Cocktail Hour Favorites

Cocktail hour is my latest obsession. After a full day of summer fun,  I love to mix up something refreshing and savor it while my kids splash around in the pool.  If you too love cocktail hour, or are thinking about starting the classic tradition this summer, you are going to love these items I have been adding to my home bar. 

Samples may have been provided, or affiliate links may have been used in this post. 

I am over 40, and sometimes if you give me a cocktail, I might try to sneak off for a nap on the nearest sofa. Eboost is perfect for those times when a cocktail makes ya sleepy. Available in 3 tasty flavors, you can get these by the case for about $70. They are perfect for making the party a little perkier. Get them from the Eboost site.

Every well stocked home bar has straws in it, but these are the best silicon straws that I have tried.  I love that Gosili has so many styles and colors to choose from, making cocktail hour a little kinder to the planet. Get them online for  $5 to $7 a pack.

While you are at it, why not grab a few of these portable silicon straws to take with you? Sip on in style while reducing your footprint with these options from Gosili. They start at $3 and are a great addition to your purse.

If you are sipping drinks with someone prone to hangovers, give them a Tou Ta Lou shot to help make the morning a little lighter. These are packed with healthy ingredients to keep you feeling fine after a fun night. Get them online for about $30 a 6 pack.

Mimosas are not just for brunch; Ohza brings them to cocktail hour with ease. Available in 3 delicious varieties, this is one  canned cocktail that you are going to want to keep on hand all summer long. Order them direct, or locate a store on the site. 12 packs are about $36.

Every home bartender needs a good bottle of bourbon on hand. My new favorite is FEW straight bourbon whisky.  Visit the FEW website to find tour times and ways to purchase this grain to glass spirit. In addition to this impressive bourbon, FEW offers Rye, and single malt as well as some tantalizing varieties of Gin.

A few great mixers can make any cocktail hour next level. Square One has an organic line that is worth writing home about. I love the lively lemon in the afternoon and the Bloody Mary for Sunday morning sipping. Order it online for about $14 a bottle. Just add booze and club soda to create awesome drinks.

Cocktail hour is the ideal time to pop a bottle of bubble Rose or Prosecco. I love that Mionetto makes full size bottles and these little minis. These are awesome for sipping or sharing. Connect with Mionetto online and check out their collections. Order online from Drizly.

It is always a good time for wine. If you are like me, you probably dig trying new varieties . Gold Medal Wine Club gives you the chance to do just that. For about $40 a month you can try two California wines that won gold medals, so you know you are getting something good with each delivery. Order online.

Glass drinkng straws add function and class to any cocktail while reducing plastic waste. I am fond of the design and durability of Drinking Straws Glass brand. Order these online and find them on amazon starting at about $8. 

The Mind-Body Connection: Exploring the Impact of Vitamins on Mental Health

This author receives a commission through recommended links in this content.

 Nutrients play a major role in the mind-body connection. While we all know the importance of vitamins for physical health, the impact they can have on our mental well-being is equally significant. This article explores the relationship between vitamins and mental health, with a spotlight on a very popular therapeutic approach known as Myer's Cocktail.

The Link Between Vitamins and Mental Health

A deficiency in essential vitamins can lead to a range of mental health issues, from mild mood fluctuations to more serious conditions like depression and anxiety disorders. The science behind this is rooted in how vitamins participate in the production of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers in the brain. Mental health relies heavily on proper nutrition. 

Vitamin C

Often associated with immune support, Vitamin C also plays a crucial role in neurotransmitter synthesis. A deficiency can lead to fatigue and depression, as it's vital in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood.

B Complex Vitamins

B-complex vitamins, especially B6, B9, and B12, are essential in maintaining normal brain function. Deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to symptoms like irritability, depression, and cognitive decline.

Magnesium

This vital mineral is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including those that regulate the nervous system. A lack of magnesium can lead to anxiety, insomnia, and even panic attacks.

Correcting Vitamin Deficiencies

Correcting these deficiencies is not merely about taking supplements randomly. It requires a comprehensive approach:

• Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can ensure adequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals.

• Professional Guidance: Consulting with healthcare providers to assess and diagnose any deficiencies, followed by personalized treatment plans, can make a significant difference.

• Supplementation: In some cases, supplements may be necessary to correct deficiencies. It should always be done under professional supervision to avoid any potential risks or interactions.

The Myer's Cocktail: A Therapeutic Approach

The Myer's Cocktail is a specially formulated intravenous nutrient therapy containing key vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, B complex vitamins, and magnesium. Mobile medical practices can offer Myer’s therapy in Orange County in the comfort of your home. Here's how this unique therapy can support mental health:

• Rapid Absorption: Since the nutrients are delivered directly into the bloodstream, they bypass the digestive system, allowing for quicker and more efficient absorption.

