Shakin & Bakin Foodie Blog

During the summertime I host a lot of outdoor parties here at our home. Guests enjoy hanging out at our house in the backyard or lounging around our pool. We will often toss hamburgers and hot dogs onto the grill and have our guests bring along side dishes. As a party hostess, its usually my job to provide all of the tasty beverages and cocktail drinks.

Today's guest post recipe is courtesy of Sparkling Ice. You can visit the company's website to pick up additional free recipes. Please note - This recipe is for ADULTS only!!!!

Sparkling Pimm's Punch Recipe

1 blood orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
2 cucumbers, sliced
1 lb whole strawberries
1 bunch fresh mint leaves
One 750-ml bottle Pimm's No. 1
1 cup gin
4 1/2 cups Sparkling Ice Strawberry Lemonade

In a large punch bowl, combine the blood oranges, lemons, cucumbers, strawberries, and half of the mint. Pour in the Pimm's, gin, and Sparkling Ice Strawberry Lemonade, stir until combined. Fill glasses with ice and ladle in the punch, garnish with the remaining mint and serve immediately.

Just in time for all of your summer parties and family get together's we have this easy-to-make recipe from Sparkling Ice. It looks really pretty and tastes delicious! Looking for more great cocktail recipes? Just head on over to Sparkling Ice website and you'll find more!!!

Tropical Flower Punch Recipe

1 cup of coconut rum
1 cup of mango juice
2 cups of orange juice
1/4 cup of grenadine
2 cups Sparkling Ice Coconut Pineapple
Edible flowers, for garnish

In a large punch bowl, combine the coconut rum, mango juice, grenadine, Sparkling Ice Coconut Pineapple and stir. Fill glasses with ice and ladle in the punch, garnish with edible flowers serve.

The unofficial start to summer has begun and so has all of those backyard barbecues and outdoor parties. During the summertime we host a lot of pool parties and I'm always looking for new adult beverages to serve. I'm all about easy-to-make cocktails, especially ones that incorporate fruity flavors.

Today's recipe is courtesy of Sparkling Ice. You'll only need a handful of ingredients to make it and they whip up quickly. I was able to pick up a bottle of Three Olives Cherry Vodka from our local liquor store. Oh my gosh, it's delicious!!! If you've never tried it before...now is the time!!!

Summer Sunset Lemonade and Berry Cocktail Recipe

3 oz. Sparkling Ice Lemonade
1 1/2 oz. Three Olives Cherry Vodka
1/2 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
2-3 Fresh Lemon Slices
1/4 cup Raspberries and Blackberries

Combine raspberries and blackberries into a highball glass. Add Sparkling Ice Lemonade and Three Olives Cherry Vodka. Muddle Fruits. Add ice, lemon juice, stir. Garnish with fresh raspberries and blackberries. Serve immediately.

Summer is just around the corner and I'm looking forward to hosting a few backyard barbecues for our family and friends. When hosting we like to offer a wide variety of food items and some delicious cocktail drinks to go along with it.

Today's guest post recipe is courtesy of Sparkling Ice.

Orange Mango Sunrise Cocktail Recipe

Ice
1 lime wedge|
1 oz tequila
1 oz triple sec
Sparkling Ice Orange Mango
1 orange slice

In a cocktail shaker, muddle orange and lime slice. Add tequila, triple sec, and ice and shake. Pour into a margarita glass and top with Sparkling Ice Orange Mango. Garnish with an orange slice and serve.

Ron Barceló’s Serial Drinker will leave your taste buds craving more. Just combine Ron Barceló Añejo infused with Cheerios, honey syrup and chocolate bitters to keep the thirst at bay. An easy-to-make cocktail to serve any time of the year!

