A couple summers ago, Adam and I revisited one of our favorite stops from our honeymoon in Italy a decade before. The famous terrace at the Hotel de Russie in Rome has long been known as one of the best places in the city to experience aperitivo. (The Italian tradition of enjoying drinks and snacks in the evening hours between work and dinner.) As Adam and I settled in for an evening of people watching, we noticed that everyone around us was sipping a sparkling orange drink out of a big wine glass garnished with an orange slice. One scan of the menu revealed it was the hotel’s classic Aperol spritz. Of course, we ordered two.

Since then, it’s become my official drink of summer. This light, bubbly cocktail with a pleasant hit of bitterness just feels like sunshine and adventure and takes me back to this perfect day we spent in Italy. I’ve worked to finesse my own classic Aperol spritz recipe. And now, I think I’ve got it nailed.

While it’s a simple drink with just a handful of ingredients, there are lots of differing opinions when it comes to the correct ratio between Aperol and Prosecco and exactly how it should be garnished. I’ve got opinions of my own (which I’ll share below), but first: a little more on the Italian tradition of aperitivo.

What is aperitivo?

An Italian aperitivo is sort of like happy hour, but different (and dare I say, cooler). At the Hotel de Russie, and everywhere else I’ve visited in Italy, everyone congregates before dinner for drinks and snacks. Sometimes the food is as simple as salty potato chips and olives, and sometimes it’s a more elevated bite and could include cheese or charcuterie. Either way, the purpose is to “awaken the appetite” for the larger meal to follow.

Traditionally, an aperitivo drink is a carbonated, slightly bitter cocktail (like the Aperol spritz or a negroni) that’s a bit lower in alcohol. The idea is to feel relaxed and happy, not tipsy. I love this ritual not only for the snacks and drinks, but for its focus on talking, savoring the moment, and enjoying the company of friends—activities that Italians seem to do so well.

Aperol Spritz Ingredients

I’m just going to put it out there: the Aperol Spritz is controversial. Ever since the New York Times declared that “The Aperol Spritz Is Not a Good Drink,” the debate has been on fire. At least, as fire-y as cocktail debates can be. The publication’s argument is mostly built on the theory that the cocktail uses poor-quality Prosecco. Of course, this can be rectified by, duh, using a higher quality Prosecco. And I’m not alone in my defense of the drink: Grub Street clapped back with, “The Entire Internet Agrees Aperol Spritz Is, in Fact, Good.” The best way to put it to rest? Just mix up my Aperol Spritz recipe one hot night this summer and judge for yourself.

Aperol

Aperol is an orange, sweet, and slightly bitter apéritif that’s made by the Campari group. However, it’s quite a bit lower in alcohol than Campari (11%). The brand describes Aperol as “the same spirit that spontaneously gathers people together and sparks nothing but good vibes.” Yes, please!

Prosecco

Prosecco is a light, sparkling white wine, similar to Champagne, but made in Italy. It’s delicious and also happens to be pretty affordable for good quality wine. The Sparkling Winos explain that “Sparkling wines made in this method are produced in a much shorter amount of time (sometimes in as little as a few weeks) and at a much lower cost than those made in the traditional Champagne method. That helps to explain the $15 a bottle price point.” At the grocery, look for a brand that’s around this price point and labeled “Prosecco DOC” (an Italian quality assurance). With those parameters, you’ll be good to go.

Soda

Top off the drink with your favorite club soda or sparkling water. One thing I love about the Aperol Spritz is that it’s a lower-alcohol cocktail, and you can make it even lower by topping off your drink with more soda as you sip. This is my preferred strategy for when I want to spend three hours talking and sipping with friends on a patio without feeling over-served at the end of it.

Aperol Spritz Garnishes

The typical classic Aperol Spritz will call for an orange slice. I add one to mine, but I also take a cue from the bartenders at Hotel de Russie and add a lemon twist at the end. This burst of bitter citrus makes the drink. When I hold it up to take a sip, the aroma of lemon mixed with the sweetness and bitterness of the drink is just ridiculously good.

That’s it! A three-ingredient cocktail that just might become your official drink of spring and summer. Be sure to rate and review this recipe if you give it a try! Can’t wait to hear what you guys think.

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Classic Aperol Spritz

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  Author: Camille Styles
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  Total Time: 5 minutes

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Description

Made with just three ingredients, this summer staple couldn’t be simpler.

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Ingredients

Units
USM

• 3 ounces Aperol
• 3 ounces chilled Prosecco
• splash of sparkling water
• slice of orange and twist of lemon, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Fill a large wine glass with lots of ice. Pour in the Aperol, Prosecco, and sparkling water and stir well to combine.
2. Add an orange slice to the glass, then twist a piece of lemon peel over the top and drop it in. Cheers!

• Prep Time: 5

This post was originally published on July 9, 2021, and has since been updated.

The post The Only Aperol Spritz Recipe You Need This Season appeared first on Camille Styles.

For me, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to stay in, get cozy, and romance your partner (or your best friend, or yourself) with a homemade dinner that features all their favorite things. Often, there’s a nostalgic component—when Adam and I first started dating, I tried seducing him with so many chocolate soufflé cakes (his favorite) that he might have actually gained a few pounds.

Unfortunately for Adam, I now reserve the chocolate soufflé for our annual Valentine’s date night at home, and this year I’m also making a couple of his other old-school favorites: hot honey glazed salmon, and this grapefruit vodka cocktail, also known as a greyhound or salty dog (we’ll get to the distinction in a moment.) Scroll on for this simple, classic grapefruit vodka cocktail that’s always a crowd-pleaser, along with a few tips for making it really special.

What do you call a grapefruit vodka cocktail?

