Drinks Archives * Style Chicks

Entertaining: Olde Tradition Spice Mulling Spice

November 21, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Every fall since we were young, a family friend with a small apple orchard has served fresh apple cider mulling in her home whenever company came over. The delicious aroma has always been heavenly. As her guests file in, she greets them with a warm mug of her mulled cider with a cinnamon stick in it, and guests young and old gather around the fireplace hearth and sip the tasty brew. Nobody knows her secret recipe of spices; she just keeps the spices and cider at a low, rolling boil for a few hours, tending to it in between greeting and serving each of her guests. Nothing beats a warm drink with fall spices after being outside on a cold, crisp day. During this season, there are lots of opportunities for entertaining ranging from formal events; family get-togethers and even informal tailgating parties and football games. A common theme in all of this is welcoming guests with a delicious drink that everyone can enjoy.

A tasty and traditional drink of the season is either Mulled Wine and Mulled Cider. Mulled Wine, originally the drink offered by generous and well-to-do wealthy households in medieval times, it has seen various incarnations over time. A combination of favorite autumnal flavors such as Cinnamon and various spices taste especially good when simmered in apple cider, claret, port, or in a signature drink of your creation. Still a popular tradition today, in the hustle and bustle of entertaining, this charming drink sometimes get overlooked due to time constraints while cooking a large meal for many guests.

OLDE TRADITION SPICE MULLING SPICE

OLDE TRADITION SPICE MULLING SPICE TEA BAGS: ALL THE TASTE WITH LITTLE WORK

To enjoy the taste of a simmered mulled drink without having to allocate excess prep time during a busy meal or gathering, consider a tasty Mulled Spice preparation to kick-start your simmered warm beverage options. These bags come eight to a box and are as easy to use as a tea bag. These bags quickly add the flavor and taste of what normally takes a hostess’ watchful eye to maintain a rolling boil on the spice steeped beverage to achieve a full bodied, evenly simmered, not too sweet mulled beverage. If you would like to enjoy being with your guests instead of babysitting the mulling process, the Olde Tradition Spice Mulling Spice Tea Bags is a great option for you.

TASTE

I was surprised at how much this tastes like the combination of spices used in my apple orchard friends’ cider recipe. A natural and healthy combination of Cinnamon chips, orange peel, cloves, allspice and pure orange oil both smell and taste delicious. It tastes homemade but is very simple to make. Unlike other commercial preparations, there is no added salt or sugar, and it is caffeine free. Add sweetener to taste.

Of course, if your family enjoys any special additions to your signature brew, you can always add in raisins, orange slices, sliced almonds, a pinch of ground ginger, cardamon, and if you prefer to go sugar-free, a vanilla pod for some sweetness. But just adding the bag directly to your brew of wine or cider imparts plenty of flavor.

And, as a side bonus, the mulled spices make the house smell delicious, warm and inviting to guests.

OLDE TRADITION SPICE MULLING SPICE

USES

Traditional known to be included in mulled wine or cider, the Mulling spices can be used apple juice or other fruit juice, red or white wine, and tea to make a delicious mulled drink. The OldeTraditionSpice.com website has a whole list of recipes to choose from (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) so that the kids and designated drivers can still join in on the fun. Recipes include Hot Toddy, Hot Buttered Rum, Hot Apple Toddy, Hot Buttered Scotch Toddy, Caramel Apple Smoothie, German Wassail, Eggnog, Holiday Apply Cranberry Punch, and Spiced CoffeeLate, amongst many others. I counted about seventeen non-alcoholic recipes so the whole family could enjoy.

It is also tasty as a straight drink when used just like a tea bag in hot water. Steeping a mulled spice bag in green tea is a great way to make the vegetal taste of green tea more appealing to kids without using lots of sugar. It also adds a nice taste to ginger ale and can be served cold. Any of these options make for a nice mulled drink for kids during the festivities.

The bag can also be cut open and the contents used as a seasoning in cooking or baking. As seen in the video, the spices are a good size and not the “dust” remainders of the respective ingredients.

Each bag can be used two to three times or can be used to steep a larger quantity of liquid.

