A Cocktail Fit for Cupid

February 13, 2022 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! What are your plans for the big day or did you already celebrate this weekend? We are spending our evening in with a nice dinner and, of course, a few delicious cocktails. Speaking of cocktails, we have an easy Cosmotini cocktail that you can share with your sweetheart. This cocktail is perfect for Valentine’s Day. The Cosmotini is not sweet, so it pairs nicely with a rich dessert or creamy chocolate.

Rhonda has been a fan of a Cosmopolitan for years, so when we found this recipe we thought it was a great fit for those who like a Cosmo, but favor a more traditional martini. Because it is based on the traditional martini, it is more alcohol forward than a Cosmo. This one is a sipper!

The Cosmotini is made with vodka, cranberry juice, Carpano Dry vermouth, and lime for garnish.

If you are viewing this post via email, visit us at www.theblindpig.blog for a complete recipe for the Cosmotini.

Looking for some other recipes to make sure your Valentine’s Day is sweet? Checkout some of our past posts that will make Cupid draw back his bow.

Love You More Cookies

Raspberry Red Velvet Cake Balls

Strawberry Prosecco Cake

Disclaimer: Beverages on this site are meant for adults 21 years of age and older. We do not condone underage drinking. Drink responsibly.

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Drinks to Warm Your Heart

February 6, 2022 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

Brrr! Texas experienced our annual frigid ice storm this week. Fortunately we were informed to prepare for it and avoided many of the bad situations and circumstances we encountered during last year’s snowmageddon debacle. While we were on our couch snuggled under our comfy throws watching the opening of the winter olympics , we reflected on the warm cocktail posts that we have shared with you through the years. Here are a few of our favorite warm cocktails that we want to remind you to try.

Fernet Hot Chocolate

This easy recipe is as simple as adding a little fernet to your favorite hot chocolate recipe. Grab that bottle of Fernet out of the cabinet, pour some in your hot chocolate, light the fireplace and relax with a good book.

Gold Medal Coffee

This yummy recipe was shared with you years ago during the 2018 Olympics. It’s that time again and what can be a better way to watch those lugers go down the side of the mountain than with a warm cup of Gold Medal Coffee in your hands?

Spanish Coffee

We just recently shared this recipe with you, but it is quickly climbing to the top of one of our favorite warm cocktails.

Fernet Hot Toddy

This is one of Rhonda’s favs especially when she is fighting off a slight cold. The lemon and cinnamon add to the warmth that you enjoy while you are sipping on this tea-based beverage.

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Enjoy this hot chocolate with a little rye whiskey and some pumpkin spice flavoring. It’s savory and delicious.

Menta Hot Chocolate

A cousin to Fernet Hot Chocolate this yummy recipe includes Branca Menta instead of Fernet which gives the hot chocolate a yummy minty flavor. Think of it as a girl scout cookie in a mug. 🙂

We hope that you are staying warm and enjoying the olympics. Next week we will be posting a Valentine cocktail that will have you tickled pink!

Disclaimer: Beverages on this site are meant for adults 21 years of age and older. We do not condone underage drinking. Drink responsibly.

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Spanish Coffee

January 23, 2022 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

Have you been enjoying your infused water? We have. As we told you, we started with blueberry. orange and rosemary flavored water. Then we moved on to lemon strawberry water for a few days, and now we have some refreshing cucumber water infusing. It has encouraged us to drink more water, and it is certainly tasty!

This week we are sharing a recipe fit for a cold winter day or evening – Spanish Coffee. Spanish coffee combines the flavors of rum, coffee and espresso to create a delicious cocktail fit for a brunch, after dinner drink or an evening cocktail.

Many countries enjoy a little something extra added to their coffee. Ireland enjoys a splash of Irish cream in their coffee. (We shared our version of Irish Coffee with you in February of 2018 with our Gold Medal Coffee recipe.) Italy has Caffe’ Corretto which adds grappa or sambuca. In Spain they like to add a little rum to the mix!

To make Spanish Coffee you will need rum, triple sec, Caffe’ Borghetti espresso liqueur and freshly brewed coffee. We also used whipped cream and grated nutmeg for garnish.

If you are viewing this post via email, visit us at http://www.theblindpig.blog for a complete recipe for Spanish Coffee.

The delicious combination of the rum with the espresso was a surprise to use. We will definitely be enjoying Spanish Coffee more often. Perhaps tonight when our beloved Chiefs take on the Bills.

Disclaimer: Beverages on this site are meant for adults 21 years of age and older. We do not condone underage drinking. Drink responsibly.

