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Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA

By Christina Thomas 4 Comments

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

The Best Summer Cocktail Recipes from Hot Beverage Brands and Trends seen at WSWA 2015

Summer Cocktail Season is here and you’re probably planning some fun gatherings with friends. A great party requires great drinks, so a trip to your nearest liquor store is in order. To make buzz-worthy drinks you don’t need a lot of ingredients, what you do need is quality ingredients, especially as the latest trend is going back to classic, simple and elegant cocktails. Now the question is, what to buy?

If you’ve ever stood in a liquor store looking at rows and rows of bottles and said to yourself “wow there’s a lot of choices”, or if you’ve ever wondered how all these different vodkas, gins, rums, whiskeys, tequilas and liqueurs come to market, let me tell you, it ain’t easy. And, choosing a good brand is not easy either. It requires a lot of tasting.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

So many choices!

I recently attended the Wine Spirits Wholesalers of America 72nd WSWA Convention held at Grande Lakes Orlando JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Hotels. It is the premier event where distributors seek out new and exciting beverage products to bring to your store shelves. 2,300 suppliers, wholesalers, mixologists and wine and spirits brands showcasing their newest and best products, were hard at work with tastings held everywhere from the exhibit hall, to gorgeous suites and spectacular receptions.

I did my fair share of exploring (i.e tasting) to help you navigate those crowded liquor store shelves just in time for Summer Cocktail Season. I must tell you, I did not taste everything there – simply impossible – so I’m certain I missed some great ones. I’m sharing with you the most fun cocktails and exciting brands I tasted at WSWA. Some are new and others are long time favorites, all are certain to help you entertain and celebrate with friends this Summer (or anytime you want it to feel like Summer).

A fabulous Summer cocktail must be refreshing with clean, bright flavors that can be enjoyed leisurely and keep you coming back for more. The Summer cocktail Recipes below not only meet that criteria, they may even inspire your next Summer vacation.

Brazilian Cocktails at Boteco Americano

Mojitos are old news. Here comes The Caipirinha. Brazil’s quintessential cocktail is perfect for Summer and is definitely trendy, appearing on Beverage Menus all across the country. Cachaça, a Brazilian distilled spirit made from sugarcane juice, is mixed with muddled fresh limes and sugar for a refreshing drink, similar in style to a mojito but without mint.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

Brazilian Spirits for the Best Summer Cocktail!

The key to a good caipirinha is the Cachaça. I sampled the Espirito XVI Ultra Premium Cachaça imported from Brazil by Ambrabev, winner of Double Gold Medals for Best in Show at WSWA. It is made in small batches using only the nectar of 100% fresh pressed Brazilian sugarcane and pure spring water from the mountains of Rio de Janeiro, resulting in a smooth, clean, and elegant spirit. Whereas most rums, also made from sugarcane, have a syrupy consistency, this Cachaça is lighter and crisper, perfect for those hot days ahead.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

Photo credit: Espirito XVI

    XVI Caipirinha Cocktail Recipe


    Recipe courtesy of Espirito XVI. For more recipes visit their website.
    2 oz Espirito XVI Cachaça
    1/2 Fresh Lime, Cut and Quartered
    2 tbsp Refined Sugar
    Ice

    ^ Place lime and sugar in cocktail mixer and muddle.
    ^ Add Espirito XVI Cachaça, ice and shake.
    ^ Pour into rocks glass without straining
    ^ Garnish with lime slice

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

The charming Eduardo shakes up an exciting Summer Cocktail

Like food, a cocktail can inspire travel to far-away destinations. The Boteco Lime Coco Fresca made me dream of being in Brazil, with the seductive samba music playing, warm breezes and the beautiful people all around. Made with Boteca Vodka, the only Brazilian ultra premium vodka available in the United States made from 100% fresh-pressed sugar cane. This vodka was smooth and easy to drink with hints of sweetness, quite different from its potato or grain based vodka cousins. It’s available unflavored and in berry and lime flavors. The Boteco Lime Coco Fresca was refreshing and light, and I loved it. I imagine this is what Brazil tastes like!

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

Refreshing Boteco Lime Coco Fresca

    Boteco Lime Coco Fresca Recipe

    Recipe courtesy of Boteco Vodka. For more recipes, visit their website.
    2 oz Boteco Lime Vodka
    2 oz Fresh Coconut Water
    Mint

    ^ Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker over ice
    ^ Shake vigorously
    ^ Pour contents into a Collins Glass
    ^ Garnish with lime slice

A Taste of Florida with St. Petersburg Distillery

As much as I like to travel, I also like to stay close to home in Florida. I was thrilled to find a new craft distillery that is only a couple of hours away, in Tampa Bay. Family owned and operated, St. Petersburg Distillery produces Sweet Corn Whiskey, Righteous Rum & Spice, Tropical Gin and Artisanal Vodka in the independent artisan tradition using copper pot stills that are over 70 years old and organic ingredients. All were of high quality, aromatic, smooth and easy to drink. Perfect for classic, clean and elegant cocktails. The small batch distilling trend is continuing full steam ahead.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

This was the tasting line up!


