Homemade Irish Cream Liqueur….I never knew this was something that could be concocted using some pretty basic ingredients, but it is. I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled onto this super simple recipe on a cold December evening. I had friends coming over and I wanted to serve some Bailey’s on ice along with some other fun cordials, but when looking for my rarely used bottle of Irish Cream I just couldn’t find it.
So who hasn’t been in this situation…you think you have something on hand, but when you realized you actually didn’t and needed it, was in a bind. Well that is what happened here and I am not gonna lie, I was frustrated. In this case my husband had been using the velvety liqueur to add to his coffee before his morning golf rounds over the previous months. Since I rarely drink Irish Cream I understand why he didn’t think to tell me we ran out, but in the moment I was annoyed.
I got over it and since almost ANYTHING can be found on the web I decided to see if there was an alternative and was stupid-excited to find out I could make it at home. Not only did I find a great substitute from store bought Irish Cream, but I also realized that this would make a great hostess gift. Who doesn’t love homemade items?
Easy, delicious and can makes an excellent hostess gift. It tastes better than Bailey’s, makes an amazing hostess gift and couldn’t be easier to make. This recipe for homemade Irish Cream Liqueur is a keeper.
I love summer, absolutely love it! With the warm weather comes my desire for a creative refreshment so I decided to create a new category on the blog called Sips. This category will contain drinks for grownups, kids and some for both. This post for Watermelon Juice will definitely please both adults and kids alike. It is cool, refreshing, delicious and a welcome departure from the usual juice.
Watermelon. When I think summer and warm weather I definitely think of this fresh, pink, refreshing fruit. Everything about it screams summer. It is the perfect picnic fruit since you can eat it with your hands and with its high water content it will cool you down on those hot summer days. Since watermelon is so tasty I decided to turn this crisp melon into a refreshing drink.
The first step in creating this drink is to remove the watermelon from the rind and dice the fruit up into chunks. I generally cut them into about one inch chunks but since this is all being blended, preciseness isn’t necessary. Also, I do cheat sometimes and buy the prepackaged, cut watermelon that can be found in the refrigerator case to make life a bit easier. Along with the watermelon I like to add fresh squeezed lime juice and my son likes the addition of a bit of simple syrup for a bit of sweetness.
This juice tastes amazing straight or with a touch of club soda for a little fizz. On occasion I also enjoy this juice with a shot of liquor (vodka, tequila – use your imagination) for an extra kick. The kids love this stuff straight and I know why. My son loves helping me make this treat and especially loves drinking it. Here’s to summer – Cheers!
Watermelon Juice
Ingredients
About 2 pounds cut watermelon (I usually find I get this from one medium size watermelon)
1/3 – 1/2 cup lime juice (this is to your taste – I enjoy a watermelon juice that is more tart so I use 1/2 cup)
Simple syrup, to taste (to make simple syrup place equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat until melted – let cool! You don’t want to use hot syrup in your watermelon juice)
Directions
Place all ingredients in your blender and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking. Drink, enjoy, wow family & guests with your delicious drink.
Let me start by saying that I love coffee. I hate mornings but what keeps me sane is that warm cup of slightly sweet (I add creamer – International Delights Coldstone Creamer to be exact) and warm cup of heaven. I was watching Barefoot Contessa on the Food network one morning and she made this crazy, yummy desert called Viennese Iced Coffee and I knew I had to make it.
Ina Garten made this for dessert using decaf coffee, but I have also been known to enjoy this crazy good cup of heaven mid-day as well. I love her recipe as is, but I love to make a few fun additions as well.
My friend Cindy came over on Halloween for some pre trick-or-treating festivities. She came with a scrumptious option for an adult hot apple cider. Now I like Apple Cider but I don’t love it and often times will forgo the calories for something else – such as, chocolate…. In any event, she convinced me to take a sip from her mug and I was ruined. This was one delicious and super easy cocktail.
The secret ingredient is cinnamon whiskey such as Fireball or Sinfire. There is something so soothing about having a warm cocktail that I was never able to relate to since I can’t stand whiskey so I have never thoroughly enjoyed a hot toddy.
I feel so lucky to finally have a warm cocktail recipe that I love and have Cindy to thank. This recipe is delicious, inviting and so simple to make. While drinking this I felt like I was being wrapped in a warm, cinnamon-y hug. I definitely plan on making this for the holidays!
Delicious Cinnamon Spiked Hot Apple Cider
Ingredients
Hot Cider (any variety will work)
Cinnamon Whiskey (suggested Fireball or Sinfire)
Directions
Gently warm the cider in a saucepan over medium heat. Pour a shot or two into a mug and pour in warm cider. Enjoy!
