Thirsty Thursday: How2Girl Courtney Bingham-Sixx’s Signature Strawberry Mojito

Posted on November 6, 2014 by BeautyFrosting

I had the pinkest pleasure of attending How 2 Girl, Courtney Bingham-Sixx’s Think Pink Ladies Luncheon a few weeks ago at her & her husband, Nikki Sixx’s, gorgeous home in Westlake Village.

All the lovely ladies at How2Girl Courtney Bingham-Sixx's Think Pink Ladies Luncheon

The reason? To team up with Bright Pink Org and honor breast cancer awareness month by raising both awareness and money for breast cancer research.

She had pink cupcakes, a DIY Glam Your Ribbon station and more!

How 2 Girl's DIY Glam Ribbon Station

While the cause was one I’m proud to support and the company was just the sweetest, the cocktails were a sight to behold!

Thirsty Thursday: How2Girl Signature Strawberry Mojito

Thirsty Thursday: How2Girl Courtney Bingham-Sixx's Signature Strawberry Mojito

Here is Courtney’s How2Girl Signature Strawberry Mojito. Courtney says, “This refreshing combo of fresh fruit and fizz will have you feeling like you are at a spa on a tropical vacation, without having to leave the house.”

Here’s what you’ll need:

2 c SodaStream Strawberry Soda

6 strawberries quartered

1/2 bunch mint leaves

3 large limes

1 c white sugar

1 c rum

8 c crushed ice

raspberries for garnish

How2Girl’s Directions:

Pour 1/4 to 1/2 inch of sugar onto a small, shallow plate. Run one of the lime quarters around the rim of each cocktail glass, then dip the glasses into the sugar to rim; set aside.
Whip out your SodaStream, and make yourself a batch of Strawberry Soda.
Squeeze all of the lime quarters into a sturdy glass pitcher. Toss the juiced limes into the pitcher along with the mint, strawberries, and 1 cup of sugar. Crush the fruits together with a muddler, to release the juices from the strawberries and the oil from the mint leaves. Stir in the rum and Strawberry Soda until the sugar has dissolved. Pour into the sugared glasses over ice cubes, add in a raspberry and enjoy!

xoxo,
BF
BF Asks: What’s your current favorite cocktail?

Cocktail Corner: The Golden Globes Moët Golden Night Cocktail by Aida Mollenkamp

Posted on January 11, 2014 by BeautyFrosting

Oh, how I love award season! It has filled me with glee, delight, suspense and excitement ever since I was a tiny girl! So you can bet I’ll be glued to the screen this Sunday night to see who will be taking home the coveted Golden Globes this year.

I had the pleasure of attending a Golden Globes luncheon at the Beverly Hilton this past Thursday to meet and chat with Miss Golden Globes 2014 herself, Sosie Bacon.

With Sosie Bacon, Miss Golden Globes 2014, at an intimate bloggers luncheon at the Beverly Hilton

The official cocktail of the 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards that they served sent me over the moon.

The official cocktail of the 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards: The Moët Golden Night Cocktail crafted by Aida Mollenkamp

Moët & Chandon were kind enough to share Aida Mollenkamp’s delicious recipe with me so I might enjoy it on Sunday while watching. And being me, I of course have to share it with you! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did on Thursday – and be assured that I will be enjoying it again come Sunday!

To the Globes!

The Moët Golden Night Cocktail - photo courtesy of Aida Mollenkamp

MOËT GOLDEN NIGHT

Made to celebrate the glamour and glitz of the awards season, Moët Golden Night is a decidedly sophisticated cocktail of cardamom syrup, pear brandy, and Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne. Garnished with a “fan” of fresh pear slices, this cocktail is the perfect sipper to toast the festivities.

