Frozen Margaritas

It’s time to dust off the margarita glasses, friends, and make something pretty and delicious. Around here the warm weather sticks around for months, so pool time, a couple of margaritas, and a few friends gathered for happy hour feels like pure perfection.

Why We Love These:

• Frozen strawberries add natural sweetness and thickness – they give the drink a bright, fruity flavor and that perfect slushy texture.
• Lemonade concentrate balances the sweetness – adding tartness that keeps the margarita refreshing and not too sugary.
• Cointreau and tequila bring depth and warmth – giving the cocktail a classic, boozy kick that pairs perfectly with the fruit.
• Make-ahead friendly – blend in advance, freeze, and serve later, making it easy to entertain without stress.

Ingredients Used:

You can make these margs pretty quickly. Like 10 minutes!

• Frozen Strawberries – Buy frozen strawberries with no sugar added.
• Frozen Lemonade – You’ll need one 12 oz. can of frozen lemonade.
• Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice.
• Tequila – Use good quality tequila for best results.
• Triple Sec – I like to use Cointreau for all my margs.
• Ice Cubes – To thicken the drinks.
• To serve – Use a salt rim, lime wedges, and fresh strawberries to make these pretty!

How to make Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Margaritas:

Step 1
Combine ingredients. In a large blender, combine half of the ingredients – 2 cups of frozen strawberries, 6 cups of tequila, 3 cups of Cointreau, and 2 ounces of lime juice.

Recipe FAQs:

Snacks to go with Margaritas:

• The BEST Chunky Guacamole! – I’ll never say no to guacamole.
• Hot Jalapeño Corn Dip – A dip from my childhood and still so good.
• Pepper Jack Queso – All the spiciness in this one. Perfection!
• Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers – Another oldie.

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Vitamix
• Margarita Glasses
• Citrus Press

Gin Cocktails

Gin is one of those go-to liqueurs that never gets old. It’s crisp, refreshing, and has just enough botanical flavor to make every cocktail feel a little special. Whether you’re mixing it with tonic or just keeping it simple with citrus, gin is always the way to go.

Why This Recipe Works:

• Bright and refreshing – The tartness of grapefruit balances beautifully with the botanicals in gin. The flavor is surprisingly just right!
• Not too sweet – Perfect for those who prefer a crisp, citrus-forward drink instead of heavy, sugary cocktails. That’s us!
• Easy to make – Just a few simple ingredients create the perfect cocktails for sipping.
• Beautiful presentation – These are as pretty as they are tasty. Make them and see for yourself!
• Versatile – Works well for brunch, happy hour, warm summer evenings, or chilly winter nights.

What You’ll Need:

• good quality gin – we use Hendrik’s
• elderflower liqueur – St. Germain
• fresh grapefruit juice – or you can use bottled juice in a pinch
• tonic water – we like the light Fever-Tree brand
• plenty of ice

How to make Grapefruit Gin Cocktails:

Step 1
Squeeze the grapefruit. Slice grapefruit in chunks and use a citrus press to squeeze into a measuring cup. Then strain juice to remove any pulp that has fallen into the juice.

Recipe FAQs:

Other Delicious Cocktails:

Let’s enjoy these fresh cocktails for happy hour next!

• Lemon Mojitos
• Skinny Margaritas
• Classic White Russian Recipe
• Frozen Vodka Slush

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Cocktail Shaker
• Citrus Press

Pomegranate Mules

There’s something magical about shaking up a special cocktail for the holidays—it instantly makes any gathering feel festive! Pomegranate Moscow Mules are our go-to because they’re bright, bubbly, and full of holiday cheer.

Why This Recipe Works:

• Refreshing and flavorful – the combination of pomegranate, lime, and ginger beer is crisp and delicious.
• Beautiful and festive – the vibrant red color makes it perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Easy to make – just a few simple ingredients for a crowd-pleasing cocktail.
• A fun twist on a classic – it’s a fruity, modern take on the traditional Moscow Mule.

What You’ll Need:

You’ll need just four main ingredients plus ice and garnishes. See below for the exact combination of items you’ll need.

• vodka
• pomegranate juice
• lime juice
• ginger
• lots of ice
• pomegranate arils

How to make Pomegranate Moscow Mules:

Step 1
Prep glasses. Add ice to two cocktail glasses. Then add a slice of fresh lime.

