Too often, beverages are an afterthought! They’re a great way to bring everyone together and make things feel special, whether it’s a hot summer day on the deck or a cool winter night by the fire. Don’t save special drinks just for company!

For the Family:

Build a Better Berry Smoothie: Do you really “need” a recipe – Yeah, you do, if you want a recipe to rival any Smoothie Shop out there! Perfect every time and seriously awesome.

California Date Shake: These sound strange, I know, but they’ll rock your world. Dates & Pecans form the flavor base, boosted by ice-cream. You won’t even miss the chocolate!

Fall Spiced Tea: This recipe is a family favorite – sipped hot or served cold as a punch, it is pretty incredible with its mulled spices, tea and pear juice.  It’s easy to riff with whatever’s on hand.

Frozen Coffee Frappes: (like McDonald’s only better) Made in a blender with frozen cubes of coffee, a little condensed milk and plain old milk. Wonderful made with flavored coffee, and adults might wish to add a touch of a favorite liquor.

Green Smoothies: Hippocrates lived around 460 B.C.; amazing, isn’t that we still haven’t learned this lesson – at least I always need to keep reminding myself! One thing I think I do right?  These babies.

Horchata: I was introduced late in life to this lovely, light and refreshing beverage – don’t make the same mistake! Super easy to make at home from common ingredients. Perfect with Mexican food.

Mango Lassi: This is a fool-proof method for a basic Lassi. I like just a little cardamon in mine, but tweak it how you will. A healthy, refreshing & cooling drink – and a family fave.

Orange “Julias”: A copycat recipe of the famous mall stand drinks, this is an intensely flavored smoothie that can be made in minutes. Perfect for a brunch and great in the summer.

Pumpkin Spice Latte:  A warm coffee drink blended with a little pumpkin puree and beautiful array of pumpkin pie spices. Amazingly inexpensive to make at home and far better than anything out!

Spa Water on a Budget: Add appropriate trimmings, seeds, cores, hulls, etc. to a mason jar, fill with water and place in the fridge to gently infuse for a day or a few days. Such a cheap treat!

Warm Mulled Cider: Don’t save this for fall, think of it on any dreary, cold winter or early spring day. Great for an evening at home, to fill a thermos or for a party – spike with Calvados, if you dare! (Or tea!)

For the Grown Ups:

Apple Pie Moonshine: Make this delish drink ahead of time to give all the flavors a chance to meld – and try it in a mason jar! I swear it makes it taste better. Perfect for a party or gift.

Bailey’s Irish Cream Copycat: This one is a bit different than most, but I also have the old standby recipe here, too. I “reverse engineered” the whole works and it tastes fantastic!

Coquito: A marvelous creamy, frothy, coconutty cocktail touched with Rum. Some call this a Puerto Rican version of Egg Nog – I just call it delish! Make it by the pitcher.

Overnight Bloody Marys: So easy and the best flavor develops with a little time! Make a party of it and add plenty of garnishes and put out the hot sauce to doctor at will! Great for brunch, deck or pool parties.

Extras:

Whipped Cream for the Freezer: Whip some up (or use extra from a dessert) and dollop onto plastic. Freeze until firm, then store. Flavor as you wish. No waste, no additives.