Getting Crafty with Cocktails at Home

One of our favorite times of year is upon us. The days are getting longer, there is still a bit of chill in the air, and the mosquitos have yet to find us. When 5 o’clock, hits you will find us pouring a cocktail and heading out to the porch. To make it easy on ourselves, we often reach for one of these cocktail add-ins. They add a ton of flavor with not much work and are perfect with or without a dose of alcohol. Today, we feature four of our favorites, each paired with a recipe to add a unique spin and bring a little punch to your cocktail hour.

Sin<less Cocktail Mixes

We have long been fans of Sinless Cocktail Mixes (we have even featured owner and creator Cat Hawkins as a FACE). Unlike some margarita mixes, Sinless is all natural, has no sugar whatsoever, and is only 5 calories per drink. And even with the healthy stats, we think they taste pretty darn good. Most often we reach for the margarita mix, but the mojito, strawberry margarita, and sour mix are also delicious. You can find Sinless mixes in the refrigerated section at Atlanta area Whole Foods, Kroger locations, Savi Provisions, Green’s Beverage, and many Atlanta restaurants.  www.sinlesscocktails.com

Sinless Jalapeño Margarita

• 3 parts Sinless Margarita Mix
• 1 part tequila
• 1 fresh, diced jalapeño or a hand full of pickled, diced jalapeños
• Shake to combine and serve over plenty of ice with a jalapeño garnish and fresh lime.

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Whodini Sisters Bloody Mary Potion

Whodini Sisters is not your average Bloody Mary mix. As the Whodini ladies describe it, it is a “potion” full of spices and flavors to which you then add tomato juice. We love to sip the traditional Bloody Mary, but we are also partial to the Whodini Michelada below. Their website has plenty of other ideas as well. The mix is also all-natural and gluten-free and is available at Lucy’s Market, B.D. Jeffries, H & F Bottle Shop, and Savi Provisions. www.whodinisisters.com

The Whodini Michelada

• 1 oz of Whodidi Potion
• 1 beer
• Tomato juice
• Combine Whodidi Potion and a beer in a tall glass. Top with tomato juice to taste.

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Shrub & Co. Elixirs 

Once popular in Colonial America and gaining popularity again today, a shrub is a concoction of sugar, vinegar and fruit that adds an interesting depth to your beverage of choice. Add a few drops to a glass of champagne or sparkling water, or add a bit to your cocktail to enhance the flavor. Shrub & Co. has an extensive drink list on their website, and the Bee’s Knees cocktail definitely caught our eye. Available at H & F Bottle Shop. shrubandco.com

Bee’s Knees

• 2 oz of gin
• 2/4 oz of Shrub & Co. Honey Shrub
• 1/2 oz of fresh lemon juice
• Shake ingredients over ice and serve in a chilled glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon.

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Bittermilk

A balanced compound in a bottle, Bittermilk’s concoctions are a mix of bitter, sweet and acid to enhance your cocktail with full-bodied flavor. We feel just a little more sophisticated when sipping a drink made with Bittermilk. We like the No. 1 Cola below, and their website has plenty of more options that tend to pair well with whiskey, bourbon, and rum. Available at H & F Bottle Shop. bittermilk.com

No. 1 Cola

• 2 parts bourbon
• 1/2 part Bittermilk No. 1
• 4 parts Coke
• Build ingredients in a tall glass with ice and stir with a spoon.

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Cheers to a crafty cocktail hour!