Recipe FAQs:

Other Delicious Cocktail Ingredients:

We’ve got lots of choices for you to make the perfect cocktail for your happy hour or any gathering.

• Grapefruit Paloma
• Pineapple Coconut Margaritas
• Strawberry Mojito Recipe
• Hawaiian Mai Tai Recipe

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Cocktail Shaker
• Citrus Press

Healthy Peanut Butter Smoothies

We like to start the day out with something filling and delicious, whether it be a protein-packed smoothie like these or Apple Steel Cut Oats. I like to mix up the smoothie combos, and recently rotated in one of these peanut butter beauties. So delicious and a perfect way to add some protein for muscle recovery, especially after a morning workout.

Why This Recipe Works:

• SIMPLE TO MAKE – These smoothies take a mere five minutes to make. Simple and a great breakfast or snack.
• NUTRIENT DENSE – We love a high protein snack, and these have 16 grams in one drink. They fill you up and taste great too!
• DELICIOUS FLAVOR – These peanut butter smoothies tase a bit like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, which we happen to love!
• PERFECT FOR BOTH KIDS AND ADULTS – Make some smoothies for the whole family!

Ingredients needed for Berry Peanut Butter Smoothies:

• Banana – One medium banana is all you need.
• Yogurt – One 5.3 oz. container of Greek yogurt, any flavor.
• Milk – I used 1% milk for this recipe, but any version of milk works just fine.
• Chia Seeds – These are packed with essential nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber.
• Peanut Butter – This is the secret ingredient that makes these smoothies different from the others. That peanut butter taste definitely stands out.
• Frozen Fruit – I chose a mixed berry blend, but any fruit blend will taste great.

How to make Berry Peanut Butter Smoothies:

Step 1
Combine ingredients. Combine all ingredients in a large blender – banana, yogurt, peanut butter, frozen fruit, and milk.

Recipe FAQs:

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• glass straws
• Vitamix

White Russian Cocktail with Kahlua

Creamy after dinner cocktails are my jam. They serve as a cocktail AND a dessert in my book (aka ADULT MILKSHAKES) and I’m fine with drinking my dessert as long as it’s delicious. We save these for special occasions, of course, because they are on the indulgent side.

Why This Recipe Works:

• SUPER SIMPLE – You’ll need just three simple ingredients for this delicious cocktail – plus some large ice cubes. Make the ice cubes well in advance!
• INDULGENT – The half and half makes this Kahlúa drink rich and delish. You can use cream to make it even more indulgent. Remember to sip slowly and enjoy.
• PERFECT FOR COMPANY – While we love serving rich chocolate desserts for dessert (Chocolate Buttermilk Cake or Triple Chocolate Brownies), this simple drink is perfect to serve to guests when you want to make it quick. Plus your guests will love these!

How to make White Russians:

Step 1
Prep ice cubes in advance (optional). Make some large ice cubes a day before you make these cocktails. This is an optional step but really nice. Ice cube trays are linked below.

Recipe FAQs:

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Cocktail Glasses 8 Ounce
• Sphere Ice Ball Maker

Chocolate Liqueur Cocktail

Every now and then, you need that special cocktail. The drink that impresses guests, and acts as a night cap after a nice meal. Well, this is it. THIS is the cocktail that acts like a dessert with some flair. Sweet, chocolatey, and boozy – all at once.

Why This Recipe Works:

• SIMPLE RECIPE – This chocolate martini recipe has just four simple ingredients that are easily found in liquor stores and grocery stores. The chocolate shavings are extra but worth a little extra time.
• COCKTAIL PLUS DESSERT – I love a multi-faceted recipe. This one serves as both a cocktail and dessert. Win/win!
• IMPRESSIVE FOR HOLIDAYS – We love all the special things that come with celebrating the holidays and this martini is IT. Your guests will be impressed!

Ingredients needed for Chocolate Martinis:

• Chocolate Liqueur – Use a good quality chocolate liqueur. I used the Godiva brand, and it was DELISH.
• Vodka – A good quality vodka is also recommended here. No headaches allowed!
• Creme de Cocoa – You’ll need just a touch of this for these cocktails.
• Half and Half – This is the ingredient that makes this drink super creamy. So much yum.
• Chocolate Shavings – An optional ingredient, but it makes the drink oh-so-pretty. Don’t you think?