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Bottoms Up to Infused Water

January 16, 2022 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

This week we continue to cleanse and rejuvenate by sharing some great ideas to encourage you to drink more water.

Up to 60% of the human adult body is water. According to H.H. Mitchell, Journal of Biological Chemistry 158, the brain and heart are composed of 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water. The skin contains 64% water, muscles and kidneys are 79%, and even the bones are watery: 31%. — https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water

We always feel better when we drink more water, but we face the issue that many non-water drinkers face. We need more flavor! There was a time when Craig worked for a water company that sold flavored water and we drank a lot of it. When he changed companies our habits changed too. But in 2022 we are going to drink more! Our solution is to add some flavor to God’s perfect liquid. Here’s how we do it.

Choose any fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs that you like to combine for a flavorful water. We have tried single ingredients and ingredient combos. Slice or dice up your ingredients and place in a container with ice. Containers that can be used are water bottle, pitcher, mason jar or a carafe. ( We like to be fancy and treat ourselves, so we used the carafe.) Fill the container with filtered water and let it sit for 2-4 hours to give the flavors time to mix.

Here are some helpful hints for successfully infusing water.

Use cold water rather than hot water. Hot water breaks down the fresh fruits and herbs quicker.
When using citrus ingredients, the rind makes the water tastes bitter after 10-12 hours.
Most waters can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
Make the night before and fill up your water bottle before heading to work in the morning.

There are lots of great flavor combinations or you can be adventurous and try your own! We made Blueberry/Orange/Rosemary.

Lemon/ Strawberry
Lemon/Strawberry/Mint
Cucumber/Mint
Blueberry/Orange/ Ginger
Watermelon/Basil
Cherry/Lime
Cranberry/Mint (This combination is great for the holidays.)
Pomegranate/Basil
Strawberry/Basil
Jalapeno/Cucumber/Lime
Cinnamon

We have found that using infused water for entertaining is a perfect idea to keep the mood festive while still providing guests with a water option. Serve the water in a fancy cocktail glass to highlight the occasion.

Want more water ideas? There are lots of ideas and combinations posted throughout the internet. What flavor combination are you going to use first?

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Welcome to 2022!

January 9, 2022 / theblindpig11 / 1 Comment

What are your resolutions for 2022? Not much of the resolution type? According to DiscoverHealthyHabits.com, in 2019, eight percent of participants failed to keep their resolutions and 57% refused to make a resolution at all. At The Blind Pig Blog, we fall into the camp of resolution makers. We believe the new year is a time to reflect on accomplishments and set goals to be the best version of yourself. We have used Jon Gordon’s One Word Challenge, to help keep us on track. (Rhonda’s one word this year is health.) A new motivation that we will be using this year is from James Clear’s book Atomic Habits, which encourages you to have an overall goal with a mantra or question attached. For example, “What would a healthy person do?” Your key question is supposed to help you make choices that stay on track with your goal. When faced with eating a piece of chocolate cake or choosing a banana for an after-work-snack, one should ask themselves, “What would a healthy person do?”

After more than a month of enjoying delicious cocktails and eating rich foods through the holidays, we are ready to give our bodies time for a little cleansing and rejuvenation. For our first post of 2022, we will not be sharing a tantalizing cocktail or a sugary dessert, we are going to share a hack that Rhonda has used for years. A cold January day is the perfect time to try this out.

We are DIYers to an extent. Craig has replaced our whole fence around the backyard on his own (2021 goal), and Rhonda is not afraid to improve a room with a roller of paint and a weekend to spare. However, there are certain things that we will not cross the line. For example, we are not in to the rigorous process of making our own marshmallows. Buying the Kraft marshmallows from our local Kroger works for us. But we do make our own vanilla extract, and believe it or not…it’s quite simple!

First you need to have vodka or bourbon on hand. Vodka makes a more pure extract, but bourbon can give the vanilla a richer flavor. Another thing to keep in mind is that premium vodka goes for about $50 and bourbon prices can go for much more. If price is of interest to you, you may want to use vodka as your base. (We used vodka.)

Purchase vanilla beans from your local grocery store. We found ours at Kroger in the spice aisle. Stores like Sprouts and Whole Foods also have vanilla beans on hand. Cut the vanilla bean in half crosswise and place into a clean jar or bottle. Make sure that the jar or bottle you plan to use has a lid or cork that will have a tight seal. We found our bottles at World Market.

Cook vodka in a saucepan for 5 minutes over medium heat. Make sure not to cook longer and keep an eye on the saucepan. Cool vodka slightly and use a funnel to pour about 1 cup into each bottle. Cover jars tightly and let stand at room temperature for 1-2 weeks. You can keep your vanilla for up to a year. If you start to run low, you can add more vodka to the jar to replenish. The vanilla extract gradually turns a darker color as the vodka becomes infused by the vanilla.