Let’s break it down:

• A classic Greyhound cocktail is made by shaking up 1 part vodka or gin to 3 parts grapefruit juice and serving over ice. That’s it! It’s super delicious and refreshing, especially when made with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.
• The difference between a Salty Dog cocktail and a Greyhound is that a Salty Dog has a salted rim. It’s small touch that makes a big difference in the flavor of the final product.
• The Italian Greyhound is another lesser-known vodka grapefruit cocktail that adds Campari to the mix (YUM)
• A Sea Breeze cocktail also uses vodka and grapefruit juice, with the pretty addition of cranberry juice as well.
• And if you’re wondering about the difference between a Paloma cocktail and a Greyhound, a Paloma has tequila or mezcal instead of vodka or gin.

My version is closest to the Salty Dog thanks to its yummy salted rim, but mixes up the classic ratios just a bit, adding a squeeze of agave syrup and some grapefruit-flavored sparkling water to top it off. I love the fizziness this provides, and it allows me to modify the drink and make a low-alcohol cocktail if I want to keep things light, without sacrificing the delicious grapefruit flavor.

How to make a Salty Dog cocktail in 3 easy steps

I’m not a fan of complicated at-home cocktails—I love a short ingredients list and simple shake-it-up technique, and this cocktail recipe has both.

1. First, you’re going to salt the rims of your glasses. I like the look of a rim that’s salted on just half the glass, plus it allows the drinker to decide if they take a sip with or without salt. To get this effect, all you have to do is take a lime or grapefruit wheel and run it around the edge of half the glass, then dip that half into a small bowl filled with kosher salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, you’re going to shake up 2 parts grapefruit juice to 1 part vodka, with a squeeze of agave if desired.
3. Strain and pour over your ice-filled glasses, then top off with grapefruit sparkling water to taste. My hands-down favorite is Rambler—everyone in our house is obsessed. If you want, garnish with a grapefruit slice.

Casa Zuma Recycled Glass Tumblers

Made in Oaxaca of locally-sourced recycled glass, these tumblers are incredibly durable, and lend a relaxed, organic vibe to the table. 

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Tips for the best grapefruit vodka cocktail

When a recipe is this simple, it’s all about the quality of your ingredients, so I highly recommend using freshly-squeezed pink grapefruit or ruby red grapefruit juice here, instead of the bottled kind. It makes a major difference, and it’s one simple step that makes this recipe feel special, despite its simplicity.

I personally love the addition of a little agave syrup in this since it balances the tart flavor of the fresh grapefruit juice. Feel free to swap in simple syrup, or omit altogether if you like your drink less sweet.

How to make it a grapefruit mocktail

Since grapefruit has such a delicious, juicy flavor on its own, it makes an amazing base for a non-boring cocktail. If you’d like to make this drink without alcohol, just swap in a little lime juice in place of the vodka or gin, and add some extra grapefruit sparkling water. Make it feel a little more special by throwing in a rosemary sprig or mint for garnish. Delish (and beautiful!)

The post This Salty Dog Cocktail is Sweet, Tart, and Easy—Make It for Your Main Squeeze This Valentine’s appeared first on Camille Styles.

What is it about hot cider that gives us all the heart-eyes and hygge vibes? There’s something about the simple pleasure of carefully grasping a cup between both hands, letting its heat warm you, body and soul. And sure, PSLs may reign as the ubiquitous fall drink, but here at Camille Styles, we’re team cider—and we have the best apple cider recipes to prove it.

Somehow, apple cider tastes as if someone (brilliantly) devised a way to drink the flavor of falling leaves, chunky sweaters, wool scarves, and all things cozy. Strange but true, and because of this, you can find us sipping on mug after mug of all our favorite apple cider recipes from now until December—maybe beyond.

Featured image by Hannah Haston.

Like any fall dish, these 11 versions of the seasonal favorite contain every autumnal flavor you can think of—maple, apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, and bourbon. But unlike other fall foods, cider fully encompasses all that is warm, cozy, and wonderful about the colder months. It’s what we keep in our cups during all the tailgates, fall gatherings, and blustery weekend afternoons spent curled up in autumnal bliss.

If you aren’t already shaking your head in agreement, prepare yourself. When you take your first sip of one of the recipes listed below, you’ll soon join the club of proud cider fanatics everywhere.

11 Apple Cider Recipes For Cozy Fall Sipping

Herbal Infused Bourbon Apple Cider

Why We Love It: When it came to apple cider recipes, I once thought of myself as a cider purist. Spoiled by the proximity of a cider press, you can bet the cider I was sipping on as a kid was as fresh as could be. And while I’ll still never get over the dry/tart flavor of my ciders of yore, I’ve learned to enjoy a little doctoring up. Enter: this herbal-infused, bourbon-spiked apple cider cocktail that epitomizes all that I love about fall flavors. It’s spicy and sweet, warming and ever-so-savory. And with a few ounces of bourbon to boot, this is the ideal fall party cocktail.

Hero Ingredient: Make a big batch of the honey-thyme simple syrup. It’s the kind of mix-in you’ll always want on hand.

Build Your Own Cider Bar

Why We Love It: This is less of a recipe and more one of my favorite ways to enjoy the best apple cider recipes around. Is there anything better than welcoming the season surrounded by loved ones? That’s exactly why we created this guide to your coziest night in—BYO cider bar, included.

Hero Ingredient: Hero… arrangement. Be sure to set out all the ingredients and add-ons in advance. That way, your guests can stir in a cinnamon stick or add a dash of bourbon as they please.

Cranberry Apple Cider

Why We Love It: CranApple is a marketer’s dream flavor for a reason. Not only does it provide a catchy name to splash across the bottle, but mixing the tartness of cranberries with the earthy sweetness of apples is a study in perfect flavor pairings. Mix up a big bowl of this punch and infuse it with your favorite fall spices. It’s the ideal drink to be sipping on during all your Hallmark favorites.

Hero Ingredient: Citrus slices are a must-add to your cider punch bowl. Not only do they add gorgeous color and up the drink’s overall visual appeal, but they add a nice sour note to give your punch a little pucker.