OLDE TRADITION SPICE MULLING SPICE

ABOUT THE OLD TRADITION SPICE INC COMPANY

In reviewing their website for mulled spice recipes, there was something else interesting I liked about the makers of this product. Olde Tradition Spice, Inc., does community outreach by employing Americans with disabilities for their packing process for various products. The company also stands by using natural and wholesome ingredients to create a product that tastes homemade.

CONCLUSION: I like to be able to make a tasty mulled drink, alcoholic or not, quickly and easily, whether brewed for a large group of guests or just one cup for myself. The Olde Tradition Spice Mulling Spice Tea Bags smell and taste delicious and smells homemade. I like the option of being able to serve mulled wine to adults and have a similar tasting mulled cider or tea option for kids or those who choose to opt out of drinking. This mulling spice is a nice treat to have tucked away to entertain unexpected guests or to quickly make an inviting beverage during the cooler season.

Find Olde Tradition Spice Mulling Spice at http://OldeTradtionSpice.com. And stay tuned to Style Chicks, as we will be featuring our favorite recipes made with Olde Tradition Spice Mulling Spice in the next few weeks, ranging from Mulled Wine to amazing Spiced Green Tea recipes!

I received this product in exchange for my unbiased review and received compensation for my time and effort. However, my experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

Peak Eclipse Stainless Steel Mugs: Ideal for Spiked Apple Cider

October 12, 2016 · Leave a Comment

It is autumn in New England, and it is starting to get chilly out there. But that means it is time for all our favorite fall-inspired drinks featuring the harvest fruits and spices of the season such as pumpkin, apple, and of course, the return of drinking hot drinks with cinnamon. Of course, nothing makes a drink extra warm and inviting like a good quality mug can: a mug that has some heft to it, feels warm (or cool) to the touch when you wrap your hands around it.

Looking for a set of mugs perfect for curling up on the couch with your favorite warm drink like hot cocoa with whipped cream or marshmallows, mulled cider or a homemade Pumpkin Latte? Then check out the Peak Eclipse Stainless Steel Mugs.

Peak Eclipse Stainless Steel Mugs

ABOUT PEAK ECLIPSE STAINLESS STEEL MUGS
Peak Eclipse Stainless Steel Mugs are double wall insulated to keep hot drinks steaming hot and cold drinks icy cold. It also stops condensation outside of the mug, so it is ideal for Moscow Mule type drinks, lemonade, beer or iced tea in the summer.

WHY STAINLESS STEEL?
Peak Eclipse uses a Premium Grade 304 18/8 Stainless Steel that is rust proof. This is a very nice feature to make these your go-to durable mugs for not only home use but for glamping/camping, hiking, traveling, barbecuing, tailgating, al fresco dining and picnics. They also won’t break if dropped. But of particular note, Stainless Steel keeps drinks hot longer than ceramic mugs can.

Stainless Steel is also eco-friendly and has natural anti-bacterial properties, which makes them highly useful as a coffee mug to keep at the office in addition to at home use.

Finally, the Stainless Steel is sturdy and has a sleek, modern sheen to it that is suitable for various decors and color schemes. It has been micro-polished inside and out for a high, glossy shine.

In addition to being durable and attractive, this particular set of Stainless Steel Mugs pass GRAS tests – meaning they are recognized as safe with no plastic, chemicals, or paint, and they are BPA free.

Peak Eclipse Stainless Steel Mugs

USING THE PEAK ECLIPSE STAINLESS STEEL MUGS
With a 15 ounce capacity, my mugs are the ideal size for tea or coffee, or to use with Moscow Mules, to serve cold beer, or to have a Mulled Apple Cider. The double-wall is an excellent feature that hot drinks such as tea or coffee feel warm but not too hot to the touch. The mugs are sturdy, and the lip is a comfortable and easy one from which to drink. The handle is easy to grip, a plus when carrying cold beverages. Since it is the perfect time of year for fresh Apple Cider, here is a Spiked Apple Cider recipe to try:

Peak Eclipse Stainless Steel Mugs

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STYLECHICKS SPIKED APPLE CIDER RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

Apple Cider
1 shot rum, medium to dark preferred.
Cinnamon simple syrup, to taste
A squeeze of lemon
A cinnamon stick
Red Apple (a tart, crisp variety is preferred)
Ice (optional)
Anise (optional)

Drink serves one

DIRECTIONS:

Heat Apple Cider to a low boil, set aside while preparing the other ingredients.

