Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus: Blog https://www.staynfocus.com/blog en-us (C) Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus (Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) Fri, 16 Aug 2024 16:00:00 GMT Fri, 16 Aug 2024 16:00:00 GMT https://www.staynfocus.com/img/s/v-12/u150850234-o210927393-50.jpg Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus: Blog https://www.staynfocus.com/blog 96 120 Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Classic Mai Tai https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2024/7/classic-mai-tai Hey there! 

 It's July 1st, 4th of July week-- summer is officially here!! The Mai Tai is synonymous with tropical sunshine in my opinion and this feels like the perfect time to make one! We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

Special thanks to Viski for gifting us this tiki set of straws, cocktail picks, low ball and high ball glasses!

This recipe makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
Pineapple Wedge
Cherry


For Drink
1.5 oz. White Rum
1/2 oz. Orange Curaçao

1 oz. Orgeat
3/4 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
1/2 ounce dark rum (float)
Ice

 

You will also need 1 rocks tumbler glass and shaker cup.

 

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your shaker cup add all ingredients except the dark rum:
    • 1.5 oz. White Rum
    • 1/2 oz. Orange Curaçao (can substitute for Triple Sec, Grand Marnier or Cointreau)
    • 1 oz. Orgeat
    • 3/4 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
    • Ice
  2.  Shake well to chill.
  3. Strain into your ice filled & chilled rocks tumbler.
  4. Float 1/2 oz dark rum on top.
  5. Garnish with pineapple wedge, cherry and pineapple leaves if you wish.
  6. Grab a seat at the pool and Enjoy!

        

 

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Press Play! 

 


 

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“Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink in the wild air.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson
 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) curacao lime mai tai orange liqueur orgeat rum https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2024/7/classic-mai-tai Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:54:02 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Lemon Solstice https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2024/6/lemon-solstice Hey there! 

Here's a dedication to the long hot sticky days of summer. Cool off with this light and refreshing citrusy mint cocktail. As per usual, we did the most and played with some molecular gastronomy for the garnish. You can find specific instructions to make your own version of "caviar" or flavored spheres online. We used a kit from Molecule-R.  We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

 

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
Mint Leaf
Butterfly Pea Flower Caviar


For Simple Syrup
1.5 cups granulated sugar
1.5 cups water
1 vanilla bean
1-2 sprigs of mint
1/4 tsp. lime zest
1/2 tsp. salt

 

For Drink
1 ounce distilled white rum
1 ounce limoncello (Italian lemon liqueur)
1/2 ounce high proof vodka
3/4 ounce, Disaronno
20 ml. vanilla mint simple syrup
20 ml. fresh squeezed lime juice
6-8 mint leaves
Ice

 

For Butterfly Pea Flower Caviar (optional garnish)

We used a molecular gastronomy kit to turn brewed and chilled butterfly pea flower tea into caviar spheres using calcium lactate and sodium alginate.

 

You will also need 1 rocks tumbler glass and a shaker cup.

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Let's Make the Simple Syrup!

  1. To a sauce pan over medium heat, add
    • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
    • 1.5 cups water
    • 1 vanilla bean
    • 1-2 sprigs of mint
    • 1/4 tsp. lime zest
    • 1/2 tsp. salt
  2. Let simmer until reduced to about half.
  3. Place in a heat resistant container and set aside to cool.

 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your shaker cup add all ingredients:
    • 1 oz. distilled white rum

    • 1 oz. limoncello

    • 1/2 oz. high proof vodka

    • 20 ml. vanilla mint simple syrup

    • 20 ml. fresh squeezed lime juice 

    • 6-8 mint leaves

    • ice

  2.  Shake well to chill
  3. Add Ice to your rocks tumbler
  4. Strain cocktail 
  5. Garnish with mint leaf and optional tea caviar
  6. Enjoy!

        

 

Mixology Monday - Lemon Solstice

Press Play! 

 


 

     
   

    

"I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June."

— L.M. Montgomery


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) butterfly pea flower lemon lime limoncello mint rum vodka https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2024/6/lemon-solstice Mon, 24 Jun 2024 21:45:16 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Dog Days of Summer https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/8/dog-days-of-summer Hey there! 

Happy 1st day of August! We took a little time off but we're back (albeit a day late) with a refreshing cocktail perfect for the hottest days of summer. We infused bourbon with orange and cinnamon spice tea and then got a little fancy with the garnish.  We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

 

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

 

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
Orange Slice

For Drink
1.5 ounces orange spice tea infused bourbon (ingredients and steps below)
1/2 ounce, lime juice
1/2 ounce, simple syrup
3/4 ounce, Disaronno
3 to 4 dashes of orange blossom water
1-2 pinches of ground cloves

Ice

For Orange Spice Tea Infused Bourbon
1 orange spice tea bag ( we used Twinings Orange & Cinnamon Spice )
Hot water
3-4 oz Bourbon

 

You will also need 1 rocks tumbler glass, mixing glass and shaker cup.

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Let's Make the Orange Tea Infused Bourbon!

  1. Dip the teabag into boiling hot water for a few seconds, just until it just starts to steep.
  2.  Transfer the teabag to mixing glass with 3-4 oz bourbon and let sit for about 10-15 minutes before discarding the teabag.


Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your shaker cup add all ingredients:
    • 1.5 ounces orange spice tea infused bourbon
    • 1/2 ounce lime juice
    • 1/2 ounce simple syrup
    • 3/4 ounce Disaronno
    • 3 to 4 dashes of orange blossom water
    • 1-2 pinches of ground cloves
    • Ice
  2.  Shake well to chill.
  3. Add Ice to your rocks tumbler
  4. Strain cocktail 
  5. Garnish with orange slice 
    • For a little razzle dazzle, sprinkle your slice with clove and sugar and place in airfryer on lowest setting for a few minutes until sugar is sticky but orange rind is still pliable.
    • Remove slice and cut a slit from the middle of slice to one edge. Roll your slice to make a rose and secure with toothpicks.
  6. Enjoy!

        

 

Mixology Monday - Dog Days of Summer

Press Play! 

 


 

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"Summer is the annual permission slip to be lazy. To do nothing and have it count for something. To lie in the grass and count the stars. To sit on a branch and study the clouds."

— Regina Brett
 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) Bourbon bourbon sour disarona orange orange blossom water https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/8/dog-days-of-summer Tue, 01 Aug 2023 15:00:00 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Pineapple Blossom https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/6/pineapple-blossom Hey there! 

This "patio pounder", The Pineapple Blossom, comes from Thirsty Whale on Tiktok! We loved it so much we wanted to share this quick and delicious summer cocktail with you. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

 

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
Pineapple Wedge

For Drink
2 oz. Bourbon 
3/4 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
1 oz. Pineapple Juice
3/4 oz. Simple Syrup
3-4 Dashes Orange Bitters (We used Scrappy Bitters- Orange)

Ice

You will also need 1 rocks tumbler glass and shaker cup.

