Cheers! Dom Pérignon by David Lynch

I know that I've just posted our In love edition, but here is something that I also loved and wanted to share with you: Special Edition Dom Pérignon by David Lynch.

David Lynch is a producer, writer and director of major and original (not to say unusual) Hollywood movies like: Mulholland Dr, Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet, who joined the classic champagne brand and developed a very special edition.

I'm not a huge fan of the director, but I love champagne and I'm attracted to nice packaging and bottles, and these are beautiful!!

Special edition with more than special price... Cheers!!

Cheers! (no alcohol this time!)

To fight the heat it's doing here, nothing better than a fresh juice. So a good tip is to stop at the Beverly Hills Juice. A tiny shop, very simple with delicious juices!

It's been quite some time that Los Angeles is all about pressed juices (fruits processed by hydraulic pressure which, they say, have a higher nutritional content and does not oxidize as fast as the other methods).
These juices have become a must in the healthy/zen world, specially for those people who go on liquid diets, or want to detoxify, energize, etc.
The juice is very tasty. I bought this apple ginger coconut and I really liked! The juice is not too sweet and you get that "burning feeling" from the ginger (you have to really like ginger!)

For those familiar with the variety of juices and fruits in Brazil and its cheap prices, this is more expensive (I paid $ 6 a bottle), but it is worth if you want something different to keep you hydrated and refreshed especially during summer time.

Cheers!

I promised here that I'd give you the recipe of the drink hubby and I had few weeks ago, but I have to confess I forgot its name and could not find the exact recipe. But the drink is so good and since I know which ingredients are used, I'll list them here then you can make it according to taste (sweeter, stronger, lighter)
Let's call it Hubby's Drink because he was the one who chose it - wisely! - and now he keeps asking me to prepare it at home.

Ingredients
1oz vodka
a splash of St. Germain Elderflower liqueur (heads up: it's very sweet)
1/4 squeezed lemon
lemon-lime soda (Sprite, Mountain Dew ...)
lemon for garnish
Pour all ingredients into a glass with ice and garnished with lemon and fill it with soda. It's light, refreshing and very tasty! (I, particularly, like strong drinks, so I'd be generous with the vodka!)

An amazing weekend to all!!

Cheers!

Let's celebrate the end of this week and the beginning of a new month with a delicious cocktail: Raspberry Bombshell (I think women are gonna love this drink!)

3/4 oz raspberry flavored vodka
3/4 oz Chambord (raspberry liqueur)
2 oz lemonade
1 oz cranberry juice
Lemon twist (to garnish)

Shake all the ingredients with ice and pour into a tall glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and a black raspberry (the regular one works too!)

Have a happy weekend!

Firestone Vineyards, CA

As California is very famous for its wines, it is really easy to find great wineries almost everywhere. Of course that a trip to Napa or Sonoma is more than recommended, but if you have little time or want something closer to LA, my suggestion is Firestone Vineyards, in Santa Ynez Valley, CA.

This region is also known for the wineries and you will find many other along the road. But we chose Firestone (randomly) and enjoyed a lot. The service was very good, the tour was interesting and the tasting was delicious!

We're having such a great time there that we bought more wine and some appetizers and spent the whole afternoon in its yard.

One of the most interesting things we did over there was to see a "cork tree". Yes! If you, like me, had no idea where corks came from, now you know: they come from a tree. They scrape the stem (which will reborn every time), take the material and make it into a cork format. Nice, right?

Cheers!

To celebrate another weekend, today's Cheers! brings a drink which, at first, may sound strange, but I heard is very good and refreshing. I haven't tried it, but I confess I'm curious, because I love all the ingredients in this Portonic.

2 1/2 oz white Port wine
tonic water
lemon slices

In a glass filled with ice, pour the white Port and top it with tonic water (you can use the diet version too). Garnish with lemon slice. You can have it before or even after meals.

A peaceful weekend everyone!

Cheers!

I'm sure most women will love this week's Cheers!: Baileys Affogato.

.5 cup coffee (espresso or American)
1 tbsp sugar or sweetener
60ml Baileys Irish Cream

Dissolve the sugar in the coffee and freeze it. Once frozen, scrape it with a fork or knife to make it like crystals. Put in a short glass and add Baileys. The sweetness of the drink will depend on the coffee (if you use espresso, it will be stronger and less sweet). And the sugar is also to your taste (more or less than a tbsp). It's a great brunch and cocktail drink.

Enjoy your weekend!

Cheers!

Start enjoying your weekend with today's Cheers!: a delicious French Martini.

1 1/2 oz vodka
1/4 oz Chambord raspberry liqueur
1/4 oz fresh pinapple juice
orange zest to garnish

Pour all the ingredients (except for the orange zest) into a shaker with ice and shake well. Transfer it to a martini glass garnished with the orange zest and enjoy it!

Have a lovely weekend!

Cheers!

This week's Cheers! is a delicious drink called Mint Julep:

Ingredients
3oz Bourbon Whiskey
mint leaves (about 10)
sugar (to taste)
ice cubes
water (optional)

Using a whiskey glass, muddle together the mint, sugar and a small amount of Bourbon. Add some ice cubes and fill it with Bourbon (if it's too strong, you can add some cold water). Garnish it with a mint leaf and enjoy it!

PS: if you use sweetener instead of sugar, this is a low calorie drink (if you drink it in moderation, of course!)

Enjoy your weekend!

Cheers!

It's Carnival in Brazil, and here is a perfect drink for those who are lucky to be part of this amazing party: Disaronno Breeze. It's a very easy and refreshing drink, great for sunny days.