Serial Drinker Cocktail Recipe

2 oz. Cheerio Infused Ron Barceló Gran Añejo
1/4 honey syrup
2 Dashes of Chocolate Bitters
Served in Coupe Glass
Garnish: Dry Cheerios on Skewer

Pour the bottle of rum out on a container and add 2 cups of Cheerios. Let it sit for 1 day and strain back into the bottle. Pour 2 oz of cheerio infused Ron Barceló Gran Añejo, 1/4 honey syrup and 2 dashes of chocolate bitters in shaker. Shake vigorously and strain in coupe glass. Garnish with dry cheerios skewer.

Summer is over but that doesn't mean we have to give up our favorite foods and beverages from the season. After all, if you love it...you should enjoy it all year long. During this time of the year I'm seeing a lot of pumpkin flavored this or pumpkin flavored that. While I enjoy some pumpkin flavored beverages...I have to admit...I'm all about those summer fruity flavors. I think this cocktail recipe would be perfect to serve at holiday parties too!

Our guest post recipe today is courtesy of Polaner. Polaner Fruit & Maple has applications beyond breakfast and can be used to create desserts, appetizers, dressings, cocktails, glazes and more. Recipes can be found on the company's Facebook page.

Easy Strawberry Basil Cocktail Recipe

1/4 cup Polaner Fruit & Maple Strawberry Spread
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp. lime juice
1/4 cup basil leaves torn, plus more for garnish
2 tbsp. vodka
Seltzer
Strawberries for garnish

In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk Polaner Fruit & Maple Strawberry Spread and water. Bring to a boil and remove from the heat. Set aside to cool. Add lime juice, basil and vodka to strawberry mixture and refrigerate for at least an hour. When ready to serve, strain mixture over crushed ice, add seltzer and garnish with slices of strawberries and sprigs of basil. Serve the cocktail immediately if your favorite cocktail glasses.

Although the PB and J sandwich is known to be the best thing since sliced bread, check out this amazing take on the American classic in a quick and convenient smoothie. Whip this up for breakfast for the whole family. Mom and Dad will be transported back to their childhood and the kiddos will ask for this healthy and filling breakfast every morning. At only 300 calories with an impressive 13 grams of protein, start your day off with a healthy smoothie that truly satisfies!

PBfit and Jelly Smoothie Recipe

1 cup frozen blue berries
4 tbsp PBfit
1 scoop vanilla protein
1 tsp low carb sweetener, monk fruit
3/4 cup milk of choice
** optional, 1 tsp goji berry powder for color and added nutrients

Please all ingredients into the blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

Join the thousands of happy “PBfitters” who have upgraded their peanut butter to this delicious, and healthy alternative. This is one upgrade to your diet that will be easy to stick with. PBfit lets you keep the peanut butter taste you love, along with the nutrients, but you can ditch the fat and calories. You can learn more about PBfit by checking out the PBfit website.

I love citrus fruits and during this time of the year...they're readily available. From October through early March we can find them in the northeast at a decent price. I love all kinds of citrus fruits: lemons, limes, grapefruit, tangerines and more! Today's guest post recipe is courtesy of Limoneria. You can join Limoneira spokesperson Megan Roosevelt as she brings this and other recipes for delicious summertime treats to the Limoneira YouTube channel all month long.

Star Ruby Grapefruit Smoothie Recipe

1 Limoneira Star Ruby Grapefruit
1 cup pitted cherries
3 tbsp chia seeds
1 cup ice
1 cup plain yogurt

Directions: Begin by juicing the entire grapefruit. (The good news is, Limoneira citrus is notoriously juicy. Bring on that flavor!) Add all ingredients to a blender, and blend on high for about one minute. You'll want to serve your delicious smoothie immediately. Enjoy!

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but during a heat wave, making food can be the last thing anyone wants to thing about. This August, take the Limoneira approach to start each day with a refreshing burst of yummy citrus flavor and an influx of vitamins and nutrients. Join Limoneira spokesperson Megan Roosevelt as she brings this and other recipes for delicious summertime treats to the Limoneira YouTube channel all month long.