 

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your shaker cup add all ingredients:
    • Bourbon (2 oz)
    • Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice (3/4 oz)
    • Pineapple Juice (1 oz)
    • Simple Syrup (3/4 oz)
    • 3-4 Dashes Orange Bitters (We used Scrappy Bitters- Orange)
    • Ice
  2.  Shake well to chill.
  3. Strain into your ice filled & chilled rocks tumbler.
  4. Garnish with pineapple wedge.
  5. Enjoy!

        

 

Mixology Monday - Pineapple Blossom

Press Play! 

 


 

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You know what rhymes with Monday? Bourbon!

-anonymous
 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) Bourbon bourbon sour pineapple pineapple juice https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/6/pineapple-blossom Mon, 12 Jun 2023 17:47:33 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Jammed Up (a Daiquiri) https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/5/jammed-up Hey there! 

The daiquiri is one of the six basic drinks listed in David A. Embury's classic The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks and features main ingredients rum, citrus juice, and sugar. We decided to elevate this a little with a mixture of Fig, Hibiscus and Apricot Jam, then we topped with ginger ale and a spritz of absinthe. I really really enjoyed sipping on this. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

 

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
Several spritz of Absinthe

For Drink
1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
3/4 oz. Simple Syrup
2 oz. White Rum
4 Bar Spoons of your favorite jam/preserve (we used a mix of apricot hibiscus & fig preserves)
2-3 oz. Ginger Ale

You will also need 1 Collins Glass, strainer, mixing cup, atomizer filled with absinthe and ice.

 

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. Chill your Collins glass and set aside.
  2. In your mixing cup add:
    • Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice (1 oz.)
    • Simple Syrup (3/4 oz.)
    • White Rum (2 oz.)
    • 4 Bar Spoons of your favorite jam/preserve (we used a mix of apricot hibiscus & fig preserves)
    • Ice
  3.  Stir well and set aside.
  4. Spritz the inside of your chilled Collins glass with Absinthe (3-4 sprays).
  5. Fill with Ice.
  6. Strain in your cocktail.
  7. Top with Ginger Ale.
  8. Spritz again with Absinthe.
  9. Enjoy!

        

Mixology Monday - Jammed Up  Press Play! 

 


 

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"When Life Hands you Lemons, Make Daiquiris"


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) apricot bacardi daiquiri fig Rum https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/5/jammed-up Mon, 15 May 2023 21:05:35 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Cherry Blossom Lemonade https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/4/Cherry-Blossom-Lemonade Hey there! 

It's cherry blossom season and although we don't have any actual cherry blossoms super close to us we were inspired! I love a nice and tart lemonade so honestly this is perfect for me! "The national flower of Japan, the cherry blossom – or Sakura, represents a time of renewal and optimism. The pops of pink mark the ending of winter and signify the beginning of spring." I am sooo ready for spring!! We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

 

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

 

CBL-IMG_9003CBL-IMG_9003
            

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
Lemon Slice/ Wheel

For Drink
3/4 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
3/4 oz. Simple Syrup
1 1/4 oz. Rye Whiskey
1/2 oz. Campari
Splash of Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur 
3-4 Dashes Citrus Bitters

You will also need 1 rocks tumbler, strainer, hawthorne strainer, shaker cup and ice.

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your shaker cup add all ingredients:
    • Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice (3/4 oz.)
    • Simple Syrup (3/4 oz.)
    • Bitters (3-4 Dashes)
    • Campari (1/2 oz.)
    • Rye Whiskey (1  1/4 oz.)
    • Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur (Splash)
    • Ice
  2.  Shake well to chill
  3. Double strain into your ice filled rocks tumbler
  4. Garnish with your lemon slice
  5. Enjoy!

  Mixology Monday - Cherry Blossom Lemonade      Press Play! 

 


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 “Let us find inner freedom in each lucky moment that we encounter, like a sun-basking butterfly that finds peace on a cherry blossom petal.” 

— Erik Pevernagie
 


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) black owned brands campari cherry lemonade rye whiskey whiskey https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/4/Cherry-Blossom-Lemonade Tue, 18 Apr 2023 17:49:09 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Vegan Flavored Air Foam https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/4/vegan-flavored-air-foam Hey there! 

On April 1st we had a little fun on Instagram and announced the launch of our new (fake) company Foam Alone which boasts shelf stable flavored vegan air foam garunteed for 30 days. See here: https://foamalone.co

Although Foam Alone is a joke; this recipe is NOT!! If you are looking to create a light and airy vegan foam perfect for cocktails or culinary works of art, give this a try! The foam will last 15 - 30 minutes and can be as fluffy as you like! The recipe calls for soy lecithin, I happened to have some in powder form already, from a molecular gastronomy kit but you can find variations of this online and in person.

Have fun creating!
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Here's what you need:
Juice of choice
Soy Lecithin
Immersion Blender

 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In a tall and wide container pour in your juice and lecithin. (approx 2g of soy lecithin for 250ml juice)

    • More liquid in your ratio = looser foam, less liquid = lighter fluffier foam

  2. Use an immersion blender to mix everything.

  3. Keep the blender half in liquid, half out when blending.

    • This motion help to incorporate air into the mixture, the longer you mix the more foam you get.

  4. Scoop the foam and put it on top of your masterpiece.

  5. Enjoy!

Note: You can store unused liquid in the fridge or freezer and re blend for more foam when you need it!

 

 

Flavored Air Foam

       Press Play! 

 


 
    
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FOAM ALONE

 


 


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) air foam cocktail garnish soy lecithin https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/4/vegan-flavored-air-foam Mon, 03 Apr 2023 20:20:00 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - ShinJu Sour https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/3/shinju-sour Hey there! 

Food photography has facilitated many great things for me and I have met some amazing  people along the way. A couple years ago I met Foodies (And Photographers) Vanessa and Thory from Oven 350 on Instagram and quickly realized we lived less than 10 min from each other! We had fun hanging out this weekend and this was one of the cocktails Frank whipped up for us. It has all of the things I love! It's a sour cocktail with orange and cherry notes, made with Shin Ju Whiskey topped off with some serious froth! We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

 

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

 

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
Orange Peel

For Drink
3/4 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
1 Egg White
3/4 oz. Simple Syrup
3/4 oz. Cointreau
1/2 oz. Shin Ju Whiskey
Splash Campari
Splash Bourbon Cherry Syrup
3-4 Dashes Citrus Bitters

You will also need 1 rocks tumbler, strainer, hawthorne strainer, shaker cup and ice.

