Everyone loves a great margarita and there are a lot of opinions on what makes a great margarita! With Cinco de Mayo coming soon I thought I would share some ideas and my favorite recipe for pre-mixing a big batch.

A classic margarita is typically made with: tequila, fresh lime, a touch of simple syrup or agave, and triple sec or orange liqueur.  But who wants to be doing all that individual drink measuring when you can just whip up a pre-batch in advance and then have it ready for whenever your ready to shake one up! Another plus when you pre-batch is that each margarita is consistent.

The recipe I am sharing with you is made with a little mezcal. I love that little smokiness that it adds to the drink, but if you’re not a mezcal fan then just substitute with more tequila.

The choice of tequila brand and style is up to you, whether you prefer a blanco or a reposado. Sometimes I mix 2 styles together for added layers of flavor.

Cointreau is my preference for an orange liqueur but you can also substitute a good quality triple sec as well.

But most important is that you use fresh squeezed lime juice, and be sure to bring your limes to room temp before squeezing. (Limes can be super expensive at the grocery store so I recommend going to a “Cash & Carry or Smart & Final” restaurant wholesaler and picking up a few bags of limes there). Speaking of squeezing, if you don’t have a hand squeezer then get one, they are inexpensive and totally worth it.

Next is the sweetener. I like to use a combination of house-made simple syrup and Monin Agave Nectar. But you can use all simple syrup, too.

And last but not least, let’s talk about salt rims, some people like them and some don’t.

I’m 50/50 and like a half rim of salt, my preference being kosher salt. One of my favorite rimmers is made with 1 part Fresh Origins Fine Hibiscus Crystals and 1 part Diamond Kosher Salt… tasty and pretty too!  Or you can just add a tiny sprinkle to the top of your drink.

So starting shaking and cheers to a great margarita! –Kathy

Smoky Margarita Pre-Batch
Makes about 25.5  oz – or 1 750 ml bottle, about 6 cocktails

8 oz (1 cup) Tequila
4 oz (1/2 cup) Mezcal
1 1/2 oz Cointreau
6 oz (3/4 cup) simple syrup (or use 1/2 cup simple syrup + 1/4 cup Monin Organic Agave Nectar)
6 oz (3/4  cup) fresh squeezed lime juice

To make the pre-batch: Combine all ingredients into a pitcher and stir. Funnel into a 750 ml glass bottle. Cap and store refrigerated until ready to use. Store refrigerated up to 10 days.

When ready to serve: Measure 4 ounces (1/2 cup) Smoky Margarita Mix into a cocktail shaker and fill with ice, cap and shake. Pour into a glass. Twist a fat orange peel over the top if desired and garnish with a lime wheel.

Recipe and Photo © Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen.

As you walk the isle of the grocery store these days, there are rows and rows of juices. So, what is the big deal about all this juicy juice? Well it is an easy and d’lish way to get your recommended fruits and vegetables, and not to mention all the vitamins.

So what to do? Got the bucks to buy a bottle? Ok, great.  Or should you buy a home juicer? If you love juice and juicing then yes, go for it; it’s worth the splurge.

What you juice can have a lot of amazing health benefits. Here’s a favorite blend of mine:

We’ll start with beets. In addition to being sweet and oh-so-pretty, they are high in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Next, I add a little celery for its touch of natural salt, bright flavor, and it’s a natural diuretic.

Then we bring it home with a slice of fresh ginger, apple and a touch of lemon juice. Yum!

Oh and did I mention that this is fantastic as a mixer for a cocktail too! Yes that’s right, the juicing trend is moving into Happy Hour. I have included one of my favorite juice blends below that incorporates hydrating coconut water – excellent as a little juice shot! –Kathy

Beet It
Makes about  2 1/2 cups juice – depending on the juiciness of your produce (about 4 servings)

1 – 2 medium beets
1 large green apple
1 pear
1 cup fresh strawberries, stems removed
3 Tbsp fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1-inch chunk fresh ginger
1/2 cup coconut water

Juice the beet, apple pear and strawberries. Then add the lemon juice and coconut water.

Chill and enjoy!

Recipe and Photo © Kathy Casey Food Studios.

I just love this time of year. Everything is sparkly, the lights twinkling in the trees, and of course, candy canes!

Those wonderful, seasonal peppermint treats that hang from trees, peak out of stockings and garnish your holiday latte. The holidays just wouldn’t be complete without them. They are also an ingredient in many of my favorite holiday goodies!

