Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Limoncello Mojito

    

     I don't know about you, we have an abundance of mint.  We have regular spearmint, peppermint and one other variety that I cannot for the life of me remember the name.  Needless to stay, our mint is prolific and oh so yummy.  We use it in a variety of ways, a lot of Asian inspired dishes, garnish for salads and of course mixed drinks.  

    Mint is so versatile and easy to grow that if you have a spot in your yard that needs a good ground cover, add it in and see what happens.  Mint grows really well and spreads better than almost any other ground cover.  So if you do not want your mint to overtake your yard, be sure to plant it in a pot.

    I chose this Limoncello Mojito as our cocktail this month. The use of the mint and lemons, just seem so cheery and summery, that I could not have picked a better option.  Who doesn't like a bit of summer color in your drink?

    This one is easy to mix for your personal drink or as a big group.  Use your multiplication skills to make that big batch cocktail happen.  My secret to a great tasting cocktail this month is the simple syrup.  I didn't just use any old simple syrup.  I snagged some of my son's, lemon simple syrup to mix into this drink.  

    The added citrus flavor of the lemon simple syrup is just too good to pass up.  It really helps to bring the flavors together and make a drink worth sipping on.  

Limoncello Mojito

Serving size 1

6-8 fresh mint leaves

1 ounce white rum

1 ounce Limoncello lemon liqueur

1 TBLS lemon simple syrup

1/2 tsp. lime juice

top of with club soda or sparkling water

First muddle your mint leaves in the bottom of a shaker cup.  Once the oils have released and you can really smell the fresh mint, add in your ice.  Once the ice has been added, pour in your rum, Limoncello, simple syrup, and lime juice.  Give the cup a vigorous shake.  Pour over an ice filled glass and then top of with sparkling water.  Garnish with fresh mint and a slice of lime. 

    This drink is sure to wow all your rum drinkers.  Simple, refreshing and full of summer flavor.  Make a batch today to share with friends.  As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver. Cheers!

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Cucumber Watermelon Gin and Tonic

    What says summer better than fresh cut watermelon?  How about combining it with some home grown cucumbers from the garden, and add a sprig of mint.  You have a great, refreshing summer cocktail or mocktail.  This one is easy to make as either one.  

    Now you might be wondering how to get that great watermelon flavor into your drink.  It's easy, cube it up and blend until there are no more chunks.  The longer part in this process is going to be straining the liquid from the left over pulp.  At least it was for us since, our strainer has pretty small holes, just enough for the liquid to pass through. I would not skip this step, since it helps to make the drink so much smoother.

    All of the ingredients are pretty simple and straight forward.  Everything is fresh and can come directly from your garden.  All except for the gin, since that might be easier to purchase.   Never fear, a garden is not a requirement on this drink.  It's just another tool in your belt that you can use to help you know where your food comes from.  

    After you blend your watermelon up it's as easy as pouring the rest into your pitcher.  This drink is made in a big batch for all your friends to enjoy at the summer bar-b-que or book club.  In my video I did make it a single drink so use those math skills and reduce or expand to make this drink for the number of people you are looking to serve. 

Cucumber Watermelon Gin and Tonic (serves 8)

8 cups of watermelon cubed and blended

4 ounces fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)

1 cup Gin

1 cup thin sliced cucumber

1 TBLS Agave or honey

1/2 cup mint leaves

1 cup tonic water (optional)

Cut and blend up your watermelon.  Cut and squeeze your limes.  I double squeeze mine.  Place in the juicer skin down, squeeze.  Then fold over and squeeze again. Add in the remaining ingredients of Gin, lime, honey, cucumber, and mint. You can add the tonic at this point if you are ready to serve.  If not serving immediately hold off until you are.  You don't want the bubbles to fade away. 

    You can make your pitcher look extra beautiful by including the cucumber and mint directly in there.  I would also add lime slices and watermelon slices for a little extra flare in the cup.  I lined my cup with the cucumber and placed a small sliver of watermelon at the bottom of the glass.  You can "decorate" your glass however you desire.  

    Your friends and family will thank you for creating this drink for any occasion.  It's like summer in a glass.  As always please drink responsible and have a designated driver. Cheers!