How to make the Best Chocolate Martinis:

These take only a few minutes to prepare. Just have the chocolate shavings ready, and the alcohol handy, and you’re five minutes to sipping time.

Step 1
Prep chocolate. Use a potato peeler to peel the chocolate into shavings. Add to a small plate.

What to serve with Chocolate Martinis:

You’re going to need some delicious snacks and appetizers to go with these decadent drinks. Try one of the following!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Other Creamy Cocktails:

• Grasshopper Drink Recipe
• Espresso Martini with Baileys
• Frozen Kahlúa Cocktails

Kahlúa Cocktails

At any given moment, you’ll find ice cream in our freezer. Whether or not it’s one of our many homemade ice cream recipes (we keep it in pint sized containers) or an ice cream cocktail, we guarantee you that we’ll 100% hook you up with something creamy and delicious!

Why This Recipe Works:

• SIMPLE INGREDIENTS – This recipe requires just four simple ingredients. Super easy for the holiday season.
• CREAMY AND DELISH – This dessert cocktail is creamy and dreamy. It tastes like a boozy dessert!
• FREEZE IT FOR LATER – Make these well in advance to serve for all of your festive parties.

What You’ll Need:

• Kahlúa
• Cream de Cocoa
• Vanilla Ice Cream – We prefer using vanilla bean ice cream for these.
• Ice Cubes
• Chocolate Shavings – optional

How to make Frozen Kahlúa Cocktails:

Step 1
Combine ingredients. In a large blender, combine vanilla ice cream, Kahlúa, and cream de cocoa. Blend until combined.

Recipe FAQs:

Other Holiday Cocktails:

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Vitamix Blender

Bloody Mary Recipe

I’ve tried many Bloody Mary recipes in my day, especially while traveling. So I know a good one when I taste one. A good Bloody Mary has to be slightly spicy, a little bit peppery, and a tad salty. It also has to have some tasty garnishes, because that’s the fun part. A sip, a bite, a sip, another bite. That’s how it’s supposed to go, people!

Why This Recipe Works:

• SIMPLE TO MAKE – We’re using a homemade Bloody Mary mix instead of using a store-bought pre-made mix.
• CUSTOMIZABLE – I suggest making your own Bloody Mary bar and adding several choices for garnish. 
• FULL OF FLAVOR – We love the rich tomato flavor in these with all of the delicious additions. They’re so good!
• PERFECT FOR BRUNCH – This is a classic brunch cocktail or mocktail. It’s also known to be a hangover cure!

Ingredients needed for Spicy Bloody Mary Drinks:

These simple ingredients are easily found in your local grocery store.

• Tomato Juice – Use V8 for best results.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Add some Worcestershire for umami flavor.
• Tabasco Sauce – This adds extra flavor and some kick.
• Black Pepper – Use more if desired.
• Lawrey’s Salt – The seasoned salt we use at the grill.
• Celery Salt – I use this instead of celery seed now.
• Vodka – Choose a good quality liquor and add a couple of ounces of vodka to each drink. Omit vodka for a mocktail.
• Garnishes – I used celery sticks, green olives, salami and cheese, grilled shrimp, and lime slices. You could also use bacon, pepperoncini, dill pickles, pickled beans, asparagus, lemons, limes, etc.

Other Vodka Drinks:

Vodka is an easy liqueur to keep on hand. For other classic drinks that include vodka, try one of the following: 

• Frozen Vodka Slush Recipe
• Limoncello Moscow Mules
• Strawberry Lemonade Vodka Slushies
• Rose Sangria with Vodka

How to make these Spicy Bloody Mary Drinks:

Step 1
Prep garnishes. Determine what garnishes you want to include and prepare them. Cook some bacon, sauté the shrimp, clean the celery, strain the olives and pickles, etc. You can do this all in advance of cocktail time.

Step 3
Prep glasses. Add some ice to each glass and then some prepared garnishes. You could also add a salty rim. Simply combine some kosher salt and paprika on a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rims of the glasses and dip them in the seasonings.

NOTE: Other fun garnishes include some green beans, jalapeno slices, cherry tomatoes, etc.

Recipe FAQs:

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Glass Beverage Pitcher
• 12″ Natural Bamboo Skewers

Blueberry Bowls

Summertime is smoothie time and that’s great news for us. My hubby does a lot of yard work, and we try to get a workout in most days, so smoothies are often our go-to snack after a sweat session.