If you are viewing this post via email, visit us at www.theblindpig.blog for a recipe for Homemade Vanilla Extract.

Make a bottle for yourself and a couple to keep on hand as a hostess gift. The homemade gift will be extra special. Enjoy the start to your new year. We would love to hear what new goals and hopes you have for the year.

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Our Top Picks for 2021

December 31, 2021 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

One of our favorite practices at the end of a year is to take time to look back and reflect. We are always focus on what is coming next, and we often forget to take a look at what we have accomplished.

Here are just a few personal examples of 2021 in the rearview mirror. Our youngest piglet started his freshman year in college at Ole Miss. Piglet #2 transferred to Texas Tech and is much happier with his new path. Piglet #1 continued to adult in NYC and find her way in this big world. Rhonda changed jobs and continued to work toward life and career goals. Craig never stopped working hard and surpassing goals and challenges that were set before him.

Here at The Blind Pig Blog we have kept plugging away with new ideas and posts throughout the months. We would love for you to travel back with us as we take a look at a few of our favorite posts.

1. Raspberry Red Velvet Cake Balls

We were not sure how these were going to turn out when we first came up with this idea. The Raspberry Red Velvet Cake Balls surpassed our expectations and are definitely one of our all-time favorite happy accidents,

2. Carpano Botanic Spritz

The Carpano Botanic Spritz is one of Rhonda’s favorite cocktails. She had been sipping on these for a couple of years, before we realized that we had not shared our secret with you.

3. Raspberry No-Churn Ice Cream

Born from our favorite no-churn ice cream base, this yummy ice cream hits the spot. Add a little Chambord and it’s a crowd pleaser.

4. Blind Pig Mojitos

The tequila based mojitos recipe is one that we use often for entertaining and had been remiss in sharing with you. This is one of our favorite large batch cocktail recipes for gatherings.

5. Strawberry Mint Spritz

This yummy and easy spritz is the perfect cocktail for kicking back and relaxing in summer mode. The sweetness of strawberries and the zip of mint are a perfect combination.

6. Cinnaspresso

Perfect for multiple occasions, sip this creamy concoction for brunch or by the fire. It is sure to be a pleaser.

7. Game Day Beer Queso

Our creamy queso dip is ideal for watching your favorite sports on TV. Maybe this will make it on your superbowl spread?

8. Borghetti Mudslide

Another great ice cream treat for adults, who says kids should have all of the fun?

9. S’mores Ice Cream Cake

Who doesn’t love a good smore? Add ice cream and cake to it and you have a definite winner.

10. Espresso Martini

The 2021 Cocktail of the Year, espresso martinis are everywhere. While some espresso martinis can be a little too rich, we are partial to our recipe.

Who knows what 2022 will have in store for all of us? We are so grateful for our readers and subscribers. We look forward to sharing more cocktails and ideas with you in the year to come.

Happy New Year. If celebrating tonight, please drink responsibly.

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Celebrate with a Pomegranate Mimosa

December 22, 2021 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

We love cheery colorful cocktails around the holidays and this post is no different. The Pomegranate Mimosa is a bright cheery drink to savor with your Christmas morning breakfast or as an evening nightcap. Garnish it with rosemary and pomegranate arils and let the festivities begin!

To make this delicious toast-worthy mimosa we used pomegranate juice, Carpano Botanic Bitter, and prosecco. Stir together the pomegranate juice and Carpano Botanic Bitter in a pitcher and chill. Add 1/2 cup of the bitter and pom juice to your serving glass and top off with prosecco. Garnish with some arils and rosemary springs and toast to the holidays.

Due to the fruit juice base, some mimosas can be overly sweet. The addition of the Botanic Bitter to the pom juice intensifies the cheerful holiday red color of the drink and softens the sweetness of the pomegranate juice. It is just the right combination of flavors to pair with an egg casserole or an after dinner dessert.

If you are viewing this post via email, make sure to visit us at www.theblindpig.blog for a complete recipe for our Pomegranate Mimosas.

Are you looking for some other holiday cocktails or breakfast ideas to serve? Here are a few that we have used in the past.

Angry Orchard Bread🐷🐷🐷

Bananas Foster Coffee Cake

Christmas Morning Bread🐷🐷🐷

Chocolate Banana Bread🐷🐷🐷

Kerrygold Cinnamon Rolls🐷🐷🐷

Kerrygold French Toast🐷🐷🐷

Cinnaspresso🐷🐷

Cranberry Rum Slush

Holiday Aperol Spritz

Call this post late or a few days early. This will be our final post before Christmas. May your holidays be merry and bright!