• Customizable: The cocktail can be tailored to individual needs, targeting specific deficiencies and conditions.

• Widespread Benefits: From enhancing mood to improving energy levels and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, Myer's Cocktail can be a powerful tool in mental health care.

Considerations

While the Myer's Cocktail and vitamin supplementation can offer profound benefits, it should be part of a comprehensive mental health care plan that includes therapy, lifestyle changes, and possibly medication. As with any medical intervention, potential risks and side effects must be considered, and the treatment should always be administered by qualified healthcare providers.

Emphasizing the mind-body connection, including the role of vitamins in mental health, is more than just a medical consideration; it's a holistic approach to wellness.

Understanding and embracing this connection can empower individuals to take charge of their mental and physical health in a more integrated and positive way. The approach is not about isolated treatments but about weaving together various aspects of health, including diet, exercise, mindfulness, therapy, and interventions like Myer's Cocktail.

This perspective encourages a broader understanding of well-being, one that values the connection between the mind and body. By focusing on both, we create a pathway to comprehensive health that honors the full complexity of our human experience. 

Last Words

The relationship between vitamins and mental health illustrates the beautiful complexity of the human body and mind. It's a reminder that mental well-being isn't isolated from our physical health; they are intertwined and influence each other continuously.

The Myer's Cocktail, along with proper diet and professional guidance, can be instrumental in supporting mental health. Yet, it's vital to approach this connection with respect and understanding, recognizing that mental health care can be complex.

Take the time to nourish your body and mind. Whether it's through a healthy diet, targeted supplementation, or innovative treatments like the Myer's Cocktail, remember that your mental health is not separate from your physical well-being. They dance together in a delicate balance, and taking care of both is the key to overall wellness. 

Sources

https://sageclinic.org/blog/vitamins-and-mental-health/#:~:text=Deficiencies%20in%20B%20vitamins%2C%20including,norepinephrine%2C%20serotonin%2C%20and%20dopamine.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2738337/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12410623/#:~:text=The%20modified%20%22Myers'%20cocktail%2C,tract%20infections%2C%20chronic%20sinusitis%2C%20seasonal

Gorgeous Cranberry Cocktails: The Perfect Holiday Drink

Cranberries are a classic holiday ingredient, and for good reason. They're tart, sweet, and festive, and they make for delicious cocktails. Whether you're looking for a refreshing drink to enjoy by the fire or a boozy punch to serve at your holiday party, there's a cranberry cocktail out there for you. Here are a few of our favorite cranberry cocktail recipes:

Cranberry Gin Fizz by Cup of Zest

Chai Cranberry Bourbon Smash by Burrata and Bubbles

Cranberry Christmas Punch by Curry Trail

Smoked Orange and Cranberry Cocktails by Stef’s Eats and Sweets

Cranberry Orange Margaritas by Cooking with Curls

Cranberry Gin Cocktail by Baking Ginger

Christmas Morning Mimosas by Persnickety Plates

Poinsettia Mimosa by Limoncello Kitchen

Woo Woo Cocktail by Mom Foodie

Pineapple Cranberry Mezcal Margaritas by Gastronom

Apple Cranberry Mules by Made with Happy

Cranberry Hard Ginger Ale by Easy Party Cocktails

Cranberry Old Fashioned by Three Olives Branch

Cranberry Tequila Spritzers by Sustain My Cooking Habit

Cranberry Mojito Punch by Sugar + Soul

These are just a few of the many delicious cranberry cocktail recipes out there. So next time you're looking for a festive drink to enjoy, reach for some cranberries and get mixing!

Here are some additional tips for making the perfect cranberry cocktail:

• Use fresh cranberries whenever possible. They'll add a brighter flavor and color to your drink.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors. Cranberry juice pairs well with a variety of spirits, so have fun and try different combinations.
• Garnish your cocktails with fresh cranberries, citrus slices, or herbs for a festive touch.

With these tips in mind, you're sure to make delicious cranberry cocktails that everyone will love.

Find more favorite cocktail recipes here:

Sour Apple Margaritas

Haunting Halloween Cocktails

Sour Apple Margarita

Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner and this Sour Apple Margarita recipe is the best cocktail for the occasion!  This recipe is easy to make and has just the right mix of booze with the perfect pucker from the sour apple schnapps. Chances are you will make this one many times as summer rolls around.

When the pandemic began, I started collecting alcohol. I have never been a big drinker, but as I age, I can certainly appreciate a good cocktail recipe. These days, an afternoon cocktail is the pick me up I need.  This sour apple margarita is a favorite for the warmer months. It is so easy to mix and hits just right.  Pair it with taco night or make it and take it outside to savor the warm weather.

