In the past, I haven’t always been someone who serves cocktails at parties. For the most part, I don’t even like cocktails.
Every time I order one at a bar or restaurant, they’re either a) too sweet, or b) too strong. But after being adventurous to try some new things lately, I think I’ve finally found a few go-to cocktails that I really love. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll always be a wine girl first and a beer girl second at heart. But sometimes it’s fun to try something new.
On Saturday night, I served some two delicious cocktails that were neither too sweet nor too strong, in my opinion. My guests seemed to like them anyway. 😉
Pecan Caramel Coffee Cocktail (serves 5)
I made this using a French Press, because in my opinion French Press makes the best coffee. If using a coffee pot, use enough water for four cups, but use 5-6 heaping tablespoons of coffee.
4 heaping tablespoons Godiva Caramel Pecan Bark Coffee
32 ounces water
5 jiggers/shots Frangelico
1/2 cup soy creamer (or regular creamer)
Add coffee to French Press. Bring water to a boil in a tea kettle. As soon as water comes to a boil fill French Press to full line (always leave about an inch of space from the lip). Allow coffee to brew for at least 30 minutes. Plunge the French Press and pour coffee into a container that can be sealed (I liked to use a mason jar). Allow to cool, then seal the container and put in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
When guests are ready to be served, pour 1 jigger/shot of Frangelico in 5 martini glasses. Top with 1/5 of the coffee in each glass. Top with about 1 1/2 tablespoons of cream into each glass. Stir carefully and enjoy.
This drink is perfect for a night when you know you’ll be out quite late, but who’s to say you couldn’t also enjoy it at Sunday brunch?
The Salty Grapefruit (serves 4)
I was served a variation of this at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia and have loved it ever since. Not only have I took to asking for it at bars and restaurants, but I’ve talked many of my friends into trying it also. Everyone loves it! It’s light, refreshing, and the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and salty.
1/4 cup sea salt
4 lime wedges
1 1/3 cup grapefruit juice
2 cups club soda (I used lime flavored)
4 jiggers/shots vodka (I used Skyy Vodka)
Rub the rim of four glasses with a lime wedge. Pour salt evenly onto a small saucer. Place each glass rim side down on the saucer and turn slowly to collect salt on the rim. In a pitcher, combine all liquid ingredients: juice, club soda, and vodka. Stir well. Pour 1/4 of the pitcher into each glass and garnish with a lime.
For 1 serving:
1 Tbsp. sea salt
1 lime wedge
1/3 cup grapefruit juice
1/4 cup club soda
1 jigger/shot vodka
Rub the rim of four glasses with a lime wedge. Pour salt evenly onto a small saucer. Place each glass rim side down on the saucer and turn slowly to collect salt on the rim. Pour vodka in glass, followed by the grapefruit juice, and lastly the club soda. Stir and serve. Or pour grapefruit juice and vodka in a shaker. Shake well, pour into glass, and top with soda.
*I received the Godiva Pecan Caramel Bark Coffee for free as part of the Foodbuzz Tastemaker program with Godiva Coffee. All opinions expressed are my own. I was not compensated for my recipe or review.
Do you make cocktails for yourself at home?
What’s your favorite drink to make or order?