My love of Florida oranges influenced the selection of my favorites in their line up:

^ Old St. Pete Tropical Gin, had beautiful bright notes of citrus on the palate. You could smell and taste the grapefruit, orange, lemon & lime zest, with just a hint of juniper and spices.

^ Winner of Double Gold as Best Fruit Liqueur at WSWA, Tippler’s Orange Liqueur uses whole Florida temple oranges, peels and all, and when you smell and then taste all I could think of was a juicy ripe orange. It was nicely balanced, wonderful sweetness that was not cloying, with a hint of spice and floral notes. It is what I imagine Florida tastes like!

    White Lady Cocktail Recipe

    Recipe courtesy of St. Petersburg Distillery. For more recipes, visit their website.
    1.5 oz Old St. Pete Tropical Gin
    0.5 oz Tippler’s Orange Liqueur
    0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

    ^ Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice
    ^ Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass
    ^ Garnish with lemon zest

^ Old St. Pete Righteous Rum & Spice is an elegant spiced rum. When I think of Summer, I think of relaxing in the Florida sun with pool or boat drinks, predominantly made with rum. This spiced rum gives a taste of the Caribbean with toffee, vanilla and a hint of sweetness and aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, dried oranges and baking spices. The Pirates of the Caribbean would have certainly been looking for this rum when they arrived in Tampa Bay.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

    Planter’s Punch Cocktail Recipe

    Recipe courtesy of St. Petersburg Distillery. For more recipes, visit their website.
    3 oz Old. St. Pete Righteous Rum
    0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice
    1 oz Simple Syrup
    2 dashes of Angostura Bitters

    ^ Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice
    ^ Shake well and strain into a goblet/rocks glass with ice
    ^ Garnish with Orange zest

Tea infused Summer Cocktail with Owl’s Brew and Azzurre Spirits

Tea is all the rage right now. A visit to the Southern parts of the United States is not complete without a tall glass of Iced Tea, Southerners preferred thirst quencher in the heat of Summer, however, making cocktails with tea has not always resulted in the tastiest of drinks, until now.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

A new kind of Iced Tea for your Summer Cocktail

Owl’s Brew, a dynamic women-owned company, has crafted the perfect tea mixer for cocktails. How great is that? Fresh brewed from real, whole spices, fruits and herbs, with no artificial flavors or additives, these ready to pour mixers are a great way to create beautiful cocktails without a lot of work. Easy Entertaining at its best! You can mix your favorite spirits and even beer and wine with the unique flavors of tea and at only a third of the calories from other mixers on the market. I sampled their Coco-Lada, Pink & Black, The Classic and White & Vine and all were unique in their own way.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

Owl’s Brew for a fun Summer Cocktail with tea flavors

^ Owl’s Brew White & Vine, the newest flavor for Summer, made with white tea, pomegranate, lemon peel, and watermelon juice, provides clean, light flavors that pair well with tequila, bourbon, gin or wheat beer. I sampled it mixed with Azzurre Spirits gluten-free Gin for a delightfully refreshing and slightly fruity, but not overly sweet, cocktail. The Azzurre Spirits Gin, winner of Silver medal in the Best in Show competition at WSWA, is infused with juniper, tangerine peel, sweet basil, exotic spices and rose petal for a vibrant herbal citrusy notes and a hint of spice.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

Anna’s Hummingbird with Azzurre Gin

    Anna’s Hummingbird Recipe #1

    Recipe courtesy of Cassandra Rosen of Azzurre Spirits. For more recipes, visit their website.
    2 oz Owl’s Brew ‘White & Vine’
    1 oz Azzurre Gin
    0.5 oz Elderflower Liqueur
    Sparkling Water

    ^ Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice
    ^ Mix and serve on the rocks
    ^ Top with Sparkling Water
    ^ Garnish with Lemon Twist

I loved that simply interchanging the Owl’s Brew mixer and Azzurre Spirit would create a whole new exciting cocktail, following the same recipe. Here they mixed Owl’s Brew Pink & Black with Azzurre Spirits Vodka. This cocktail had more pronounced berry flavors but was just as good. It was difficult to pick a favorite between these two so ultimately it is your preference whether you like gin or vodka better.

^ Owl’s Brew ‘Pink & Black’, made with fresh-brewed black tea, strawberries, lemon peel and hibiscus and sweetened with pure agave, had a beautiful floral and fresh berry flavor without being syrupy. Paired with Azzurre Spirits Vodka, which is soft and clean with a hint of pineapple and creme brûlée on the nose and citrus and hazelnuts on the palate.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

Anna’s Hummingbird with Azzurre Vodka

    Anna’s Hummingbird Recipe #2

    Recipe courtesy of Owl’s Brew. For more recipes visit their website.
    2 oz Owl’s Brew ‘Pink & Black’
    1 oz Azzurre Vodka
    0.5 oz Elderflower Liqueur
    Sparkling Water

    ^ Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice
    ^ Mix and serve on the rocks
    ^ Top with Sparkling Water
    ^ Garnish with Lemon Twist

If you love the taste of iced tea and lemonade combined, this is the cocktail for you. Owl’s Brew ‘The Classic’ offers your traditional blend of English Breakfast tea with lemon peel, sweetened with pure agave. Paired with Pallini Limoncello, a natural liqueur crafted by the Pallini family in Italy since 1875 using Sfumato lemons, indigenous of the Amalfi coast. It is a beautiful liqueur to enjoy on its own or to add vibrant, sweet tart lemon flavors to your cocktails. A trip to the Amalfi Coast of Italy has been on my Someday List for quite some time. Until that day when I #MakeSomedayHappen, I will have to dream with this cocktail in hand.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

A taste of Italy!

