16 apple cider sips.

RECIPES: 1) Cider Jack Cocktail via Intoxicology 101 || 2) Mulled Apple Cider via Gardenista || 3) Smoky Apple Cider Cocktail via Tasteseekers Kitchen || 4) Apple Cider Moscow Mules via Sugar and Charm || 5) Spiced Apple Cider Sangria via My Life as a Mrs. || 6) Cider Pumpkin Float via Dine and Dish || 7) Spiced Apple Cider Champagne Cocktail via Dishing Up the Dirt || 8) Fizzy Apple Cider Punch via Just Putzing Around the Kitchen || 9) Caramel Apple Cider via Ciera Design Studio || 10) Homemade Apple Cider via Sugar and Charm || 11) Cider Rum Punch via Emma Dime || 12) Apple Cider Sangria via How Sweet It Is || 13) Apple Cider Mimosa via Style Within Reach || 14) Caramel Apple Cider via Pastry Affair || 15) Ginger, Apple + Bourbon via The Tampopo Post || 16) Bourbon Apple Cider via Set the Table

Though I may not be drinking the "hard stuff" this fall, I am far from immune to the onslaught of apple cider goodness across the blogosphere. After pinning cider-related concoctions like mad this week, I decided to create a little round-up of the best recipes from my research. Most of these recipes involve alcohol, but there are a few which could easily be adapted for those who prefer their cider straight ;) Enjoy! xoxo {av}

summer mocktails.

1) Blackberry Mocktail via Running to the Kitchen // 2) The Palauxma via Confections of a Foodie Bride

3) Spicy Ginger Meyer Lemonade via Spache the Spatula // 4) Orange-Rosemary Mocktail via The Kitchen Prep

5) Mojito Mocktail via Bluebonnets + Brownies // 6) No-Stress Blood Orange Spritzer via In Sonnet's Kitchen

7) Virgin Frozen Margaritas via Taste and Tell // 8) Lavender Lemonade via Against All Grain

9) Strawberry-Lime Coconut Agua Fresca via the pig & quill // 10) Roasted Peach Lemonade via The Naptime Chef

11) The Bright & Bitter via The Kitchn // 12) Ginger Beer Lemonade via A Beautiful Mess

Summer officially starts tomorrow, as does my sixteenth week of pregnancy. {YAY!} While trying to jazz up my booze-free beverage routine, I decided to do a little summer mocktail research. Whether you're pregnant or not, these twelve refreshers will surely make any of your summer days better in an instant. The best news? These pretty concoctions come with smiles, not hangovers. Enjoy, friends! xoxo {av}

say no to green beer.

from top:  St. Germain + Mint Margarita via Waiting on Martha for Sweet Lemon // Lime Sherbet Punch via Paula Deen // Kiwi Lime Mojito via The Merrythought // Tequila Mint Limeade via New South Food Company // Basil Lime Cocktail via The Italian Dish // Green, Green Grass Champagne Cocktail via Marthafied // Green Apple Ginger Martini via Gourmande in the Kitchen // Mojito Jello Shots via A Beautiful Mess {I know this isn't technically a sip, but it is booze-related...} // Sour Apple Champagne Cocktail via Will Cook for Smiles // Honey Rum Fizz via Design*Sponge + Spoon Fork Bacon

With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, I decided to pull ten green cocktail recipes to jazz up your beverage selection. Green beer may be fun, but the green teeth which come after are not. These ten options will keep the green factor high without that unfortunate side effect. {Don't drink? Don't worry. A few of these cocktails could actually be made as mocktails!} 

Is St. Patrick's Day a big to-do near you? I wouldn't say I'm crazy for this green holiday, but it is fun to don some green--and sip it too. {cv} and I experienced St. Patrick's Day in South Boston, but it is on my bucket list to see the river dyed green in Chicago. I think I'm too old to appreciate a crazy Savannah St. Pat's, but I have heard great things about their festivities too. Have a safe + festive St. Patrick's Day! xoxo {av}

P.S. If you're in need of some other fun drink ideas, I have plenty on my "sip sip" Pinterest board!

12 must-serve sips for the holidays.

It's far from five o'clock and I'm already dreaming of a cocktail (or two). I don't know what it says about me, but my "sip sip" Pinterest board gets a lot of re-pinning action. With the holidays front of mind these days, I thought it was only appropriate to round up twelve must-serve sips for this festive season. From cranberry coolers to mommy mocktails, there is definitely something for everyone on this list. Pin this post to help you plan your ugly sweater party or whip up something fancy for an unexpected guest.