Pour 11 ounces of Apple Cider into the Stainless Steel mug. Add the shot of rum. Add Cinnamon Simple Syrup to taste, roughly about a teaspoon to a tablespoon. Stir with a Cinnamon Stick and leave the stick in the drink for garnish and flavoring. Generously squeeze a lemon over the drink, garnish with slices of red apple.

OPTIONAL:
Add Anise for flavor and decoration if desired.
Add some ice if you prefer to drink it cooler, add none to serve hot.

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CONCLUSION: A useful, durable, stylish and versatile set of mugs that are low-maintenance but look good. The stainless steel construction makes for a food-safe mug that is durable and can enhance the enjoyment of both hot and cold drinks. Learn more about them on Peak Eclipse’s Facebook page and find out more great uses for the mugs on their Instagram @peakeclipse

You can get a set of these great mugs for free! Enter at Peakeclipse.com.

You can also buy them at Amazon.

Entertaining: SHIKSHOOK Professional Cocktail Shaker Set

September 24, 2016 · Leave a Comment

I don’t drink just for the sake of drinking; I want to enjoy my drink. I also don’t like noisy bars, so being able to make an enjoyable drink at home is a definite plus for me. Plus, I don’t have to tip myself $7 if I want a complicated drink. So I’m loving the SHIKSHOOK Professional Cocktail Shaker Set.

SHIKSHOOK Professional Cocktail Shaker Set

First of all, I like the size. It holds 25oz, which is a decent size for drinks that need to be shaken over ice or to serve multiple people at once. I have friends who make the most amazing margarita you can imagine, but their shaker set of choice can only do one 3oz drink per time. Each drink is laborious, but if they had this shaker set, they would be able to make more than one at a time. I was able to make three decent sized Martinis.

This set comes with everything you need. It comes with a high-quality Cocktail Shaker with a built in strainer. The large 25 oz size allows for ice or other ingredients to be added without crowding out the actual drink ingredients. I am impressed that the strainer kept all of the crushed ice out of the drink when I was pouring it, but it poured at a reasonable speed.

I’m used to just eyeballing amounts when it comes to drinks, but to make a truly sublime drink, amounts should be exact. That is why I like the Double Jigger to measure and pour ingredients. One side measures out 1oz, the other side a half ounce.

There are two bottle pourers that fit very well into the various bottles I tried them in and made it far easier to measure into the Jigger.

SHIKSHOOK Professional Cocktail Shaker Set

All of this comes with a lovely velvet storage bag and a recipe e-book so you can get started making quality cocktails on your own!

SHIKSHOOK Professional Cocktail Shaker Set

I’m looking forward to using this for brunches with friends. Over the years I’ve found that Mimosas are far better if mixed (in this case, stirred, not shaken) and then poured than mixed in the flute.

Find the ShikShook Set here.

Espresso Martini made with SHIKSHOOK Professional Cocktail Shaker Set

Here’s a clip of me spilling ingredients like I already had a drink in my system, when I didn’t – I’m just klutzy:

I received this product for testing and review purposes. If you have any questions about my experience with it, leave it in the comments section below, and I’ll do my best to answer it!

Entertaining: Cocktails On The Go Travel Flask Set

August 28, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Cocktails On The Go Travel Flask Set

This Cocktails On The Go Travel Flask set is a splendid idea that we wish we knew about at the beginning of the summer, but we sure are glad we tried it: Cocktails On The Go, sturdy “Travel Flask” drink packets to hold pre-made cocktails to transport to your destination. Remember Capri Sun packaging from when you were a kid? It is the same concept but improved upon: you fill these flasks yourself, with your own cocktails, wine or other mixed drinks. They are like deluxe, reusable, sturdier DIY Capri Sun cocktails for grown-ups.