    English Limon Recipe

    Recipe courtesy of Owl’s Brew. For more recipes visit their website.
    2 oz Owl’s Brew ‘The Classic’
    1 oz Pallini Limoncello
    Sparkling Water
    Lemon

    ^ Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice
    ^ Mix and serve on the rocks
    ^ Top with Sparkling Water
    ^ Garnish with squeeze of fresh lemon

Sail Away to The Caribbean with Club Caribe Rum

Florida Caribbean Distillers are the largest producers of rum in the U.S. They not only produce their fine line of flavored rums, Club Caribe Rum, as well as other spirits but they also bottle Cruzan rum and Ron Carlos. With two distilleries in Florida (Lake Alfred and Auburndale) and one Puerto Rico, you can say Club Caribe Rum has the perfect blend of Caribbean and Florida heritage to infuse your Summer Cocktail with dreams of gorgeous white sandy beaches, palm trees and sun.

Club Caribe Mango Rum, Double Gold winner as best Flavored Rum at WSWA, has bright tropical candy flavors, great for Summer cocktail recipes. The traditional Madras cocktail made with vodka, gets a tropical makeover in this recipe using the Club Caribe Mango Rum. Mix up a batch of this tasty beverage and dream of your next Caribbean cruise vacation. I know I will.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

A taste of the Caribbean!

    Caribe Mango Madras Recipe

    Recipe courtesy of Florida Caribbean Distillers. For more recipes visit their website.
    1 1/4 oz Club Caribe Mango Rum
    4 oz Orange Juice
    4 oz Cranberry Juice

    ^ Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice
    ^ Mix and serve on the rocks
    ^ Garnish with Pineapple Slice and Cherry

Kentucky Flair with Heaven Hill

You may not traditionally think of bourbon for your Summer cocktail, but bourbons and whiskeys are hot right now. Brown spirits have seen a resurgence over the past few years, showing the biggest sales growth in the U.S spirits market. Although purists will say you should never mix it with anything other than good ice, I credit mixologists everywhere who are having a bit of fun making unique cocktails and reinventing Prohibition era classics, as the ones responsible for their rise in fame, converting non-whiskey drinkers, like me, to the dark side. Bourbons and whiskeys offer a richness of flavor, sweet, woodsy, spicy notes that no other distilled spirit can offer.

Heaven Hill, America’s largest independent family owned and operated distillery, based in Kentucky, has been producing the Elijah Craig 12 Year Old Small Batch Bourbon since before the term was popular. It was selected as Best Small Batch Bourbon, Best Bourbon and Best Whiskey In Show at WSWA. If you’re not a fan of fruity drinks and want something a bit more sophisticated at your next Soirée, this could be your next Summer cocktail. The blend of the ginger liqueur with fresh lemon juice and sweetness of the bourbon makes it quite enjoyable and easy to drink.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

Summer Cocktail Jackpot with Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon

    The Gold Rush Cocktail Recipe

    Recipe courtesy of Heaven Hill Distilleries. For more recipes, visit their website.
    1 oz Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur
    2 oz Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
    0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

    ^ Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice
    ^ Shake well and strain over ice into rocks glass
    ^ Garnish with lemon wedge and cherry

Scotland’s Unique Hendrick’s Gin

The curious blend of botanicals such as yarrow, elderflower, juniper, angelica root, orange peel, caraway, coriander, chamomille, and a few other secret ingredients, infused with rose and cucumber, makes this Scottish gin unlike any other. It’s produced by William Grant & Sons in small batches of 500 litres, for a smoother, gentler spirit with lots of character. If you are not a gin drinker, Hendrick’s Gin will convert you. If you thought gin always smelled like your grandma’s medicine cabinet, think again. I know I did.

The unique flavors of Hendrick’s make it a refreshing favorite in cocktails. The traditional Gin and Tonic garnished, in this case, with their signature cucumber slice, is a crowd favorite. At WSWA, I sampled a lemonade concoction with a nice floral fresh herbaceous kick. I don’t have the recipe from Hendrick’s Gin, so here is my interpretation. They have some gorgeous recipes on their website that I look forward to tasting.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

Simple Elegance with Hendrick’s Gin

    Hendrick’s Lemonade


    2 oz Hendrick’s Gin
    3 oz fresh Lemon Juice
    2 oz Simple Syrup
    Sparkling Water

    ^ Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice
    ^ Stir and serve over ice
    ^ Top with sparkling water
    ^ Garnish with lemon wheel and cucumber wheel

Cocktails To Go with KissMix

I discovered Kiss Mix in Miami and was reminded how much I enjoyed these little cans of perfectly prepared cocktails ready to GO, when I saw them again at WSWA. Whether you’re going to the beach, the pool or the park this Summer, these cans will make it a lot easier to entertain on the GO.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

Ready to GO!