Spiced Hard Cider

Why We Love It: If your go-to hard cider isn’t cutting it in the fall flavors department, we’ve outlined the exact steps you need to follow to ensure your beverage is worthy of a little autumn imbibing. Eric Prum and Josh Williams, co-founders of W&P, put it best: “We like to punch up bottled cider by spiking it with applejack, a brandy distilled from apples, and warming spices. We build this drink in a cocktail shaker, infusing the applejack with the spices before topping it with refreshing hard cider.” Yum or YUM?

Hero Ingredient: A pinch of ground allspice, cinnamon, and cloves infuses your cider with the trifecta of fall spices.

Bourbon Maple Cider

Why We Love It: Bourbon maple might be my favorite pairing of words in the English language (followed quickly by maple bacon… ). In all seriousness, this drink knows how to spice up and strengthen your favorite cup of cider. With just a few simple ingredients your fall kitchen is likely to have already stocked, you’re well on your way to mixing up what we’d consider an essential autumn drink.

Hero Ingredient: Don’t mess with the maple syrup—be sure you’re using the good stuff.

Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita From Half Baked Harvest

Why We Love It: If the temps are still high where you are and you’re in need of a drink to bridge the gap between summer and fall, make it this one. Smoky mezcal is the perfect warming match for all the harvest flavors (i.e., a blend of orange liquor, spiced apple cider, citrusy lime, and maple). It’s a special drink that couldn’t be easier to make.

Hero Ingredient: A sprig of rosemary for garnish not only makes this sipper a stunner, but it gives the drink a nice piney finish.

Apple Cider Rooibos Hot Toddy From Minimalist Baker

Why We Love It: Talk about clever. While I love apple cider (obviously), go crazy for hot toddies, and sip on rooibos tea like it’s water all through the fall/winter months, I’d never thought to combine the three. That is, of course, until now. The result is a strong, bold drink that’s just a touch sweet. If you’re tempted to reach for a cup of chai post-dinner, make this instead. Trust me: your taste buds will thank you.

Hero Ingredient: The spice is right with just a few slices of fresh ginger.

Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail From Style Me Pretty

Why We Love It: While a few of the takes in this round-up of the best apple cider recipes know the beauty that is cider and bourbon combined, this one builds on the pairing with the addition of brown sugar. It creates a wonderfully caramelized touch of sweetness that’s slightly bitter. The ideal match for this drink’s triple-threat spice combo.

Hero Ingredient: I love that this recipe is truly homemade. You’ll appreciate the flavor of fresh apple cider once you’ve peeled, chopped, boiled, mashed, and strained 14 apples to make this magic elixir.

Sparking Vanilla Scented Apple Cider Punch From Simple Bites

Why We Love It: I find it funny that you don’t often come across a vanilla-flecked variation of apple cider. While some people think of vanilla only as sweet, I find it a bit earthy, floral, and even spicy at times—in other words, exactly what every apple cider punch should call for. This crimson, cranberry-infused cider is all the better because of it.

Hero Ingredient: Building on the vanilla here. You get not just one, but two instances of its sweet, creamy taste from the addition of vanilla extract and a split vanilla bean. Double the flavor, double the deliciousness.

Apple Cider Cocktail From Well-Plated By Erin

Why We Love It: I love how light and ethereally effervescent this apple cider cocktail is. While some ciders can feel and taste heavy (there’s a time and a place for those), this recipe benefits from the addition of ginger beer, giving it a spicy, bubbly bite. Its garnishes are beautifully considered too, with apple slices, cinnamon, and a sprig of thyme making it occasion-worthy.

Hero Ingredient: Stock up on ginger beer this season—you’ll be making this cocktail on repeat.

Ginger Pear Cider With Vanilla Bean From The First Mess

Why We Love It: Because the predominant flavor here is pear instead of apple, we’ll call this cider recipe a bit of a bonus. But I’m including it because I think more of us need to be aware of the incredibly seasonal and fresh flavor pear brings to the table (why does apple get to be the star?). Not only is this drink entirely addicting, but the addition of ginger helps you fight off the inevitable fall cold. The best part: you don’t need a press to make it! This drink can be prepared entirely in your blender.

Hero Ingredient: Give it up for the humble beauty of pears.

This post was originally published on September 24, 2020, and has since been updated.

The post 11 Cider Recipes We Can’t Wait to Make this Fall appeared first on Camille Styles.

Sipping straight mezcal on a Tuesday with my boss was one of the more unconventional workdays I’ve had in a while. But, as is true for many shifts in routine, it sparked a bit of creativity and inspired the makings of this Spicy Mezcal Paloma recipe.

On our recent team trip to Oaxaca, we spent three days soaking up the city’s vibrant art, food, and culture (get Camille’s favorites list here). Of course, a mezcal tasting was warranted given that Oaxaca is home to this smoky spirit. The experience left me itching to infuse more mezcal moments into my cocktails this summer. Enter: this Spicy Mezcal Paloma recipe.

I’ll start by confessing this recipe is breaking a cardinal rule of mezcal drinking. We learned that mezcal is meant to be sipped straight, instead of mixed into cocktails. But if you’re like me, you might need a little fresh juice and soda to help you ease into your mezcal journey. Plus, it’s hard to turn down a classic, thirst-quenching Paloma—so let’s get to it.

What is a Paloma?

A traditional Mexican Paloma is made with tequila blanco and grapefruit soda. This version is a riff on the classic, using a mix of freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice, lime juice, and sparkling water. The result is a cocktail that’s citrusy without being overly sweet. This recipe also calls for blanco tequila in addition to the mezcal to balance the flavors and round out the drink. Lastly, I’ve found that using honey gives my cocktails just a hint of sweetness without the headache. And don’t forget your sliced jalapeño and chili salt for that extra kick!

What is the difference between tequila and mezcal?

Mezcal has been produced in Mexico for centuries, and believe it or not, tequila is actually a type of mezcal. Both tequila and mezcal come from agave plants, but the types of agaves and production methods differ for each spirit. At our tasting, we learned that mezcal production is deeply rooted in tradition and begins by being cooked in the ground in natural ovens. It’s later distilled in copper pots, giving it that distinct, smoky flavor. However, we learned that the more authentic the mezcal, the less smoky it tastes.