1 1/2 oz Disaronno
1/2 oz vodka
Cranberry juice

Using a tall glass, pour Disaronno and vodka over ice and top it with cranberry juice (you can substitute cranberry juice for any other juice of your choice).

For those enjoying Carnival, have fun but drink responsibly! For those living in the States, most of you don't have to work next Monday, so here is your reason to enjoy this drink!

Enjoy your weekend!

Cheers!

We're celebrating this week's Cheers! with Crystal Head Vodka.

This vodka has an interesting history: 13 crystal skulls were mysteriously found in different regions of the world (from American southwest to Tibet), and to this day nobody knows neither how nor by whom they were made. It's also said they transmit spiritual power and enlightenment to those who possess them.
And because of this whole aura of mystery, the actor Dan Aykroyd decided to create a vodka and sell it in this amazing skull-shaped bottle.

Since I lived in Mexico, where skulls also have this meaning of life and not death, I am slowly getting used to it and I already have some items in my home and closet. And, of course, this vodka is one of them!
If you don't drink, you can have it as a decor item, but it's also a pretty cool gift to a vodka - or skull - lover!

A very lovely weekend to all! (and start enjoying Valentine's Day!)

Cheers!

This week's Cheers! is a strong drink (to please those who are facing the cold weather), but refreshing (for those who are enjoying the sun): Orangesicle

Ingredients
1 1/2 parts Disaronno (or any other almond liqueur)
1/2 part vodka
3 parts orange juice
ice cubes
splash of cream (optional)

Mix all the ingredients in a shaker and pour it into a martini glass garnished with an orange peel.
As I said, this drink is a little bit strong, but refreshing with a citrusy taste. You can add a splash of cream if you want it creamer and sweeter.

Have a beautiful weekend!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Everyone is ready for the holidays, so my post today is simply to say MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A WONDERFUL 2012! I want you all to be happy, enjoy life, do good, pay more attention to each other, and have health and strength to face the challenges that might appear ahead.

Celebrate life! Enjoy the moments! Love and be loved, and stay peaceful with yourself and others (those interested, you can celebrate in high style with this Moet & Chandon golden bottle special edition)

Thank you for being around! 2011 was very special to me and you're a huge part of it. Next week, the posts will not be as constant, but I promise you that many other cool ideas are to come!

Cheers!

Summer is getting closer in Brazil so this week's Cheers! I chose a very refreshing Italian drink: Sgroppino

Ingredients
1 cup chilled prosecco
2 tbsp chilled vodka
1/3 cup lemon sorbet
1/4 tsp chopped fresh mint leaves

Pour the prosecco and vodka into 2 flute glasses, equally divided. Add one scoop of lemon sorbet into each flute and sprinkle fresh mint.

This drink is great for a hot day, brunch or cocktail. I also think that you can try your our version using other flavors of sorbet (such as orange, peach, etc..)

Enjoy this weekend and I hope you finish buying your Xmas gifts and foods, because we only have one week!!

Cheers!

Better late than never, right? So here's this week's Cheers! and, this time, you don't have to prepare anything. You just have to go to a liquor store and buy Agavero.

Agavero is a tequila liqueur that I got to know through my father-in-law when I was still living in Mexico. Since then, I always have one at home, and when we wanna drink something after dinner, it is an excellent choice!

Tastes like tequila but it's sweet. And it is great when you have it with an ice cube!

Enjoy the weekend!

Cheers!

Today's Cheers! is with a hot drink, perfect to celebrate the cold weather, fall, and Thanksgiving that is coming very soon: Hot Toddy (if you like hot drinks, also check out Irish Coffee and Mountain Melter's)

Ingredients
1 1/2 oz whiskey
5oz hot tea*
cinnamon stick
1 to 2 tsp honey
slice of lemon to garnish
* You can use the tea of your choice (black, apple, ginger ...). If you prefer, you can also use boiling water and give some flavor to it by increasing the amount of cinnamon and adding some cloves.

Preparation: Place all ingredients in an Irish Coffee mug and garnish it with lemon and cinnamon stick. The drink is strong, but you can make it lighter by adding more tea and using the amount of honey you desire.

A delightful weekend for all!

In love! Sorapot

The weather is getting colder and colder but, to me, there is no right season for a good cup of tea. And it's even better if it's done in a stylish teapot.
I found Sorapot on the internet and I'm in love with it! But I guess I'm not alone: the teapot is sold out in some websites, including Amazon!

Besides its clean and modern design, the company has an eco-friendly approach, and for the packaging, they've developed a box made of recycled cardboard and egg cartons, finished with a natural jute rope to avoid spending on paper, ribbons etc..

It is a little bit expensive but, with all the style, if it is really good, it is worth!

Cheers!

Today's Cheers! is a little bit different, but I'm sure you'll like: Moet Gold Camile Toupet. It's expensive, but it may be a great option for a very special occasion. If not, just looking is worth, it's beautiful!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Cheers!

Let's go back in time with this week's Cheers!: Cuba Libre

Ingredients
2oz white rum
2oz Coca-Cola
lime wedge to garnish
ice cubes

In a tall glass, pour the rum over the ice cubes. Fill it with Coca-Cola and finish it with lime wedge. This drink is light, refreshing and women usually love it (if you're like me, you can substitute regular Coke for Diet Coke)

Have a lovely weekend!

Sweet Moments: berries and banana smoothie

Whether starting your day, in the afternoon, or before/after exercise, a homemade smoothie with berries (blackberry, strawberry, blueberry) and bananas - or any other fruit of your choice - is a great choice and super healthy!

Tip: whenever my fruits are over ripe and I know I will not eat them but I don't want to throw away, I freeze them, so I can prepare juices, smoothies or even cakes with them. I do it with berries, pineapple, banana, peach ...