Made in the UK with natural ingredients, including a double shot of quality spirits (not wine or malt based) mixed as they would in a bar, then packaged in cans for portable enjoyment. You can get a Cosmopolitan, Screwdriver, Margarita, Gin & Tonic, and Lemon Drop. And best of all, they are low-calorie (under 100!) and have zero fat! My favorites are the Lemon Drop and Cosmopolitan. For more information, check out their website.

Easy Entertaining: Exciting Summer Cocktail Recipes seen at WSWA 2015 with www.GoEpicurista.com

This is what Summer is all about!

What’s your favorite Summer Cocktail? Please share in the comments below and let’s have a party. Invite your friends, make a batch of one of these fun cocktails and celebrate. Summer is here!

Cheers!

GO Epicurista

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Filed Under: Easy Entertaining Recipes Tagged With: Beverage Brands, Cocktails, Easy Entertaining, recipes, Summer, Summer Cocktail, WSWA

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About Christina Thomas

I'm Christina, a hospitality consultant, freelance writer, food & travel enthusiast, brand cheerleader, ice cream fanatic, chocoholic, and eternal optimist on a mission to #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time. Celebrating life with great food, wine and friends throughout Central Florida and everywhere I GO! I want to inspire you to take time out of your busy schedule to do the same. GO celebrate life today, for someday may never come. Join me and GO Epicurista!

Comments

  1. Cassandra @ CraveLocal says

    06/03/2015 at 12:32 pm

    Love this round up, and thanks for giving my recipes some love! Can’t believe I haven’t been to St. Pete Distillery…will have to put that one on our list.

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      06/03/2015 at 2:12 pm

      Thanks Cassandra! I loved trying those recipes, they were perfect for Summer. I love how many local distilleries we now have in Florida. I can’t wait to go on a tour. Cheers!

      Reply
  2. Kelli Matheny says

    05/28/2015 at 9:56 am

    While I love my beer it is nice to mix it up a bit. I’ve been trying to do more beer cocktails. It’s nice to see more distilleries popping up in Florida. Going local is great.

    I’ll have to keep my eye open for KissMix. Like the low calorie serving and you can enjoy them in so many places.

    Reply
    • Christina Thomas says

      05/28/2015 at 12:18 pm

      Kelli I have gotten into beer this past year too, thanks to The Lady Crafters of Orlando ;), and I’ve seen some fun beer cocktail recipes. There are several local Florida distilleries producing some great quality spirits and some even offer classes and tours which I look forward to checking out this Summer. The Kiss-Mix cocktails are a great find because they don’t have that syrupy /malty taste that many To-Go cocktails have. Plus there are times when mixing a cocktail is just not feasible so the little cans come in handy. Have a tasty Summer! Cheers!

      Reply

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Meet your Chief Epicurista

I'm Christina, a hospitality consultant, freelance writer, food & travel enthusiast, brand cheerleader, ice cream fanatic, chocoholic, and eternal optimist on a mission to #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time. Celebrating life with great food, wine and friends throughout Central Florida and everywhere I GO! I want to inspire you to take time out of your busy schedule to do the same. GO celebrate life today, for someday may never come. Join me and GO Epicurista! Find out more...

