Entertaining Archives | Bon Vie Magazine https://bonviemag.com/category/lifestyle/entertaining/ The Modern Guide to the Good Life. Mon, 23 Sep 2024 04:14:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://bonviemag.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-BonVie-Favicon-32x32.png Entertaining Archives | Bon Vie Magazine https://bonviemag.com/category/lifestyle/entertaining/ 32 32 5 Fabulous Fall Cocktails Just in Time for Sweater Weather https://bonviemag.com/5-fabulous-fall-cocktails-just-in-time-for-sweater-weather/ https://bonviemag.com/5-fabulous-fall-cocktails-just-in-time-for-sweater-weather/#comments Sat, 21 Sep 2024 13:39:16 +0000 https://bonviemag.com/?p=1001 Fall has arrived, and with it, the perfect weather for warming, spice-infused cocktails. Check out our list of the best sips for sweater weather.

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  • 5 Fabulous Fall Cocktails Perfect for Sweater Weather | BonVie Magazine

5 Fabulous Fall Cocktails Perfect for Sweater Weather


The leaves are falling, temperatures are dropping, and fashions are Fall fierce again!

As cozy season sweeps in, bringing with it spectacular layered ensembles and a look-forward to the holidays, it’s time to trade summer spritzes for cocktails with a bit more spice.

Here are five of the best cocktails to enjoy this fall, each with a touch of autumnal magic. Whether you’re lounging by the fire or hosting a chic get-together, these drinks are guaranteed to warm your spirits—and your soul.

Spiced Apple Cider Mule

This cocktail is a fresh, crisp take on the Moscow Mule infused with our favorite autumn spices.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 4 oz apple cider (fresh-pressed if possible)
  • 4 oz ginger beer, chilled
  • 1/2 oz lime juice
  • Dash of cinnamon
  • Apple slices and cinnamon stick for garnish

Mix Method

– Fill a copper mug with ice.

– Add your vodka, apple cider, and lime juice to the mug.

– Stir in the ginger beer and mix until well combined.

– Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on top.

– Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an apple slice.

Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned

This twist on a classic is as smooth as it is rich—perfect for bourbon lovers who want a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon (we recommend Brough Brothers or Uncle Nearest)
  • 1/2 oz pure maple syrup (try smoked maple syrup for extra depth)
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Orange peel
  • Ice cube (bourbon cubes are worth the extra effort)

Mix Method

– In a cocktail mixer, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters.

– Stir until the ingredients are well blended.

– Add a large ice cube to an Old Fashioned glass.

– Strain the mixture over the ice.

– Twist the orange peel over the glass to release its oils, then add as garnish.

Pumpkin Spice Martini

This indulgent martini is the kicked-up answer to all those pumpkin spice drinks at the coffee shop. It’s smooth, sophisticated, and full of fall flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vanilla vodka
  • 1 oz pumpkin liqueur
  • 1 oz vanilla liqueur (optional, but adds depth)
  • 1/2 oz heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Crushed graham crackers, for rim
  • Cinnamon stick or nutmeg, for garnish

Mix Method

– Rim your martini glass with crushed graham crackers by dipping it in water or simple syrup, then into the cracker crumbs.

– In an ice-filled cocktail shaker, add vodka, both liqueurs, heavy cream, and cinnamon.

– Shake well until all ingredients are combined and chilled.

– Strain into the prepared martini glass.

– Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Pear and Ginger Sparkler

Bright and bubbly with a touch of spice—this one’s perfect for a stylish brunch or your seasonal dinner party.

Ingredients

  • 1 ripe pear (peeled and cored)
  • 1 oz ginger syrup (or, kick things up with ginger liqueur)
  • 4 oz chilled sparkling wine
  • 1/2 oz lemon juice
  • Pear slices and rosemary sprigs for garnish

Mix Method

– Puree the pear in a blender until smooth. Strain to remove excess pulp.

– In a champagne flute, add 1 oz of pear puree and the ginger syrup or liqueur.

– Add the lemon juice and stir gently.

– Top off with chilled champagne or prosecco.

– Garnish with a pear slice and a sprig of rosemary.

