Cocktails used to be rather manly concoctions of spirits like whisky or gin with little appeal for the feminine thirst. Palate-pleasing, girly cocktails became popular as women gained the right to belly up to the bar and swig with the men. Ever since that auspicious moment, the search has been on for delicious and beautiful, girly cocktail recipes that will leave you giggling for more.
The cosmopolitan. Stiff enough for a martini drinker but with a hint of sweetness, the "cosmo" is a perfect marriage of taste and good looks. A couple ounces of your favorite vodka shaken over ice with a pass of cranberry juice and lime are all it takes to mix up your own. If you want to complicate things a bit, add a splash of triple sec. Shake like mad and pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with something frilly -- like a twist of lemon or lime.
If you like pina coladas ... This creamy dream of a cocktail is simple to make and far too simple to drink. Mix 1 part rum with 1 part cream of coconut (no substitutions, please!) and 3 parts pineapple. Shake or blend with ice. Garnish with a cherry and a wedge of fresh pineapple. Go a little crazy and float a bit of dark Meyer's rum on top. Aye, Chihuahua. Incidentally, the pina colada is the official beverage of Puerto Rico ever since 1978.
Bella Bellini. This cocktail should never be referred to as champagne cocktail. The Bellini originated in Italy and is made with Prosecco. Top a sparkling glass full of Prosecco with peach liquor, peach nectar and a fresh, juicy slice of peach. Enjoy life Italian style.
Sangria. This delicious prepare-ahead-in-bulk cocktail is fruity and powerful. In a large pitcher, mix a bottle of red wine, 2 ounces of brandy, 2 ounces of triple sec, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice and orange juice, 1/4 cup sugar and plenty of fruit slices such as orange, lemon, apples, peaches and/or nectarines. Let the entire mix muddle together in the fridge for an hour or even overnight. Just before serving, you can add a cup or two of seltzer.
White Russian. So simple, so perfect, so minxy. This is an easy, soul-satisfying cocktail that can be whipped up in seconds. 2 parts vodka, 1 part Kahlua and 1 part cream, serve over ice.
Brown Lady. Combine 1 part vodka or rum, 2 parts Kahlua, 1 part Creme de Cacao, 1 part coconut cream, 1 part Bailey's and a cup or two of ice in a blender. Blend on high until the perfect consistency is achieved. Enjoy on the beach -- or whenever you need the taste of summer.
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