ABOUT COCKTAILS ON THE GO TRAVEL FLASKS
A sturdy collapsible container that can stand up on its’ own which comes in in two sizes, (individual and enough to serve a group) they can withstand being in your bag without puncturing.

The caps have a secure seal wrap for the first time they are opened, and they screw on tightly, so you don’t have to worry about leakage in transit. The caps stay on securely, so you can drink at your leisure. The cap opening is the size to fit a medium straw.

The kit comes with a funnel that fits perfectly into the smaller cap mouthpiece (my regular drink funnel was too large) so pouring the contents into or out of the container packets is a snap.

The larger travel flask bag is clear, holds 32 ounces, and has colorfully imprinted all sort of cocktails that are suitable for carrying in a Cocktails On The Go container. The smaller travel flask bag in this set are individually sized at 16 ounces and holds enough to last for a long afternoon. The individual flasks are fairly discrete and look like regular lemonade or iced tea beverages for, ahem, covert cocktail occasions.

Cocktails On The Go Travel Flask Set

The travel flask packets both chilled well, within about 20- 30 minutes, and they stayed reasonably cool during use. I also tried the individual travel flask bags in the freezer for about an hour and got a nice light slushie amount of freeze, which melted down nicely on a hot day. The travel flask bags held up well and did not pucker or crack. Due to the alcohol content of most cocktails, The Cocktails On The Go contents will not freeze completely in a standard freezer.

Cocktails On The Go Travel Flask Set

We find these Cocktails On The Go items particularly useful for two reasons:

1) Cocktails On The Go individual packets are ideal for taking along to a picnic, tailgating, a day at the beach, BYOB occasions and restaurants, outdoor concerts, “glamping” camping or other outdoor activities that make bringing a full mini bar of glass bottles along is impractical if not a prohibited task. Do all your mixing in advance, and clean up is simple: roll it up (or lay flat) and put it back in your bag. They are reusable and when I used the funnel they were easy to clean out and air-dry before their next use.

Cocktails On The Go Travel Flask Set

2) Have specialty drinks pre-made for a party: We have two friends who make these AMAZING margaritas, but they spend almost the entire picnic, party or BBQ making them for all their guests instead of enjoying the event! We are giving them a set of Cocktails On The Go travel flasks, so they can pre-make their delicious concoction and have some fun at parties instead of just playing bartender the whole time. The larger Cocktails On The Go travel flask is intended for serving multiple drinks, so you can still pour the drink into each person’s drinkware and add garnishes as you desired.

RECIPE IDEA FOR COCKTAILS ON THE GO

Try this recipe in Cocktails On the Go Travel Flasks for delicious end-of-summer drink, suitable for your last days at the beach, by the pool, or taking in a concert on the green:

Limoncello Martini Recipe

1/2 ounce limoncello
1-ounce vodka

Shake with ice and pour. Chill until use.

In the video below, we do a “Hard Lemonade” variant on the Limoncello Martini to modify it to drink at a more leisurely pace. To compliment the Limoncello, add a good Lemon soda or sparkling drink, (here we used the French Soda brand Lorina), and add a simple syrup to taste, such as your favorite Raspberry syrup.

CONCLUSION: Reusable, sturdy, easy to use and easy clean up, these Cocktails On The Go travel flasks are a great idea to hold pre-made cocktails for a day at the beach, or to make individual cocktail recipes in advance and have more time at your party for socializing instead of mixing drinks.

Find these great drink holders at Amazon.

Happy Hour: Kamojo Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Gift Set

August 26, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Kamojo Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Gift Set

This Kamojo Gift Box Set is a set of two copper Moscow Mule mugs. Moscow Mule Copper Mugs are the best way to serve the Moscow Mule drink. A favored drink for when the weather is hot and muggy, a Moscow Mule served in a copper mug is especially delicious. And the Moscow Mule is a great drink for entertaining because it is a tasty melody of flavors but easy to mix. Mules are perfect for a hot summer afternoon party, BBQ or picnic, especially since carrying around a cool beverage in a copper mug is refreshing in of itself.