Makes: 6 cocktails // Enough simple syrup mixture for 8 cocktails

Total Time: 25 minutes

Hands On Time: 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup unrefined granulated sugar

1/4 cup water

20 whole cardamom pods, crushed using the back of a knife or a mortar and pestle

1/4 cup pear brandy

1 (750 ml) chilled Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne

2 small ripe Forelle or Seckel pears, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan, stir to dissolve the sugar, add the crushed cardamom pods and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer the simple syrup for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to steep and cool for 20 minutes.

Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the simple syrup, discard the seeds and pods, and place the simple syrup into a liquid measuring cup. Add the pear brandy and stir to combine. (The pear-cardamom simple syrup mixture can be made up to 2 days ahead and the Asian pears can be peeled up to 2 hours ahead.)

Just before serving, cut the pear off the core and slice pear lengthwise into 1/8-inch thick slices. (Separate slices into stacks of three and spread slightly to make a fan. If cutting slices ahead of serving time, coat them with a little lemon juice to prevent them from browning.)

To serve, add 1/2 ounce of the pear-cardamom simple syrup mixture to 6 white wine glasses or 6 Champagne coupes (this makes enough syrup for 8 cocktails). Add 4 ounces of chilled Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne to each glass, filling each glass about halfway. Garnish each glass with three pieces of fanned pear slices and serve.

Perfect pairing of pear, cardamom, brandy & bubbly

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What will you be snacking on & sipping come Sunday night?

Thirsty Thursday: La Vieille Ferme Rosé 2012 – the official taste of Summer 2013

Posted on September 12, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

Before I bid summertime adieu, I must share with you my summer love… La Vielle Ferme Rosé ($9.99).

Thirsty Thursday: My taste of summer 2013 - La Vieille Ferme Rosé 2012

I have bought a bevy of bottles of this ravishing rosé this summer and have enjoyed every single, solitary one. Oh, don’t you judge – almost every bottle was shared with a friend, neighbor or passerby on the street. Kidding…well, about the passerby thing.

My brother-neighbor, Matty, & me enjoying a glass (or two) of La Vieille Ferme Rosé 2012 last Saturday while frosting cupcakes

However, I’m not kidding when I tell you that this vino will symbolize Summer 2013 for me forever. With its pretty, whimsical watermelon hue, its floral scent with hints of baked brown sugar and aniseed and its taste of southern flowers, bing cherries and fruit pastille candies, this dry – yet juicy – rosé just represents the taste of summer 2013 for me. And, for me, summer 2013 was filled with fun, new beginnings, farm-to-table-fresh food, music, travel, romance and lessons learned.
One glass of La Vieille Ferme Rosé is never enough, two is not too much and the conversations and memories enjoyed over 3 glasses of this wine will live on forever.

Lucky for me, I know there will be another vintage next year. So here’s – and cheers – to Summer 2014 with La Vieille Ferme Rosé 2012!!!

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: Do you have a favorite rosé? Spill it.

Thirsty Thursday: The East End

Posted on September 5, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

As we segue from summer into fall, it can be a bit challenging to find just the right balance of tastes for a late summer/pre-autumn cocktail. Citrus cocktails alone seem too reminiscent of early summer while the pumpkin, apple and cinnamon cocktails of fall seem a little premature.

That’s why I’m loving this custom cocktail – The East End – from Hooray Henry’s (LA’s newest nightclub to see and be seen) and master mixologist, Curtis of Blacklab.

The East End - both sweet AND spicy!

With elements of both sweet and spice, it will leave you feeling ooooooohhhhh-sooooo-nice!

THE EAST END

2oz Corzo Silver Tequila

1oz lime juice

1oz pineapple juice

.75oz habanero syrup

house made chili salt rim

shake/strain into a rocks glass

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What cocktail are you loving this week?

Thirsty Thursday: The Clover Gingersnap Champagne Cocktail at Happy Hour at The Orlando

Posted on August 29, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of attending a happy hour at The Orlando Hotel on 3rd Street here in Los Angeles. Lucky for me I did because I discovered my new favorite cocktail.

