A creative blog that shares many of the things I love; from cocktails, happy hour, recipes, photos, events, interviews and more.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Monday, April 7, 2014
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Love Happy Hour - Gifts Ideas for the Cocktail Enthusiast - Christmas 2013
by Maren Swanson
Whether you are looking to gift yourself or your friends that stayed on the "nice" list this year, we've gathered some unique gift ideas to add cheer to any cocktail enthusiast's barsonal. Sure, that Ketel One vodka gift box seems like a bright idea, but come on, we all know that's a lazy choice. Now I'm not saying your recipient would be bummed about receiving such lovely present, but why not think outside the typical "gift box" and go for something different? Here a some options that won't break you budget and will leave your Secret Santa will a holly, jolly smile.
1. Vintage Barware.
 |  |
Vintage is always in, right? A great place to start is your local flea market. Here you can strike up some real deals and find some classic bar pieces. I've found some fabulous flasks, decanters and full sets of martini glasses from the fifties to the eighties and haven't spent more than $50.
2. Holiday Booze.
Duh. As I mentioned earlier, it will be hard to piss someone off when you are gifting alcohol, but friends and family will definitely appreciate it if you get them something with some extra thought put into it. Instead of the typical bottle of gin or vodka, try gifting them something different like seasonally inspired special release beers or cordials.
 |  |
3. Bar10der.
Love your swiss army knife but wish you had one for your bar? Bar10nder is a new tool on the market that combines 10 bartending tools in one gadget - the muddler, standard and channel knives, reamer, jigger, zester, stirrer, strainer, corkscrew, and bottle opener. So cool.
4. Homemade Stuff.
Everyone loves something homemade. Plus, you won't break the bank and you will definitely get praised for your creativity. Pinterest in a great resource for this. One idea is to create a certificate that includes a promised night of chocolate dipped strawberries and Champagne cocktails (made by yours truly). Or try making my DIY Christmas beer. All you need is a beer with a green bottle (Heineken, Rolling Rock), pipe cleaners and scissors.
5. Barsonal Gift Basket
Variety is the spice of life, so get creative and fill a large basket with all of the essentials like a shaker, jigger, peeler, wine/beer opener, silicone ice trays, a great bottle of spirits, and some fantastic glassware. This gift idea is perfect for the novice bartender whose just getting started. I would also suggest adding cocktail book to get them even more motivated to start there barsonal. If you don't have time to do it yourself, Build-a-Basket can help you find a customized basket that's perfect for your giftee.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Makin' It With Maren - The Lite of Pie: Low-cal Thanksgiving Cocktail
Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I don't know about you, but usually end up stuffing my face that day and drinking a lot of wine or beer. And after I've had a huge dose of tryptophan and turkey, I'm ready to crash. How is it that my friends and family are always ready to drive straight into desert - especially pie?
"Lite of Pie" video recipe
Well, I recently came up with drink that gives me the best of both worlds and saves me on the carbs and calories. I have created a coffee cocktail that will perk you up from that turkey trance: The Lite of Pie. Taste the flavors of Thanksgiving dessert without all of the guilt.
 |  |
|---|
To make this drink, you will need Ciroc Amaretto, Pumpkin Liquor, Hazelnut coffee creamer, whipped cream and ginger snaps. You can make you own homemade whipped cream (spiking it is optional too), but we chose canned Reddi Whip because we trying to save on calories for this particular drink. This Thanksgiving cocktail is low-cal and so easy to make. Enjoy and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
The Lite of Pie cocktail:
1 Cup of Coffee
3/4 oz Ciroc Amaretto
3/4 oz Pumpkin Spice Liquor
1 oz Sugar Free Hazelnut Coffee Creamer
1 Cup of Coffee
2 Dashes of Pumpkin Pie Spice
Fat Free Whipped Cream
Ginger Snap Cookies (crumbled)
3/4 oz Ciroc Amaretto
3/4 oz Pumpkin Spice Liquor
1 oz Sugar Free Hazelnut Coffee Creamer
1 Cup of Coffee
2 Dashes of Pumpkin Pie Spice
Fat Free Whipped Cream
Ginger Snap Cookies (crumbled)
Make it:
Add Ciroc Amaretto, Pumpkin Spice Liquor, Creamer and pumpkin pie spice to your cup of coffee. Top with whipped cream and crumbled ginger snap cookies. Serve. Enjoy. It's that easy!