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your shaker cup add:
    • Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice (3/4 oz.)
    • 1 Egg White
  2. Dry Shake (without ice) for at least 30 seconds vigorously.
  3. Add remaining ingredients to shaker cup:
    • Simple Syrup (3/4 oz.)
    • Shin Ju Whiskey (3/4 oz.)
    • Cointreau (1/2 oz.)
    • Bitters (3-4 Dashes)
    • Campari (Splash)
    • Bourbon Cherry Juice (Splash)
    • Ice
  4. Shake well to chill.
  5. Double strain into your rocks tumbler
  6. Express citrus oils from orange peel and toss it in the glass.
  7. Enjoy!

Mixology Monday - ShinJu Sour       Press Play! 

 


 
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“Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.”

– Mark Twain
 


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) black owned brands bourbon cherry orange whiskey whiskey sour https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/3/shinju-sour Mon, 27 Mar 2023 22:25:06 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Pauline https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/3/pauline Hey there! 

We recently came across this recipe on Punch Drink's website and definitely wanted to give it a go! This rum sour recipe comes from the Savoy Cocktail Book and was originally made with wormwood bitters. We replaced the wormwood bitters with a combination of absinthe and orange bitters. We also added a few dashes of Fee Foam for a little bit of froth. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

 

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
Pinch of Nutmeg 

For Drink
1 3/4 oz. - 2 oz. Un-aged Haitian Rum
3/4 oz. Simple Syrup
3/4 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
3-4 Dashes Orange Bitters
3-4 Dashes Fee Foam
~1 Barspoon Absinthe

Ice
 

You will also need 1 coupe glass or nick & nora glass, a shaker cup, strainer and bar spoon. 

 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. Let's chill our glass first. You can either place your glass in the freezer or fill the glass with ice and water and set aside.

  2. Add all of your ingredients to the shaker cup:

    • Un-aged Haitian Rum (1 3/4 oz. - 2 oz)

    • Simple Syrup (3/4 oz.)

    • Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice (3/4 oz.)

    • Dashes Orange Bitters (3-4 dashes)

    • Dashes Fee Foam (3-4 dashes)

    • Absinthe (~1 barspoon)

    • Ice

  3. ​​​​​​Shake well.​

  4. Strain into your chilled coup glass or Nick & Nora.

  5. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

  6. Enjoy!!

     Mixology Monday - Pauline Press Play! 

 


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“Drinking Rum before 10am makes you a Pirate, not an Alcoholic.”

– Earl Dibbles Jr.

 


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) absinthe pauline rum https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/3/pauline Mon, 20 Mar 2023 20:12:53 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Grasshopper https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/3/grasshopper Hey There,

 

Tis the season for green cocktails so here is our take on a classic, the Grasshopper. This drink has been said to originate in New Orleans and gained popularity in the 1950s. Our take adds muddled mint and crushed oreos and reminds us of thin mint cookies or a decadent dessert. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages


This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
Crushed Oreos


For Drink

3-4 Mint Leaves
1.5 oz. Green Creme de Menthe
1.5 oz. White Creme de Cacao
2 oz. Heavy Cream

You will also need 1 coupe glass, a shaker cup, strainer,  muddler, mortar & pestle and ice.

 

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. Let's crush some Oreos (without the filling) and set aside.

  2. In your shaker cup, add and muddle a few mint leaves

  3. Add remaining ingredients to shaker cup:
    • 1.5 oz. Green Creme de Menthe

    • 1.5 oz. White Creme de Cacao 

    • 3 oz. Heavy Cream

    • Ice 

  4. Shake well.

  5. Strain into your coupe glass

  6. Garnish with crushed Oreos

  7. Enjoy!

Mixology Monday - Grasshopper

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The restless grasshopper only finds rest in the gizzard of a bird

-African Proverb
 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) creme de menthe grasshopper heavy cream white creme de cacao https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/3/grasshopper Mon, 13 Mar 2023 21:00:22 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - The Smoke https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/3/the-smoke You don't want this smoke.... ok maybe you do!

Hey there! Today we're sharing a cocktail made with Vodka from our home state NJ! Bone Black Vodka is made in small batches at All Points West Distillery in the Ironbound district of Newark. We added actual smoke along with Fire Tincture from Scrappy Bitters. This drink has all of my favorite things, sage, thyme, lemon and smoke. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

Learn More about Bone Black/ All Points West Distillery: Click Here
Learn More about Scrappy Bitters: Click Here

 

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
Charred Slice of Lemon
Sprig of Thyme


For Drink
2 oz. Vodka
3-5 Drops Scrappy Bitters Fire Tincture
1 oz. Fresh (Charred) Lemon Juice ** See Steps Below
3/4oz. Simple Syrup
3-5 Sage Leaves
3-5 Sprigs of  Thyme

You will also need 1 rocks tumbler, a mixing glass, strainer, fine mesh strainer, muddler, bar spoon, smoker or flame resistant surface and ice.

 

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Let's Prep the Lemon!

  1. Cut your lemon in half.

  2. Cut one slice from one of your lemon halves

  3. Char everything; we used a grill pan on the stove.

  4. Juice both halves and set slice aside for the garnish.

 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. Let's smoke our glass first

    • With your smoker in your tumbler or on flame resistant surface burn some sage and thyme then flip your glass on top of it.

    • Set Aside.

  2. In a separate mixing glass add:

    • Few sage leaves

    • Several sprigs thyme

    • Simple Syrup (3/4 oz.)

    • Charred Lemon Juice (1 oz.)

  3. Muddle

  4. Add remining ingredients to mixing glass:

    • Vodka (2 oz.)

    • Fire Tincture (3-5 drops)

    • Ice

  5. Stir to chill

  6. To your smoked glass, add a block of ice (we use our ice designer tray to make it *fancy*)

  7. Double strain cocktail over ice

  8. Garnish with thyme and charred lemon slice.

  9. Enjoy!

 

  Mixology Monday - The Smoke  Press Play! 

 


 

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"In a world of smoke and ashes, you are milk and honey."

--India.Arie


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) sage thyme vodka https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/3/the-smoke Mon, 06 Mar 2023 23:18:42 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - BFG https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/2/bfg Hey There!

February is coming to a close but we are not done celebrating and sharing black owned brands. Today, we're sharing an original creation made with Ode to Babel Gin. Ode to Babel is Black Owned/Women Owned Cocktail Bar in Brooklyn. A friend gifted us with a bottle of their in-house gin, distilled with locally grown botanicals and we paired it with blackberries and fig. We also used Black Owned Hella Ginger Bitters. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

Learn More about Ode to Babel Here: About Ode to Babel
Learn More about Ode to Babel Spirits Here: Babel Spirits

Find Hella Bitters Near you: Hella Cocktail Co
Find all of our recipes using black owned brands here: Black Owned

 

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1/2 Fig or a few blackberries

For Drink
1 1/4 oz. Gin
1/4 oz. Campari
1/2 oz. Simple Syrup (or a little more if you like)
1/2 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
3-4 Dashes Hella Bitters (Ginger)
3-4 Blackberries
1/2 tbsp Fig Jam

You will also need 1 rocks tumbler, a shaker cup, hawthorne strainer, fine mesh strainer, muddler, bar spoon and ice.

