4th July Cocktails

It's 4th July tomorrow and although it will go largely unnoticed here in the UK who's to say we can't have our own party with some classic American cocktails!




The Mint Julep 

here

recipe adapted from Southern Living

3 fresh mint leaves

1 tablespoon simple syrup

Crush Ice

bourbon

Crush the mint and simple syrup together. Pour in the crushed ice and top with bourbon. Finish with a sprig of fresh mint and some powdered sugar

Long Island Ice Tea

here

Recipe found here

1⁄2 oz. gin

1⁄2 oz. vodka

1⁄2 oz. tequila

1⁄2 oz. light rum

1⁄2 oz. Cointreau

3⁄4 oz. lemon juice

Top with cola

Lemon wedge

Whisky Sour

here

recipe adapted from here

2oz bourbon

1oz lime juice

1oz lemon juice

1 tablespoon sugar

Garnish with an orange slice

Raspberry Beer Cocktail (okay, not exactly classic, but still pretty American!)

here

Recipe taken from here

1 cup of fresh raspberries or frozen

4 bottles of corona (12oz) beer, chilled 

1 container frozen raspberry lemonade concentrate, thawed or pink lemonade

1/2 cup good quality vodka

Garnish: lemon slices, or raspberries.

Desperate for a Mars Bar

I'm embarking on a juice cleanse this weekend with Raw&Juicy! 

I received a 3 bag delivery on Thursday night full of vegetable juices, green powders and vitamins. So far so good in that I haven't passed out nor given in to my cravings to go buy an entire Collin the Caterpillar cake and inhale it while crouching in the corner. 

I have to admit, the juices aren't the tastiest things I've ever consumed and can't quite stomach the 5 a day they've provided. I quite like the carrot ones and the tomato, pepper, fennel and cayenne tastes a little like a gazpacho soup when I close my eyes. 

The best thing: Because it's all vegetables and no fruit, I don't get a sugar crash. So although I can get very hungry (only because I can't bare to drink anything else, not because they haven't provided me with enough juices) I don't turn into an evil and vicious being that I can when depraved of food. Just goes to show I should eat less fruit, carbs and sugar than I do (unfortunately, they are the easiest to prepare). 

I'll keep you updated! I'm on day 2, let's see if I can make it through Easter to day 4. 


Amy xx


UPDATE: I chopped off all my hair yesterday when I visited Sano in Angel- an amazing salon with very talented staff (can't go wrong with a colour by David) and really laid back atmosphere. Unfortunately, I don't have enough hair do to a sock bun anymore (although I might try with a baby sock). 
Let me know how your sock bun adventures go and I'll live vicariously through you!

Rock with Rum

A friend of mine just introduced me to the amazing site of Drinkify. 
Whatever music you are listening too, it will create a cocktail to go with it. 
To be honest, they need work on improving the creativeness/tastiness of the drinks but it's got potential! (Iggy Pop is currently recommended with Moonshine. So enjoy at your own risk).
It does play the artist for you, so if anything, you have access to free streaming music. 


I'm currently rocking out with an 'Alex Clare': Scotch, Egg and Arak-a Middle Eastern anise liquor (Like I said, needs improving).
Happy Friday!
Amy xx

Check it out here.