Why We Love Smoothie Bowls:

• SIMPLE – These smoothie bowls are super simple to make and use basic ingredients.
• NUTRIENT DENSE – These have healthy carbs, calcium, protein (13 grams!), fiber, potassium, and iron. There is no added sugar.
• DELICIOUS – My favorite fruit is blueberries so of course, these are delicious. You could also use another berry – strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, or a combination of these.
• GREAT SNACK OR LIGHT MEAL – These make a great post work-out snack or a light meal.

Blueberry Smoothie Bowls have all the good stuff.

• Blueberries – Use both frozen and fresh.
• Dairy – Use your favorite milk. We use almond milk, but you could use regular milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, or whatever you like best. You’ll also need some yogurt. We normally use Oikos Greek yogurt.
• Banana – The banana helps keep the smoothie creamy. You could use some avocado instead, if desired.
• Nuts – Use any kind of nut or seed – pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chopped almonds, cashews, or almonds.
• Chia Seeds – We keep these in stock for our Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats.

How to make Blueberry Bowls:

Step 1
Add ingredients to blender. Add the frozen blueberries, banana, milk, and Greek yogurt to the blender.

Blueberries are a Super Food.

• Blueberries are low in calories (84 calories in one cup) and high in nutrients.
• Blueberries are high in antioxidants, protecting us from many diseases and helping in the aging process.
• They help to lower cholesterol and reduce blood pressure.
• They seem to benefit the brain, improving memory and delaying age-related decline.
• Blueberries help to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
• They may be useful in preventing urinary tract infections.
• Blueberries accelerate muscle recovery after strenuous exercise.

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Vitamix Blender

Limoncello Moscow Mules

Why This Recipe Works:

• SIMPLE TO MAKE – These drinks can be made in only a few minutes. It’s even quicker if you mix everything up ahead of time and chill.
• SMOOTH AND REFRESHING – The limoncello flavor is smooth and refreshing and works great in a classic mule.
• GREAT PARTY DRINK – These make a great summertime party drink and will be a hit with your guests! We love the zesty twist.

How to make Limoncello Mules:

Step 1
Prep glasses. Prepare two glasses with ice. Add lemon slices for garnish.

Recipe FAQs:

Homemade Limoncello

After sampling some homemade limoncello at a local Italian restaurant recently, I knew I needed to make my own version at home. I love a project, especially when it involves food and drinks, and this one intrigued me.

Why This Recipe Works:

• SIMPLE – You’ll need just a few ingredients – lemon, vodka (or ever clear), and sugar!
• LEMONY – This classic Italian liqueur has an intense lemon flavor due to soaking the lemon peels. Removing the peels takes a little time and patience but the finished product is worth it.
• PERFECT PARTY COCKTAIL – We love serving limoncello to guests. So tasty and they’ll be impressed with your craftiness!
• GREAT GIFT – A bottle of limoncello makes a great holiday gift, housewarming, or hostess gift.

Ingredients Used:

You’ll need just a few simple ingredients for this homemade limoncello recipe.

• Fresh Lemons – For best results use fresh organic lemons. Regular lemons are often coated with food-grade wax to maintain their freshness and extend their shelf life. This wax interferes with the infusion process.
• Vodka – Use 80-100 proof vodka or Ever Clear.
• Simple Syrup – I recommend making simple syrup and chilling it in advance of mixing it with the limoncello.

How to make Homemade Limoncello:

Step 1
Prep the lemons. Use a sharp serrated edge knife and remove all of the yellow zest from each lemon. Try to remove the yellow peels and not the pith. This takes a little patience!

Step 4 (On day four or before)
Prepare the simple syrup. Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer for a few minutes, or until sugar is completely dissolved. Let syrup cool and then refrigerate overnight.

NOTE: We used one cup of sugar and one cup of water for our batch of limoncello. If you prefer a sweeter limoncello, you’ll need to add more sugar and water. It’s up to your personal taste buds!

How to serve Limoncello:

• Limoncello is typically served chilled, straight from the freezer or refrigerator, in small, chilled shot glasses.
• Add it to cocktails. Try it in our Limoncello Mules, or make a Limoncello Spritz, Limoncello Martini, Limoncello Collins, Limoncello Mojito, or Limoncello Margaritas.

Other Cocktails:

For some other party drinks, try one of the following.

