Jenn’s Sangria recipe

Photo from foodnetwork.com

1.   2 bottles of wine (inexpensive is ok… but not skanky)

2.   Pour yourself a glass of wine.  If it’s not good enough for you to drink, you should not be making sangria out of it.

3.   Add some Grand Marnier or Triple Sec.  A few good glugs (half cup?)

4.  Add a bunch of something else boozy (traditionally ‘bout 1 cup brandy… but any strong fruity liquor (hypnotic is good)  will do too)

5.  Slices of citrus fruit (orange/lemon/lime)

6.   Bag of frozen berries (mixed ones if you don’t mind raspberry seeds in the teeth… or sliced strawberries for the purist)

7.   Let flavours mix for a few hours or even overnight (like that’s ever going to happen)

8.   Day of consumption. Top with orange soda (arranciata or orangina)

9.   Makes one nice big pitcher or enough to serve one Coffey.

Simple, Easy Cottage Drinks

So the LCBO (or Lick-bo) as we like to call it here... has put out a lovely list of beautiful yet entirely impractically artsy and complicated drinks for our summer enjoyment:

image courtesy of the LCBO

'cos we all have a bottle of lavender infused simple syrup... or elderflower cordial on hand...right?
Are you kidding me LCBO?

So here are a few of our cottage staple drinks (aside from beer and the proverbial box-o-wine) that are delish, and simple to make.... even if you're not a pro bartender... and even if you have a wee cottage 'glow' on. 

1) Bourbon and apple cider. 
Throw bourbon and apple cider (Wellesley) in a glass over ice. 
Garnish with apple slice and/or cinammon stick.

2)  Jenn and Tonic 
Lots of ice.  Lots of lime. 
Lots of gin... and a wee splash of chambord or cassis.

3) Dark and Stormy
Lots of ice.
Dark rum.
Top with ginger beer.
Garnish with lime.

4) The Naked Weekend
Coupla oz vodka (flavoured is ok). 
Coupla oz. hypnotic. 
Little splash of chambord. 
Juice of half a lime.
Perhaps a splash of raspberry or pomegranate juice (oj is fine in a pinch).
Shake over ice.
Share with someone who doesn't mind if you take your clothes off.

Mama Needs a Drink - The Jenn and Tonic

ahhh! the Jenn and Tonic

Who doesn't love a good ol' gin and tonic?  Always refreshing; simple to make... and TASTY!

For those who don't know me... bartending is my superpower.  I'm not the most organized mama.  My house may or may not be in a state of disarray when you come to visit.  But trust me!  I will make you a drink that will blow your mind and make you forget that there are Rice Krispies stuck in the cracks of the bench at my kitchen table.

My favourite drink hack is the Jenn and Tonic.  It takes the G&T to the next level.

1)  Take a rocks glass and fill with ice (ice is the key to a good drink).
2)  Add a coupla' ounces of good gin.  Feel free to make this a 1.5 oz drink if you're a lightweight.  Tanqueray is good without breaking the bank.  I hear Hendricks is pretty fabulous but haven't had the opportunity to try it. 
3)  One small splash (1/4 oz of Chambord or Cassis).
4)  Top with good tonic.  It's worth the money... really! (I like Fever Tree).
5)  Squeeze in a coupla' wedges of lime and garnish with another (raspberries make a sweet garnish for this drink too).
6)  Guzzle that sucka down. MMMMM!