What You’ll Need To Make This Mezcal Paloma Recipe

This Mezcal Paloma combines a unique mix of flavors: tart, smoky, spicy, and just a little sweet. What more could you want in a drink? Here’s what you’ll need to mix up this cocktail in less than five minutes:

• A good blanco tequila. I prefer LALO.
• Your favorite mezcal. I’m a fan of Madre.
• A few limes. Fresh-squeezed lime juice makes all the difference.
• Grapefruit. You can opt for store-bought grapefruit juice, but the drink will taste the most fresh if you juice the grapefruit yourself.
• Honey. For a dash of sweetness.
• Sparkling water. It’ll give your Paloma that extra fizz. I love Topo chico.
• Jalapeño. A little goes a long way!
• Chili salt. You can buy store-bought chili salt or make your own (instructions below!).

When it comes to garnishes, I’ve used fresh herbs like rosemary, lime or grapefruit wedges, and even sliced cucumber.

What pairs well with a Mezcal Paloma?

These Mezcal Palomas have been a crowd-pleaser at my house this summer. They pair well with some of our favorite summer dinner recipes. Mix up a batch and enjoy your cocktails alongside sheet pan chicken fajitas, pistachio crusted halibut, or one of our best taco recipes of all time. For summer gatherings, I love to double (or triple!) the recipe and prepare it in a big pitcher for friends to pour over ice when they’re ready for a cocktail.

The post This Spicy Mezcal Paloma Will Heat Up Your Summer appeared first on Camille Styles.

Need a fresh cocktail idea for warm-weather gatherings? Look no further than this Cocchi Americano Spritz. On a recent trip to Seattle, I spent an afternoon at Cassandra LaValle’s studio, and she stirred up these classic cocktails with a unique twist.

What is a Cocchi Spritz?

I actually wasn’t sure either, but a little investigating uncovered that a Cocchi Spritz is the latest in a series of classic Italian spritzes to arrive in the States and promptly become the “drink of summer.” (See: Aperol Spritz if you need another.) Cocchi is a type of vermouth that’s been around forever, and it’s made a major comeback for modern-day cocktails. Cassandra’s Cocchi Spritz adds dry vermouth, a dash of orange bitters, and an orange slice / lemon peel garnish.

Scroll on for the recipe for this Cocchi Americano Spritz–and hop over to the post for our full interview with Cassandra. Trust me when I say that you won’t want to miss her heirloom tomato and burrata galette, either.

The post Cocchi Americano Spritz appeared first on Camille Styles.

This refreshing Elderberry Cocktail is the perfect sipper for a casual spring gathering. Ashleigh Amoroso poured it for the happy hour she hosted at her studio, and says, “This cocktail is simple, tasty, and easy to adjust the alcohol content. It’s beautiful with the floral ice cubes!”

Scroll on for the recipe for this Elderberry Cocktail that’s a perfect way to celebrate the season.

The post Elderberry Spring Cocktail appeared first on Camille Styles.

Every good holiday party needs a signature drink, and Elle Florescu just shared the most festive one yet. This dairy-free eggnog cocktail recipe is a spin on the classic Christmastime drink, using Fronks nog in place of traditional egg and milk mixture.

If you’ve yet to experience the magic that is Fronks milk, it’s an Austin-based organic nut milk–and it’s totally delicious. This simple swap makes the cocktail dairy-free and perfect for everyone on your guest list, especially when it tastes this good. The cocktail gets its sweetness from Cinnamon Vanilla Syrup and is topped off with a gorgeous sprinkle of nutmeg. Save the recipe for this Dairy-Free Nogtini for your next holiday gathering.

Step inside Elle’s festive holiday party right here, and keep scrolling for this dairy-free eggnog cocktail recipe…

The post Your Search For a Dairy-Free Eggnog Cocktail Ends Here appeared first on Camille Styles.

Watermelon just tastes like summer. And although those warm weather nights might be coming to an end, this cocktail will keep things feeling cool and carefree any time you need to bottle up those summer vibes. Our watermelon vodka cocktail recipe is the perfect addition to any outdoor (or indoor) gathering. Chef/owner Helene Henderson of Malibu Farm introduced us to this cocktail at a gorgeous dinner party she hosted this summer, and we’ve been hooked ever since.

When entertaining guests, having one specialty drink that is easy to prepare is always a good idea. Not only does it set the overall vibe for the evening, but it’s an easy way to bring together a dinner party theme and make it feel more thoughtful (when it actually only took you five minutes to whip up!) Plus, these ingredients are fresh, seasonal, and blendable, creating the ideal cocktail for the heat.

This recipe was part of the menu at our Malibu Farm Dinner Party at Helene’s house. Get the other recipes and read the full story here! And scroll on for the recipe card to this refreshing watermelon vodka cocktail recipe…

The post A Watermelon Vodka Cocktail for Warm Weather Nights appeared first on Camille Styles.

This sonic cocktail recipe was part of our Tastemakers interview with Valerie Rice. Get the other recipes and read the full story here! 

Says author and chef Valerie Rice:

“I hope the Brits don’t mind my suggesting half tonic and half soda water for this cocktail. It’s so light and delicious and has less sugar. Rum, gin, vodka, and white port all work beautifully in a sonic, but my favorite is white port, which adds a wonderful richness and is an awesome less-alcoholic option for day drinking (you’re welcome). These days, most bottle shops carry a good range of organic tonics made without high-fructose corn syrup – make the switch!”

Reprinted with permission from Lush Life: Food & Drinks from the Garden by Valerie Rice, Prospect Park Books 2021

Photo credit: Gemma and Andrew Ingalls

The post This Sonic Cocktail is Summer in a Glass appeared first on Camille Styles.

This watermelon punch recipe was part of our Tastemakers interview with Mariana Velásquez. Get the other recipes and read the full story here! 

