Summer Refreshment

As we get into the thick of summer, you might be looking for a great way to cool off. Check out these unique summer cocktails for a burst of refreshment!

P.S: If you like them, you may even consider adding it to your wedding menu as a tasty signature drink for your guests to enjoy!

Queensparke Swizzle

• 2 ounces light rum
• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
• .75 ounces simple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 3 dashes Peychaud's bitters
• 1 brown sugar cube
• 1 handful mint

1. Add mint into a shaker and muddle
2. Add lime juice, simple syrup, and brown sugar cube into the shaker and fill with ice
3. Shake vigorously 6 - 8 seconds
4. Strain ingredients into a glass tree-quarters full of crushed ice
5. Add bitters and top with crushed ice
6. Garnish with a mint sprig

Platino Fresco

• 2 ounces 100% blue agave tequila
• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice.75 ounces simple syrup
• 3 slices cucumber
• 1 handful mint

1. Add cucumber and mint into shaker and muddle
2. Add tequila, lime juice, and simple srup into the shaker and fill with ice
3. Shake vigorously for 6 - 8 seconds
4. Strain ingredients over fresh ice in a glass (may also be served up)
5. Garnish with a cucumber slice with a mint sprig through the center

Gold & Delicious

• 2 ounces applejack brandy
• .75 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice
• .75 ounces clover honey syrup

1. Add all ingredients into a shaker and fill with ice
2. Shake vigorously for 6 - 8 seconds
3. Strain ingredients into a glass
4. Garnish with a fan of apple slices

DIY Centerpieces: Floating Candles

Candles are one of the most popular items used in wedding decor. The soft lighting created by a candle's flame truly adds a touch of romance and intimacy. But rather than just using an ordinary votive or tealight candle, consider incorporating a "spiced up" floating candle into your centerpieces, on your cake table, or as decor accents. To "spice up" your candles fill a glass vase approximately half way with fresh fruit or flowers. Consider lemons, limes, oranges, cherries, and almost any type of fresh flower heads. Carefully fill the container with water, leaving about 2 inches at the top. Place your floating candle on top of the water.

Don't be afraid to get creative! There are tons of different options for filling your vases. If you are having a fall wedding, you might use colorful leaves. If you are having a winter wedding or glitz & glam decor, you might use diamonds or rhinestones. The possibilities are endless!

Give the Gift of Cocktails

If you are on Facebook (and who isn't these days), you have probably received at least one "virtual cocktail" from a friend. I know I have and I have to say it is pretty fun to pass them back and forth. But, wouldn't it be even better if they were real. Well, Patrick Ledbetter evidently felt the same way and decided to start a new website called GiveReal.com where you can give the gift of real, live cocktails to your friends. Simply select a drink for your friend (or at least a suggested drink, they get to choose their own), type in their name and email, add a personal message, and pay with a credit card. Your friend is then notified via email that they have a gift, which they can redeem at any bar, restaurant, club, or cafe that accepts credit cards. How cool is that! Now you can celebrate with your friends and family, even if they are miles away!

DIY Centerpieces: Jeweled Lamp Shades

To create a truly unique centerpiece for your guest tables, cocktail tables, or even as a decor accent for your home, simply add modern or vintage jewelry to the shade of a small lamp. Slip bracelets or necklaces over the top of the shade, using the slope of the shade to hold them in place. Or...you can attach mix-and-match clip earrings around the edges. This is an inexpensive way to transform a plain, ordinary accessory into something original and fabulous!

Raise the Cake

Are you looking for something besides the good 'ol, traditional silver cake stand to show off your wedding cake? Check out Raise the Cake, a new company that designs custom cake stands to match your wedding decor. There are several pre-designed options, from modern to glitzy to fun and funky. Or...you can set up a consultation to have a stand custom designed to your exact wants and needs. This is a great way to express your personality and really make your wedding cake stand out!