• VODKA – Pink Lemonade Vodka Slush, Classic Moscow Mules, or Frozen Vodka Slush.
• TEQUILA – Pineapple Coconut Margaritas, Grapefruit Paloma, or Apple Cider Margaritas.
• RUM – Hawaiian Mai Tai Recipe, Pina Coladas with Coconut Milk, or Blueberry Mojitos.
• OTHER – Try our Christmas Old Fashioned, Espresso Martini with Baileys, or Cranberry Sangria Recipe

Recipe FAQs:

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Serrated Utility Knife
• 6-Inch Strainer
• 16 oz. Swing Top Glass Bottles

Frozen Margaritas

We are officially preparing for the “dog days” of summer here in Texas.

• temps hovering around 100 degrees
• heat index over 100
• the swimming pool getting daily use
• daily watering of our flowers and plants
• the a/c running 24/7

Why This Recipe Works:

• SIMPLE – You’ll need a handful of simple ingredients for the perfect summer cocktail with a fruity spin. 
• FRUIT FLAVORED – The peach and strawberry flavor of this fruity drink combines the tart flavor of the limes and the sweetness of the frozen fruit. Add some ripe strawberries and/or peaches for garnish.
• SMOOTH – Good alcohols, frozen fruit, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a touch of sweetener are the perfect balance for a fruity cocktail. Skip the store-bought margarita mix and make these for your next happy hour!
• AN EASY RATIO – We use 2 parts tequila, one part Cointreau and 1.5 part lime juice. Just a squeeze of agave or some sugar syrup can be added for sweetness.

Ingredients needed for Fruity Margaritas:

You can definitely stock these ingredients in your freezer/refrigerator all summer long. You never know when you’re gonna want a frozen margarita, especially during those dog days.

• Frozen Fruit – You’ll need a bag of frozen strawberries and a bag of frozen peaches. I recommend keeping your freezer stocked with these AT ALL TIMES.
• Limes – Go ahead and squeeze those limes ahead of time, and store the juice in your refrigerator until go time. Fresh lime juice is so important for margs!
• Liquor – I use good quality silver tequila (aka blanco tequila) and Cointreau for these frozen drinks. You could go with a cheaper triple sec if desired.
• Agave or Simple Syrup – If you like a little bit of sweetness in your cocktail, add some Agave Nectar or make up a simple syrup ahead of time.To make simple syrup, boil equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. Make sure it’s cold before adding it to cocktails.
• Ice – Adding some ice will dilute the drinks slightly and add to the frozen consistency at the same time.
• Fresh strawberries or peaches – Fresh fruit can be used to decorate the glasses. 
• Salt – I ran a lime around the glasses and then dipped in kosher salt. This adds extra brightness to cocktail glasses.

How to make fruity margaritas:

Step 1
Squeeze limes. Use a citrus press to squeeze the limes. Store the juice in a mason jar in the refrigerator.

Tips for making the Fruity Margaritas:

1. Buy good quality tequila and orange liqueur.
2. Use fresh limes – NOT optional! They make a huge difference.
3. Rinse the blender out between the strawberry margs and the peach margs so you can keep the colors separate.
4. Keep your liqueurs and lime juice in the refrigerator a few hours before blending, so everything is nice and cold. You can even put your glasses in the freezer.
5. Add a mix of salt and lime zest to the rim of your prepared glasses for best results.
6. Keep some Agave handy or make some simple syrup. We prefer only a little sweetness to our cocktails so normally use Agave.

What to serve with Fruity Margaritas:

You will, of course, need some munchies to go with these frozen delights. I’ve listed a few of my favs below!

• Beef and Bean Nachos
• Chunky Guacamole
• Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
• Spicy Chex Party Mix

Other Margarita Recipes:

The following cocktail recipes use fresh ingredients and can all be doubled and served in a large pitcher. Try one of these for Cinco de Mayo!

• Skinny Margaritas – Our Classic margarita recipe that can’t be beat.
• Cherry Margaritas – These tasty drinks are great on a hot day.
• Watermelon Margaritas – Favorite summer cocktail when watermelon is poppin.
• Pineapple Coconut Margaritas – One of our favorite cocktails with a spin.
• Strawberry Lemonade Frozen Margaritas – This one just got a refresh.

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

• Vitamix – Or use any large blender.
• Citrus Press – This press comes in handy in many of my recipes.
• Margarita Glasses – We used these glasses for the photos above.