 

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In shaker, add: 

    • Blackberries (3-4)

    • Fig Jam (1/2 tbsp.)

    • Simple Syrup (1/2 oz.)

    • Lemon Juice (1/2 oz.)

  2. Muddle Well

  3. Add remaining ingredients to shaker:

    • Gin (1 & 1/4 oz.)

    • Campari (1/4 oz.)

    • Hella Bitters (We used Ginger)(3-4 dashes)

    • Ice

  4. Shake well to chill

  5. Double Strain into your rocks tumbler over ice.

  6. Garnish with Fig or Blackberries

  7. Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday - Fig and Blackberry Gin Cocktail  Press Play! 

  


 

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“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” 

—Harriet Tubman
 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) black owned brands blackberry fig gin https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/2/bfg Tue, 28 Feb 2023 00:07:38 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Shawty Get Loose https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/2/shawty-get-loose Hey There!

Every February we share recipes made with black owned spirits, and this year is no different. This recipe comes from T-Pain's cocktail book, Can I Mix You a Drink. We used Uncle Nearest Rye Whiskey for this bold, Manhattan like cocktail. Nathan "Nearest" Green, known as Uncle Nearest was a former slave who taught Jack Daniel distilling in the 1800s. Now, Uncle Nearest is the most successful black owned distillery in the world. Learn more about Uncle Nearest here. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

Find Uncle Nearest, near you! Find Near Me
Find all of our recipes using black owned brands here: Black Owned
 

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Cocktail Cherry 

For Drink
1 oz. Whiskey
1 oz. Sweet Vermouth
1 oz. Campari
1/2 oz. Creme de Cacao

 

You will also need 1 coupe glass, a mixing glass, hawthorne strainer, cocktail pick, bar spoon and ice.

 

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In mixing glass, add: 

    • Whiskey (1 oz.)

    • Sweet Vermouth (1 oz.)

    • Campari (1 oz.)

    • 1/2 oz. Creme de Cacao

    • Ice

  2. Stir 30 seconds

  3. Strain into your coupe glass.

  4. Skewer your cocktail cherry and add as garnish.

  5. Sip slow and Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday - Get Loose Press Play!    

 


   
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"Black history isn’t a separate history. This is all of our history, this is American history, and we need to understand that."

- Karyn Parsons


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) black owned brands creme de cacao manhattan t-pain Uncle Nearest whiskey whisky https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/2/shawty-get-loose Mon, 06 Feb 2023 16:25:00 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - A Word to the Wise (Mocktail) https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/1/word-to-the-wise Hey There,

Today's mocktail has me thinking of warmer days. The fresh sage and pineapple juice pairs so well with our lime oleo saccharum. Oleo saccharum is Latin for oil sugar and it is exactly that. We've included the exact steps below but essentially, it is an oil made from citrus peels mixed with sugar. As the peels sit in the sugar, they secrete natural oils that contain concentrated citrus flavor. We made ours with lime peels but you can also make your oleo saccharum with lemon peels. This oil can be used in cocktails in the same way you would use a simple syrup but you can also use it in other cooking and baking recipes.

This drink is great anytime, not just for dry January! If you are wanting something a little stronger, but still low ABV, swap out the tonic water for 1/2 oz. Vodka and swap the Ginger beer for 1/2 oz. Gin and muddle in a little cucumber before shaking. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages  

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

 

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Bunch of Sage Leaves
1 Lime wheel

For Drink
1/2 oz. Lime Oleo Saccharum (see below)
3-4 Fresh sage leaves
3 oz. Pineapple juice
1 oz. Cucumber tonic water
2 oz. Ginger beer
Ice

For Lime Oleo Saccharum (Oil Sugar)
Peel from 6-10 limes
Granulated Sugar


You will also need shaker cup, muddler, strainer, a collins or highball glass and also a small dish and citrus peeler for the oleo saccharum.

 

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Let's Make the Oleo Saccharum!

  1. Peel 6 to 10 limes, leave behind most of the white pith. 

  2. Place peels in a dish and coat completely in granulated sugar. Cover and place in refrigerator for anywhere between 12 and 48 hours. We left ours in for more than 24 hours.  

  3. After oleo saccharum has formed, strain out peels and remaining sugar saving only the oil in a separate airtight  jar or container.

  4. Store in refrigerator for 2 weeks but best to use it it within first week. To lengthen the life span, add a tablespoon of vodka.

​​​​​​ 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In shaker cup add:

    • Lime oleo saccharum (1/2 oz.)

    • Sage leaves (3-4 leaves)

  2. Muddle well

  3. Add Remaining ingredients (except tonic and ginger beer) to shaker:

    • Pineapple juice (3 oz.)

    • Ice

  4. Shake 15-20 seconds to chill.

  5. Fill your Collins or highball with ice

  6. Strain in your mocktail.

  7. Top with

    • Cucumber tonic water (~1 oz.)

    • Ginger beer (~2 oz.)

  8. Garnish with lime wheel and sage.

  9. Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday -- WTTW

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"30 days hath September April, June and November. All the rest have 31 except for dry January, which has 5,782"
 






 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) dry january mixed mocktail non-alcoholic oleo saccharum pineapple sage https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/1/word-to-the-wise Mon, 23 Jan 2023 20:37:46 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Miércoles (Mocktail) https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/1/miercoles-mocktail Hey There,

Today's cocktail.... well actually mocktail, is dedicated to Wednesday Addams and the actress who portrays her in the latest series, Jenna Ortega. We thought about Jenna's ethnic background of Mexican and Puerto Rican ancestry and came up with this faux margarita using Ritual 's Non Alcoholic Tequila. We also made a Cointreau substitute sans alcohol... which you can make in two snaps! If you are not quite feeling dry January, feel free to substitute your favorite Blanco or Silver Tequila for a spirited experience! We hope you enjoy this monochrome, sweet & spicy elixir! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages  

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!


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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
Black Salt for Rim of Glass

For Drink
1.5 oz. Nonalcoholic Tequila
1 oz. of  Fauxtreau (Nonalcoholic Orange Syrup/Cordial) (ingredients and steps below)
1 oz. Coconut Cream,
1 oz . Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice (1 large lime)
5-6 Serrano Pepper Slices,
Ice

For Fauxtreau
2-3 oz. Agave Syrup
1 Orange Peel
2-4 Dashes Orange Bitters


You will also need shaker cup, muddler, strainer, small sauce pan and a coup glass or tumbler.