What's in your favorite holiday drinky drink? Share your favorite recipes and spread some holiday cheer! xoxo {av}

CRANBERRY COOLERS: Cranberry Mojitos {We Are Not Martha} // Cranberry Margaritas {Confections of a Foodie Bride} // even more Cranberry Margaritas {Gimme Some Oven}

CREAMY CONCOCTIONS: Creamy Peppermint Punch {Celebrate Mag} // Christmas Cookie Ice Cream Shots {Sugar & Cloth} // Eggnog Shooters {Best Friends for Frosting}

PRETTY COCKTAILS: Cherry Whiskey Smash {How Sweet It Is}  // Peppermint White Russian {A Beautiful Mess} // Frozen Raspberry Pomegranate Cocktail with Fresh Lime + Vodka {What Katie Ate}

MOMMY MOCKTAILS: Pomegranate Spritzer {White on Rice Couple} // Ginger Gem {iVillage} // Winter Berry Splash {The SoHo} Disclaimer: I am not announcing any pregnancy here, friends. Don't get too excited! I just want to help out those ladies with a bun in the oven--or those who like their drinks without booze ;)

what to serve: bachelorette party drinks.

2013 is a year of celebrations! I'm so honored to be a part of two weddings this spring {in the span of six weeks!}, so there are lots of festivities happening early this year. I already threw my sister-in-law's bachelorette in January, but in just a few short weeks, I'll be helping to throw another for my bestie, {kj}. Per the bride's request, we're doing a quiet weekend--full of best friends, good food, and a few tasty beverages ;) Here's the trouble: a super sugary cocktail isn't meant to be consumed in higher volumes. These recipes are on our radar, but we haven't picked a final winner just yet...

left column {from top}: Salty Dog via Matt Bites + Peach Bellini via Kitchen Meets Girl + Brooklyn Beauty via Crepes of Wrath || right column {from top}: Tangerine Sorbet Champagne Float via Completely Delicious + Champagne Mint Julep via Southern Weddings

Truth be told, I'd be happy with something sparkly {be it champagne or prosecco}, but fun drinks make for a good party! What cocktails have you found to be party pleasers--which aren't hard to make + wouldn't be too fussy? I can't wait to hear your suggestions! xoxo {av}

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play up your pomegranate.

Have you ever paid attention to which of your pinterest boards seem to get the most repin love? Whatever it is, my "sip sip" board definitely gets some extra loving. Pomegranates keep popping up in these pretty bevvies, so I thought I might take a peek for a few others to add to my collection. How perfect are some of these drinks for Thanksgiving and Christmas?

left from top: Cranberry Pomegranate Margarita by My Life as a Mrs. | The Belmont Breeze by Tide and Thyme | The Oscar Buzz by Aida Mollenkamp ~ right from top: Pomegranate Vanilla Sangria by How Sweet Eats | Pomegranate Margarita by How Sweet Eats | Pomosa by Simply...Gluten-Free

{cv} is a huge pomegranate fan, so I'm excited to field test a few of these recipes soon. {I'll be sure to share the winning recipes via Instagram.} Pomegranates go a long way to making something simple like champagne look festive. Sign me up!

sip sip.

Let's face it: I have Memorial Day weekend brain. The problem? I still have two work days before the long weekend even begins! {cv} and I will be making our annual Memorial Day weekend pilgrimage with best friends, {ao} and {ch}, out to the beautiful Cape Cod, where a weekend of fun awaits.

One of the many things I love about our stays at {ch}'s Cape house is the time we have to relax and enjoy what we create--be it a fun summer shandy or an authentic lobster roll. Here are a few "sips" {which can be enjoyed with or without alcohol!} that I'd love to try this time around...

{from top to bottom} left column: strawberry basil margarita + watermelon margarita + raspberry beer cocktail 

right column: frozen lemonade with coconut rum + coconut water champagne fruit punch + lime sorbet margarita

Drinks like these are best enjoyed in fun glasses, like the ones in the round-up below! {I truly don't think I'll ever have enough Tervis tumblers!} Once we're finally in that house of ours, you better believe I'll be purchasing a few mason jars and some of these pretties to use with our guests :)

find them here: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8

Don't these just look heavenly? I sure think so! I hope you're also gearing up for a fun round of Memorial Day Friday's Fancies tomorrow! I'm looking forward to some last minute outfit inspiration before we hit the road for the Cape ;) As always, enjoy your Thursday--and I'll see y'all tomorrow!