I enjoy making smoothies and make them quite often as they're easy-to-make and healthy to consume. I really enjoy making them during the summer months when harvesting fruits & veggies from my own backyard garden. What I don't grow myself, I can readily pick up at the local farmer's market. Do you enjoy smoothies?

Super Citrus Smoothie Recipe

1/2 Limoneira Star Ruby Grapefruit
1/2 Limoneira Valencia Orange
1/2 Limoneira Classic Lemon
1 banana
1 cup ice
1 cup plain yogurt

Directions: Juice all three citrus halves, then combine all remaining ingredients in a blender. Blend on high for one minute, then it’s smoothie drinking time.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but during a heat wave, making food can be the last thing anyone wants to thing about. This August, take the Limoneira approach to start each day with a refreshing burst of yummy citrus flavor and an influx of vitamins and nutrients. Join Limoneira spokesperson Megan Roosevelt as she brings this and other recipes for delicious summertime treats to the Limoneira YouTube channel all month long.

I love making smoothies especially during the late spring, summer and early fall months of the year. I find them to be easy-to-make, filling, refreshing and they're healthy!!!

Lemon-y Green Smoothie Recipe

Eating veggies isn’t for everybody. Our favorite Limoneira life hack is to take those greens and pack them into a delicious smoothie instead.

1 Limoneira Classic Lemon
1 banana
1 baby cucumber
2 kale leaves (rinsed well)
1 cup ice

Directions: No sense reinventing the wheel! Juice the entire Limoneira lemon, then add all ingredients to a blender. Blend on high for one minute, and the smoothie is yours to enjoy.

When it comes to fruity flavored cocktail drinks, peach flavor is one of my favorites, especially during this time of the year when peaches are in-season around here. Today's guest post recipe is courtesy of the great folks over at Brooklyn Crafted. I think it's a drink that both men and women would enjoy.

Peach Nectar Ginger Beer Recipe

1.5 oz. Handcrafted Peach Vodka
3.5 oz. Brooklyn Crafted Ginger Beer Mini in Mango
Peach Slices and Mint for garnish

Mix peach vodka and Brooklyn Crafted Ginger Beer Mini in Mango. Garnish with sliced peaches and mint over ice.

Disclaimer: You must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcohol. Please drink responsibly and always use a designated driver.

Spring is finally here and summer is just around the corner. I'm ready for the lazy days spent poolside and backyard barbecues. Along with our perfectly grilled dinner, we enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail.

Today's guest post recipe is courtesy of Sparkling Ice.

Pomegranate Margarita Cocktail Recipe

2 oz tequila
2 oz pomegranate juice
1 oz lime juice
1 oz simple syrup
Sparkling Ice Classic Lemonade
Vanilla flake salt rim, for garnish
Lime wedge, for garnish

Rim glass with a lime and dip into salt, fill glass with ice and set to the side. In an ice filled cocktail shaker, combine tequila, pomegranate juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and shake. Strain into glasses and top with Sparkling Ice Classic Lemonade, stir lightly to combine. Garnish with a lime wedge. Serve immediately.

St. Patrick's Day is a fun celebration even if you're not Irish. As far as I'm concerned...we can all be Irish for a day! In honor of St. Patrick's Day we've got a great recipe to share with all of you! The recipe is courtesy of KRUPS. The Irish had the right idea when they combined robust Irish whiskey with hot, black coffee. This hot cocktail has been a long time favorite in Irish pubs but on March 17th, this beverage seems to be a fan favorite around the country.

Irish Coffee Recipe

50 ml Espresso
1 tsp light brown sugar
20 ml whisky
20 ml single cream

In a saucepan, heat the whisky then incorporate the light brown sugar in order to dissolve it. Pour the mixture into a glass and pour the espresso on top. Lightly whisk the cream and arrange it carefully on top of the drink.

The Christmas and New Year's Eve holidays are just around the corner. Many of us will be hosting holiday parties or at the very least, attending one this year. If you're looking for some easy-to-make cocktail drink recipes, we've got a few today that we think you're going to love.