 

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Let's Make the Fauxtreau!

  1. In your small sauce pan add:

    • Agave Nectar (at least 2-3 oz)

    • 1 Orange Peel 

    • Several Dashes of Orange Bitters (We used Hella Orange Bitters)

  2. Warm on low heat for 15 minutes.

  3. Set aside and allow to cool.

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. Rim your coup glass (or tumbler) with lime juice and black salt. Set aside.

  2. In your shaker cup add:

    • Sliced serrano peppers (5-6)

    • Fauxtreau (Nonalcoholic Orange cordial/syrup) (1 oz.)

  3. Muddle well.
  4. Add remaining ingredients to shaker cup:
    • Ice
    • Nonalcoholic Tequila (We used Ritual) (1.5 oz)
    • Coconut cream (1. oz)
    • Fresh Squeezed Lime juice (1 oz.)
  5. Shake to chill
  6. Double strain into a black salt, rimmed coup glass serve neat, or with crushed ice in tumbler.
  7. Enjoy!

 

MIxology Monday - Miercoles       Press Play!

 


 

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"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."

– Martin Luther King Jr.
 






 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) black owned brands coconut cream dry january margarita mixed mocktail tequila https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/1/miercoles-mocktail Mon, 16 Jan 2023 21:51:46 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Seckel Pear Fizz (Mocktail) https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/1/Seckel-Pear-Fizz-Mocktail Hey There,

Another new year... another dry January.  We came across these Seckel pears while grocery shopping and decided to experiment. These are sweet and taste like both a pear and a apple. We chose to make a fizz "mocktail" and somehow this tastes just like a gin fizz. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages  

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!


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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Fresh Basil Leaf

For Drink
3 to 4 Fresh Basil Leaves,
1/2 Chopped Seckel Pear,
2 oz . Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice (1 large lime)
1 Egg White
3/4 oz. Simple Syrup
2 or 3 oz. Tonic Water
Ice

You will also need shaker cup, mixing glass, muddler, strainer and a coup glass.

 

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your mixing glass add:

    • Basil Leaves (3-4)

    • Chopped Pyrus Pear (1/2 of a small pear)

    • Simple Syrup (3/4 oz.)

  2. Muddle for 30 seconds or so and set aside.

  3. In your shaker cup add:

    • Egg white (just 1)

    • Lime Juice (1 oz.)

  4. Dry Shake vigorously 30-45 seconds.

  5. Add to shaker cup:

    • Basil Pear Mixture

    • Remaining Lime Juice (1 oz.)

    • Ice

  6. Shake to chill and strain into your coup glass.

  7. Top with 2-3 oz. tonic water.

  8. Garnish with basil leaf.

  9. Enjoy!

 

Pyrus Pear Mocktail      Press Play!

 


 

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“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.”

– Oprah Winfrey
 






 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) dry january fizz lime mixed mocktail pear https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2023/1/Seckel-Pear-Fizz-Mocktail Mon, 09 Jan 2023 23:03:27 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Empress Aviation https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/12/empress-aviation Hey There,

Acording to liquor.com, "the Aviation is a classic gin cocktail dating back to the turn of the 20th century, and it first appeared in Huge Enslinn’s book “Recipes for Mixed Drinks” in 1916 while he was tending bar at New York City’s Hotel Wallick. In the ensuing decades, it was all but forgotten. That’s because one of the drink’s primary ingredients, crème de violette liqueur, disappeared from the market during the 1960s."  We got our hands on the crème de violette liqueur, and decided to use Empress Gin to up the purple hue of this delicious cocktail.  We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages  

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!


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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Bourbon or Brandied Cherry

For Drink
2 oz Empress Gin
1/2 oz. Maraschino Liqueur
1/4 oz. Crème de Violette Liqueur
3/4 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
Ice

 

You will also need shaker cup, strainer and a Nick and Nora glass or coup glass.

 

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. Add all ingredients into the shaker cup

    • 2 oz Empress Gin

    • 1/2 oz. Maraschino Liqueur

    • 1/4 oz. Crème de Violette Liqueur

    • 3/4 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

    • Ice

  2. Shake until chilled.

  3. Strain into your Nick and Nora glass

  4. Garnish with bourbon or brandied cherry

  5. Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday - Aviation

     Press Play!

 


 

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“When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”
– Leonardo DaVinci
 






 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) Crème de Violette Liqueur empress gin gin https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/12/empress-aviation Mon, 12 Dec 2022 22:34:08 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Bicycle Thief https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/11/bicycle-thief Hey there!

Forgive us... it takes us a while to get into "the holiday spirit" and we're not ready yet! So enjoy this bitter & tart gin cocktail to match our Grinchy demeanor! This cocktail, Bicycle Thief,  was originally created by Zachary Gelnaw-Rubin and Abraham Hawkins for Dutch Kills Bar in NY. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @staynfocusimages 


This recipe makes 1 drink. Let's get started!

BT-IMG_9135BT-IMG_9135
 

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Grapefruit Slice



For Drink
1 oz. Campari
1 oz. Gin 
1/2 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
1 1/2 oz. Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice
1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
Soda Water  or Club Soda
Ice

You'll also need a mixing glass, bar spoon,  strainer and a Collins glass.

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Let's Make the Drink:

  1. Add all ingredients except soda water to your mixing glass:

    • Ice

    • Campari (1 oz.)

    • Gin  (1 oz.)

    • Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice (1/2 oz.)

    • Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice (1  1/2 oz.)

    • Simple Syrup (1/2 oz.)

  2. Stir to chill

  3. Strain into your ice filled Collins glass

  4. Top with soda water/ club soda

  5. Garnish with grapefruit slice

  6. Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday - Bicycle Thief

           Click to Play!


  

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“A grateful heart is better than a bitter soul.”
― Matshona Dhliwayo
 

 

 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) bicycle thief campari gin grapefruit https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/11/bicycle-thief Mon, 28 Nov 2022 14:30:57 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Shawty https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/11/shawty Hey there!

Did you know that  T-Pain has a cocktail recipe book, named appropriately, Can I Mix You a Drink? We picked it up earlier this year and it's full of 50 beautiful and tasty creations. We had some Creme de Cacao left over from last week, AND we were gifted some bitters from Scrappy Bitters so the stars were aligned for us to make the first cocktail in T-Pain's book, "Shawty". We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @staynfocusimages 

Find Scrappy Bitters: https://www.scrappysbitters.com/

Find Can I Mix You a Drank: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/688058/can-i-mix-you-a-drink-by-t-pain/

This recipe makes 1 large drink. Let's get started!

 

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Orange Peel Twist
1 Lemon Peel Twist


For Drink
2 oz. Bourbon (We used Woodford Reserve)
5 oz. Creme de Cacao 
3 dashes orange bitters
2 dashes aromatic bitters

Ice

You'll also need a mixing glass, julep strainer and a double rocks tumbler.