Hot Buttered Rum

Rich, creamy, and undeniably comforting—this classic drink is perfect for wrapping up in a blanket and unwinding after a long day.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz dark spiced rum
  • 1 tsp unsalted butter, softened (try a non-dairy alternative)
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup hot water, or hot apple cider for extra fall flavor
  • Cinnamon stick for garnish

Mix Method

– In a mug, mix together the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until they form a paste.

– Pour in the rum and stir to combine.

– Add hot water (or hot apple cider) and stir until the ingredients are well combined.

– Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

These five fall cocktails are sure to keep your evenings warm, your spirits high, and your Instagram feed on point. Cheers to a stylish, spirited autumn!





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Get the Party Started

5 Red Drinks Perfect for Your Juneteenth Party


It’s official. Memorial Day has passed, and summer is upon us. With the start of the season comes planning for the best summer holiday, Juneteenth.

A celebration of the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas finally received the news of emancipation (two years late), Juneteenth is an important part of our heritage, and a day worthy of fanfare.

How “Red Drink” Became the Official Beverage of Juneteeth

A variety of traditions have been adopted to commemorate the day, and the “Red Drink” is one of the most enduring. Passed down for generations by families that have celebrated the holiday since the 1800s, the custom of drinking only red drinks at Juneteenth affairs has a variety of meanings.

Elders passed down the belief that drinking red drinks honored the blood shed by generations of enslaved ancestors during their oppression and struggle to be free.

Historians suggest that the use of red in our cultural celebrations stretches even further back – to our time on the continent. Enslaved people maintained some cultural threads through oral tradition, and the symbolic meaning of red is one of them.

Your Juneteenth Cocktails

It’s time to party, and these red cocktails are perfect options for the cookout! Each one is refreshing and has a balance of summer flavors. Choose a few – or all of them – for your soiree.

Strawberry Basil Smash

Enjoy the fresh flavors perfectly ripe summer berries in the Strawberry Basil Smash. This cocktail combines ripe strawberries with basil and lime juice for a refreshing and vibrant drink. This can be served with vodka, or left alcohol-free for tantalizing mocktail. It’s ideal for a June celebration.

Ingredients:

    • 4-6 fresh strawberries
    • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
    • Basil leaves
    • 0.5 ounce of simple syrup
    • 2 ounces of premium vodka (optional)
    • Sparkling water

Instructions:

Muddle the strawberries and basil together. Add your vodka (if using), simple syrup, and lime juice. Top with sparkling water for the perfect amount of effervescence.

Pomegranate Hibiscus Highball

This sophisticated highball cocktail blends the tartness of pomegranate with the floral notes of hibiscus and an aromatic touch of rosemary. It’s a drink that will delight the senses.

Ingredients:

    • 2 ounces premium gin
    • 2 ounces pomegranate juice
    • 1 ounce hibiscus syrup
    • Fresh rosemary sprig
    • Club soda

Instructions:

Mix the gin, pomegranate juice, and hibiscus syrup. Top with club soda and garnish with a bruised rosemary sprig. Want to up the ante? Grill the rosemary sprigs for a minute or two to heighten the flavor.

Sangria Roja

Sangria is a celebration staple, and the classic version is perfect for Juneteenth. Combining red wine with fresh fruit and a splash of brandy, this cocktail is both delicious and festive.

Ingredients:

    • 1 bottle of good red wine
    • 4 ounces brandy (yes, Hennessy works)
    • 2.5 ounces orange liqueur
    • 1 cup orange juice
    • Mixed fresh fruits (oranges, lemons, berries)
    • 2 tablespoons sugar, or to taste
    • Club soda

Instructions:

Mix the wine, brandy, sugar, orange liqueur, and orange juice with sliced fruits and let it chill. Top with club soda. Serve over ice.

Raspberry Lemon Fizz

Combining the tartness of raspberries with the fizz of champagne, this cocktail is perfect for summer.

Ingredients:

    • 2 ounces raspberry puree
    • 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
    • 1/2 ounce vodka
    • Sparkling wine or champagne
    • Fresh raspberries and lemon slices for garnish

Instructions: Mix raspberry puree, lemon juice, and vodka in a glass. Top with sparkling wine or champagne and garnish with fresh raspberries and lemon slices.