I look forward to the days when we can gather with friends and serve these by the pitcher. I know they will go down fast and smooth with friends laughing in the background, telling the stories of their lives.

The vibrant green color of this cocktail makes it so appealing, especially as the world begins to come in bloom. Bring on the green after such a long and gray winter!

Ingredients

Serving size is 1 8oz glass

1. 1oz Tequila
2. 2oz Sour Apple Schnapps
3. 1/2 oz Tripel Sec
4. 1/2 oz Cointreau
5. 2oz Sweet and Sour Mix
6. 1 splash of fresh Lime juice
7. 1 lime cut for garnishing

DIRECTIONS 

1. Pour Margarita salt onto one plate and simple syrup on the other plate
2. Take your glassware and dip the rims in the simple syrup and then the margarita salt and set to the side
3. Fill your glasses with ice 3/4 of the way full
4. Add ingredients to a bartender shaker along with 3-4 pieces of ice
5. Shake to combine and strain into your glass
6. Garnish with a lime wedge

See, I told you this was an easy cocktail recipe! So easy, you almost have to try mixing it yourself! I never knew margaritas could be so easy to make without using a mix.

You can find all of my cocktail recipes here.

Reader favorites include:

Night King Cocktails

Bomb Pop Cocktails

Wild Blueberry Gin Fizzers

Cocktail Hour Must Haves for the Holidays

 Cocktail hour is my favorite hour of the day for sure. Bless my husbands heart, he never bats an eye at me at 4 pm when I slip into the liquor cabinet and take the edge off. This season, why not make the drinks as festive and fun as possible with some new additions to your home bar? From mimosas to salt shooters, this list has something for every adult on it!

Samples were provided for inclusion and photography. Be sure to click thru to my partners and find a few new favorites for your own cocktail hour!

2020 has been quite a year, so why not take the holiday cheer to the next level with Ohza Cranberry Mimosa. These are perfect, and they bring the classic Sunday sip to anytime you want a mimosa. Get a 12 pack for about $40 and raise a glass to the season!

Keel+Curley Wines make the perfect holiday gift to share. This wine started with a desire to use the end of the season fruit for a blueberry farmer and it has blossomed into a wine that is delightful, fruity and practically made for sharing! Prices start at about $15 a bottle. 

Take the guess work out of mixology this holiday season with a box or two of Craft Stirs. These are awesome because all you need to do is pour a pouch into alcohol and mix it. Then like magic, you have a great drink at your fingertips. Order a box for $10 for holiday entertaining made easy.

Travel has been restricted for so many long months. For all of those trips to Mexico that have been canceled this year, raise a glass of Recuerdo Mezca, and sip to the trips that will be made in the future, and the memories that will be made. Prices start at about $36 a bottle.

A pack of Soak It Up Cloths makes for a must have at cocktail hour, where spills have been known to happen. These are so handy and very eco friendly. Order some starting at about $7 a pack and greatly reduce your paper towel use.

Serving hot toddy's to a crowd has never been easier than it is with a box of Aunt Lucy's Hot Toddy Mix. Add hot water, and a splash of booze, if you choose for a delicious way to warm up. Order for about $13 a box.

Serving shots has never been so intriguing as it is with a set of Creative Mixology Salt Shooters. This set has a tray, the shot glasses which are made of real salt and a lime dish for the perfect shot. This set will set you back $40 and will help make this holiday season a memorable one!

No judgments here if you need a cocktail to get thru the festivities with family. We all have that one relative that makes us want to drink a little. These little buzzbox cocktails are like a juice box for grownups. They have a great assortment to choose from so you will for sure find one you love. You can get a case of 24 for about $97.

GH Mumm Champagne is perfect for toasting with this holiday season. Pop the top and savor the delectable flavors. Prices start at about $30 for a bottle of a really good champagne.

Serve refreshing cocktails without spending any time at the bar mixing this season with Joia Spirits.These pre blended cocktails are awesome. Made with premium ingredients for a flavor that is just as good as it would be if a bartender blended it. Check out the line and find your favorite at a store near you.

I hope these ideas help you keep cocktail hour a jolly event! 

While you are here why not check out some of my favorite Christmas ideas?

Summer Home Bar Guide

Summer is here, and there is no better time to kick back and sip something wonderful! Here are a few of my favorites for your home bar. I know you are going to want to lift your glass and say cheers to all of these summer home bar must haves! 

This year has been interesting to say the least. We are now 4 months into the pandemic. I have been wondering... Who ordered 2020 from wish?