 

Let's Make the Drink:

  1. Add all ingredients to your mixing glass:

    • Ice

    • 2 oz. Bourbon (We used Woodford Reserve)

    • 5 oz. Creme de Cacao 

    • 3 dashes orange bitters

    • 2 dashes aromatic bitters

  2. Stir for 30 seconds

  3. Strain into your chilled rocks tumbler (we added one large ice block)

  4. Express and Garnish with orange and lemon peel.

  5. Enjoy!

Mixology Monday - Shawty

           Click to Play!


  

 

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"Those who get stuck doing the same things for too long are bound to get left behind the strong who press on and re-invent themselves."

-T-Pain

 

 

 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) bourbon cinnamon creme de cacao t-pain https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/11/shawty Mon, 21 Nov 2022 15:30:00 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Sweater Weather https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/11/sweater-weather Hey there!

We love recreating new recipes we come across just as much as we like creating original cocktails. Today we're sharing a recipe from Chris Leavitt ( @notjustabartender on IG & TikTok). He created this daiquiri variation on the spot and we were intrigued by the flavors. We hope you enjoy this cozy fall drink! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @staynfocusimages 


This recipe makes  1 drink. Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Grapefruit Peel
Ground Cinnamon


For Drink
1/4 ounce Cinnamon Simple Syrup
1/4 ounce Maple Syrup
1 ounce Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice
1/2 ounce Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
1/4 ounce Creme de Cacao
1 ounce, Jamaican Rum
1 ounce Rye Whiskey

Ice

You'll also need a shaker cup and a  nick & nora glass or coup glass.

 

 

Let's Make the Drink:

  1. Add all ingredients to your shaker cup:

    • Cinnamon Simple Syrup (1/4 ounce)

    • Maple Syrup (1/4 ounce)

    • Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice (1 ounce)

    • Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice (1/2 ounce)

    • Creme de Cacao (1/4 ounce)

    • Jamaican Rum (1 ounce)

    • Rye Whiskey (1 ounce)

    • Ice

  2. Shake well

  3. Strain into Nick & Nora or coup glass

  4. Express and Garnish with grapefruit peel then add a dash of cinnamon

  5. Enjoy!

Mixology Monday - Sweater Weather           Click to Play!


  

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“Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dancing on a windy day.”

- Shira Tamir

 

 

 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) cinnamon creme de cacao daiquiri grapefruit https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/11/sweater-weather Mon, 14 Nov 2022 16:00:00 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Autumn Spice Pomegranate Sour https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/10/autumn-spice-pomegranate-sour Hey there!

Pomegranate season is short, but sweet. It runs mid September to November so we're right in the middle of it. We had to hop on board and decided to create an autumn tequila sour. We used a blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and nutmeg and honestly this drink was a cozy treat. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @staynfocusimages 


This recipe makes  1 drink. Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Optional Garnish
3-5 Pomegranate Arils
Cinnamon


For Drink
1 1/4 oz. of pomegranate liqueur
1/2  oz. lemon juice

3/4 oz. Anejo Tequila
1 oz. of pomegranate juice
1 tsp agave nectar
2-3 dashes ginger bitters
1 egg white
1 tsp ground spice mixture (cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon)
Ice

You'll also need a shaker cup and a  rock's tumbler or coup glass.

 

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Let's Make the Drink:

  1.  In shaker cup add:

    • Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice (.5 oz.)

    • Egg White

    • Spice Mixture (1 tsp)

  2. Dry shake (no ice) for 30 seconds

  3. Add remaining Ingredients to shaker cup:

    • Pomegranate Liqueur (1.25 oz.)

    • Pomegranate Juice (1 oz.)

    • Anejo Tequila (.75 oz.)

    • Agave Nectar (1 tsp)

    • Ginger Bitters (2-3 dashes)

  4. Strain into tumbler or coup glass

  5. Garnish with dash of cinnamon and pomegranate arils if you like.

  6. Enjoy!

Mixology Monday - Spiced Pom Sour          Click to Play!


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If you want to make some memories, add some tequila.

-unknown

 

 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) pomegranate sour tequila https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/10/autumn-spice-pomegranate-sour Mon, 24 Oct 2022 15:00:00 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - PB&J Whiskey Sour https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/9/pbj-whiskey-sour Hey there!

This recipe has been a long time coming. We had planned to create a PB&J cocktail after coming across Skrewball PB Whiskey a while ago but hadn't quite worked out the ratios. Our inspiration was renewed after visiting Boston and tasting the pb&j cocktail at Earl's. We opted to create our own syrup using blackberries instead of using a raspberry jelly, but here is where you can be creative. Feel free to use any fruit or jelly you'd like! We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @staynfocusimages 


This recipe makes  1 drink. Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1-2 Blackberries
1 Cocktail Pick

For Blackberry Syrup
Equal parts water & sugar
Several fresh blackberries


For Drink
1 1/2 oz. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
1/2 oz. sweet red wine (Note: We used a Dornfelder for its sweet blackberry & plum taste, but almost any sweet red wine will do.)
1/2 oz. Chambord
3/4 oz. Blackberry syrup* 
1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
1 Egg White

 

You'll also need a small sauce pan, shaker cup, mixing glass, ice, strainer and a  rock's tumbler.

 

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Let's Make the Syrup:

  1. Mix one part water & one part sugar.

  2. Add in several fresh blackberries.

  3. Stir and macerate blackberries with syrup solution over medium low heat until the liquid is reduced by about 2/3 (about 15 to 20 minutes).

  4. Pour in heat resistant container and set aside to cool.

PBJ-9H9A0082PBJ-9H9A0082
 

Let's Make the Drink:

  1.  In mixing glass add:

    • Ice

    • Add blackberry syrup (3/4 oz.)

    • Chambord (1/2 oz.)

    • Sweet red wine (1/2 oz.)

  2. Stir until chilled and set aside. 

  3. In your Boston shaker add:

    • Fresh Squeezed Lemon juice (1 oz.)

    • 1 Egg white

  4. Dry shake for 30 seconds. (shake without ice)

  5. Next, Add ice and Peanut Butter whiskey (1 1/2 oz.) to your Shaker and shake for an additional 20 to 30 seconds.

  6. In your Rocks Tumblr glass pour the blackberry cordial mixture. 

  7. Add a large block of ice then top with your peanut butter sour mix.

  8. Garnish with blackberries and enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday -PB&J         Click to Play!


 

PBJ-9H9A0093PBJ-9H9A0093 PBJ-9H9A0122PBJ-9H9A0122 PBJ-9H9A0131PBJ-9H9A0131

 

 

“It is true that whisky improves with age. The older I get, the more I like it.” 