Says author/chef Mariana Velásquez:

Barranquilla is a modern sprawling city that sits at the mouth of the Magdalena River, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Referred to as  La  Arenosa  (the  Sandy One), Barranquilla hosts the country’s largest yearly carnival, mixing African, Indigenous, and worldly traditions. It’s actually one of the world’s largest carnivals, although it remains lesser known to international tourists. People take over the streets, dress up in costume, and dance, drink and eat the night away, carrying on all the next day and into the night and day again.

The patillazo came to me on a steamy Barranquilla afternoon. I was in meetings during a quick visit to the city and lunch was distant. Dehydration, an understatement. I pulled over onto the sidewalk underneath a tin roof where I found a crowd of schoolchildren, chatting and joking away as they dipped their spoons into tall cups of crushed watermelon with tons of lime and ice. The watermelon pieces had been steeping in the lime juice long enough for its flavor to become more intense, the chunks of watermelon extra supple. It was the perfect antidote to my exhaustion and hunger.

In this sense, there is nothing extraordinary about this watermelon punch recipe except the way the flavors come together so seamlessly, making for a delightful midsummer drink.

From the book COLOMBIANA by Mariana Velásquez. Copyright © 2021 by Mariana Velásquez. Published by Harper Wave, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Reprinted by permission.

Photos by Gentl & Hyers.

The post This Patillazo Watermelon & Lime Punch Is the Ultimate Summer Refresher appeared first on Camille Styles.

It began innocently enough. A friend’s husband randomly ordered an espresso martini at the end of a group dinner. “What is that?” everyone asked. Then, I started noticing the caffeine-fueled cocktail popping up on lots of menus around town. Soon, recipes for the distinct drink (a simple tonic of vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso) were filling my Instagram feed, and the entire group was ordering the cocktail at the end of dinner. There’s no doubt about it: the espresso martini is having a moment. When I floated the idea to a group of Camille Styles editors, however, the drink proved polarizing. “Ew not again,” someone memorably responded.

Having been well below the drinking age in the ’90s—the heyday of the espresso martini—I didn’t realize the vodka cocktail’s return was just part of our current obsession with that decade’s trends. And I certainly didn’t realize how many feelings people would have—both positive and negative.

There are several theories as to why this particular ’90s-era cocktail—and not, for example, an Appletini or Carrie Bradshaw’s Cosmopolitan—is enjoying a resurgence. The New York Times considers the recent obsession with coffee culture (particularly on TikTok). They also point to my personal favorite Bravo show, Summer House, where the cast’s drink of choice on any booze-fueled episode has proven to be a harbinger of sorts for alcohol trends. (In the article, castmate Kyle Cooke boldly claims the group’s obsession with rosé in 2016 may have led to Whispering Angel’s popularity, which is exactly why he’s one of the reality TV greats.) Cooke and castmate Amanda Batula launched a ready-to-drink espresso martini under their canned cocktail company Loverboy this fall. Recently, a friend even floated the idea that the espresso martini is just a slightly more sophisticated take on the buzzy Red Bull vodkas we drank in college. Fair enough.

The real reason behind the resurgence may be even simpler: cold brew coffee has become more universally available in recent years, and it’s a great alternative to the espresso that was so often substituted in martini recipes of the past (a habit that may have given the drink its reputation as being, to put it plainly, not very good). Coffee liqueurs have also come a long way since the 1990s.

So if your first response to the espresso martini’s comeback was less than enthused, consider giving it another go. After decades of little evolution, the current craft cocktail craze has helped produce far more complex and exciting versions.

And if you like to dabble in the arts of the caffeinated cocktail from the comfort of home, consider these excellent espresso martini recipes.

A Perfectly Frothy Espresso Martini

Emphasizing the importance of strong, well-made espresso, the Preppy Kitchen helps you nail the cocktail’s picture-perfect foam topping.

Tidy Mom’s Easy Espresso Martini

Tidy Mom’s traditional recipe includes a few tips for the best craft cocktail experience, including a vanilla syrup alternative and the best dishes to serve with an espresso martini.

A Decadent Espresso Martini

This recipe adds a touch of caramel and features an Irish Cream liqueur.

A Clean, Dairy-Free Espresso Martini

By nature, espresso martinis should be naturally vegan-friendly, but if you want to ensure the cleanest version of the cocktail, this dairy-free recipe is as easy (and tasty looking) as they come.

The Defined Dish’s Traditional Espresso Martini

The health-conscious Texas-based food writer behind some of my favorite tequila cocktails offers a classic take includes advice on creating a perfectly chilled martini glass.

Are you a fan of the Espresso Martini comeback? Or does it make you cringe? Sound out below.

The post Are You Team Espresso Martini? Why the 90s Cocktail Is Summer’s Most Divisive Drink appeared first on Camille Styles.

These blood orange margaritas are the perfect way to toast Cinco de Mayo – or simply the fact that summer has arrived.

From Lush Life: Food & Drinks from the Garden: “Tart, delicious, and so beautiful, blood orange season is something to celebrate. Supermarkets often stock blood oranges that have been shipped in from a land far, far away, and I find that they can smell dank and are soft to the touch. It’s best to purchase them at the farmers market. Or, better yet, if you live in a warm climate like we have in Santa Barbara (where the days are warm and the nights are cool), buy a tree and plant it in your yard. If you’re tight on space, grow a dwarfed variety in a large pot. You’ll know the citrus is ready to be picked when the peel looks slightly red like it was dusted in rust.”

Scroll on for the recipe, and click here to read more about this summer party-worthy menu from Lush Life.

The post Blood Orange Margaritas appeared first on Camille Styles.

My New Year’s Eve plans always seem to come together at the very last minute. Anyone else? Of course, last year looked a bit different from most, with many of us ringing in the new year from home. And while we were all excited to say goodbye to 2020, suffice it to say that this year presented a whole host of other challenges as well. While every New Year’s Eve is something to celebrate, it’s worth giving a commemorative cheers! to our collective resilience. If you’re like me, you’ll be spending your holiday cozied up indoors again this year. And I don’t know about you, but I always like to celebrate with champagne cocktails that make the day feel extra special.

