Join us on Saturday, July 2 special guests Cookies and Corks and The Wine Coach

Art of the Reception ~ Talk about adding that WOW factor

I came across this amazing time lapse video from Celeste Studios of Greg Kalamar a performance artist from California who comissioned to create a painting of a couple wedding reception.  He painted the reception as it was taking place at the venue.  Talk about adding that "WOW" factor to your event.  Plus at the end, the couple had an amazing piece of art to commerate their special day!  The time la


TIME LAPSE: The Art of the Reception from Janice Celeste on Vimeo.

Check out this GREAT space for your next summer soiree!

Looking for a cool, hip space to host your next summer soiree?  If you are in the Atlanta area then you must visit my friends at the Loft at Castleberry Hill.  Right now they are offering 50% off their space rental for events held on Sunday - Thursday but you must book by June 30th to get this great deal.  For more information on their space and this great promotion visit their website or give them a call at (404) 522-5678 and tell them that Erika {Event Diva} sent you.


Happy Planning!

4th of July Cocktails

This 4th of July, celebrate the holiday in style by serving one of these amazing cocktails at your BBQ bash!

Fourth of July Cocktail from Guy Fieri

Fourth of July Cocktail

Ingredients

• 1 ounce watermelon schnapps
• 1 big splash cranberry juice
• 1 very thin slice jalapeno or Serrano pepper
• 1 slice lemon
• 1 slice lime
• 1 1/2 ounces tequila
• 1/4 ounce blue curacao
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• Watermelon wedge, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Mix the schnapps and cranberry juice in a shaker; pour into an ice-filled glass.

Muddle the jalapeno pepper, lemon and lime slices, tequila, blue curacao and simple syrup (to make a batch, dissolve sugar in equal parts hot water and chill) in the shaker. Slowly strain into the glass over the red layer. Garnish with watermelon, if desired. 

Strawberry Sucker from Rachael Ray

Strawberry Sucker

Ingredients:

• Ice cubes
• 1 ounce vodka (2 tablespoons)
• 2 ounces strawberry schnapps (4 tablespoons)
• Club soda
• 1 strawberry, halved

Directions:

Fill a highball glass with ice cubes. Add the vodka and schnapps and top with club soda. Garnish with the strawberry.

Watermelon Mint Cooler from Real Simple

Watermelon Mint Cooler

 

Ingredients

• 4 cups seedless watermelon chunks (about 1 pound)
• 1 1/2 cups lemonade
• 1/2 cup fresh mint

Directions

In a blender, puree the watermelon and lemonade; strain if desired.  Stir in the mint and serve over ice.  For an instant cocktail: Stir in 1/2 cup vodka or tequila before serving.

Patriotic Margarita from Coastal Living

Patriotic Margarita

Toast your country all year long with this red-and-blue beverage, one of many signature drinks featuring the vodka-based liquor HPNOTIQ.

To make this festive cocktail, follow these simple steps.

1. Puree thawed frozen strawberries.

2. Blend 2 tablespoons each of the strawberry puree, dark rum, coconut milk, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, and ½ cup crushed ice in a blender until smooth.

3. Pour 2 to 4 tablespoons HPNOTIQ into a glass, and top with 2 to 4 tablespoons of the strawberry mixture.

Red, White and HPNOTIQ Blue Martini from Bar None Drinks

Red, White and HPNOTIQ Blue Martini

 

Ingredients

2 oz. Hpnotiq 

1 oz. Citrus Vodka 

1 splash(es) Lemon Lime Soda 

Grenadine 

Directions

Shake with ice, strain into a martini glass and slowly add a touch of grenadine. Garnish with chopped coconut.

Mid-week Cocktail Cool Down

Let's celebrate summer with this refreshing cocktail!  Nothing says summer like an Apricot Bellini. 

Photo and recipe - www.weightwatchers.com

Ingredients
3/4 cups of chilled apricot or passion fruit nectar
3 cups of Champagne or sparkling wine or Prosecco (chilled)
1/4 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
6 pieces of mint leaves

Directions
 Pour 2 tablespoons of nectar into a Champagne flute and top each glass with 1/2 cup of Champagne or sparkling wine or Prosecco.  Garnish each with a few raspberries and a mint sprig into each glass.  Serve immediately.

Mid-week Cocktail Cool Down

For my health conscious host and hostesses out there, this cocktail is just for you.  Although this cocktail is low is calories, you can rest assured that its NOT low on taste.  Make a batch of this yummy drink for your next soiree and your guests will love you for it!

Photo and recipe - www.weightwatchers.com

Fruity Sangria

Ingredients
3 cups low-calorie cranberry juice cocktail - make sure it's cold
2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped (if you can't get fresh, frozen will work too)
2 medium apples, chopped
1 cup dry red wine
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon or to taste

Directions
Place all of the ingredients in a large pitcher, stir together and allow to stand for approximately 30 minutes.  Pour into glasses filled with ice and enjoy!  This recipe yields about 3/4 cup per serving.

Event Diva's Drink of the Week - Sparkling Margarita

Image from www.bhg.com

Nothing says summertime like a delicious margarita!  I found this amazing margarita recipe on the BHG website the other day and I would have to say that this one is a keeper and will be in heavy rotation this summer. 

To make this yummy cocktail you will need:

1 cup blanco (white) tequila
1/3 cup agave nectar
2/3 cups lime juice (fresh lime juice is the best however if you have no desire to squeeze limes then lime juice from concentrate will work too)
1 1/2 cups sparkling wine or Champagne

Lime peel strips for garnish

Directions

Combine half of the tequila, lime juice and agave nectar in a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice. Shake for 5 seconds and strain the mixture into three glasses. Repeat with remaining tequila, juice, and agave nectar. Top each serving with sparkling wine or Champagne. Add a lime peel strip. Add additional lime juice to taste.

This recipe yields 6 servings.

Cheers!

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