Category Archives: Drinks

Coconut Margaritas

Posted by Annie in Drinks

My mom was in town earlier this week for my graduation which worked out great since it meant she was also in town for Mother’s Day and her birthday! The night of her birthday I planned to try out a recipe for gnocchi which I’ve been anxious to make for quite a while. We went for a long walk that afternoon with the dogs and worked in my garden some and by the time we were finished we were both so hot and tired that spending a bunch of time in the kitchen did not sound fun.

We scrapped our plans for gnocchi and decided to munch on some fruit, guacamole and pita chips. These coconut margaritas were incredibly cool and refreshing and they were delicious with the guac and chips. Our dinner may not have been as fancy or impressive as I’d planned, but sitting out on my back steps in the shade sipping coconut margaritas felt pretty close to perfect!

Coconut Margaritas

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut, divided
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 3 tbl. fresh lime juice
  • 3/4 cup Coco Lopez*
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup tequila
  • Ice
  • Lime wedges
* If you can’t find Coco Lopez, you can sub in cream of coconut, but you might need to add a little sugar to sweeten it.
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and toss 1/2 cup coconut and salt on a cookie sheet. Bake for about 8 minute, checking frequently and stirring, until the coconut is brown and toasted. Coarsely chop the coconut, then set aside and allow to cool.
  2. Combine the remaining 1/4 cup coconut, lime juice, Coco Lopez, pineapple juice and tequila in a blender. Add ice cubes and blend until you reach the the desired consistency (I used about 8 ice cubes, use more if you want it thicker).
  3. Rub the rim of two glasses with a wedge of lime and dip in the toasted coconut to coat the rim. If you’re having a hard time getting the coconut to stick to the glass, put a bit of honey or corn syrup on the rim then dip it into the coconut. Divide the drink between the two glasses, then garnish with a slice of lime. Enjoy!
Makes: 2 drinks
Adapted from Eat Make Read

Orange Creamsicle Drink

Posted by Annie in Drinks

I went to college in northwest Washington where it seems like there’s a coffee shop on every corner. There was a drive-through coffee stand I went to occasionally on my way to or from school that served an Orange Creamsicle drink that I quickly became addicted to. Of course they don’t give out the recipes for their drinks, but I watched them make it enough times that I learned to recreate it at home.

The weather has finally started warming up around here, and on the first day that really felt like spring I found myself craving one of these Orange Creamsicles. Naturally the next day it started raining and stayed grey and drizzly for the rest of the week, but, rain or shine this drink is still delicious. You could easily turn this into an adult beverage by adding a shot or two of vodka- yum!

Since posting this a few people have gotten in touch with me to say they’re having a hard time finding vanilla syrup. I have had luck finding it a most chain grocery stores, you shouldn’t need to go anywhere fancy. In my experience the flavored syrups are usually in the aisle with the coffee.

Orange Creamsicle Drink

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups orange juice
  • 3 tablespoons half and half
  • 3 tablespoons vanilla syrup (I used the brand Torani)
  • 1-2 shots vodka (optional)
Directions
  1. Pour orange juice, half and half, and vanilla syrup in a glass and stir to combine. Add vodka if desired. Enjoy!
Makes: 1
Inspired by Cool Beans Coffee Stand