Setting up a champagne cocktail bar is super easy, plus it feels a little more special than just setting out a few bottles of bubbly on the counter. Whatever your plans are for this year, you simply can’t go wrong with serving up one of these 30 delicious champagne cocktails. I can’t wait to try the white peach and elderflower cooler, yummm! What are your plans for this New Year’s Eve?

featured photo via freutcake

Kir Royale from A Couple Cooks

Why We Love It: Full disclosure: Kir royales are my favorite drink. They’re easy while still feeling elegant and celebratory. After all, the French know the beauty of combining berries and bubbly. 

Hero Ingredient: This is a two-ingredient cocktail, so between the champagne and Crème de Cassis, I’ll have to choose the latter. It’s a sweet, red liqueur that’s made from blackcurrants, and it gives this drink its signature flavor.

Get the recipe.

Blackberry Lavender Champagne Cocktail from The Adventure Bite

Why We Love It: This cocktail might just be the prettiest drink on the list. I love any berry and champagne combination, but blackberries bring a deep inky sheen that takes your champagne from good to gorgeous.

Hero Ingredient: Add lavender to just about anything for an instantly-elevated effect.

Get the recipe.

Poinsettia Spritz Punch from Half Baked Harvest

Why We Love It: To be clear, zero poinsettias were harmed in the making of this beverage. While the name comes from its ruby red color, it’s really just a cranberry-champagne cocktail taken up a notch with St. Germain. This drink is floral and fancy in all the best ways—and definitely what I’ll be toasting with come midnight.

Hero Ingredient: If a drink contains elderflower liqueur, you can bet I’ll be ordering it.

Get the recipe.

Honey Roasted Pear Sparkling Cocktail from Cotter Crunch

Why We Love It: When the holidays hit and I’ve already had too many slices of pumpkin pie, it’s pears that I turn to for a little sweet relief. They’re earthy and crisp, with the perfect buttery bite. Here, the pears are honey-roasted and blended into a puree, so you get a little bit of sugary spice in every sip.

Hero Ingredient: The tablespoon of balsamic vinegar adds a rich and complex sweetness that’s wonderfully unexpected.

Get the recipe.

Plum Thyme Prosecco Smash from My Diary Of Us

Why We Love It: I love the endless possibilities that plums, and really all stone fruits, present. They’re perfect in a salad, wonderful in desserts, and downright delicious in this drink. The impact is an elegant but festive beverage that’s so simple to make.

Hero Ingredient: The thyme simple syrup concentrates all the notes of mint and lemon my favorite herb offers. Garnish with a few sprigs for good measure.

Get the recipe.

Rosé Cocktail from Crate & Barrel

Why We Love It: If it was possible to fall in love with a cocktail, this would be the drink. A swoon-worthy blend of Lillet (a French, wine-based aperitif), grapefruit juice, and champagne create the beautiful, blush-toned hue. It’s gorgeous served in a coupe but will look elegant in just about any glass you can find.

Hero Ingredient: This cocktail is all about color. You can thank the grapefruit juice for that.

Get the recipe.

Blackberry French 75 from Heather Christo

Why We Love It: Next to kir royales, the French 75 is my favorite drink. Gin, champagne, lemon juice, and the tiniest bit of sugar—what’s not to love? This take on the classic cocktail infuses blackberries in the simple syrup for fruity flavor and a lavender-like hue.

Hero Ingredient: Lemon juice gives the French 75 its signature sour sip. In this version, the citrus does double duty in cutting the blackberries’ earthy, and slightly tart, undertones.

Get the recipe.

Grapefruit and Sage Champagne Cocktail from The Floating Kitchen

Why We Love It: The cold weather comes around, and suddenly I’m craving citrus at all times of the day. While I can appreciate a good grapefruit in the summer, nothing beats their in-season freshness. Pink grapefruit juice is just about the easiest way to brighten up any cocktail, and I love the slightly tangy, sour bite it gives this otherwise sweet drink.

Hero Ingredient: The creative possibilities are endless when it comes to cocktails. And while sage might seem a little out of the ordinary in a glass, the refreshing, almost eucalyptus-like can’t be matched.

Get the recipe.

Pomegranate Spice Champagne Cocktail

Why We Love It: Pomegranates are the crowning jewel of Christmastime, and even after the holidays are over, I savor their ruby red beauty for as long as I can. Be sure to pick out the freshest pomegranate juice you can find for this recipe. 

Hero Ingredient: I’m all about the vanilla’s woodsy sweetness.

Get the recipe.

Blood Orange Champagne Mule from Half Baked Harvest

Why We Love It: Let me introduce you to just about the closest thing to a party in a glass. This inventive take on a Moscow Mule adds champagne (of course) and showcases blood oranges’ subtle citrus flavor that’s infused with cherry and raspberry notes.

Hero Ingredient: Oranges are great and all, but blood oranges? The best.

Get the recipe.

Apple Cider Champagne Cocktail from Well Plated

Why We Love It: Starting in September, I can enjoy apple cider all the way through June. It’s crisp, refreshing, and slightly sour. Plus, cider is exactly what you should add to champagne for festive, but still cozy vibes.

Hero Ingredient: A splash of brandy grounds this cocktail with a bit of body, making it perfect for your midnight toast.

Get the recipe.

Lychee French 75 from Super Golden Bakes

Why We Love It: If you’re wanting to welcome the new year in style, here’s the drink to do it with. It’s sparkly and light, and possibly the most refreshing beverage on this list.

Hero Ingredient: You have plenty of options for bringing the unmistakably aromatic lychee flavor to your drink. While the recipe uses tinned lychees and syrup, you’re also welcome to try the fruit fresh. Or, if you’re really going for impact, add in a bit of lychee liqueur.

Get the recipe.

Fig Honey Thyme Prosecco Smash from Half Baked Harvest

Why We Love It: Let me just read that back to you: Fig. Honey. Thyme. Prosecco. Smash. While there are plenty of witty and elegant cocktail names to choose from, this tell-it-like-it-is title might just be my favorite. The inspired blend of ingredients (in particular, fresh figs and the ripest red plums you can find) makes for easy sipping. 