– Robert Black
 

 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) pb&j peanut butter whiskey skrewball whiskey whiskey sour https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/9/pbj-whiskey-sour Mon, 26 Sep 2022 20:22:53 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Matcha Dame Blanche https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/9/matcha-dame-blanche Hey There,

This cocktail is interesting, sophisticated and complex! We came across this recipe on TikTok (@moresavorygoods) who shares he discovered it at Handshake Speakeasy Bar in Mexico City and reverse engineered it. We felt like giving this a shot and found it to be extremely good! We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages  

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!


MDB-IMG_7377MDB-IMG_7377

 

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 small block of white chocolate

For Vanilla Simple Syrup
1 cup of water
1 cup of sugar
1 vanilla bean or few drops of vanilla extract

For Drink
1.5 oz. Vanilla Simple Syrup*
1/2 tsp. Matcha Powder
1 1/4 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
2 tbsp. Greek Yogurt
1 1/2 oz. Bombay Sapphire Gin

Ice 
 

You will also need a blender, mixing glass, bar spoon, small sauce pan, cheesecloth or coffee filter, microplane grater and a rocks tumbler.

 

MDB-IMG_7348MDB-IMG_7348

 

Let's Make the Simple Syrup!

  1. In your small sauce pan add: 

    • 1 Cup Water

    • 1 Cup Sugar

    • Vanilla Bean or Vanilla Extract

  2. Let simmer over medium/low heat until liquid is Reduced by half  (~10-12 mins.)

  3. Set aside to chill.
     

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. First we need to create the cordial.

    • Add Matcha, lemon juice and vanilla simple syrup to blender and blend.

    • Add Greek yogurt and blend again.

    • Strain liquid by pouring liquid into coffee filter or cheese cloth and set cordial aside. We used a funnel to stabilize. This process will be slow and take a little bit of time. 

  2. When you've created the cordial, to your mixing glass add:

    • Equal parts cordial and gin with an ice cube (we used 1 1/2 oz. of each)

    • Stir until chill.

  3. Using a separate cube of ice, shave white chocolate on top and place in tumbler.

  4. Strain mixture (from mixing glass)  into your tumbler and gently stir.

  5. Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday - Matcha Dame Blanche

 Press Play!

 


 

 

MDB-IMG_7369MDB-IMG_7369 MDB-IMG_7349MDB-IMG_7349  

 

 

“But when fall comes, kicking summer out on its treacherous back as it always does one day sometime after the midpoint of September, it stays awhile like an old friend that you have missed.”

– Stephen King





 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) gin greek yogurt handshake bar matcha matcha dame blanche https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/9/matcha-dame-blanche Mon, 12 Sep 2022 21:12:31 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Rosemary Greyhound https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/9/rosemary-greyhound Hey There,

According to Thrillist.com, the Greyhound cocktail was originally made with gin  & grapefruit juice and is considered the O.G. Gin and Juice. "In 1945, Harper’s magazine published a similar recipe, swapping out gin for vodka, and calling the drink a Greyhound... attributing the cocktail to a chain of restaurants owned by the Greyhound bus line. Today, Greyhounds can be made with either vodka or gin, but vodka is the most commonly used spirit." We infused a simple syrup with rosemary for today's cocktail. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages  

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!


GV-IMG_7246bGV-IMG_7246b

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Grapefruit Wedge
1 Sprig Rosemary

For Simple Syrup
1 cup of Water
1 cup of Sugar
4 Sprigs Rosemary

For Drink
2 oz. Vodka
1/2 oz. Rosemary Simple Syrup
4 oz. Grapefruit Juice
Ice

You will also need a rocks tumbler.

 

 

Let's Make the Simple Syrup!

  1. In your small sauce pan add: 

    • 1 Cup Water

    • 1 Cup Sugar

    • 4 Sprigs of Rosemary

  2. Let simmer over medium/low heat until liquid is Reduced by half  (~10-12 mins.)

  3. Set aside to chill.
     

 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1.  In your tumbler, add all ingredients:

    • Ice

    • Grapefruit Juice (4 oz.)

    • Vodka (2 oz.)

    • Rosemary Simple Syrup (1/2 oz.)

  2. Garnish with grapefruit wedge and sprig of rosemary.

  3. Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday - Rosemary Greyhound_1     Press Play!

 


GV-IMG_7231GV-IMG_7231 GV-IMG_7227GV-IMG_7227
 

“And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.”

-Oscar Wilde


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) grapefruit greyhound vodka https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/9/rosemary-greyhound Mon, 05 Sep 2022 21:09:42 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Maíz Tierno Margarita (Sweet Corn Margarita) https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/8/maiz-tierno-margarita-sweet-corn-margarita Hey There!

We really like corn!! Thanks to TikTok, corn is having a moment right now! We are on board and came across a recipe by Lauren Grant from @ZESTFULKITCHEN and had to give a shot! Yes this margarita is infused with sweet corn, and it is better than I imagined! The overall flavor is not super corn forward... the end result is silky smooth with a little kick. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

CM-IMG_6815CM-IMG_6815

                

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1-2 Sprigs of Cilantro
1 Mini Elote (optional)

Lime Juice & Salt / Chili Mixture


For Drink
4 oz. Sweet Corn Kernels (about â…” cup, about 1 ear of corn)
1 tablespoon Agave Syrup
12 Cilantro Leaves
4 oz Tequila Blanco
1/2 oz. Grand Marnier
2 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
Ice

You will also need a shaker cup, muddler, fine mesh strainer, tumbler or margarita glass and 2 small plates to help rim your glass. As well as all ingredients a tools outlined for the optional elote.

CM-IMG_6807CM-IMG_6807

Let's Make the Mini Elote!

  1. I adjusted my recipe for Elote Inspired Airfryer Corn Ribs and substituted with halved baby corn.
  2. Find the full recipe here: Elote Corn Ribs
  3. Note: Mini elote was skewered after cooking then sprinkled with lime juice, chopped cilantro and cotija cheese.

 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. Cut kernels off one ear of corn. 

  2. Add to microwave safe dish and add a little water, cover with plastic, and microwave until the corn is steamed (approx 1:30). Set aside. 

  3. Use about 1/2 ounce of lime juice and salt /chili mixture to rim your glass. Set aside.

    • Mixture includes same dry ingredients as the airfryer elote : garlic, chili powder, salt, pepper, paprika

  4. In your shaker cup, add:

    • Corn

    • Cilantro

    • Agave Nectar (1 tbsp)

  5. Muddle Well (approx. 2 minutes; the corn will begin to release liquid)

  6. Add Remaining Ingredients:

    • Tequila (4 oz.)

    • Lime Juice (2 oz.)

    • Grand Marnier (1/2 oz.)