Peppermint and chocolate, what a great pair! Try my recipe for individual little Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Cakes – baked in muffin tins then drizzled with chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes. They make a great little something to “take” or gift.

Need a holiday cupcake idea? Whip crushed candy canes into your favorite frosting recipe and crown with a mini candy cane. D’lish and oh so festive!

Photo by Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen®.

For a more spirited idea, try making candy cane-infused vodka! Just combine 1 1/2 cup of vodka plus 8 – 10 starlight peppermints or 6 mini candy canes in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake a couple of times a day until dissolved. Enjoy it in your cocoa or frozen as a shot.

Here’s to some holiday cheers with candy cane! -Kathy

Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Cakes
These are the perfect little something for after a big holiday dinner or for a party take-along.

Makes 12 cakes

Cupcakes
3 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate
1 1/2 sticks salted butter
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
6 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Topping
2 ounces dark chocolate chips
2 ounces white chocolate chips + 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
6 peppermint hard candies, crushed

Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F. Pan-spray nonstick standard size cupcake/muffin pan(s) —you will be making 12 cakes. (If any muffin cups are left empty, fill them halfway with water before baking cakes.)

In a bowl over simmering water, melt the unsweetened chocolate and butter together.

Meanwhile, with a whisk or electric mixer, in a large bowl mix the remaining cupcake ingredients together until glossy. Add the melted chocolate-butter mixture and beat again until glossy and smooth.

Divide the batter evenly into the 12 muffin cups. (Liners are not needed.)

Bake cakes for 15 to 16 minutes or until slightly puffy. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Run a knife around the sides to release cakes.

To decorate: Lay cakes out on a platter. Place each of the chocolate chips in small glass ramekins or very small microwave safe containers; add the vegetable oil to the white chocolate; and individually microwave for 10 second intervals (stirring in between) until just melted. Be careful not to overcook the chocolate. Immediately drizzle/decorate the tops of the cakes with the chocolates and then sprinkle with the crushed hard candies.

Cakes will keep covered at room temperature for up to 3 to 4 days.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®.

We all enjoy fresh squeezed grapefruit juice for breakfast and in classic cocktails like a Salty Dog (or a Greyhound depending if salt is used) or a Paloma. All for good reasons, too.

Grapefruits contain no fat, cholesterol or sodium and they are rich in vitamins A and C. Peeled and eaten like an orange, they have a ton of good-for-you fiber and are known to help with weight loss.

Citrus Panzanella Salad
Photo by Kathy Casey Food Studios®.

I love pink and ruby grapefruit for their balance of sweetness and tang, and are d’lish in my Citrus Panzanella Salad. They are also perfect paired with avocado, like in my Shrimp, Grapefruit and Avocado Salad with Honey Shallot Vinaigrette.

Are you a Chicken Picatta fan? Try it with grapefruit instead of the traditional lemon! I love to serve this with orzo tossed with a little butter and lots of fresh herbs. Or even better if you have fresh chanterelle mushrooms available – sauté them up and fold into cooked wild rice. Yum!

And for a refreshing and bright beverage, try my recipe for Pink Grapefruit Honey Ginger Fizz. Oh! And it is also great as a cocktail with a little shot of something added…. vodka, gin, tequila, bourbon……they all work!

Enjoy grapefruits in all their zesty glory any way you like! – Kathy

Citrus Panzanella Salad
With everyone baking at home these days, this is a great salad to use up any extra rustic bread. Featuring tangy grapefruit it’s excellent to serve as a starter or alongside grilled steak or roasted chicken. For a vegetarian entrée topped with sliced avocado and toasted nuts.

Makes 6 – 8 servings

Toasted Bread
4 cups 1-inch-cubed rustic style bread
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. minced fresh garlic
3 Tbsp. grated high-quality parmesan cheese

Salad and Dressing
1 Sunkist Grapefruit
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2 tsp. Dijon mustard
3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. fresh-ground black pepper
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1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 large tomato, diced
1 large fresh mozzarella ball, diced
2 cups arugula or baby spinach leaves
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil

Preheat oven to 475 degrees F.

To make the toasted bread: In a large bowl, toss the bread with the olive oil, garlic and parmesan cheese. Spread on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 6-8 minutes or until lightly crisped and golden. Let cool.

To serve the salad: Cut the top and bottom off of the grapefruit, then with a small paring knife cut the peel and white pith off of the sides of the grapefruit. Slice the grapefruit and then dice. Set aside.

Right before serving, in a very large bowl, whisk together the mustard, vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Then add the grapefruit, veggies, cheese, greens, basil, and (cooled) toasted bread. Toss together to coat ingredients well. Serve immediately.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®.

Shrimp, Grapefruit and Avocado Salad with Ginger Honey Vinaigrette
Makes about 6 servings

Honey Shallot Vinaigrette
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 tsp finely minced fresh ginger
1 Tbsp minced shallots
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
2 Tbsp honey
1/3 cup canola or olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
pinch cayenne pepper

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2 large pink or ruby grapefruit
2 ripe but firm avocados
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 1/2 cups cooked bay shrimp or cooked prawns
1 very large head butter lettuce, leaves washed and spun dry

Make vinaigrette first. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk together until smooth. Chill until ready to serve salad.

Cut ends off grapefruit, then cut skin off the sides of grapefruit, carefully removing all the white pith. Section out grapefruit into a bowl. (Cut grapefruit out with a knife to get sections with no pith. If there is lots of juice, do not add it to salad—drink it!) Toss grapefruit with red onion. Slice avocado over grapefruit and add shrimp and half of the dressing. Fold dressing in—be very gentle.

Place lettuce in a large bowl and toss with the remaining dressing. Divide among small serving plates or place on a large platter.

Top dressed greens with grapefruit mixture. Serve immediately.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®.

Chicken Piccata with Grapefruit, Pine Nuts and Capers
Makes 4 servings

2 Tbsp milk
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, pounded to 1/3-inch thickness
4 Tbsp salted butter
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3/4 cup fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 tsp finely minced grapefruit zest
2 Tbsp capers, drained
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
4 grapefruit wedges for garnish, and squeezing

In a small, flat bowl, mix together the milk and eggs. In another flat dish, mix the flour, salt, and pepper.

Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture and then into the flour mixture. Coat each piece well, then shake off the excess.

Meanwhile, in a large, shallow, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the butter and all the olive oil. Add the coated chicken pieces to the hot skillet, and cook until the chicken is golden on the outside and no longer pink on the inside, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Drain chicken on paper towels. Keep warm. (Keep the pan to make the sauce—don’t wash it.)

In the chicken cooking pan, add the garlic and stir around for a few seconds, being careful not to burn. Add the grapefruit juice and white wine. Increase heat to high, bring sauce to a boil, and let reduce by half. Immediately remove pan from the heat and whisk in the grapefruit zest, remaining butter, capers and parsley.

Transfer chicken to a warm platter and spoon sauce over each breast, then sprinkle with the pine nuts. Serve with grapefruit wedges for squeezing over chicken. Serve immediately.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®.

Pink Grapefruit Honey Ginger Fizz
Try substituting ginger ale for the soda water in this refreshing drink for and extra ginger kick. To make it libatious, add a shot of your favorite spirit!

Makes 1 drink

3 oz fresh squeezed Sunkist Pink Grapefruit juice
1 oz Honey Ginger Syrup (recipe follows)
1 oz soda water, chilled
Garnish: Sunkist Grapefruit wedge

Fill a tall glass with ice. Measure in the Sunkist Grapefruit juice, Honey Ginger Syrup and soda water. Stir to combine and garnish.

Honey Ginger Syrup
Makes 10 ounces

1 Tbsp minced fresh ginger
3/4 cup honey
3/4 cup water

Combine ingredients in small saucepan. On medium-high heat, bring liquid to a boil while stirring to combine well. Immediately reduce heat to low, and simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and cool. Store refrigerated for up to two weeks.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen®.

Lemonades, limeades, fizzy orangeades – summertime and citrus go hand-in hand.

Start with the basic template: citrus juice, sugar, and water. Then switch it up a bit. How about Meyer lemon or Key lime juices?

Next get creative with water and add some soda water. But think outside of the box and use a flavored soda water – think La Croix or flavored Perrier like fizzy blackberry, sparkling peach, or effervescent blood orange.

Instead of making it with traditional cane sugar, sweeten it with organic agave nectar, a unique honey variety like wildflower or buckwheat, or try a touch of maple syrup.

You can also change up the ice. Have you heard about the fun butterfly pea tea? It changes color when you mix it with citrus juices. Yes, you can make ice cubes with this for a magical experience that kids of all ages will love! Or craft a delicious drink like a Honey Butterfly Tea Soda!

And for adults, a splash of your favorite spirit will snazz up that drink – vodka, gin, tequila, or rum. Who’s ready for a citrusy summer cocktail – I know I am! –Kathy

Photo by Kathy Casey Food Studios – Liquid Kitchen for The National Honey Board

Honey Butterfly Tea Soda
The sweet and tart honey citrus elixir adds flavor and body to this refreshing drink. The colorful brilliant blue butterfly pea tea creates a magical experience when mixed in!

Makes 1 drink

2 oz Honey Citrus Elixir (recipe follows)
2 oz soda water, chilled
1 1/2 oz brewed Butterfly Pea Tea, chilled
Garnish: lemon wheel

Measure the Honey Citrus Elixir into a tall glass. Fill with ice, then add the soda water and top with the tea.
Garnish with lemon wheel.

Honey Citrus Elixir
Makes 2 cups

1 tablespoon loose Jasmine tea
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
1/2 cup boiling water
3/4 cup orange blossom honey
1 cup fresh lemon juice

Place the tea, ginger and boiling water in a pitcher. Let steep for 15 minutes then strain. Add the honey– stir and let cool to room temperature. Then stir in the lemon juice and refrigerate.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios – Liquid Kitchen for The National Honey Board

Some people don’t realize that California citrus is in season during the winter – which means zesty grapefruit is at its peak right now!

The mighty grapefruit first came to us in the 18th century as a cross between a pomelo and an orange. They are rich in vitamin C and packed with fiber. Grapefruits can also be your best friend if you’re looking to shed a few pounds.

Switch up your salad routine by throwing in some grapefruit, avocado, and a little red onions with some arugula – then whip up a dressing with grapefruit juice, honey, ginger and olive oil…yum!

Or how about topping your favorite fish or grilled shrimp with grapefruit segments tossed in olive oil, seasoning and chopped fresh herbs. The citrusy punch is the perfect complement to any seafood.

Are you a chicken piccata fan? Replace the traditional lemon with grapefruits instead – my recipe for Chicken Piccata with Grapefruit, Pine Nuts, and Capers is so d’lish!

Grapefruits are amazing in drinks too! For a refreshing, anytime sipper try my Pink Grapefruit Honey Ginger Fizz – packed with flavor and fizzy goodness.

So grab a zesty grapefruit and get creative in the kitchen!
-Kathy

Chicken Piccata with Grapefruit, Pine Nuts and Capers
Makes 4 servings

2 Tbsp milk
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, pounded to 1/3-inch thickness
4 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3/4 cup fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 tsp finely minced grapefruit zest
2 Tbsp capers, drained
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
4 grapefruit wedges for garnish, and squeezing

In a small, flat bowl, mix together the milk and eggs. In another flat dish, mix the flour, salt, and pepper.

Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture and then into the flour mixture. Coat each piece well, then shake off the excess.

Meanwhile, in a large, shallow, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the butter and all the olive oil. Add the coated chicken pieces to the hot skillet, and cook until the chicken is golden on the outside and no longer pink on the inside, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Drain chicken on paper towels. Keep warm. (Keep the pan to make the sauce—don’t wash it.)

In the chicken cooking pan, add the garlic and stir around for a few seconds, being careful not to burn. Add the grapefruit juice and white wine. Increase heat to high, bring sauce to a boil, and let reduce by half. Immediately remove pan from the heat and whisk in the grapefruit zest, remaining butter, capers and parsley.

Transfer chicken to a warm platter and spoon sauce over each breast, then sprinkle with the pine nuts. Serve with grapefruit wedges for squeezing over chicken. Serve immediately.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Pink Grapefruit Honey Ginger Fizz
For an added ginger kick, try substituting ginger beer for the soda water in this refreshing drink. To make it libatious, add a shot of your favorite spirit!
Makes 1 drink

3 oz fresh squeezed Pink Grapefruit juice
1 oz Honey Ginger Syrup (recipe follows)
1 oz soda water, chilled
Garnish: Grapefruit wedge

Fill a tall glass with ice. Measure in the Grapefruit juice, Honey Ginger Syrup and soda water. Stir to combine and garnish.

Honey Ginger Syrup
Makes 10 ounces

1 Tbsp minced fresh ginger
3/4 cup honey
3/4 cup water

Combine ingredients in small saucepan. On medium-high heat, bring liquid to a boil while stirring to combine well. Immediately reduce heat to low, and simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and cool. Store refrigerated for up to two weeks.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen®

Planning a festive party and need some drink ideas? Don’t worry! I’m here to help, so you’ll have lots of time to be merry with your guests,

Pick 1-2 signature cocktail recipes and pre-batch them. Then supplement your signature drink(s) with red wine and champagne, or beers. And of course, have something festive for the designated drivers as well.

For example, try my Festive Sparkling Rum Punch – made with rum, brandy, fresh juices, and homemade spiced syrup. You can make this up to a week in advance and refrigerate. Then, whip out that punch bowl from the closet and serve over a fun ice ring, then finish it off with champagne. Yum!

For the non-imbiber my Rosemary POM Holiday Sparkle is a cheery combination of fresh rosemary, tangerines, pomegranate juice and sparkling apple cider!

So don’t fret this holiday season – just make sure to plan ahead! –Kathy

Festive Sparkling Rum Punch
This punch is great to make ahead and then just add bubbles right before serving. Make a festive ice-ring to chill the punch, or serve over large ice balls – there are lots of molds available on line.

Makes about 16 – 20 servings

Spiced Syrup
2 cups water
2 cups sugar
12 each whole cloves
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ground allspice
2 cinnamon sticks, broken up

Punch
3 cups gold rum
1 cup brandy or cognac
1 cup guava or passion fruit nectar
1 cup pomegranate juice
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp. Peychaud’s or Angostura bitters

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1 bottle brut sparkling wine or champagne, chilled

To make the syrup: combine syrup ingredients in a medium sauce pan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer slowly for about 3 minutes. Remove pan from heat and let cool to room temperature before proceeding with recipe. Or you can prepare the syrup up to a week in advance and store refrigerated.

To make the punch: in a large punch bowl (or large container such as a stock pot or pitcher) combine the Spiced Syrup, rum, brandy, juices and bitters. Stir to combine. (At this point you can refrigerate the punch for up to 3 days in advance)

Present in a large punch bowl. Add sparkling wine/champagne right before serving. Serve punch in an old fashioned glass over ice or large ice balls.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen® – www.LiquidKitchen.com

Rosemary Pom Holiday Sparkle
Fresh rosemary’s herbal essence complements the tangy flavor of the clementine and the sweetness of the sparkling cider. When making this in the Middle East, I substituted sparkling date cider instead of the apple cider! It was fantastic!

Makes 1 drink

1 sprig fresh rosemary
1/4 or 1/2 of a clementine or mandarin, depending on size
1 1/2 oz pomegranate juice
3 oz sparkling apple cider
Garnish: fresh rosemary sprig

Bend 1 rosemary sprig and drop into a cocktail shaker. Squeeze in the clementine then drop in. Measure in the pomegranate juice. Fill the shaker with ice. Cap and shake vigorously. Pour into a tall glass. Top with the cider and stir. Garnish with a rosemary sprig. (Or, you can shake the drink in the cocktail shaker, then add the sparkling cider and strain the drink into a tall champagne flute for a more elegant look.)

Recipe by Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen® – www.LiquidKitchen.com

Calling all spirits enthusiasts and libation fanatics! What do you get when you combine thousands of mixologists and bartenders and a lot of cocktails together? Tales of the Cocktail, of course!

Held annually in New Orleans during July, this boozy bootcamp brings in folks from ALL over the world, including many from the Pacific Northwest! There are tastings, seminars, cocktail tours, crazy competitions, industry awards, and parties galore.

New Orleans is home to many classic cocktails. Did you know that the Ramos Fizz, the French 75, and the Sazerac all originated in the Big Easy?

If you’ve never had a Ramos Fizz, think of it as the perfect summer brunch sipper. Shaken up with gin, lemon juice, a little simple syrup, egg whites, cream, and a dash of orange flower water. Then finished with a little soda water for fizz!

Are you thirsty now? I know I am! Think about heading to Tales of the Cocktail next month – there’s still time to get tickets! And try whipping up a classic NOLA cocktail this weekend to get you in the mood. -Kathy

Sazerac
The Sazerac Coffeehouse where this cocktail earned its name, made the switch from the original brandy to rye and gained a dash of absinthe. The rest, as they say, is history!

Makes 1 cocktail
1/4 oz Ricard or absinthe
2 oz rye
1/4 oz Simple Syrup
4 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
Garnish: Wide lemon disk

Rinse a chilled Old Fashioned glass with Ricard or absinthe; set aside. In a mixing glass, measure in the rye, syrup and bitters. Fill mixing glass 3/4 full with ice and stir swiftly for 20 seconds. Strain into liqueur-rinsed glass without ice. Squeeze lemon disk over top of drink then drop in.