Hero Ingredient: When you can find fresh figs, run, don’t walk, and load up your basket. In this drink, they fully epitomize the expression “nature’s candy.”

Get the recipe.

Strawberry Basil Cucumber Rosé Sangria from Heather Christo

Why We Love It: If, to you, January 1st means one month closer to the start of spring, mix this up stat. While the mix of strawberries, cucumber, and basil signifies warmer days, this cocktail still feels appropriate for inviting in the new year.

Hero Ingredient: The rose petals are a refreshing iteration of the classic strawberry-basil combo.

Get the recipe.

Lingonberry Aperol Spritz from Sugar & Charm

Why We Love It: While most of what’s found on social media are short-lived, I’d argue that the Instagram-friendly drink of 2019 will never go out of style. They’re truly timeless, and this Scandinavian twist on the classic is the perfect way to shake things up.

Hero Ingredient: Lingonberries are the perfect balance of being sour, tart, and ever-so-slightly sweet. While I love them in jams, sauces, and my favorite Nordic-inspired baked treats, here, an ounce of lingonberry syrup is the only way to improve upon Aperol’s orange-like flavor.

Get the recipe.

Peach Basil Bellini from Heather Christo

Why We Love It: While biting into a juicy, sun-ripened peach is possible only between June and July, you can recreate the experience in the colder months. Enter: this drink. Peach puree, prosecco, plus a bit of fresh basil, and you’ll be sipping your way straight to summertime.

Hero Ingredient: A little sprig of green basil freshens up this cocktail, making your drink all the more elegant.

Get the recipe.

Blackberry Thyme Sparkler from The Effortless Chic

Why We Love It: Fresh and fruity, this cocktail is bound to be the most-talked-about part of your evening. A gold-sugared rim gives it an extra bit of glam that doesn’t feel over the top. Serve it up in chic champagne flutes for extra appeal.

Hero Ingredient: With a distinctly herbal flavor, gin is a perfect complement to most champagne’s apple, pear, and citrus notes.

Get the recipe.

Cherry Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail from Jennifer Meyering

Why We Love It: I don’t ask for much, so when a drink can be made with five ingredients, I’m satisfied. When these components come together to create a stunning sipper like this? Well, consider me impressed. The cherry-pomegranate syrup brings color and cheers to every single glass.

Hero Ingredient: I always need a little sweetness with my champagne, and thanks to the fresh cherries, this cocktail delivers.

Get the recipe.

Cucumber Mint Sparkler from Domesticate Me

Why We Love It: These fizzy drinks feel light while still supplying a fair amount of festivity. The pretty pale green hue is a sight to behold, and, of course, the cocktail itself is something to be savored.

Hero Ingredient: Finely-chopped cucumber offers up a cooling flavor that mixes well with the lime and mint.

Get the recipe.

Ginger-Citrus Aperol Spritz

Why We Love It: Some might argue that Aperol Spritz is not a good drink. I’d have to say, New York Times, you’re wrong. Far be it from me to question the journalistic integrity of one of my favorite publications, but spritzes should be universally enjoyed. They’re refreshing, colorful, and the best thing to sip on surrounded by your friends in the summertime. They also work equally well served up at your NYE gathering.

Hero Ingredient: Aperol’s vibrant orange hue will send any imbiber straight to Tuscany. Honestly, that’s exactly where I’d want to be on the first of the year.

Get the recipe.

Lillet Rosé Cocktail from Martha Stewart

Why We Love It: When it comes to New Year’s Eve cocktails, you can’t go wrong with rosé—Lillet Rosé, that is. I’m all for infusing my NYE with a little French flair, and mixing this aperitif wine into my drink is the simplest way to do exactly that.

Hero Ingredient: A garnish of edible flowers raises this drink to new heights of aesthetic superiority.

Get the recipe.

Cranberry Orange Mimosa with Candied Rosemary from Vegetarian Ventures

Why We Love It: While mimosas are my brunch beverage of choice (following coffee, of course), I’d also invite them to any party I’m having no matter the time of day. I’m already planning my pajamas, snacks, and NYE movie picks around this cocktail.

Hero Ingredient: Garnishing your glass with a sprig of candied rosemary upgrades your champagne to seasonal cocktail status.

Get the recipe.

White Peach and Elderflower Cooler from Donna Hay

Why We Love It: Cocktails are an opportunity to compose a color palette and flavor profile of all your favorite tastes, textures, and hues. This drink’s particular mix of pale yellow and romantic, peachy pink is truly a work of art.

Hero Ingredient: You really can’t go wrong with elderflower. Both the cordial and fresh flowers in this drink offer a distinctly fresh and floral sweetness that’s full of nuance.

Get the recipe.

Rose and Black Currant Champagne from Donna Hay

Why We Love It: This is not your average champagne cocktail. Blackcurrant cordial concentrates the fruit’s tart, grape-like flavor and is responsible for this drink’s rose-colored hue.

Hero Ingredient: A sugar cube in each glass doesn’t just add sweetness. When the cube hits the champagne, you’ll create a spark of celebratory bubbles.

Get the recipe.

Champagne Margarita from 40 Aprons

Why We Love It: Now here’s a New Year’s Eve cocktail. It’s sour, it’s sweet, and it’s strong. But is it really an NYE celebration if you’re not pulling out all the stops?

Hero Ingredient: Orange liqueur is the perfect bridge between sweet champagne and all the flavors of the classic, zesty cocktail.

Get the recipe.

Apple Brandy Harvest Punch

Why We Love It: Let’s take a moment to appreciate how pretty this drink is. The effervescent mixture of champagne, Calvados, and St-Germain is gorgeous, and the orange juice adds the loveliest subtle glow.

Hero Ingredient: While I’d recommend Calvados, any apple brandy is going to give this punch its harvest-y vibes. Perfect for fall, and I’d argue, perfect for NYE.

Get the recipe.

