Mezcal Aperol Gimlet with a Twist

Equally comforting over ice during a heatwave or neat during the winter while you’re wrapped in a blanket by the fire—I’m calling this my new exceptionally easy go-to.

Sometimes I think I try too hard, think too much—everything has to be thisclose to perfect or all the other good things will fall apart; if I post this, then this will happen, and all the other good things will fall apart. Hence why I haven’t done the things I love for this site. All in the name of being exceptional or bust.

This site may never reach global millions. It might. But more than likely it’s going to stay a digital shoebox of my favorite memories and pieces of life, shared with the people who want to read it (maybe 2, maybe 200, maybe millions). And that’s not perfect OR exceptional OR a bust.

It just is.  

Last week I asked my best friend over a quick text if she would be into a little mezcal/aperol mash-up. I made this cocktail recipe for the two of us over the weekend. I photographed everything on Saturday and edited the photos on Sunday. I wrote this post on the way to the subway, wrote some more on the train out to work, added to it over lunch, and finalized it all on my computer at home.

Life comes together in pieces—I’m coming together in pieces—and for a long time I convinced myself that wasn’t okay, that it wasn’t a good representation of a woman who has her life together. Whatever the hell having it all together means. Maybe that’s this way? Maybe that’s this way for just me, but a lot of different other ways for everyone else. Regardless, I’ll just be here, drinking this cocktail and convincing myself I don’t need to think so much about it. Pretty sure you just want the recipe anyway ;). 

Mezcal Aperol Gimlet with a Twist

Equally comforting over ice during a heatwave or neat during the winter while you’re wrapped in a blanket by the fire—I’m calling this my new exceptionally easy go-to. Make it once following the recipe, and twist it up to be yours the second time around. Do please tell me what you changed in the comments; I’d love to know. Enjoy! 

Ingredients:

• Cocktail shaker

• Glass tumbler

• ~10 ice cubes

• 2 oz. Mezcal

• 2 splashes Aperol  

• Juice of 2 limes

• Juice from a slice of grapefruit (about 2 inch slice)

• Optional: agave, honey, or simple syrup to sweeten

Recipe:

1. Chill tumbler in freezer

2. Add liquid contents to shaker

3. Toss in 5-7 ice cubes

4. Shake for 30 seconds

5. Pour into tumbler of ice 

6. Garnish with a thin wedge of grapefruit 

7. Cheers!

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+ What's your favorite way to drink Mezcal? Aperol?

Tag @yourfriend_em on Twitter or Instagram if you make this cocktail. Share this post with people who could use a stiff drink in their lives (you know that one). Hashtag #thegreatvibesguide to spread the Great Vibes! Xx.

Say Yes to Summer Temps and Rosé Shaved Ice

With temps in the 80s this week, make your rosé frozé and wear clothes that don't cling. 

This post originally ran July 8, 2016. Too good not to share all over again.

You can pretty much guarantee my day winds down with a cocktail or a glass of wine; it's a nod to my late grandfather but also a call to a time where cocktails were curated and had in good company. Lately due to the heat, I've been adding ice to my drinks (don't toss me to the wolves just yet) to keep me cool. Inspired by the refreshing chill, I wanted to take it a step further by turning it into a shaved ice dessert.

While any wine would work, I love the summery touch rosé brings to the mix, and who doesn't love this pale pink color? I swear it's as simple as toss, blend, and freeze. Would you expect anything else when it comes to The Great Vibes Guide? I hope you enjoy (and make it every night to satisfy your cool cravings and cocktail affairs). Cheers! Xx. 

Rosé Shaved Ice

Ingredients:

+ Your favorite Rosé, I chose Espiral from Trader Joes*
+ Ice, 2-4 cups*
+ Mint leaves (optional)

Recipe:

1. Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend on high*. 
2. Pour contents into a baking pan (or loaf pan like I did) and freeze 12 hours or overnight.
3. Pull from the freezer, and taking a fork, drag across the top to shave the ice.
4. Spoon into bowls or stemless wine glasses.
5. Serve, eat, & enjoy!

Note:

* I used about 1-2 cups of wine and then filled my blender to the top with ice. Play around with the measurements until it works for you. It has a very fruity, light on the alcohol, icy taste and is not at all overwhelmingly wine tasting. Please note that everyone's preferences are different when it comes to alcohol. If you find this is too weak or strong, adjust accordingly. If you feel like you messed up completely, pop it back into a blender, add more ice or wine, and then try it again. Don't cry over spilled cocktail is all I'm saying ;).

+ What's your favorite way to drink Rosé?

Tag @yourfriend_em on Twitter or Instagram when you make All Day Rosé Shaved Ice. Share this with people who could use some rosé in their lives. Hashtag #thegreatvibesguide to spread the Great Vibes! Xx.

Cheers to Great Vibes cocktail twists! Xx.

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Fourth of July Berry Dessert

What is 4th of July without a red, white, and blue treat?

This was originally posted last July 4th; we figure it's worth a repost. This weekend, we hope you celebrate America's birthday to the fullest. Go all out on parades, red, white, and blue, and yummy treats. Attending a party this weekend? Make this cheerful dessert. It definitely won't disappoint. 

This summer, especially for The Fourth, I wanted to create a tasty treat that satisfied my sweet tooth but didn't sit too heavy on my stomach. With that in mind, I snagged some fresh berries from the market, whipped up some coconut whipped cream, and layered them all together for a festive dessert. It's simple, I pulled it together in under 30 minutes, and it's absolutely delicious.

Pro tip: layer it in a clear glass to see the vibrant colors and top with a sprig of mint and some lemon zest.

Fourth of July Berry Dessert

Ingredients ::

+ blueberries
+ strawberries
+ 1 can of coconut milk (full fat)
+ 1 tsp cinnamon
+ 1 tsp vanilla extract
+ 1/4 lemon, juice
+ 1/4 - 1/2 cups coconut sugar (amount to taste)

Recipe ::

1. Place your can of coconut milk in the refrigerator and let sit 12 hours to overnight. This step separates the liquid and coconut meat. 

2. Remove your can from the fridge, flip it over, open it up, and scrape out the coconut meat into your mixing bowl. Set aside the liquid to be used in another recipe. 

3. Add the cinnamon, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and coconut sugar to the coconut in your mixing bowl. 

4. Whip until soft peaks are created. Place bowl in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to solidify more. 

5. When you're ready to plate, add a little bit of whipped cream to the bottom of your glass, top with a layer of blueberries, more whipped cream, a layer of strawberries, repeating until you get to the top.
 
6. Serve and enjoy! Makes at least four. 

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+ What's your favorite festive dessert?

Tag @yourfriend_em on Twitter or Instagram when you make this berry dessert. Share this with people who could use some sweets in their lives. Hashtag #thegreatvibesguide to spread the Great Vibes! Xx.

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