It seems that every day is the same, except one thing that changes. It just keeps getting hotter outside! Cocktail hour is the only thing getting me by, so let's check out some of my favorite products of the summer for the home bar.

Samples have been provided, and affiliate links may be used below.

Papo J Lambanog's Vodka is a must have for any home bar, this vodka is made with the nectar of coconut flowers to create a smooth, decadent, distinctly south pacific vibe.  Mix it in a margarita, or add it to cold brew coffee for a an afternoon pick me up. Order online or locate a store on the Papo J's website for about $29.

Summer is the time to take the drinks outside, but who wants to break a great glass? Halo Vino has you covered with these durable little glasses that unbreakable, stack-able, and dishwasher safe. They even float, so if you want to drink a bottle of wine while floating the day away, like I do, you can. Oder online starting at $13 a 6 pack.

Spark by The Hemp Division is a must have for your home bar this summer. It is like a great seltzer with a hefty dose of cbd. Add it to a vodka soda, or just sip it ice cold to take the edge off.I love the Orange Mango flavor! Order a 12 pack for $40 online.

This is the summer of the spiked seltzers for good reason; they are fantastic! Mighty Swell Spiked Seltzer has some amazing flavors that hit the spot on a hit day. I love that they are so much lighter than other cocktail options. I am crazy about  the cherry lime variety. It is so good! Find your favorite spiked spritzer and where to order online.

Cocktail 2 Go Kits let you take all of the essentials for a great crafted cocktail with you in a convenient tin. All you need to add is the booze and ice. Take these in the air, or to the hotel, or keep a few in your home bar for a perfectly mixed cocktail anytime. Shop their impressive line of kits online starting at about $15.

We might not be able to travel to all of the awesome places we wanted this summer, so instead of pining away for Mexico, why not bring the flavors of a great Michelada to your  home with these convenient bottles by Thirsty Bartender .Add the rimming salt to your cart too for an easy and super authentic flavor.

Every home bar needs excellent glasses, so why not order some of these uber unique ones from Well Told and show your patriotic side? The Constitution Rocks glasses start at $14.50.

Take the guesswork out of finding great wine with a subscription from The Wine Insider Club. Single bottles are available for purchase starting at $10 a bottle, or you can get a 12 bottle assortment shipped to your door every 12 weeks for about $90.

On the hottest of days, there are few things that are better than an ice cold craft beer. With a subscription to the Craft Beer Club, you can try excellent new varieties, selected by people who know fine beer. For about $43 you can get a 12 pack shipped to your door that includes 3 bottles of 4 varieties. This is an excellent way to keep the party going all summer long without needing to hit the store yourself!

Mixed drinks seem so much fancier at home with some great rimming sugar or salt. Find a great assortment of options like Zesty Orange Sugar and Bloody Mary Salt Rimmers from Creative Mixology starting at about $15 for all of your at home drink mixing.

A great set of Whisky Stones is a must have for those who don't want to dilute their drink with ice. Get a great set from the Irish Whisky Company starting at about $25 for a set of 8.

Festive Cranberry Cocktail Recipes

 The holiday season is near, and if you are gathering with friends to exchange gifts, or hosting a party, you are going to want to pin this list of festive cranberry cocktails for later. This list has some of the best options to help you ring in the holidays in style.

If you have been visiting me for a while, you know I love a good cocktail. This year I would love to include more cranberries into my happy hour, so I started visiting with some of my favorite bloggers to find the best recipes. I know you will find a few items you love on this list.

Cranberry Sage Cocktail by Salted Plains

Perfect Cranberry Cosmo by xoxo Bella

Cranberry Sangria by Flavor the Moments

Blushin Russian by The Good Hearted Woman

Frozen Cranberry Mimosa by Stephanie’s Way

Winter White Cosmos by Aleka’s Get Together

Cranberry Pear Mimosas by Entirely Elizabeth

Sorcerer's Stone Cocktail by Cooking with Curls

Cranberry Orange Margarita by Emily Fabulous

Cranberry Orange Daiquiris by Small Town Woman

Cranberry Moscow Mules by Our Crafty Cocktails

Mezcal Cranberry Cocktails by Gastronom Blog

Sparkling Cranberry Champagne Cocktails by Homebody Eats

Blackberry Cranberry Moscow Mules by The Forked Spoon

Cranberry Margaritas by A Splash of Taste

Don't these drinks sound perfect for the holiday season? Which would you like to make first? Don't forget to click over to view the full recipes and save them to your cocktail board.

While you are here you can find some of my favorite drink recipes here:

Wild Blueberry Gin Fizzers

Boozy Freezer Pops

Cherry Orange Soda Syrup