Elixir de l’Amour

Why We Love It: Looking to impress with only a little bit of effort? Serve this to your guests. The name alone is alluring, and when you take your first sip, you’ll already be wanting more.

Hero Ingredient: Rosewater adds a refreshing floral note that’ll ward off any sugar-induced headaches.

Get the recipe.

Raspberry Mimosa from A Southern Soul

Why We Love It: Be ready to load up on the bubbly—these mimosas are going to be a hit. This drink is special without feeling fussy. The combo of sorbet, grenadine, raspberries, and champagne will fill each glass with a light and sweet flavor.

Hero Ingredient: Grenadine takes me back to my seven-year-old self, sipping on Shirley Temples. While this mimosa is a bit more age-appropriate, it’s still nostalgic in all the best ways.

Get the recipe.

Fizzy Spiked Pear Punch from The Sweetest Occasion

Why We Love It: I’m all for big-batch recipes that let me do the prep ahead of time. Mixing up a pitcher of this punch means less time in the kitchen, and more time making toasts with all of your loved ones. This is the perfect cocktail to have alongside a snacking board filled with your favorite in-season bites. And seriously, how pretty are those pear slices?

Hero Ingredient: Vanilla vodka might sound like something you haven’t touched since freshman year, but trust me when I say it’ll seal in all the cold weather flavors you crave.

Get the recipe.

Ginger Spritz from Bon Appétit

Why We Love It: Three spritzes in one single roundup? You better believe it. Bubbly cava and ginger beer fill your glass with a light, refreshing flavor. This drink works just as well at your NYE party as it would at your New Year’s Day brunch.

Hero Ingredient: The thinnest slice of peeled ginger is all the garnish this sweet and spicy cocktail needs.

Get the recipe.

This post was originally published on December 29, 2020, and has since been updated.

The post Say Cheers! 30 Champagne Cocktails for the Best NYE Ever appeared first on Camille Styles.

Next up in our Thanksgiving menu countdown: cocktails! For most gatherings I host at home, I set out some red and white wine and if I’m feeling really festive, a bottle of tequila and some limes. But for Thanksgiving? Since our families usually come over a couple hours before the actual meal, I like to have something special for them to sip on with appetizers.

Thanksgiving cocktails should be simple (’cause you’ve already got enough going on in the kitchen), FUN (obvi), and not too sweet (’cause you know you’re about to have multiple slivers from allll the pies.) This Gin & Tonic Bar setup from my friend Erin Gleeson checks all the boxes.

Erin’s book, Forest Feast Mediterranean, became an immediate favorite when it arrived in the mail last fall. If you’re a fellow fan of her other books, you’ll recognize the magical photographs, charming watercolor illustrations, and knack for making delicious recipes that are so simple, they almost seem good to be true. This book is different though, in that it goes outside her cozy cabin in the woods to bring the reader along for her family’s journeys through France, Portugal, Spain, and Italy. I devoured every word of her captivating stories, and the way she brought the meals they experienced on their travels to life… and then translated simply for a home kitchen.

One of my favorite recipes in the book, her Gin & Tonic Bar, will be kicking off the festivities at my own family’s Thanksgiving this year, so I asked Erin to share it here. It’s a true example of “eating with your eyes first;” the garnishes make a striking centerpiece for your buffet or bar setup on their own. Scroll on for the recipe…

Other great Thanksgiving Menu ideas right here:

• Cacio E Pepe Brussels Sprouts
• Kale & Wild Rice Salad with Mustard Maple Vinaigrette

this post originally ran in November 2019.

The post A Gin & Tonic Bar is Your Thanksgiving Cocktail Solution appeared first on Camille Styles.

And don’t miss Sheela’s tips for a stress-free Thanksgiving and the recipe for her Roasted Delicata Squash and Kale Salad right here!

*Excerpted from Sheela Prakash’s new cookbook, Mediterranean Every Day.

From Sheela: Multiply the honey, water, and lemon juice depending on how many you plan to serve. Combine the three ahead of time and, when needed, shake with ice, divide among glasses, and top off each glass with prosecco. It’s a drink that feels a little fancy yet is wildly fast to prepare.

The post Honeyed Prosecco is The Easy, Fancyish Cocktail You’ve Been Looking For appeared first on Camille Styles.

Having spent all of my 31 years learning to outsmart the unbearably hot Texas sun, I still can’t help but jump for joy at the arrival of warm temps and carefree vibes. June kicks off what I like to think of as the “summer slowdown”. The sunshine lasts longer (more time at the pool!), the work days are shorter (vacation season!), the weather grows hotter (the grill, too!) and well, all of this just means more excuses for margaritas.

I have a real love for watermelon. In my twenties, my summertime dinners often consisted of a bowl, a fork, and a mountain of ice cold watermelon cubes. And while my cooking skills have come along way since then, I still find myself seeking out ways to work watermelon into my diet all summer long.

These margaritas are my new favorite way. I can’t take credit for the idea — weeks ago after our first lake weekend of the year, my husband threw our leftover watermelon into the freezer and, hours later, surprised me with a tequila-spiked, slushy-like treat that I, admittedly, consumed a little too quickly given the tequila content. But it was sooo tasty and refreshing I couldn’t help myself — I instantly knew we had our new drink of summer.

So here I am, spreading the word. Move over rosé, tonight we’re sipping watermelon mint margaritas.

One thing I love about this recipe is that it relies solely on the sweetness of frozen watermelon. Often times I order a margarita at a restaurant and it’s sweet. Too sweet. I love that I can make this recipe at home and have complete control over the sweetness, without actually having to add any sweetener at all.

This does mean it’s important to get your hands on a watermelon that’s at its peak ripeness. But no worries, if you find yourself with a less-than-stellar melon you can always add a splash of simple syrup or a squeeze of honey to liven things up. The mint is totally optional and a little goes a long way, but I love the garden-fresh flavor it adds. And the tequila? Well, that’s self explanatory.

Cheers!

The post 4-Ingredient Watermelon Mint Margaritas We’re Drinking All Summer appeared first on Camille Styles.