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☘️ FLUFFY LEMON CLOUDS: Intense lemon curd tart with fluffy meringue
BRUNCH (SAT & SUN)
☘️ IT’S OK TO DROOL: Ger’s Bread & Butter pudding French toast style with vanilla mascarpone, mixed berries, hazelnut crunch, crispy maple glazed bacon
DRINKS:
☘️ THE LOST IRISH COFFEE 
☘️ ROSEMARY & MAPLE WHISKEY SOUR: Dickel 12 Tennessee Whisky, crushed rosemary, dark maple syrup, Fees foam, Lemon Sour
☘️ IRISH ESPRESSO MARTINI: Slane Irish Whiskey, J.F. Hadens espresso liqueur,
Guinness simple syrup, chilled espresso
☘️ ICED IRISH: Paddy’s Irish whiskey, butterscotch, Baileys Salted Caramel, cold brew coffee, whipped cream
☘️ IT’S A HELL OF A HOOLEY: Minke Irish Vodka, Muddled Raspberry’s, Lemon Sour, House made Rosemary Syrup, Fees Foam, Prosecco
Check out @raglanroadpub for all the details of this weekend’s festivities including food and drink specials! Say hi to owners Paul and John when you see them. Super nice guys! 
Sláinte!
Go #MakeSomedayHappen
#GoEpicOrlando
OREO YOU HAVING FUN YET?! Here are a few of my fav OREO YOU HAVING FUN YET?! Here are a few of my favorite Oreo treats around Orlando to celebrate #NationalOreoDay 🎉
🍦 @kellyshomemadeicecream - Locations around town, I visited my neighborhood fave at @foxtailhunterscreek 
• Ore-Dough Ice Cream (signature flavor) can’t beat cookies & cream and cookie dough combined!!! 💕 
• Salted Caramel Oreo (March limited time flavor)😘 
🍪 @gideonsbakehouse - Disney Springs, East End Market
• Cookies & Cream Cookie (signature flavor)
• Valentina Cake - red velvet & cookies n cream (signature flavor)
• Frankenstein Cookie (Limited Time /October) 
• Frankenstein Cake (Limited Time /October) 💕
🍩 @smokeanddonuts - Milk District
• Nutty Panda Donut: Nutella Buttercream, Oreos
• S’Moreo Donut: marshmallow, Oreos, Chocolate Chips 💕
• Cheepees Donut: vanilla glaze, Oreos, Chocolate Chips 
🍩 @everglazed_fl - Disney Springs
• Cookies & Cream Donut 😍
🍸 @wyndhamgrandorl Bar 1521 - Bonnet Creek
• Pharmacy Froth Cocktail (recipe in stories / may not be on the menu but ask the friendly bartender)
Have a sweet double stuffed week! 💕
Go #MakeSomedayHappen 
#GoepicOrlando #OreoDay #LoveOrlando
Time to reintroduce a local icon! 🔥 Congrats Ch Time to reintroduce a local icon! 🔥 Congrats Chef IanRussell, Juliana Peña & @smokeanddonuts team! 🔥
The new brick & mortar location of Orlando BBQ & Donut fave food truck is officially OPEN in @themilkdistrict at 601 N. Primrose Drive.
🔥 THE SMOKE: Chef Ian’s award-winning BBQ including smoked USDA Prime Brisket, Carolina Pulled Pork, Brown Butter Turkey Breast, Bama/Carolina Pulled Chicken, & more scratch-made side dishes. Don’t miss the awesome sandwiches, corn fritters, brown butter green beans & stuffed mac & cheese!
🍩 THE DONUTS: Better than ever! Try fun new cake donut creations as well as all the favorite classics taken to a whole new level by pastry chef Brett Vezina! 
❤️ 🔥 The Signature Donut with the logo disc on top features blood orange glaze, champagne sabayon & S&D meringue.
🥃 THE BAR: Yes! they have a full bar! How about a Smoked Old Fashioned? Go for Happy Hour weekdays 3pm-6pm
Support Orlando Local & Go #MakeSomedayHappen
#GoEpicOrlando #TheMilkDistrict #SmokeandDonuts #LoveOrlando
“You do not find a happy life, you make it!” “You do not find a happy life, you make it!” 
I spent one of the best days ever at Discovery Cove! It was my first visit to this one-of-a-kind, all-inclusive, tropical day resort in Orlando, and it won’t be my last! I’m planning a return soon because they have a fantastic special happening now! (See below)
Admission includes: 
🍽️ Unlimited Buffet Breakfast, Lunch & Snacks
🍹 Unlimited Beer & Wine, (add the Premium Drink Package for $40!)
🤿 Swim & snorkel with rays & tropical fish
🐦 Hand-feed exotic birds
🏊‍♀️ Drift along the Wind-Away River
🏖️ Relax on sandy beaches
😎 Chill in the sand-bottom pool with drink in hand (we did this most of the day!) it was glorious!
🚿 Wetsuits, masks, snorkel, lockers, & showers 
🐬 Swim with dolphins experience (for additional fee)
Stay tuned for more about the delicious new Caribbean menu and cocktails at Hibiscus Hideaway & Blue Bamboo Bar, all-new food and beverage outlets. I was very impressed with their Food & Beverage program. 
Highly recommend this experience for locals and visitors. The entire day felt like a true vacation! 
💥 Limited time offer: Florida residents save 30% on their 2023 visits and out of state guests save 20% on a Signature Dolphin Swim Package. You can visit anytime in 2023 based on availability but must book by 3/12/23. Options for packages with admission to @seaworldorlando @aquaticaorlando & @bushgardenstampa available 
Go #MakeSomedayHappen 
(hosted) @DiscoveryCove 
#GoEpicOrlando #DiscoveryCove #LoveOrlando
Orlando’s OG Coffee Shop is Back! Where are you Orlando’s OG Coffee Shop is Back! Where are you getting your caffeine & brunch fix this weekend?
@barniescoffeeandtea flagship cafe in Park Avenue, Winter Park has now re-opened with a brighter modern look, new breakfast, lunch & brunch menu, and new coffee blends. Go check it out! 