Cheers,
Maren
Follow me on Twitter!
Makin' it with Maren: Mixology Made Easy
by Maren Swanson
November 26th, 2013
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Love Happy Hour - Tips & Tricks for Halloween 2013
If you’re going out on Halloween then you’re pretty much in for a good time, even if you were dragged by your BFF to come to this party. It mainly has to do with the fact that you are someone else, alcohol is involved and you can judge everyone else’s costumes. With all that said, us here at Love Happy Hour came up with some pretty good tips for you to survive all the parties/bars/dinners you’ll end up at on Halloween night.
Tip #1: Bring Sandals.
*foldable ballet slips are purse friendly too
I feel like this is pretty self explanatory, but if you just had to buy those to-die for heels at Nordstrom’s because they matched your little red riding hood costume perfectly then you definitely need to follow this tip. You’re probably going to do a lot of walking around, whether you’re going to bars or to a party. You’re feet will get sore. Just do it. You can even go to Rite Aid or CVS; they should have some flats that will fold up and fit into whatever purse/clutch you’re bringing out with you.
Tip #2: The Cab Company is your Friend.
Put this in your phone when you’re sober. Drinking and driving is not cool, neither is getting in a car accident because of it, so just add that cab company’s number and you’re good. And if you want a Halloween happy hour of sorts, sign up at Patron Social Club to receive a $25 promo code for passengers over 21 with Uber. Here's what to do:
1. Download the free Uber iPhone/Android App or sign up at uber.com/go/PatronXOCafe
2. Enter your information and promo code: PATRONXOCAFE
3. Request a ride 5 - 15 minutes before you need one. $25 will be applied towards your first uberX, UberBLACK, or UberSUV ride (where available). Promo code expires 11/10/13.
2. Enter your information and promo code: PATRONXOCAFE
3. Request a ride 5 - 15 minutes before you need one. $25 will be applied towards your first uberX, UberBLACK, or UberSUV ride (where available). Promo code expires 11/10/13.
Tip #3: Fully Charged Battery
Don’t go out if your phone (camera helps too) battery isn’t all the way charged; especially on a night like Halloween. Weird stuff happens sometimes and you don’t want to be stranded because you didn’t charge it all the way. This way if your friend calls you because you left him/her at the bar before or there’s an issue at the party you’re at you will never end up stuck.
Tip #4: Hydrate and Eat.
Unless your the designated driver, chances are you will be enjoying a cocktail or more. Plus, that witches brew you are drinking at the Halloween party may just take like juice, but beware, chances are it's packed with more than punch. So if you don't want to end up being a serious party foul, then alternate water between sips of booze. Carry a water bottle in your purse or jacket and make sure you have a sensible meal before you hit the town. Oh, and always keep an eye on your drink.
Trick #1: Blast that Music.
You might not be excited to go out. Maybe you’re just shy or maybe your BFF is dragging you to her BF’s party. Either way, try and make the most of it. You do not want to be the downer in the group because everyone will just hate you all night. Blast you’re favorite Nelly song while getting ready and dance around with your BFF while drinking some kind of mixed drink. If you get to the party, hate it and are just having a miserable time then call a cab (tip #2) and go home. Watch Harry Potter instead and be happy because hey, at least you tried.
Trick #2: Be a Kid Again.
I know, I know, if you’re going out to bars and stuff you’re probably too old to be trick or treating. BUT, if you’re feeling down about Halloween and have no idea how you got to be so old then just hit a house. If the lights are on and they’ve got decorations up, do it! It’ll make you feel better and you’ll probably end up with a good story to tell.
Trick #3: Be Confident.
A lot of the time we can get down on ourselves (especially when looking at a more creative costume, etc.), but make sure that doesn’t happen tonight! Wear an outfit that you feel most comfortable and confident in. It doesn’t have to be slutty so don’t base it around that if you’re not into that scene. Being comfortable makes you confident, which makes you stand out at wherever you’re going out this Halloween night.
