Blissful Beverages, Curious Cocktails and Absolut Tropical Treats.




 Image Courtesy of Tommy Bahama

Before reflecting on the year that was and making a final commitment to that impending detox, do your senses an indulgent favour and take a step inside this blog post where you will find candy for the eyes, taste buds and the imagination!
Cham-pom recipe courtesy of Daily's Cocktails (add 1 shot of vodka flavour of your choice).

An entire exciting new year is ahead of us and the possibilities are plentiful, much like the ever-seemingly endless flavour innovations of Smirnoff and it's rival ABSOLUT vodka .

Image Courtesy of Tommy Bahama
Through creative brand architecture, packaging design, iconography and innovation, Smirnoff has become not only the No. 1 vodka, but also the world’s No. 1 spirit.


In addition to their ever-growing list, Smirnoff has launched 4 new scruptious flavours just in time for the holiday season!
For some sweet sassy Smirnoff recipes click this image.
  
Being a designer, traveller, adventurer and a creative cocktail maker (with an entrepreneurial spirit), I am utterly impressed by ABSOLUT's truly unique approach to their artistic design branding and clever, yet original advertising campaigns.
Enter the world of ABSOLUT - a mesmerising, circus-like splendour where the trend is to forever outdo in the stakes of eclecticism and obscurity (think Willy Wonka for adults).
Available in nearly any flavor you can possibly imagine and an array of varying designs (many of which are limited edition), there is one thing that will always remain the same; the iconic 'medicine bottle' design of the vodka bottle itself shining in all its decedent glory. Ladies and gentleman, I give you ABSOLUT.

 
Cherry Blossom Tini recipe by Alan Katz (substitute the saki for a vodka flavour of your choice).
Egg Nogg Shooter recipe courtesy of Hostess with the Mostess

In an effort to continuously push the envelope, ABSOLUT has created nearly 4 million absolutely unique bottles, as a one-of-a-kind work of art. In order to produce these bottles, 38 different colours were used, 51 pattern types were applied and ABSOLUT had to re-engineer its whole production process! Impressed yet?

ABSOLUT BERRI AÇAÍ SOUR. Click image for recipe.

For over 500 inspirational cocktail recipes to take with you wherever you go, download the ABSOLUT iPhone or Android App.
















Peach Party Champagne recipe courtesy of Daily's Cocktails (add 1 shot of vodka).
  



Cranberry Cheertini recipe courtesy of Daily's Cocktails (add 1 shot of vodka).
Image courtesy of Deviant Art
Passionfruit Champagne recipe courtesy of Australian Good Taste 
*Warning all alcohol should be enjoyed in moderation. Excess consumption is never a good look and can be harmful to your health.
For mixer options or virgin cocktails try:
IZZE Sparkling Juice is naturally sweet. No refined sugar, no caffeine, no artificial anything, ever. Just natural fruit juice and sparkling water. Naturally Delightful.
DOO is a new fruit "smoothie" . The meaning of the name comes from the french word "doux" which means "sweet" in English.

Fuelosophy was launched by Pepsi with the proposition "rethink your energy source", it is their first natural and healthy energy drink. 
So are you thirsty yet?
As the New Year flows in...
May you soar ever higher...
Reach greater heights...
Be spoiled by sweet surprises...
And find happiness in everything you do!















































Mexican Christmas feast for the eyes

I don't think I can top off Sarah Louise's last post on her (almost) guilt free Christmas treats, but I thought I would squeeze in a bright post before Christmas. I've always thought it a bit strange how we Australians celebrate Christmas the traditional/ mainstream way. Perfect for cold climates but clashes with our usually stinking hot Decembers we all endure across the country. I hope the Santas walking around in those fuzzy suits keep well hydrated!

As us Aussies don't have a Christmas style to call our own , I thought  I would swap the traditional theme for a Mexican themed Christmas instead. it seems to fit so well with the bright colours, Mexican religious kitch goodness and not to mention the Mexican food flavours and beverages that will work well with our abundant seafood and tropical fruit this season. Image via Marie Claire


 Some decorating inspiration I have been collecting on the lead up to Christmas day. It's all about light and refreshing food and beverages on the day. Love the Mexican flags, they can be hung up for any party. Mexican fiesta Christmas styling via my poppet 




Flicking through Marie Claire Australia magazine I spotted a Mexican theme Christmas article, I snapped these two pages with my phone for more inspiration. 