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Cranbaretto Sour

 

Our cocktail this month is a special request for a wedding we are hosting this April.  Our bride wanted to have an Amaretto Sour that is pink.  With a  little research we found a way to turn the drink pink and add a little bit of something extra to enhance the flavor. 

 

The Cranbaretto Sour has been born.  The great thing about this cocktail is that it is actually best to make in a big batch.  This serves our purposes very well, since it will be our signature cocktail on the day of the wedding.  We just need to prep the cranberries beforehand and we are off to the races.  In our single serve option, I think we needed a little more of the cranberry simple syrup.

 

The good news is that when we make this for the event, we will be working in big batches and can make the color as close to pink as possible.  By adding a light dash of edible pink glitter, the bride should be thrilled to have this special drink. 

 

Cranberry Simple Syrup

1 cup fresh cranberry

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

 

Add the cranberry, water and sugar to a pot and bring to a boil.  You want the cranberries to burst to release their flavor and color into the simple syrup.  The longer you cook it the more it will thicken, so do not overcook. 

 

Cranbaretto Sour

Serves 8

2 cups Amaretto

1 cup lemon juice

1 ounces cranberry simple syrup

 

Add all the ingredients into a pitcher and give it a good stir.  Pour over ice and garnish with mint and extra cranberries if you want.  Add more cranberry syrup to adjust to the color you are looking for.

 

We can hardly wait to serve this drink for the wedding.  We know the guests will enjoy each drop.  What a special way to ring in your special day, than with a signature cocktail.  We hope you will give this one a try and let us know what you think.  Please be sure to drink responsibly and have a designated driver. 

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Cupid's Cosmo

 

            Hello February!  Did you feel like January would never end?  I know we did but at long last a new month is here, and we are ready to celebrate and make things happen.  Since this has been dubbed the month of love, we are taking a little twist on a classic drink to add to our herb infused cocktails.  Each month our cocktail creation is pulled from our love of gardening and growing flavors to tease your palate. 

               This month, our featured herb is Mint.  Even though it is winter, and mint usually takes a little break, ours is still hanging on.  If you do not have mint growing, your local grocery store usually will have it on hand.  This month it is both part of our garnish and muddled in the bottom of the shaker cup.  In the past it has been used to make a simple syrup as well.  With so many uses, how could you turn away from such a great herb? 

               Of course, we had to give this drink a cute name in recognition of Valentine’s Day.  Cupid’s Cosmo, is simple and refreshing while welcoming in the traditional flavors of a cosmopolitan. 

 

Cupid’s Cosmo

3-4 min leaves, extra for garnish

2 ounces Vodka

1 ounce triple sec

1 ounce cranberry juice

½ ounce fresh lime juice

Muddle some mint at the bottom of a shaker cup.  Pour over the liquid ingredients, then shake everything together, with ice.  Pour into a fresh glass and enjoy.  Garnish with a sprig of mint and lime wedge.

          

     Nothing too complicated in this one drink.  It’s great to enjoy yourself, with friends or at dinner with someone special.  Join us on Valentine’s Day and order this drink with your dinner.  It will not disappoint.  

               While the history of the Cosmopolitan is up for debate, its popularity was derived from the HBO television show “Sex in the City.”  From Miami to New York to Minneapolis the Cosmo has been made and drank all over the US and abroad, even if no one can claim it for themselves as the creator.  You can enjoy it locally with us or follow our recipe and enjoy it at home. 

               We hope you will give it a try at home or at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast, when you happen to be staying with us.  Until then please be sure to enjoy responsibly and have a designated driver.  Cheers!

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Prickly Pear Mojito

    A short while ago a friend had given me a Prickly Pear Syrup for making drinks with.  At long last I decided summer was a great time to make a new herb infused cocktail for The Oaks Bed and Breakfast, today we have a Prickly Pear Mojito.  This refreshing herb infused cocktail is a little sweeter than we usually make due to the Prickly Pear syrup but we mix it with a little more lime juice to cut the sweet.

texasbeyondhistory.com

    The prickly pear cactus, also know as Opuntia cacti, has been used by Native American's for food, medicine and a source of water, as well as needles.  Prickly Pear gets its name from the  spines on the steams as well as the fruit it gives called pears or tunas.  I'm sure you have seen the prickly pear plant before and would recognize it in the wild, or possibly your neighbors yard.  