I was invited to a preview and loved doing a coffee tasting of 4 blends with Christian, Barnie’s head coffee roaster. My favorite was the Guatemala Gehsa with citrus, cocoa nibs and orange blossom notes. We also sampled new menu items. Don’t miss the Shakshuka & the Popovers!
Here’s what we sampled:
☕️ Coffee:
✨Barnie’s Cafe Blend
✨Guatemala Gehsa
✨Birthday Cake Batter (notes of vanilla sprinkles)
✨UCF Pegasus Blend (notes of chocolate & caramel!) yum! 
> I couldn’t resist getting a latte even though it was 6pm! 🤣 Barista Renata did a fab vanilla latte! 
🍳 Breakfast:
✨ Signature Popovers
✨French Toast with fresh truit
✨Shakshuka with poached egg
✨Seasonal Quiche
🥪 Lunch:
✨Cuban Sandwich
✨Roasted BeetSalad
Did you know Barnie’s is Orlando’s original coffee shop? It opened right here in Winter Park in 1980!
Go support local! #MakeSomedayHappen 
#GoEpicOrlando #LoveOrlando #barniescoffeeandtea #orlandocoffee
Hey Orlando Foodies, @orlandocitysc and @orlpride Hey Orlando Foodies, @orlandocitysc and @orlpride games at @exploriastadium just got a whole lot tastier!
Five #OrlandoMade local restaurants are now permanent concessions vendors so you can tame your hunger with the best local tacos, hot dogs, BBQ, Chicken & Burgers in Orlando! 
Thank you Exploria Stadium for inviting me to the media preview. Can’t wait to go cheer on our 2022 US Open Champions at the season opener this Saturday!
Here’s a preview of what we sampled: 
🌮 BLACK ROOSTER TAQUERIA - Chicken Tinga Taco on Flour Tortilla, w. lettuce, radish, cotija cheese, cilantro. Love those tacos! It was nice to see owner Juliana Calloway and Chief Tasting Officer Ryder Calloway dancing! 🕺🏻 @blkroostertaco 🙌🏼
📍 The Wall / Section 24
🌭 HARRELL’S HOT DOGS - Orlando City Stadium Dog features a Nathan’s Hot Dog topped with House Red Onion Sauce, Sauerkraut & Sport Peppers and finished with a Spicy Brown Mustard. Nice to meet owners Drew & David Cardaci! @_whats.up.dog_ 🙌🏼
📍 Section 30
🍖 4 RIVERS SMOKEHOUSE - Orlando’s favorite Pulled Pork Sandwich! Didn’t get to see owner John Rivers did you know you can now pick up 4R sauces & spices at Publix?! @4riverssmokehouse 🙌🏼
📍 Section 31
🐓 THE COOP by 4Rivers - Hand-breaded Chicken Tenders with 4R BBQ sauce @thecoop_wp 🙌🏼
📍 Section 9
🍔 TEAK NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL - Drunken Monk Burger with Smoked Bacon, Provolone Cheese, Roasted Cherry Tomotoes, house-made Angry Orchard Onion Jam, on Herb Mayo & Melted White Cheddor on a Pretzel Bun with Teak Chips. Best Burger in Orlando!  It was so nice to meet owner Jon Proechel after all these years of being a fan of their epic burgers! @teakneighborhoodgrill 🙌🏼
📍 Section 18
🍹MANE-GO MARGARITA - In The Wild Margarita with @camarenatequila - super tasty! 
⭐️ FYI - A Rotating Vendor Cart will feature @cholodogs & @sushieatstation among others 
⚽️ Will you be at the season opener this Saturday? 
#VamosOrlando Let’s Go! #ManEveryWall 💜 
Hosted #GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #ThingsToDoinOrlando
Happy #NationalMargaritaDay 🎉 This is “NOT E Happy #NationalMargaritaDay 🎉
This is “NOT EVERYONE’S MARGARITA” -  But it is mine! Made with Vida Mezcal, Cuervo Traditional Plata Tequila, Jalapeño, Creme de Mure, House Sour, & Black Salt. Epic! 
📍 Go get yours at @paddlefishorl in @disneysprings
Cheers! 
#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #DisneySprings
Hey Wine Lovers, I almost missed it’s #NationalD Hey Wine Lovers, I almost missed it’s #NationalDrinkWineDay 🥂
Here’s my 3 Favorite Wine Bars in Orlando: 
🍷 @quantumleapwinery - Orlando’s only sustainable winery & cidery, located in Mills 50 District. Try Kaley’s Rescue Red Blend & don’t miss the @thetastytrio “Wine, Cheese & Chocolate”events. 
🍷 @viniawinekitchen - fantastic boutique wines & Italian / Brazilian shareable plates in a charming intimate setting, located in Winter Park. Be sure to ask owner Fabio for his recommendations! 
🍷 @winebargeorge - Orlando’s only Master Sommelier owned restaurant with over 160 wines by the glass, bottle & ounce, located in Disney Springs. Say hi to somm genius George Miliotes and don’t miss their fab boards & wines from around the globe! 
Go #MakeSomedayHappen 
#GoEpicOrlando #OrlandoWine #loveOrlando
Don’t miss “Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day” Don’t miss “Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day” on Saturday 2/18! 
@kellyshomemadeicecream has created special breakfast-themed ice cream flavors for this annual International Childhood Cancer Awareness event
Order a cup, cone or shake or better yet, get an Ice Cream Flight & try all four! 
🥞 Blueberry Pancake (My favorite!)
🥣 Breakfast Buddies
🥓 Maple Bourbon Bacon
💥 Cinnamon Crunch
🗓️ When: Saturday February 18th, 9am-11am
📍 Where: All Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream Scoop Shops and participating Counters 
💰 50% of sales during breakfast will be donated to @gktwvillage 
