~ the cocktail hour: berry lemonade ~

We all know how popular lemonade has been at weddings lately, don't we?  And while I love lemonade, I also love a spin on it...like this berry lemonade...

Tell me this doesn't look delicious and refreshing...

And of course I just love this recipe as it is made with simple syrup!  You can see my simple syrup ideas right here.  The great thing about lemonade, no matter what the flavor, just add some vodka and you have a grown up cocktail!  You can find the recipe right here.

~ Ciao

...photography by karen mordechai & images via sunday suppers

~ the cocktail hour: pineapple cooler ~

How yummy and refreshing does this look right now...

I think it would quench my thirst...how bout you?  And for those in need of a more grown up verion...a shot of rum would be a nice addition!  You can get the recipe here. 

P.S. - Don't forget the lemon slices, lemon verbena or lavender...it's a great little detail!

~ Cheers

...image via country living

~ homemade: in a nut shell ~

Coconut - nut or fruit?  Think about it...is it really a nut?  No it's a fruit.  But it does have nut in the word...so I just thought I would go with it!  Anyhoo, wouldn't you love to serve this up as part of your dessert...

Takes the ice cream to another level doesn't it?  These are the types of details I swoon over.  Simple...yes, but statement making ones.  And so simple to do once you get the coconut split (that's the only challenge here...here is a how-to)!  Just pour out the milk, add a couple scoops of ice cream, a wedge of pineapple and some fresh mint and viola! 

~ Ciao

...image via stylist monica eisenman

~ the cocktail hour: lavender lemonade ~

Here's a great non-alcoholic option for the cocktail hour...

Refreshing and pretty - I'm all in!  And you know me and details...love the glasses it's served in, the lavender sprigs in each glass, the white tray that it's served on and the single sprig on the tray...all simple little details that are quite stunning!  Add for those of you that like a little more kick in your cocktail you can always add a splash of vodka!  You can get the recipe here.  Cheers!

~ Ciao

...image via sunday suppers

~ the cocktail hour: aqua frescas ~

It's Friday my dears...and even though it was a short week...it really seemed long!  So after a long week for me I am in need of a little refreshment.  And I think these aqua frescas (non-alcoholic) are calling my name (I'd like mine spiked with a little vodka please)...

The perfect summer cocktail for everyone at a casual reception don't you think?  And with flavors such as pineapple ginger, cucumber lemongrass and strawberry thyme who could resist!  Get the recipes here. 

Happy refreshing weekend my dears!  See you on Monday.

~ Ciao

...image via matt bites

~ the cocktail hour: boozy fruit ~

Now this would be a fun, different and great refreshing treat for the cocktail hour at a Summer wedding.  Just cut up some fruit...

Pour on the liqueur...

Let stand for an hour, and serve!  Get the recipe here.


~ Ciao

...images via sunday suppers & photography karen mordechai

~ the cocktail hour: just smashing ~

A Blackberry Smash that is...

Sounds just delish doesn't it?  I think it would be a great refeshing drink to serve at a summer wedding!  With some fresh mint and blackberries added - not only is it yummy but pretty too.  And we all like (or in my case...need) a little pretty don't we?  Get the recipe here.  Cheers - it's Friday!

~ Ciao

...image via bless her heart (found via kate's lovely blog wit + delight)