Prickly Pear Mojito

 1 1/2 tablespoon  Prickly Pear Syrup

6 to 8 spearmint leaves

juice of 1 lime (about 2 ounces)

2 ounces rum

1 to 1/2 cups cubed or crushed ice

2 ounces club soda

In a tall glass, place the mint leaves, lime juice and the cactus syrup.  Muddle the leaves for 20 seconds to release the mint oils using either a muddler or a wooden spoon.  Add the rum, and stir.  Fill the glass until 3/4 full with ice.  Top off with the club soda club soda.  Garnish with mint leaves.

    I really enjoyed this drink and you can make it sweeter with more syrup and less lime juice.  Want more mint flavor, add more leaves and muddle before adding the juice and syrup.  Make it  your own to enjoy with friends.  As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver. Cheers!

Your Garden ~ Plants that Deter Pests

 

Over breakfast one recent morning, a guest asked what type of plants deter bugs the best. This made me stop and think about what we have planted and why. The majority of our garden, flowers and herbs included, we use to make pretty arrangements and feed our family and guests.  While this is all important so is keeping the bugs away so that we have these great food options available.

 

Marigolds ~ This year I went on the offensive and intentionally planted flowers to help deter pests. Marigolds are great to keep out bugs and rabbits from munching on your gardens. Plus, they provide an early pollinator to attract bees and butterflies.  Just the scent of the bloom will keep away unwanted bugs and rabbits from your garden. This year I chose to plant them in various locations around our garden beds and at the ends, to hopefully help maximize my results.

 

Basil ~ We typically always plant basil because who doesn’t like basil. In the past we planted up to four different varieties, but this year only have two. Basil does a great job of being aromatic and repelling mosquitos and houseflies from your yard and home.  I’m thinking of adding some more pots with a variety of herbs to help keep the flies down in higher traffic areas and doors. All those kids coming and going can sometimes lead to doors being open to let in flies.

 

Lemon Grass ~ Lemon grass is a beautiful addition to your garden beds.  We usually place one or two on the end and watch as they sway in the wind. While also pulling double duty at deterring unwanted pests. Pests go beyond those blood sucking mosquitos to roaches, flies and other smaller insects.  Of course you can still use it in the kitchen as well.  Lemongrass thrives in a hot climate, so it works well in the Texas summer.

 

Mint ~ We pretty much always have mint growing in a pot around the bed and breakfast.  A leading herb in many of our cocktails and food dishes, it also provides the added bonus of repelling spiders, ants and mosquitoes.  Be careful when you plant, since it can spread, and you may never get a chance to get rid of it. 

 

Citronella Grass ~ Everyone is familiar with citronella being in mosquito repellents and bug repellents but do not realize that it is a grass.  Sure, there is a plant as well and you can probably find both at a local garden store.  Citronella grass can be hard to distinguish between lemon grass from afar, so get up close to help make the determination.  Citronella grass has red colored pseudostems while lemon grass has green.  Add these around your house and garden to help keep pesky mosquitoes at bay.

 

Rosemary ~ Probably another of my favorite herbs to plant for flavorful dishes and as a bug repellent is rosemary.  Rosemary will help protect your garden from a wide variety of bugs that want to feed off your bounty.  We typically have them planted at the edge of our garden like a Rosemary “hedge” of sorts and a way to keep the bugs away.

 

Chrysanthemums ~ These flowering plants are probably one of the most versatile plants to help deter bugs.  In Texas you know we love and enjoy mums later in the year, as is evidence of the giant monstrosities people create in the name of Homecoming.  In the garden they do not need to be nearly as large, to help repel ants, Japanese beetles, roaches, bed bugs, spider mites, ticks and so much more.  Plant these beauties around your house and garden to enjoy the benefits of their bug fighting prowess. 

 

This list is not a complete list of amazing plants to help fight off pests to keep your garden healthy and thriving.  There are more options that you might want to use to help keep your garden healthy or your home bug free.  Since we try to use organic means of gardening and pest repellants these options are wonderful for our garden at the Oaks Bed and Breakfast.