As I walked in, I was offered two selections – a variety of fresh, cold-pressed Clover juices (which just so happens to be housed downstairs) or champagne. Well, you know me…I thought, why choose? Let’s make a new cocktail for the occasion – so my friend, Edward suggested using the Gingersnap juice and, thus, The Clover Gingersnap Champagne Cocktail was born!

Thirsty Thursday: The Clover Gingersnap Champagne Cocktail

So what exactly is in this delicious drink? It’s very simple, really – champagne (naturally) and then Clover Gingersnap Juice ($8). This juice has Fuji apple, green apple, lemon and ginger and it is super scrumptious with a bit of spice.
I’m thinking it’s going to be a big pick for Fall because it seems to marry the citrus, zesty flavors of summer with autumnal elements like apple and spice.

So try it for yourself. And see if you enjoy it as much as we did!

Enjoying The Clover Gingersnap Champagne Cocktail at Happy Hour at The Orlando with my good friends, Jennifer Chan & Rose Curiel of E!

Just add 2 parts Clover Gingersnap Juice to 1 part champagne and presto-changeo – you’ve got yourself The Clover Gingersnap Champagne Cocktail.

Yep, happy hour indeed…

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What cocktail kick are you on right now?

Thirsty Thursday: Pampadour Summer Sangria

Posted on July 18, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the “Be Parisian For A Day Event” hosted by Fournier PR. While eating macarons (yes, I’m serious)…

Macaron heaven at Be Parisian For A Day

and getting to know all of the new beauty products I’m destined to be in love with –

Being, well, Parisian...or at least trying to be...

I spotted this:

PAMPADOUR. SUMMER. SANGRIA.

Pampadour Summer Sangria

So what is this sangria-making “Pampadour“, you ask? Well, I asked the same thing…and then I promptly signed up and became obsessed. It’s a social platform for beauty. Need more details? Here you go: If Facebook married Pinterest and it was a marriage based solely on a love of beauty then you would have Pampadour. And luckily we do. By the way, that sounds divine, doesn’t it?

I’ve played a bit on Pampadour and let me tell ya – it is ADDICTIVE!!

But back to their sangria. It was delish and they were nice enough to send me the recipe.

It’s a refreshing warm weather beverage that’s just dying to be enjoyed with friends!

Summer happiness - also called Pampadour Summer Sangria - in a cup

Pampadour Summer Sangria:

1 bottle White Wine ( Pino Blanc or New Zealand Sauvignon – I personally prefer the $3.99 Espiral Vinho Verde from Trader Joe’s!)

1/2 c Brandy

4 c Club Soda

Sliced Plums, lemons, limes, strawberries, apples, tangerines

Serve chilled on Ice.

xoxo,

BFBF Asks: What’s your favorite sangria recipe?

Foodie Friday: Del Frisco’s Grille in Dallas – First In My Heart

Posted on June 21, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

There are few things a Texan girl loves as much as her mama. Del Frisco’s steak is one of them.

Foodie Friday: Del Frisco's Grille in Dallas, Texas

After all, you always love your first. And while it may not have been my first steak, it’s the first steak I can remember as being utterly melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

I was raised on the stuff and it set a verrry high bar for a good steak. When you’re a Dallas Del Frisco’s girl, you expect a lot – and, unfortunately as a result, you are often disappointed at other steak-claiming establishments.

So I was thrilled to be invited to experience Del Frisco’s Grille in Dallas on McKinney. But being invited back to where my love of steak was born, I found myself a little nervous. Would it live up to the hype of my memory? Would the quality have suffered over the years? The answer? A resounding NO. In fact, if it’s possible, it even got BETTER.

Here’s what my tastebuds got to indulge in. And there wasn’t a below amazing taste among them.

CRAFTED COCKTAILS – TASTED, TRIED AND TRUE:

Del Frisco's Grile Crafted Cocktails: (clockwise from top right to left) Apt. 5D, Tennessee Peach and The VIP

TENNESSEE PEACH Jack Daniels, Fresh Peaches, Honey, Fresh Lime Juice – which tastes like the tastiest, spirited Peach Cobbler.