🍦 “Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day” was created in 2013 in honor of Malia Grace, by her mom and aunt after she lost her battle with cancer in 2010. Malia Grace loved ice cream and her family wanted to commemorate her birthday, 2/18, in a way that would be fitting for her. During her wish trip at Give Kids The World, she had the opportunity to eat ice cream for breakfast and it was a highlight of the family’s experience. 
🌎 Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit in Central Florida that provides critically ill children and their families with magical week-long wish vacations at no cost. Every wish family is treated to accommodations, transportation, donated theme park tickets, all meals and snacks, nightly entertainment, and more. Since 1986, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 182,000 families from all 50 states and 76 countries.
Stop by Kelly’s and pick up these awesome flavors! But, regardless of where you are, Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast in honor of Malia, and raise awareness for those who battle childhood cancer. 💛
#GoEpicOrlando #eaticecreamforbreakfastday #kellyshomemadeicecream #kellysicecream #orlandoicecream
Happy Valentine’s Day! ♥️ Add a little fire Happy Valentine’s Day! ♥️ Add a little fire & passion to your life, head to @gideonsbakehouse for their Eternal Flame Cookie & Cake. They are 🔥in the best way!
🍰 Eternal Flame Cake is a 3-Layer Double Frosted Chocolate work of art! Red Cherry Buttercream layers and Chocolate Fudge Buttercream mixed with a bit of that Eternal Flame spice on the outer layer. Not too spicy and absolutely decadent! Pair it with a nice bold red wine!
🍪 Eternal Flame Chocolate Cookie packs a nice kick laced with house-made Ancho, Cayenne, and Cinnamon Spice Mix, infused with a magical essence of cherry and topped with Chocolate Covered Cherries. 
❤️ For a limited time, a special version of the Eternal Flame cookie without the spice mix is available too! (Check Gideon’s IG for details)
📍 Available only in February at Gideon’s in East End Market & Disney Springs
Go celebrate with the best cookies and cakes on the planet!
#MakeSomedayHappen #GoEpicOrlando #GideonsBakehouse #DisneySprings #ValentinesDayTreat
For The Love of Chocolate… stop by @peterbrookew For The Love of Chocolate… stop by @peterbrookewp and pick up the best treats for your sweetie and besties 💕
A few of my favorites: 
🍓 Chocolate Covered Strawberries (require advanced order)
❤️ “Jami Choo’s” Chocolate Shoes
💋 Assorted Truffles (loved the red lips!)
♥️ Chocolate Covered Popcorn! 
💖 Baskets with a variety of treats! (Don’t miss the Chocolate Covered Oreos, Cat Tails & Cookies)
☎️ Call the shop to reserve a basket for quick pick up at (407) 644-3200. They’re open regular hours today & 7AM -11:15PM on Valentine’s Day!
🍓 Thank you to Peterbrooke’s creative Cupid chocolatiers for these gorgeous berries! 
#GoEpicOrlando #PeterbrookeWP #winterparkfl
Bon jour! Bon soir, enchante! 💕 The perfect way Bon jour! Bon soir, enchante! 💕 The perfect way to celebrate Galentine’s Day & Valentine’s Day is with the best French pastries in Orlando! 
Thank you @chefstephsteph for these epic @choulalapastries 💕
Pre-order and pick up at either Choulala Park Avenue and 436 location! You’re going to want to get all of this! 
VALENTINE’S DAY DESSERT BOX!
Chef Steph created an epic gourmet assortment of Valentine’s Day delights perfect to share:
💋 (1) Lychee Rose French Kiss Entremet
♥️ (2) Conversation Heart Vanilla Macarons
💝 (2) Crème Brûlée Choux Cream Puffs!
“I LOVE CHOU” BOX includes:
❤️ Passion Fruit, Raspberry & Crème Brûlée Choux Cream Puffs
♥️ Red Velvet, Lavender & Conversation Heart Macaron
❤️ Strawberry Eclair
I also picked up these gorgeous heart shaped entremets:
💜 Exotique: Passion Fruit & Coconut 
💖 Sweeties: Strawberry & Chocolate Brownie
Go enjoy the sweetest Galentine’s & Valentine’s Day #MakeSomedayHappen 
📍Choulala Park Avenue is open regular hours Saturday & Sunday, closed Mon, but will open special hours on V-Day Tuesday 11a-8p.
📍Choulala 436 open regular hours including 10-5pm V- Day
(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #BlissfulBite #ChoulalaPastries #Galentines #ValentinesTreats
It’s #NationalPizzaDay but all I’m thinking ab It’s #NationalPizzaDay but all I’m thinking about is Hot Garlic Knots from @official_pizza_bruno 
Have you tried these?  They are a #MustEat in Orlando!
Look for the lit “Hot Knots Now!” sign! 🔥 And, when you think there isn’t enough garlic... there’s more! 🧄 🍕 
Go get some!
#GoEpicOrlando #OrlandoFoodie #MakeSomedayHappen
💜 Feeling the lavender haze... One of my favori 💜 Feeling the lavender haze... One of my favorite foodie experiences of 2022 was dining at Salt & The Cellar by Michelin Chef Akira Back and spending the night at the new @ettehotel - a gorgeous boutique hotel with impeccable attention to detail! I even got to meet @chefakiraback 
So excited I’m going back tonight to check out their new Lipa Rooftop Bar & Restaurant and have reservations for Afternoon Tea next month! 
Add a visit to ette hotel to your Foodie Bucket List for 2023! 