WHY USE COPPER MUGS FOR YOUR MOSCOW MULES?
A classic drink should have a signature style glassware. Martinis, margaritas, champagne, or a scotch: the classics all have their signature style unique glassware. But a copper mule is more than just the decorative component to a Mule drink; it MAKES the drink. Simply put, the copper keeps your ice-cold drink cold, as in super crazy cold, despite the hot weather and your warm hands holding your drink. Part of what makes any Mule-category of drink so tasty is the iciness of the drink. Both Moscow Mules and Kentucky Mules are especially refreshing when served ice-cold. While you could have a Moscow Mule or a Kentucky Mule in a regular glass, the mug is part of the fun, and it is large enough to hold the volume of the drink. But most importantly, it chills to the temperature of the drink almost immediately and keeps it cold. Copper also tends to bring out the flavor of the ingredients.

Copper also is very pretty on a tablescape and complements the look of modern, eclectic, urban and traditional decor or table setting.

Kamojo Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Gift Set

WHY USE KAMOJO MOSCOW MULES
In addition to being very well constructed and much prettier than many of the copper mugs available, this particular set of KAMOJO Moscow Mule Copper Mugs has the distinct advantage of a protective coating. It is a maintenance-free alternative to traditional copper that can quickly dull or tarnish. The protective lacquer keeps the beautiful luster without the work of regularly polishing the copperware. It also, in my opinion, made them much easier to clean after each use. The handles are secure, and the mugs are steady. The copper is not thin or a veneer, it is a good solid set of copper mugs. Something else I like about these Kamojo Copper Mugs is they are more stylized and attractive than many mugs, they have a larger, easy-to-use handle, and they are easier to grip in the hand. Thi set also comes with a lovely set of copper straws for mixing.

Kamojo Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Gift Set

STYLECHICKS ADAPTED MOSCOW MULE RECIPE
The one potential disadvantage is the Moscow Mule can at times be a particularly strong tasting drink. If you prefer something on the sweeter or fruitier side, or perhaps with less alcohol content, here is both the traditional Moscow Mule recipe and a StyleChicks adapted Moscow Mule recipe that we have been enjoying since we got our Moscow Mule copper mugs:

TRADITIONAL MOSCOW MULE INGREDIENTS
1/2 oz. lime juice
1 1/4 – 2 oz. vodka
4-6 oz. ginger beer (Reed’s is the most authentic, but other brands are also tasty

STYLECHICKS MODIFIED INGREDIENTS:

For vodka, we chose a flavored vodka for sweetness
For Ginger Beer, you can use Ginger Ale from the same traditional vendor (Reed’s) for the same sharp ginger taste without the alcohol. Minimum of 4-6 ounces in the mug. Chill in advance.
For Lime Juice we did fresh squeezed and kept the pulp for some extra tanginess.
Ice. OPTIONAL: Add lime juice directly into your ice cube tray when freezing to retain the flavor tangy even when the ice melts.
We added candied ginger slices for garnish
A dash of simple syrup, we used White Ginger Simple Syrup

And of course, copper Moscow Mule mugs

Directions

Fill the Moscow Mule Copper Mug with ice cubes.
Add the lime juice
Pour in 1 1/4 oz of vodka then fill the rest of the mug with the cold ginger beer or ale, about 4-6 ounces, to taste.
Add a dash of Simple Syrup if desired
Stir
Add a garnish(es) to taste of a thin slice of fresh ginger, or candied ginger, lime wedge
Serve with a stirring rod.

I like to use a lightly sweetened flavored vodka since the ginger and lime are both tart and the vodka can be strong. I choose a vanilla vodka because the vanilla brings out the ginger taste while still being sweet, but it is just your preference, you can also just use Simple Syrup to taste.

Kamojo Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Gift Set

CONCLUSION: Copper Mugs can make or break a good Kentucky Mule or Moscow Mule drink, the copper reacts well with the ginger and vodka to create the best flavor, and the copper keeps your drink ice-cold to the last savory drop. These Kamojo Copper Mugs are very attractive, sturdy, easy to use set of mugs. And they are easy to maintain because of the protective coating; the copper retains the beautiful luster.

Find these great mugs at Amazon.com and visit Kamojo’s new website for more information!