The other day my talented, beautiful and amazing fellow blogger friend, Piper Chuthakeio (of the very stylish mommy/fashion/lifestyle blog Coconut & Bean) and I decided that we needed to get together for a little blog love-fest. And what better way to collaborate than over a tasty, sparkly spring cocktail photo session, shot by our other talented, beautiful & amazing friend, Ashley Forchelli, of Ashley Forchelli Photography (definitely check out her work!).
We all think this super seasonal strawberry-mint simple syrup concoction with some bubbly Prosecco and a bit of extra oomph from a little ice-cold vodka is the perfect alternative to regular mimosas for your Easter brunch. It's also a great way to liven up a boring Tuesday morning like we did.
Here are a couple cute behind-the-scenes pics of me and Piper prepping the berries and having fun in the kitchen. Click on Piper's blog, Coconut & Bean for a great step-by-step photo guide of the recipe.
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| Berry slicing action. |
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| Cheers, my dears! |
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| A stylish way to keep this yumminess chilled... |
Strawberry-mint simple syrup:
2 c. quartered strawberries
4 whole sprigs mint
3/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. water
1/3 c. fresh lime juice
1 c. ice-cold vodka
1 very chilled bottle of dry Prosecco or brut sparkling wine/champagne
Garnish:
fresh mint leaves
thinly sliced limes
Combine the strawberries, mint sprigs, sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and then lower heat to a simmer. After 5 minutes, coarsely mash the berries in the pot with a potato masher to release their juices. Simmer 5 more minutes.
Turn off heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Strain liquid into a bowl, pressing berries with a spatula against the strainer to get all their strawberry deliciousness out. Chill syrup in refrigerator (can be made up to a 5 days in advance - store in refrigerator).
When ready to serve, combine the fresh lime juice, cold vodka, Prosecco or sparkling wine and 1 cup of strawberry-mint simple syrup in a pitcher or bottle that you can keep on ice (you may have a little syrup left over - drizzle it on ice cream or pancakes!).
Pour into glasses and garnish with mint leaves and lime slices, if desired. Keep chilled in the refrigerator or in an ice bucket & enjoy!
This will establish the feel of the handle and the balance for the head. potato masher
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