Sparkle and Spice Cocktail Recipe
- Courtesy of Sparkling ICE

750ml bottle aged rum
1/2 cinnamon stick
1 clove
1 cardamom pod
1 star anise pod
1 vanilla bean
3 allspice berries
Pinch of freshly ground nutmeg
Sparkling Ice Lemon Lime

Combine rum, cinnamon stick, clove, cardamom, star anise, vanilla bean, allspice berries, and nutmeg in an airtight jar. Split vanilla bean and scrape seeds into jar along with the bean pod. Close jar and allow infusion to sit in a dark place for at least 3 days. Strain rum into an airtight jar with a fine-mesh strainer, discarding spices. Over ice, pour 2 ounces of rum infusion. Top with Sparkling Ice Lemon Lime and garnish with blackberries.
Ginger Whiskey Cider Recipe
- Courtesy of Brooklyn Crafted

2 oz. Hard Cider
1 oz. Whiskey
Brooklyn Crafted Ginger Beer Mini in Traditional, to fill
Crushed Ice

In a 12-16 oz. high ball glass, combine the hard cider and whiskey. Fill the glass with crushed ice and top with Brooklyn Crafted.
Vodka Martini Recipe
- Courtesy of GAEA

2.5 oz Vodka of Preference
0.5 oz Dry Vermouth
.75 oz GAEA's Dirty Martini Juice
3 GAEA Pimento Stuffed Olives

Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with GAEA Pimento Stuffed Olives.

Looking for a refreshing and easy to make mocktail recipe? If so, I think you're going to LOVE this one! It's perfect to whip up for all of your party guests who don't want to be served any alcohol or whip up some great-tasting mocktails for all of the designated drivers who are attending your party.

Today's guest post recipe is courtesy of Bruce Cost Ginger Ale. You can check out their website for free cocktail and mocktail recipes and to learn more about the company. The following recipe makes approximately 2 servings.

Wild Hibiscus Sharleen Recipe

3 parts lemon-lime soda
3 parts Bruce Cost Ginger Ale Original
1/2 part Wild Hibiscus Flower Syrup

Directions: In a collins glass with ice, combine the listed ingredients. Stir, add a funky straw and a Wild Hibiscus flower to garnish! Serve immediately.

Here's a bonus recipe and the next one is indeed a cocktail recipe!
Scotch and Ginger Highball Recipe

0.5 oz Scotch (Compass Box Whiskey or other artisanal blend)
1.5 oz Original Bruce Cost Ginger Ale

Directions: In a tall glass with ice, combine the listed ingredients. Stir, garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy! Serve immediately.

Did you know that July is National Blueberry Month? I had never known that until recently, but it makes total sense since blueberries are typically in-season during late June and early July here in the northeast. Today's guest post recipe is courtesy of the generous folks over at HUROM. (see disclosure).

I love making homemade fruit smoothies and never tried adding these three fruits together. I'm going to give it a go this coming weekend. If you make just as they explain...I think it would be more of a fruit juice. I'm going to mix it up with some vanilla yogurt and ice cubes...to give it a good chill and thickness.

Blueberry Smoothie Recipe

1 large pear
½ cup of grapes
1 cup of blueberries


Wash the pear thoroughly, and remove stem and seeds. Slice into appropriate sizes. Remove grapes from stem, and then wash grapes and blueberries thoroughly. Add pear, grapes and blueberries to juicer. Enjoy! Pour over ice, if desired.

Disclosure: This is a guest post. You can learn more about HUROM and grab more recipes by visiting the company's website online.

Summer has finally arrived and I'm ready to enjoy some time outdoors with my family and friends. During the summer season we host a lot of get-togethers and we enjoy serving cocktails to our adult party guests. When it comes to mixed drinks, I'm all about the fun fruity flavors! How about you?

