exception. Funny how things work out like that. Who am I to argue, I much prefer to drink and observe.
With lime juice, pear vodka, or even pear nectar- this is truly a delight! If the sweetness turns you off- try a mix of pear vodka, disaronno armaretto, and maybe a splash of lime juice- absolute heaven. Like biting into a bosc pear, so delicious.
Key Lime And Vodka Luxury
May 17, 2008
Key Lime Martinis- not only a lovely drink but from my favorite hotel in Miami Beach, The Delano. It combines the two things I miss most since having moved away from Miami. My love of key limes and my love of the Delano.
Vodka is always a pleasure of mine, as are the drinks it inspires such as the lychee or in this case key lime martini. Its great on its own, but if you are going to mix it then mix it well.
If ever the chance you have to be in South Beach, relax by the Delano Pool (make a day plan and an evening plan) and relax with a luxurious drink. Locals and tourists alike mix comfortably in the beautiful designs the Delano brings, and the atmosphere is like nothing else.
Bring a little of Miami to your home with the Key Lime Martini- and make it your own. Use key lime juice, or even a flavored vodka if you prefer, and keep it simple or make it fun. I’ve seen variations with coconut or pineapple in the mix that all sound lovely. Even a little bit of vanilla can make for an interesting twist.
The point is to have fun and bring in a little luxury. Finding the recipe that works best for you is only the beginning of the fun, and experiment to create your own. The key lime pies of Miami are one of my favorite treats- and its not surprise to see it turning up on the drink menu.
Make it sweet or make it sour- make it your own and enjoy.
Lychee Litchi Delight in a Drink
May 8, 2008
Absolute favorite of all favorites when it comes to drinks and and exotic fruits is the Lychee- and a martini especially. I used to bring a bowl of frozen lychees with me when I would lay out on the beach, a favorite luxury of mine. Great anywhere, too- not just out in the sun, and should be often practiced. But I cannot help but involve another love of mine: vodka. They work so beautifully together with just the right balance of smooth and delicate hint of sweetness.
Oh the lovely wonders of the lychee, or litchi depending where you may go. A friend of mine from Japan recognized the fruit as the litchi rather than lychee. She loved them too, and I do not think you could ever eat too much.
Making your own at home is quite simple, provided you can find the lychee- fresh is most desirable, however the canned version are an alright substitute. You can use the juice they are kept in for the drink as well. Maaza provides a great Lychee juice that is delicious on its own.
Look for the lychee next time you are out and about-sorbet, martini, juice, or the fruit alone are all a delightful indulgence.
If its appearance alarms you- worry not, you don’t eat the red pointy shell, only the delicate fruit inside. There is no intense acquired taste about it either, I have yet to find anyone who doesn’t enjoy them- even the pickiest of eaters.
Bring a little luxury into your drink.