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Strawberry Mojito

 

 

               As the temperature starts to creep up in Texas, our herb infused cocktail for April is the perfect drink for sipping and enjoying together.  This month’s cocktail of the month, from The Oaks Bed and Breakfast is a Strawberry Mojito.  Our mint is looking amazing already this Spring and we wanted to take advantage of its bounty early.

               Simple in flavor and ingredients, this drink will be a crowd pleaser for sure.  Unless you are allergic to strawberries, be sure to put this drink on your must make list. If you are allergic change out with watermelon or blackberries.  This strawberry mojito is easy to scale up for larger groups to enjoy together.  If you have friends who do not drink alcohol, leave out the rum and finish off with sparkling water. 

Ingredients

 

3 fresh strawberries, diced

10-15 fresh mint leaves

½ medium lime, juiced about 1 tablespoon

1 ounce simple syrup

2 ounces of white Rum

Ice

Sparkling Water

 

Combine strawberries, mint, lime, and simple syrup into a glass and muddle the group together.  Stir in Rum.  Fill glass with ice, and then top with sparkling water.  Garnish with mint leaves, limes, and a fresh strawberry.

 

               While this is just a single serving for this drink, it can easily be made in a pitcher for friends to enjoy.  I just love how the mint really comes out in this drink when muddled well with the strawberries. The lime adds just the right amount of tart, to balance out the sweetness of the simple syrup. 

 

Mocktail version, sparkling water only.

               Let us know what you think and be sure to share your photos with us when you make one of The Oaks Bed and Breakfast, herb infused cocktails. As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver.  Cheers!

 

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Cranberry Mint Vodka Punch

 

    The New Year is right around the corner and there is no better way to start the year off than with a great cocktail made to be shared with friends.  That's right, this cocktail is made in a batch and can be served to all your holiday guests.  Make this one mocktail for those underage or the designated driver. 

 

    Personally, I'm not a big fan of champagnes, so the bubbles in this drink are provided by the ginger beer.  The melding of flavors of the ginger, cranberry and lemonade make this drink one you can sip at any time of the year, but we chose to help you ring in the New Year with this drink.  

    It's easy to mix and prepare for your guests ahead of time that way you can sit back and enjoy your time with friends and family.  Just be sure to mark your pitchers if you choose to make one without the alcohol, that way little hands who wants to enjoy do not end up with the wrong mixer.  

    Let's get down to business, this will be a new holiday favorite that you will want to pull out each year.  Here is what you will need to get started.

   Cranberry Mint Vodka Punch

2 cups Cranberry Juice

1 cup Lemonade

1 cup Vodka

1 cup Ginger Beer

Garnish with mint and cranberries

Tear off some mint leaves and drop into your pitcher.  Pour each ingredient into a large pitcher.  Mix it up and set in the fridge to chill.  When you are ready to serve fill glasses with ice, cranberry and mint, pour in the drink and enjoy.  If you are going to set your drink out, fill the pitcher with ice as well to help keep your drink chilled.  

    This is such a fun and festive drink you won't want to miss mixing it up at your next party.  If you do not want to mix this drink yourself, stop by the Tipsy Oak Lounge, by the Oaks Bed and Breakfast and ask for the cocktail of the month.  We will be serving this drink all month long in January.  As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver. Cheers!

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Raspberry Peach Lemonade

 

    August is right around the corner, and for the month of August we will be featuring a Raspberry Peach Lemonade at the Tipsy Oak Lounge as our cocktail of the month.  We wanted to harness  more summer flavors to help everyone get ready for the start of the school year and ready themselves for the fall.  Being able to pull out all the joy and fun from summer is what life is all about.  We want to help you make that happen by creating a simple and delicious drink to enjoy on those summer evenings.  

    A great part of this drink, is that if you have leftover Mint Simple syrup from last months cocktail, you can use it again here in this drink to add a little sweetness to the tart of the lemons.  Since mint is our herb once again, that just makes it even sweeter. 