THE VIP Svedka Clementine Vodka Infused with Fresh Hawaiian Pineapple – reminiscent of a delicious pineapple sherbet from your youth.

APT. 5D Tito’s Vodka, Simple Syrup, Lemon Sour, Dash of Balsamic Vinegar, Muddled Strawberries – straight up spirited strawberry jam.

*
THE WINE :

Bodega Inurrieta Navarra Cuatrocientos, CV ($55)

Excellent wine pairing for our steak: Bodega Inurrieta Navarra Cuatrocientos, CV ($55)

Now, this was a mighty fine wine. And I have the sommelier to thank for this gem. It was his recommendation based on my preferences and he was spot on!

FOOD TO FIGHT OVER:

Food To Fight Over: (clockwise from left to right) Deviled Eggs, Ahi Tuna Tacos, Cheesesteak Rolls and Pimento Rolls

CHEESESTEAK EGGROLLS Sweet & Spicy Chili Sauce, Honey Mustard 10 – holy cheesteaks, Batman! These are gold!! I’d heard rumors of how yummy they were but they beat my highest expectations. And they were my mom’s favorite thing on the menu!

PIMENTO CHEESE FRITTERS Chipotle Ranch Sauce 9 – I loooooved these. They were one of my top faves of the evening. Fried & breaded with cheesy, southern pimento goodness inside. Melt-in-your-mouth and maybe a bit on your hands and chin, as well!

AHI TACOS Tuna Tartare, Avocado, Spicy Citrus Mayo – Delicious, light and crispy.

DEVILED EGGS Truffle-Chive Vinaigrette – Yummy!

RUFFAGE:

The Del Frisco's Classic Wedge Salad. A foodie must-try!

ICEBERG LETTUCE WEDGE Bacon, Tomato, Blue Cheese Dressing – I always think of Del Frisco’s whenever I enjoy a wedge salad. But few live up to my lettuce wedge first love. Happy to see it’s stayed the same over the years!

DEL FRISCO’S SIGNATURE STEAKS:

CHEF'S SELECTION - A TRIO OF STEAK FEATURE

CHEF’S SELECTION – A TRIO OF STEAK FEATURE – This Chef’s selection was divine and lived up to every memory I have of Del Frisco’s sumptuous, juicy steaks. One with crabmeat, one with beurre blanc and one with a peppercorn sauce. How do you do it, Del? The outside “crust’ is just the teensiest bit crispy and the inside is buttery smooth, juicy and divine. This is why Del Frisco’s is where all steak-lovers go to heaven.

HAPPY ENDINGS:

Oh, you sweet temptress you, Del Frisco's Grille Java Roaster!

JAVA ROASTER – LIQUID DESSERT UV Coconut Vodka, Tres Leches, Esspresso Liqueur 6 – wheeeew boy! Got a nice, sweet little buzz with a jolt of java. And it’s a perfect dessert if you want just a bit of sweetness!

Del Frisco's Grille Coconut Cream Pie - a coconut cloud

COCONUT CREAM PIE with White Chocolate Shavings – a dreamy pillow of sweetness – a cloud of coconut and white chocolate

Yummylicious.

Thank you so much, Del Frisco’s Grille! The food was delicious and your staff was utterly delightful. I can’t wait to come back next time I’m in Dallas! And I CANNOT WAIT for the grand opening of the new Del Frisco’s Grille on the pier in Santa Monica. A little taste of home coming out to LA!! And you know what I say to that? Yeeeeehaaaaww!!!

Nothing better than being invited to sample one of your favorite restaurants in your hometown with your two favorite dates.

Me & My Two Favorite Dates - my big brother, David and my mom, Clarice - at Del Frisco's Grille in Dallas

Oh and by the way – the other things a Texan girl loves? Willie Nelson, her daddy, her dog, her sorority sisters, her cowboy boots, her grandaddy’s cowboy hat and her hairstylist.

But steak is first in her heart.