A few favorites from my last visit:
🍸 Fantastic Zero-Proof Cocktails by @jarldevries: It’s Dry January all year long! Featured first is The Kraken, a gorgeous purple cocktail made with Butterfly Pea Flower Tea & Champagne Vinegar
✨ Toro Tartare: A gorgeous board with fatty tuna and accompaniments
✨ Akira Back Tuna Pizza: his famous dish is a Must Eat! 
✨ Spinach Oshitashi Salad: the most gorgeous salad I’ve ever seen! 
✨ NY Strip with Wasabi Kizami Butter, Chimichurri Sauce, & choice of gourmet salts. Amazing! Loved that Espresso salt
✨ Miso Black Cod, yuzu air, pickled cauliflower 
✨ Togarashi Fries & Kimchi Brussels
✨ Dessert: Yuzu Curd and Chocolate in a Cup
☕️ “Where The Cloud Ends” Zero-Proof espresso martini with Yuzu Tonic, Lemon Cordial, Espresso, 0% Coffee Liquor
💜 The lobby decor with lavender and green touches was dreamy.
🧺 They have a Laundry Museum! 
📕 The Book Room features incredible books. The giant picture book requires gloves to review as it is one of a few in the world! 
The hotel is focused on wellness and offers Wellness Suites completely equipped with a full gym! 
Make plans to dine at @saltandthecellarbyakiraback and stay at @ettehotel and GO #MakeSomedayHappen
(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #ettehotel #saltandthecellarbyakiraback #experiencekissimmee #LoveOrlando
Don’t let the casual vibe at @jujubysusuru fool Don’t let the casual vibe at @jujubysusuru fool you. The Kappo Bar Omakase experience with Chef Lewis Lin is out of this world (& Michelin-worthy!)
“irasshaimase / come in!” is what you hear first upon entering this revamped Pizza Hut building off Colonial Drive. Everyone is welcome at Juju, one of Orlando’s newest restaurants and one that belongs on every #OrlandoFoodie bucket list! 
I was invited to experience their Kappo Bar and it checked all the boxes for a truly amazing #MakeSomedayHappen experience.
The retro Japanese izakaya-style restaurant serves up a 10-course menu at the bar and a more casual a la carte menu in the dining room. 
Omakase menu changes regularly but always features the five primary cooking techniques (grilling, steaming, frying, simmering, and raw) using local and imported ingredients, in-house dry-aged fish, and binchotan charcoal-fired dishes. Everything is prepared right in front of you for an immersive experience.
And, Don’t miss the fun cocktails! I loved “That Old Pizza Hut” was like an orange creamsicle with Suntory Toki Whiskey served in a Pizza Hut cup! 
Make reservations and go check this Orlando restaurant off your bucket list.
Thank you Chef Lewis and Mai for your outstanding hospitality. I’ll be coming back soon!
(Hosted) #GoEpicOrlando #LoveOrlando #omakase
Hello 2023! Why start the year on a diet? My new y Hello 2023! Why start the year on a diet? My new year’s resolution is to focus on self-care.  Eating healthy and exercising, sure. But also treating myself to more @gideonsbakehouse cookies, cakes & cold brews. Who’s with me? What will you treat yourself with this year?
You want something. Go Get It. Period!
This was my last purchase of 12/31/22... I wanted to start 2023 on a sweet note!
What if my 2023 resolution is to visit Gideon’s every month for their awesome limited-edition treats? 
I think that’s a resolution I can keep!  January’s Butterscotch flavors sound to die for.
Did you hear? The epic Banana Bread Chocolate Chip cookie is now part of the permanent lineup. While the Coffee Cake is my all-time favorite, this one is in the top 3! And, the original Peanut Butter Cold Brew is a must pairing.
What resolution will you set today? Go #MakeSomedayHappen 🎉 Happy New Year everyone!
#GoEpicOrlando #2023resolutions #GideonsBakehouse #DisneySprings
Happy New Year 2023! 🎉 We had a fun and very ch Happy New Year 2023! 🎉 We had a fun and very chill night at @disneysprings. How about you?
I love Progressive Dining and Disney Springs has plenty of options. We just get a spot at the bar and order a drink and a fun bite. Then move on to the next spot. So easy! No reservations required! 
🦀 1st Stop: @paddlefishorl 
Steak Skewers
Crab Topped Fries 
Larceny Old Fashioned 
Capt Handsome - Cathead Vodka & Raspberry 
Mayan Empress - Santa Teresa Añejo Rum, pineapple
🍰 2nd Stop: @homecominfl 
Espresso Martini 
Carrot Cake 
☘️ 3rd Stop: @raglanroadpub 
Great entertainment! 
@guinnessus 
Great Irish Hooley Cocktail - so refreshing with strawberries & Prosecco 
🍪 Not pictured: we managed a stop at @gideonsbakehouse to pick up treats to start the new year!!! (They had a 2 second brief moment with no line around 11pm! I could not resist! I picked up a Banana Bread Chocolate Chip cookie which is now part of the year-round line up! I also got a slice of Golden Oreo cake and a PB Cold Brew to enjoy today! Starting 2023 off right… and not a diet 😂
We went early, had a great time and got home in time to watch the ball drop!!! 🎉
Wishing you all happiness and lots of delicious treats in 2023! 
#GoEpicOrlando #MakeSomedayHappen #DisneySprings
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