Hibiscus Margarita

Add a floral twist to your margaritas with hibiscus syrup. This cocktail blends the tartness of lime with the sweet and floral notes of hibiscus, creating a unique drink.

Ingredients:

    • 2 ounces tequila
    • 1 ounce hibiscus syrup
    • 1 ounce lime juice
    • 1/2 ounce triple sec
    • Salt for rimming (optional)

Instructions:

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.

The Wrap Up

These cocktails are perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your Juneteenth festivities. Cheers!





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Here in the Northern Hemisphere, Spring has officially sprung!

As the season blossoms in all its glory, it’s time to embrace the joy of entertaining again. Whether you’re planning a lavish garden soiree or an intimate dinner party, consider these seven tips as you prepare for an unforgettable spring gathering.

  1. Set the Stage with Inviting Ambiance. Transform your space with the freshness of the season. Adorn your location with lush floral arrangements, highlighting the vibrant hues that reflect spring.

    Illuminate pathways and seating areas with soft, ambient lighting, such as string lights or elegant lanterns, to create a magical atmosphere as the sun sets. Consider playing soft background music to set the mood and enhance the overall ambiance of your gathering.

  2. Curate a Seasonal Menu. Embrace spring’s bounty by crafting a menu that showcases seasonal ingredients at their peak. Incorporate the freshest in-season produce like asparagus, peas, strawberries, and artichokes to add a burst of flavor and freshness. Offer a mix of light and indulgent options to cater to varying tastes, from refreshing salads to decadent desserts.

    For an extra touch of luxury, consider hiring a private chef to create a bespoke dining experience tailored especially to you and your guests’ tastes.

  3. Elevate Your Libations. Impress your guests with a well-curated selection of artisanal cocktails, fine wines, and premium spirits. Signature cocktails featuring seasonal fruits and herbs are the perfect sophisticated twist for any event.

    For a memorable touch, consider hosting a wine tasting or mixology workshop led by a knowledgeable sommelier or bartender, allowing guests to expand their horizons while enjoying the company of friends and loved ones.


    Celebrate spring by honoring Earth Day. Discover 3 great ways to mark the holiday.


  4. Master the Art of Tablescaping. The table is a crucial element of any culinary affair. Set yours with exquisite or eclectic linens, fine china, and elegant tableware to make a memorable statement. Incorporating seasonal elements such as floral centerpieces, and botanical-inspired accents will evoke the spirit of spring.

    Thoughtful touches such as personalized place cards or handwritten menus will add a personalized touch your guest won’t soon forget.

  5. Curate Engaging Entertainment. Keep your guests entertained and engaged with a variety of interactive activities and entertainment options. Set up lawn games such as croquet or bocce ball for outdoor gatherings, or arrange a live musical performance to serenade your guests.

    For a more intimate affair, consider hosting a themed movie night or arranging an art exhibition featuring local artists. Tailor the entertainment to suit the preferences of your guests, so that everyone feels included and entertained throughout the event.

  6. Prioritize Comfort and Convenience. Anticipate the needs of your guests and prioritize their comfort and convenience throughout the event. Provide various seating options to encourage mingling and conversation.

    The little touches matter. Offer items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, and blankets to ensure that guests feel comfortable throughout the duration of the gathering. Hiring professional waitstaff or event coordinators will allow you to focus on mingling with your guests and enjoying the festivities.

  7. Capture Memorable Moments. Magical events are meant to be remembered. Document the gathering by capturing  photographs and video.

    For your most important events, hire a professional photographer to immortalize special moments and ensure that you have beautiful mementos to cherish for years to come. Share highlights from the event on social media platforms or create a custom photo album as a thoughtful keepsake for your guests to treasure.

Preparing to entertain this spring is an opportunity to create unforgettable experiences and meaningful connections with your dear friends. By following these seven tips, you can elevate your gatherings to new heights of luxury and sophistication, and ensure that each event is a reflection of your impeccable taste and hospitality.

Embrace the beauty of the season, indulge in delicious culinary delights, and revel in the joy of bringing people together this time of year.

 


Are you hosting any spring events? Share your best entertaining tips with other readers in the comments.

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