Okbaby Date Night Cocktail Workshop

Sometimes you get the call to do something extra special and completely unique. This was one of those times…we were contacted by The Yes Girls to do a cocktail workshop for a date night. Let me tell you, having done numerous cocktail workshops, I had no idea this one would turn out in such a fun way!

After what felt like a wild goose chase, Kyra surprised Oscar with a date night filled with cookies, gorgeous florals, and a cocktail workshop. Best date ever!

Want to do your own cocktail workshop? Click here for info

Check out the video:

Check out a few takes:

Vendors:

Couple: OkBaby
Planning: The Yes Girls
Venue: The Azalea
Cocktail Workshop: Copa Bar Service
Florals: Florette Floral
Cookies: Ruby Snap
Photo: Whitney Hunt Photography
Video: Jared Wortley Films

Watermelon Palm Cocktail

This cocktail is for you if you are like me and are already looking forward to the warmer months. So much that you’re craving a refreshing libation!

This one is also an easy one to make into big batches. You can whip up a pitcher and easily keep everyone topped off so you can get back to the patio party!

Watermelon Palm Cocktail

Ingredients

7 cups Watermelon
10 oz Coconut Water
2 oz Lime Juice
1/2 cup Vodka
1/2 cup Citrus Vodka
Sprig of Basil

Method

1. Add watermelon, coconut water and lime juice to a blender and blend smooth

2. Strain mixture into a pitcher

3. Add vodka and stir

4. Pour over fresh ice and garnish with a lime wedge and sprig of basil

5. Voila! Now sit down and take an cheers boomerang!
   

Holiday Cocktails!

Of course we love all the holiday cheer but the second best part of these couple months are all the cocktails that pair so well with cold weather and delicious comfort foods!  

When we are doing events, most people don’t have a strong preference on the specific cocktails to serve so we will serve what we are specialing. This month, we’re working with fresh cranberries.  

When I think of holiday flavors, the first to come to mind is cranberry. Do you agree? Cranberry sauce, fresh cranberries, cranberry glaze, cranberry decorations, cranberry garnish.  

We take three major things into consideration when we are creating cocktail recipes. First and foremost, taste. It must be delicious, which comes from being well balanced with fresh components. Second, simplicity. When we have a fundraiser of 200+ guests, we must be able to keep cocktail turnaround under about 15 seconds or else we’ll have a line out the door for the entire evening. Simplicity doesn’t mean basic. With preparation ahead of time of syrups and ingredients, you can create craft cocktails quickly and efficiently. The syrups usually last between 3-14 days which is fun to enjoy with friends and family after the event is over. 

The first cocktail we’re playing with is a Cranberry Thyme G&T.  

Cranberry Thyme Gin and Tonic

Recipe: 

1 1/2 oz Gin (I usually use Ogden’s Own Madam Pattirini)
1 oz cranberry thyme syrup
Top with  Fever-Tree Tonic

Garnish with fresh cranberries or thyme

Cranberry thyme syrup

• 3/4 cup fresh cranberries

• 1/4 cup white granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• Splash of orange juice

• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• Handful of fresh English Thyme leaves

Combine in saucepan. Bring to boil, lower temperature and cook for 10-15 minutes. Remember to flash blend or muddle cranberries and to muddle thyme a little to release aromas.

Such an easy recipe and the syrup is not too sweet but still adds a nice cranberry pop to this G&T. I’ve tried it with other clear liquors and have enjoyed those as well. Let me know your thoughts!  

If you fear, listen on here

I've been wanting to try this for a while now, so finally I stopped by Whole Foods and bought some lemon rose water. I also picked up some Rock Rose oil extract by Bach Original Flower Remedies. This apparently is supposed to help overcome any overwhelming fear.  If you are a person that strongly believes in homeopathic remedies, then add this to your morning tea or evening nightcap. The flavor is subtle yet distinct. Definitely give this cocktail a try, it's easy and very crafty. Recipe below.

Lemon Rock Rose
Fill glass with ice
2 oz vodka (I used New Zealand's Reyka Vodka)
3/4 oz lemon juice
1.5 oz lemon rose water
1/2 oz simple syrup
2 drops Rock Rose extract
Fill with soda water
Stir with bar spoon and garnish with lemon spiral, expressed and dragged around rim

The first of many...

Welcome to my cocktail blog where I will be posting my own pictures of cocktails I'm specialing for our events. I'm hoping you as the reader will find some amount of joy and entertainment. Cheers! 

Whiskey Smash. Everyone has their own variation of a Whiskey Smash. Basically the components of what makes something a Whiskey Smash is fresh fruit and herbs, crushed ice and bourbon. The star of the drink was the mint from our backyard garden and Bundaberg ginger beer. Bundaberg is the best ginger beer if you ask me and very much one of the pioneers in mainstreaming ginger beer. It blends well in cocktails and my life partner, Brad, likes to drink it plain. Recipe below.

Whiskey Smash
Place in arome glass:
10 freshly picked mint leaves
half of a lemon, cut up
1/2 oz simple syrup
Muddle well (but don't go crazy. You don't want the weird flavors from over muddling the mint)
add ice
2 oz High West bourbon
1/2 oz Bundaberg ginger beer
dash aromatic bitters
Garnish with a sprig of mint