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What’s the best steak you’ve ever enjoyed?

Thirsty Thursday: Skinnygirl California White Wine

Posted on April 25, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

Nothin' better before a big night out on a hot summer night than a cool glass of a crisp white wine (pictured: Skinnygirl California White Wine - $15)

One of my favorite things to do while primping for a big night out is to sip on a cool glass of crisp, white wine. While normally I’m a red devotee, when it comes time to primping for events, parties and dinner dates, white wine is the way to go! Why? Because it doesn’t stain my teeth, is refreshing and – while red wine relaxes and unwinds me – white wine helps energize me with its cool, citrus cues.

This Skinnygirl California white wine, from everyone’s favorite real housewife Bethenny Frankel, has lots to love.

First of all, it’s a Pinot Grigio-Chardonnay blend which will please most delicate white wine lovers. Secondly, its rich subtle fruity and floral notes of honey, orange peel and tropical fruits are perfect for the late Spring and steamy summer months ahead. Third, it has a sassy screw top which is fab and easy when you don’t wanna drink a whole bottle (ahhh…that testy self-discipline). And lastly – and best of all – it’s a low-calorie cocktail choice at just 100 calories per 5-ounce serving with 12% alcohol. Main point to read there, beauties? For us wine and figure-watching ladies, this wine gives us more bang for less bucks when it comes to the calorie bank.

So bag a bottle of Skinnygirl wine at the store and give yourself a pretty pour before your next big night out. Your tastebuds will thank you and your waist will thank you!

It’s a win-win.

Skinnygirl white wine has a permanent place on my bar...

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What is your skinny cocktail of choice?

Easter Perfect Punch: BeautyFrosting’s Blackberry Patch Punch

Posted on March 28, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

Yet again, it’s time for my favorite holiday!! EASTER!!!

Last year, my Blackberry Patch Punch was a HIT!!

BF & Blackberry Patch Punch - Easter 2012!

When I was preparing the menu for my Classic, Southern Easter dinner, I thought it would be so nice to have the perfect Easter punch. I looked online but there were no fitting recipes. See, when I think Easter, I think purple.
So I thought of blackberries and mint and, ta-dah, a new recipe was born.

Since I had adults, non-drinkers and children at my dinner, I kept it unspirited but added mixing options on the side. If you want a spirited version, I highly recommend making it a Bourbon Blackberry Patch Punch! Delish!

Tanya sipping her Blackberry Patch Punch

Try it and, as always, let me knw your results and thoughts!

xoxo,

BeautyFrosting’s Blackberry Patch Punch

64 oz. Trader Joes’ Blackberry Crush Juice

1 bottle Cost Plus World Market Blackberry Pomegranate Soda

1/2 gallon Limeade

2 – 2 Liter Ginger Ale

2 tbsp. Vanilla Extract

Blackberries & Mint Sprigs to garnish

Combine all in a punch bowl/pitcher/server.

Garnish mixed punch with mint and blackberries. Set aside some to garnish glasses.

Serve each glass with mint and blackberry

And, if a cocktail is desired, add a bottle of bourbon to the mix. Or, if entertaining all ages, put the bourbon, as an add-in, on the side.

Super easy, super lovely and super tasty in no time at all!

Thirsty Thursday: Holiday Cocktail

Posted on December 13, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

Craving a perfect Christmas cocktail that isn’t the standard eggnog or hot toddy recipe? How about this Holiday Cocktail? It’s chilled and fizzy and oh-so-Christmas-y!

Holiday Cocktail: Apple, Cranberry, Vodka & Ginger ale - yummy!

Holiday Cocktail

1 Cup Apple Cider or Juice

1 Cup Cranberry Juice

1/2 Cup – 1 Cup Vodka

1 Cup Ginger Ale

Ice

Pour ingredients into blender and whizz until light pink and frothy.

Pour into large jug and top with 1 cup of Ginger Ale and a good handful of ice.

Serves 4

BF Asks: What’s your holiday cocktail of choice this year?