Food always looks amazing in a Dinosaur Designs bowl! I have a few Dinosaur designs pieces (and some knock offs), they always make a table look so festive. Perfect look for a Tropical Mexican look. 

We can't forget the drinks and sweets! Above: lemon grass pannacotta with honey comb and cherries. Dec Marie Claire Australian. Below: Sangria mexicana from the Hispanic kitchen 


Plenty of colour and full of flavour....the way I like it!

I want to say a special thanks to Sarah Louise for holding the fort here while I was to busy to blog. I hope Sarah Lou sticks around to bring us more amazing tropical inspirations in 2013!

Cheers to an awesome holiday everyone! 



Wonderlicious Fabulous Festive Flavours with a Tropical Twist!

 
As I peer out of my 14th floor, Montreal apartment window at the snow storm a brew (in what is a top of minus 3 and low of minus 14 degrees Celsius today), I ponder 2 topics; the subject of my next blog post and how my fiancé and I are going to spend our first Canadian Christmas alone without a single relative to share the magic with.

Then it came to me; on Christmas day I shall ignore the predicted blizzard outside and immerse myself in creating the taste of a sweet and sugary, tropical inspired Christmas!
 
The busier I am in the kitchen, the more distracted I shall be from missing my family, plus there will be a tasty reward at the end!
 
Warning: these recipes (when combined together) may induce a state of food coma satisfaction.

Firstly, let's start with a festive bevvy -
 
 Peppermint White Russian
 
 (not so typically tropical but delicious nevertheless)!
 
Images & recipe courtesy of a Beatutiful Mess
 
 I took a stab at making these last weekend and they were a hit! I followed the recipe from 'A Beautiful Mess' but modified it slightly. Here's a few tried & tested tips:
 
1. Stick with using glass jam jars, they hold the crushed candy cane better than a glass.
 
2. 2 Parts Baileys, 1 Part Peppermint Schnapps, 1 part Goldschlager (for the cinnamon flavour and gold flakes to help create that magical effect). 


A sweet snack to compliment your cocktail - 
 
Peppermint White Chocolate Pop Corn
 
 (Benefits: Yummy and contains no high-fructose corn syrup, artifical colours, flavours or preservatives).
 
 
For a tasty table centre piece -
 
The Virtually Fat Free Xmas Tree
 
For alternative recipe suggestions visit:
 
Image Courtesy of Arts Field
  
Whilst we're talking trees -
 
Mango Star Topped Strawberry Tree Cupcakes  
 
Recipe courtesy of Erica's Sweetooth 
 
Speaking of Strawberries -
 
Strawberry Banana Santa's
Recipe courtesy of Working Mom Cook Fusion
 
 On the subject of cakes -
 
Tropical White Christmas Cake
 
Trade in the traditional Christmas cake for a colourful, 
exotic dried fruit one!
 
 
Recipe courtesy of Canadian Living 
  
Combining the taste of Canada and Down Under -
 
Maple-Marinated Tropical
 Fruit Trifle
 
Recipe courtesy of Chelsea Recipe Club
 
 A healthier delectable dessert option -
 
Clean Choc-Mint Ice Cream 
 
Thank you to Clean Eating Recipes on Facebook for providing us with a healthier Xmas dessert option!

For snacking in between -
 
Tropical Blend Trail Mix
 
Take a break from the sugar candy for a moment and replace it with dried fruit, nuts and berries.
 
 
 
More thirst quenching concoctions to keep the party going -

Smirnoff Caprioska
 
Amazing design by Vinicius Montana. The bottle can be peeled just like real fruit!

 Image courtesy of Vinicius Montana
 
I hope that no matter how you may be spending your Christmas day, it will be filled with many magical moments and a colourful kaleidoscope of celebrations to be remembered!
 
Keep an eye out for next weeks post on New Years Eve Blissful Beverages and Curious Cocktail ideas!
 
Sarah Louise x