    We did utilize frozen fruit for this drink since, ironically we did not see any peaches at the store, during the time and location in which we went.  Raspberries last a little longer in frozen form than fresh.  I would recommend using fresh when you can to really pull the flavor and natural sweetness from the fruit.  

Raspberry Peach Lemonade

1 full peach, cut into chunks

1/4 cup Raspberries

1 cup water

2 lemons, cut and squeezed

1 ounce Mint Simple syrup

1 1/2 ounces Rum

Blend up the fruit and water into a puree.  Muddle mint at the bottom of shaker cup.  Squeeze two lemons into the shaker cup.  Add simple syrup, fruit puree, and rum.  Shake until mixed well.  Pour into an ice filled glass and garnish.  You can go all out with peach slices, raspberry and mint, or keep it simple with just mint. 

    This makes for a refreshing summer drink for the whole family.  Make a big batch and leave out the rum to let the kids and those not drinking liquor to enjoy as well.  The perfect summer mocktail for all.  As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver.  Until next month, Cheers from the Oaks bed and breakfast.  

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Sparkling Cucumber Mint Gin

 

    We have another great refreshing summer drink for you to enjoy, using two of the most prolific items to be grown in summer.  Cucumber and mint!  Together they make great combination of flavors that are simply refreshing in this months herb infused cocktail from The Oaks bed and breakfast.  

    Simple to make yet refreshing to drink.  The use of Gin as the alcohol and the sparkling water are the perfect combination to quench your thirst on these hot Texas summer days.  The mint simple syrup ads a touch of sweetness that brings out the flavor of the mint throughout the drink.  We did make this one ourselves from the mint in the garden, so we know you can too.

    I'm sure there are easier ways to slice the cucumber very thinly, so if you figure that out let me know.  We just used a knife and made the cuts as thin as possible.  The use of a Collins glass makes the cucumber stand out, when lined against the glass.  

    Here is what we did to put this drink together. 

    Sparkling Cucumber Mint Gin

1 ounce lime juice

1 ounce mint simple syrup

2 ounce gin

3-4 ounce of sparking water of choice

Line your glass with thin sliced cucumber. Pour all of the liquid into a glass and stir to mix the flavors.  Top off the glass with ice.  Garnish with mint. 

    That's all there is to this months cocktail.  A very easy drink to mix as well as enjoy.  Grab those cucumbers slice them then and mix up some drinks for your next get together.  Of course you can always enjoy this months cocktail at the Tipsy Oak Lounge any Thursday - Saturday from 4-8 pm.  We will be more than happy to mix this drink for your enjoyment.  

    As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver.  Until next months cocktail, Cheers!

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Irish Maid

 

    To help with the St. Patrick's Day celebrations we are sharing a cocktail recipe from our friends at Teeling Irish Whiskey.  If you remember we visited their distillery while in Ireland last year and really enjoyed the tour and tasting at the end of the tour.  We wanted to bring back their whiskey in our cocktail this month to help celebrate the day.  

    Teeling's shared this recipe for the Irish Maid from a local bar named the Dead Rabbit, and creator Jack McGarry. We added in the addition mint, since it is an herb infused cocktail.  I thought about dill but felt that would not be the best flavor combination with the St. Germain.  We love St. Germain, and would use it almost every cocktail if we could but alas we much change it up.  The elderberry liquor is just so pleasant to drink or mix.  

    Irish Maid

2 ounces Teeling Small Back Irish Whiskey

3/4 ounces Lemon Juice

3/4 ounce Simple Syrup

1/2 ounce St. Germain

2 Cucumber Slices

4-5 Mint leaves

    Muddle the cucumber and mint leaves in the bottom of a shaker cup.  Add all the remaining ingredients.  Shake and strain into a glass over ice.  Garnish with a cucumber slice and mint. Enjoy!

    This drink is simple to make and fantastic to enjoy.  Each of my taste testers wanted another glass, to enjoy. Make this drink for your friends and they might never leave.  Be sure to check out our video on YouTube and let us know what you think.   

    We hope you enjoy this drink, since it is quick and refreshing.  This is a single served option, adjust for larger batches for more drinks.  As always please drink responsibly, have a designated driver.  We hope you enjoy the Irish Maid this St. Patrick's Day. Slainte!