Disclaimer: Beverages on this site are meant for adults 21 years of age and older. We do not condone underage drinking. Drink responsibly.

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No Bake Holiday Bourbon Balls

December 12, 2021 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

As we progress into the holiday season we start planning our yearly goody baskets that we love to share with friends and family. Each year we incorporate our family favorites and add a few new sweets, as well. This year we have an exceptionally easy treat that you will enjoy making as much as eating.

No Bake Holiday Bourbon Balls are a quick easy treat that requires no fuss ingredients. You can whip these up in a snap and off you go to your holiday cookie swap or gathering. To make these you need crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, finely chopped pecans, cocoa powder, cinnamon, bourbon and pure maple syrup.

Place the ingredients into a bowl and mix together. Form the mixture into small balls. (Don’t forget to spray your hands with cooking spray first for easier formation.) Roll the balls in powdered sugar, chill and serve!

If you are viewing this post via email, visit us at www.theblindpig.blog for a complete recipe for No Bake Holiday Bourbon Balls.

The bourbon and maple syrup compliment each other to give these tasty treats a wonderful flavor with very little effort.

What treats are you planning on baking for the holiday season? We have listed some of our favorites from the past below.

Boozy Peanut Butter Blossoms 🐷🐷

Borghetti Brownie Caramel Bites🐷🐷

Golden Mint Crinkles🐷🐷🐷

Love You More Cookies🐷

Menta Truffles

Menty Brownies🐷🐷

Thin Mentas

Twisted Mississippi Mud Brownies🐷

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Christmas is Coming…

December 5, 2021 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

Our tree is lit. Our stockings are hung. We have been scurrying to check off our holiday shopping list. Christmas season is upon us. Although it is one of our favorite times of the year it is always the busiest time of the year. We have some wonderful holiday cocktails and treats to share with you over the next few weeks that don’t require lots of complicated ingredients and won’t consume large amounts of time — every hosts dream!

The Cinnaspresso is a delightful cordial that you can serve at your holiday gatherings. A perfect mixture of cinnamon and espresso flavors is a great way to start or end an evening. It is low in alcohol by volume (ABV), which makes for a great cocktail for most of your holiday revelers.

This cocktail requires only two simple ingredients stirred together, making it as easy on the prep as it is to enjoy. To make this great cocktail, you need equal parts of Caffe’ Borghetti Espresso Liqueur and Rumchata. We topped ours off with a large ice cube to keep it chilled and some other holiday garnish for a festive vibe. Keep these ingredients on hand and you won’t be caught off guard when you have last minute guests drop by.

Searching for a gift idea for that one person on your list who is hard to buy for? Try giving him bottles of Caffe’ Borghetti and Rumchatta with a recipe card. Throw in some unique rocks glasses or a large ice cube mold. What an easy and original idea for the holiday season!

If you are viewing this post via email, visit us at http://www.theblindpig.blog for a complete recipe of the Cinnaspresso.

What great plans and celebrations do you have on your list for this holiday season?

Disclaimer: Beverages on this site are meant for adults 21 years of age and older. We do not condone underage drinking. Drink responsibly.

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Top Off Your Thanksgiving Feast with a Pumpkin Espresso Martini

November 23, 2021 / theblindpig11 / Leave a comment

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We know we are a few days early, but we wanted our favorite readers to know how thankful we are that you stop by our little corner of the vast internet. We appreciate your comments, your shares with friends and your encouragement. We have much to be grateful for this year – our health, our three piglets, our friendships and our families.

One of our favorite things we like about The Blind Pig Blog is creating new drinks and recipes. We went back to the vault for this one. (Yes that is a reference to T. Swift.) We loved our Spiced Pumpkin Martini that we first shared with you years ago, but we decided to update the recipe a bit by adding a little Caffe’ Borghetti Espresso Liqueur. We think it is even better than the original.

The new cocktail has a hint of pumpkin entertwined with the flavor of real espresso – a delicious combination. Pumpkin pie spice sprinkled across the top accents the cocktail with a touch of autumn, and the chocolate syrup drizzled inside the glass makes the cocktail complete.

The Pumpkin Espresso Martini is a great drink to serve to guests after your Thanksgiving Feast or save it for guests who drop by while they are in town over the holidays.

If you are viewing this post via email, join us at www.theblindpig.blog for a complete recipe for the Pumpkin Espresso Martini.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving!