Apple Cider Moscow Mules

Generally I think of the Moscow Mule as a summer drink, but a recent recipe I found may have changed my mind. The Apple Cider Moscow Mule is a perfect drink for fall. And I have also found the perfect cup to drink it in- the AkaiGer Moscow Mule Mug.

This mug is hand-hammered out of 100% copper, and it is beautiful! It is very sturdy with no seams or rivets so you know it will never leak. It would make a stunning addition to any home bar.

INGREDIENTS (Serves One)

 2 ounces ginger flavored vodka

 2 ounces apple cider (store bought or homemade)

 Juice of 1 small lime wedge

 Good quality ginger beer to top off

 Cinnamon to sprinkle

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In your copper mug, add the vodka, apple cider and lime juice.

2. Fill the glass with ice, sprinkle cinnamon over the ice, then top off with ginger beer.

3. Stir well and garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.

I may or may not have still garnished mine with mint instead (our mint plant is taking over our backyard!), but it was still delicious. Definitely a good way to transition a classic summer drink into the colder months.

I received a free mug to review but all opinions are my own.

Homemade Garlic Aioli

I finally acquired a Kuuk garlic press, so I decided the first thing I would do with it is make garlic aioli! The press minced the garlic to the perfect consistency for the aioli without even having to peel the garlic, which made the prep work for this recipe almost non-existent.

I brought this aioli to a potluck at work with a Spanish tortilla, and it was a big hit.

MAKES ABOUT 3/4 CUP

AÏoli can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

INGREDIENTS

• 2large egg yolks
• 4teaspoons lemon juice
• 1garlic clove, minced to paste
• Salt and white pepper
• 1/8teaspoon sugar
• 1/2cup vegetable oil
• 1/4cup extra-virgin olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In large bowl, combine egg yolks, lemon juice, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and sugar. Whisking 
constantly, very slowly drizzle oils into egg mixture until thick and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. (Recipe from Cook's Illustrated.)

The garlic press was easy to use and only required a small amount of effort to squeeze the garlic through even with the skin on. It was a sturdy stainless steel and is dishwasher safe too so it is very easy to clean!

I received a free garlic press to review but all opinions are my own.

Virgin Matcha 'Mojitos'

I finally decided to jump on the Matcha bandwagon and give it a try. I was a little apprehensive to first try it but I have to say I really do like it! Since it's super hot in Texas right now I didn't want to be drinking hot tea, so I tried making an iced matcha drink. I found this recipe and decided to give it a try. It's like a virgin mojito but made with matcha!

There are more detailed instructions in the link, but here is the quick and easy instructions as I made it!

In a cocktail shaker, mix 1 tsp Midori Spring Matcha with 1 cup water and a splash of lime juice. Pour into a glass with ice and stir in a sprig of mint and a little sugar if you'd like. Enjoy!

It's a perfect refreshing drink for hot summer days. I'm super impressed with the quality of the Midori Springs matcha and I'm excited to try it in a few other recipes, and also as a hot drink once it cools down!

I received a free tin of matcha from Midori Spring, but all opinions are my own.