Today's guest post recipes are courtesy of Sparkling ICE.

Coconut Pineapple Cocktail Recipe

1.5 oz white rum
3 oz. of pineapple juice
Sparkling Ice Coconut Pineapple
Nutmeg (garnish)

Add white rum and pineapple juice to shaker. Add ice. Stir and strain into chilled Old Fashioned glass. Top with Sparkling Ice Coconut Pineapple. Garnish with pinch of nutmeg.
Cachaca Lemon Lime Cocktail Recipe

2 oz. Cachaça
2 tsp. granulated sugar
1/2 lime, cut into wedges
Splash of Sparkling Ice Lemon Lime
Candied ginger (garnish)

Muddle sugar and lime in an Old Fashioned Glass. Add ice and cachaça. Lightly stir. Add splash of Sparkling Ice Lemon Lime. Garnish with candied ginger.

Unofficially summer has begun here in the northeast, but as you know, we're still about 2 weeks out from the official start of summer. One of the things I love about this time of the year is that we get to spend a lot of time outdoors hosting pool parties, backyard barbecues and family events. We love serving up a wide variety of delicious tasting food and of course, we enjoy serving cocktails to our adult party guests.

Here are 3 Perfect Cocktail Recipes for all of your Summer Parties!

Skinny Margarita Recipe

3 oz. Lemon Lime Sparkling Ice
1 1/2 oz. Tequila
Splash of fresh squeezed orange
Fresh squeezed lime

Directions: Shake and pour into a chilled rocks glass rimmed in salt. Garnish with a lime slice.
Fiesta Tequila Sunrise Recipe

4 oz. Orange Mango Sparkling Ice
2 oz. Tequila
1/2 oz. grenadine
Orange slice for garnish
Maraschino cherry for garnish

Directions: Mix all ingredients and serve in a tall glass with ice.
Sparkling Paloma Recipe

2 Parts Mescal
Small scoop Grapefruit sorbet
Squeeze of lime juice
Teaspoon Agave
2 parts Grapefruit Sparkling Ice

Directions: Mix in rocks glass with Kosher salted rim.

Disclosure: These cocktail beverage recipes are courtesy of Sparkling ICE. You must be 21 years of age to consume alcohol. Please drink responsibly.

We host a lot of fun parties and backyard barbecues throughout the summer season and I'm always looking for a few cocktail and punch recipes that I can whip up and serve to my adult guests. This recipe is courtesy of Santa Margherita and is super-easy to make. Once you have prepared the punch, you'll want to serve it chilled. The recipe will make approximately 10 servings.

Looking for more great cocktail and punch recipes? Check out the sponsor's site for more!

Raspberry Peach Prosecco Punch Recipe

12 oz. frozen raspberries
2 cups peach nectar, chilled
1 bottle of Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore DOCG, chilled
Ice

Place frozen raspberries in a large glass pitcher or bowl. Top with the peach nectar and Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore DOCG. Fill remainder of the pitcher with ice cubes. Stir and serve cold.

Disclosure: You must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcohol. Please drink responsibly and always use a designated driver.

I'm so glad that summer is almost "officially" here, along with all of the fun summer get-togethers and backyard barbecues. Every year we host 4-6 backyard pool parties (for adults) and we like to serve a variety of appetizers, burgers, hot dogs, steaks and of course, refreshing cocktails to go right along with all of the delicious food.

Today's guest-post recipe is courtesy of Sparkling ICE. I think it's perfect for all of your summer parties!!!

Lemon Peach Cocktail Recipe

3 slices apple
3 slices peach
1 oz. lemon juice
1 oz. rum
4 oz. Sparkling Ice Peach Nectarine

In a cocktail shaker, muddle apple and peach. Add lemon juice and rum, then shake. Strain mixture over an ice filled glass. Top with Sparkling Ice Peach Nectarine. Garnish with a peach slice then serve the beverages immediately.

Disclosure: You must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcohol. Please drink responsibly.