Enjoy your Hallows eve, Halloween, and/or the day after party! Make sure to be safe and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.
*co-written by Jessica Tierney and Maren Swanson
Halloween Cocktail Recipe - The Clockwork Orange
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Makin' it with Maren - Valentina Swizzle Cocktail Recipe by Gilbert Marquez
Learn how to make the "Valentina Swizzle" with mixologist Gilbert Marquez from El Carmen restaurant in Los Angeles...
Friday, September 6, 2013
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Learn the difference between Tequila and Mezcal, El Carmen TaquerÃa
Here is my latest Makin' it with Maren video! Learn the difference between Tequila and Mezcal from Gilbert Marquez at El Carmen in Los Angeles.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Makin' it with Maren, "The Grape Gatsby" cocktail recipe
Learn how to make a cocktail inspired by The Great Gatsby without spending all of that Gatsby loot!
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Makin' It With Maren - "Beat the Heat" Summer Cocktail Recipe for 4th of July
Last week was insanely hot. I was miserable inside my radiator of an apartment, so I decided to make the most of my Sunday and head to the Farmer's Market for seasonal inspiration. While the sun followed my every move, the slightly overcast sky kept the weather bearable (considering LA was supposed to hit record high temperatures on that particular day).
 |  |
I purchased a big container of apricots and some unique looking wildflowers that caught my eye. Hmmm, what could I make with apricots?
After we noshed on a Rueben sandwich at Michael Voltaggio's nearby Ink Sack, my boyfriend and I head to Trader Joe's to grab our weekend groceries. Directly to the left of the TJ's entrance you will find a vast selection of affordably priced bouquets, which, to my delight showcased fresh lavender.
Once we returned home, I was greeted by the two-faced neighbor cat. She posed for my camera and then scurried off.
I unloaded our groceries and decided to take a risk. Fuse flowers with fruit - why not?! I boiled half sugar and water, some of the lavender and some lemon rind to create a infused simple syrup. After the syrup cooled, I added it to some muddled apricot and blueberries.
I then added brandy, ice and a sparkling soda topper to create what I call: Beat the Heat. And, boy did it ever. I took my cold, fruit-infused cocktail and enjoyed it to the outdoor patio. I could smell the lavender garnish as I sipped my drink. Yum.
This cocktail will be great for your 4th of July! Blueberries and apricots are in season, so pick them up and make the perfect fourth of July cool-down cocktail!
Ingredients: Apricots, Blueberries, Brandy, Lemon, Lavendar, Soda Water, Ice
Mix: Muddle 1 apricot (pit removed) and 5 blueberries. Add 2oz of brandy, 3/4oz lemon-lavender simple syrup (see recipe below), ice and shake. Strain over fresh ice and top with sparkling water. Give a quic stir and garnish with fresh lavender sprigs.
Lemon-Lavender Simple Syrup:
Boil equal parts (1 cup) sugar and water with the peels of 2 lemons and 5 sprigs of washed lavender. Once cool, strain into airtight contair and keep for future use.
Cheers,
Maren
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Friday, June 21, 2013
Ink and Vine - Rhone Rangers Wine Tasting Event 2013 - Downtown Los Angeles, California
Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2013
by Maren Swanson
If you are a wino, and especially one into Rhone varietals, then the Rhone Rangers tasting event as the historic Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles is a no brainer. This Sunday, June 23rd, taste samples from over 200 wines served from over 40 wineries, including a silent auction and food trucks.
 |  |
Epiphany Cellars, Andrew Murray, J. Lohr, Qupe, Zaca Mesa and many other wineries come here to showcase some of their award-winning varietals like Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Marsanne, Mouvedre and the ever-popular growing GSM blends.
Advance tickets start at $45 and go up to $ 95 for VIP admission which includes a ticket to the wine seminar, “Rare Wines, Come Taste the Unusual,” lunch with the winemakers and early entry tot the walk-around tasting along with trade and media.
For tickets and additional information, visit the Rhone Rangers website. Salud!
Vibiana (Downtown LA)
214 S Main St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 626-1507
(213) 626-1507
- LA's Premiere Happy Hour Search Site Featuring Over 1,000 Happy Hours Within 50 Cities in Los Angeles County
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)