    • Ice

  7. Shake Well

  8. Add Ice to your rimmed glass and strain in cocktail 

  9. Garnish with cilantro and optional elote or lime wedge

  10. Enjoy!

 

Sweet Corn Margarita    Press Play!       


CM-IMG_6812CM-IMG_6812 CM-IMG_6797CM-IMG_6797
 

 

 

"I cant imagine a more beautiful thing. It's corn! I can tell you all about it! I mean look at this thing...!"

~Corn Kid 2022

]]>
(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) elote fruit itscorn margarita mexico sweet corn tequila tequila cocktail https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/8/maiz-tierno-margarita-sweet-corn-margarita Mon, 29 Aug 2022 20:06:25 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Smoked Pineapple Gin Cocktail https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/8/smoked-pineapple-gin-cocktail Hey There,

We're sharing another gin cocktail this week, this time with some smokey pineapple! We love Empress Gin not only for the taste but for the color that really made this cocktail standout. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages  

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!


SPG-IMG_6751SPG-IMG_6751

 

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Grilled Pineapple Wedge

For Simple Syrup
1 cup of water
1 cup of sugar
Chopped pineapple including skin

For Drink
3/4 oz Pineapple Simple Syrup
1.25 oz. Empress Gin
3/4 oz. Grand Marnier
Small Handful Chopped Pineapple
1 oz. Lime Juice
Cinnamon
Ice

You will also need a cocktail smoker, mixing glass, muddler, bar spoon, small sauce pan, fine mesh strainer and a rocks tumbler

 

SPG-IMG_6764SPG-IMG_6764

Let's Make the Simple Syrup!

  1. In your small sauce pan add: 

    • 1 Cup Water

    • 1 Cup Sugar

    • Chopped Pineapple with Skin

  2. Let simmer over medium/low heat until liquid is Reduced by half  (~10-12 mins.)

  3. Set aside to chill.
     

 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1.  Smoke tumbler then cover and set aside

  2. Muddle Pineapple, Cinnamon, & Grand Marnier in your mixing glass

  3. Add

    • Ice

    • Pineapple Simple Syrup (3/4 oz.)

    • Fresh Lime Juice (1 oz.)

  4. Stir until chilled

  5. Add Ice to the smoked tumbler

  6. Double strain cocktail over ice

  7. Top with empress gin

  8. Garnish with grilled pineapple wedge

  9. Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday - Smoked Pineapple Gin     Press Play!

 


 

SPG-IMG_6760SPG-IMG_6760

 

“August is like the Sunday of summer.”






 

]]>
(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) Empress Gin gin gin sour pineapple https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/8/smoked-pineapple-gin-cocktail Tue, 23 Aug 2022 00:48:26 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Blueberry Pomegranate Gin Sour https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/8/blueberry-pomegranate-sour Hey There,

Over here, whiskey sours and gin sours are some of our favorite cocktails to make. Today we are sharing an original recipe for a blueberry pomegranate gin sour we think you're gonna love! We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages  

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!
 

BPS-IMG_6572BPS-IMG_6572

 

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Small Bunch of Basil

For Drink
1 1/4 oz. gin
3/4 oz. pomegranate liquor
1/2 oz. simple syrup
1 oz. fresh lime juice
one small handful fresh blueberries
2 to 3 fresh basil leaves
1 egg white
Ice

You will also need 1 Coupe Glass and a shaker cup. 

BPS-IMG_6590BPS-IMG_6590

 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your shaker cup add: 

    • Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice (1 oz.)

    • Egg White (1)

  2. Dry Shake vigorously 20-30 seconds

  3. In separate cup/glass add:

    • Blueberry

    • Fresh Basil

  4. Muddle Well

  5. To muddled mixture, add remaining ingredients:

    • Simple Syrup (1/2 oz.)

    • Pomegranate Liquor (3/4 oz.)

    • Gin (1 1/4 oz.)

    • Ice

  6. Combine with Egg white/Lime Juice and Shake for another 20-30 seconds.

  7. Strain into coupe glass

  8. Garnish with basil leaves

  9. Enjoy! 

 

Mixology Monday - Blueberry Pom Sour    Press Play!

 


BPS-IMG_6606BPS-IMG_6606

 

 

"August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time."

— Sylvia Plath






 

]]>
(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) blueberry gin gin sour pomegranate https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/8/blueberry-pomegranate-sour Tue, 16 Aug 2022 00:13:23 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Coffee Old Fashioned https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/7/coffee-old-fashioned Hey There!

We are no strangers to old-fashioneds and we are big coffee lovers so it was only a matter of time before we infused them both! Not only did we use a coffee flavored whiskey and coffee bitters... we also made an espresso simple syrup! *Chef's Kiss*  This cocktail is very coffee forward, feel free to adjust the ratio of the espresso simple syrup to dial it back if you like. All of the details are below. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages  

 

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

COF-IMG_5980COF-IMG_5980

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Orange Peel

 

For Espresso Simple Syrup
1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
1/3 cup Water
2 oz. Espresso
2 to 3 Drops of Vanilla Extract
1 Orange Peel

For Drink
2 oz. Coffee Flavored Whiskey (Ellington Reserve - Cold Brew)
1 tbsp Water
3-4 Dashes Coffee Cocktail Bitters (Warn Reserve - Coffee Pecan)
1/2 oz. Espresso Simple Syrup
1 Fresh Orange Peel
One large cube/sphere of clear Ice

 

You will also need a rocks tumbler and bar spoon.

COF-IMG_5997COF-IMG_5997
 

Let's Make the Espresso Simple Syrup!

  1. Add all ingredients to a small pot and bring to a simmer.
  2. Reduce heat to low and allow about half the liquid to evaporate. (~10-12 mins.)
  3. Allow to cool to at least room temperature & set aside.
  4. Refrigerate unused portion.
     

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your rocks tumbler add:
    • Coffee Whiskey (2 oz.)
    • Water (1 tbsp.)
    • Espresso Simple Syrup (1/2 oz.)
    • Coffee Bitters (3-4 dashes)
    • Ice Cube
  2. Stir gently
  3. Garnish with orange peel
  4. Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday - Coffee Old Fashioned
 Press Play!    


 

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 "Adventure in life is good. Consistency in coffee even better." 

-Justina Headley
 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) bourbon coffee old fashioned old fashioned whiskey https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/7/coffee-old-fashioned Mon, 25 Jul 2022 19:10:34 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Sazerac Cocktail https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/7/sazerac-cocktail Hey There!

 Today we are sharing our take on the classic, Sazerac which hails from New Orleans and is credited as being among the first true cocktails. The first Sazerac cocktails were made with Cognac: a brand name called Sazerac. Around the 1870’s, rye whiskey replaced the Cognac... today, it can be made with either or both! We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

SZ-IMG_5759SZ-IMG_5759                  

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Lemon Peel


For Drink
Absinthe (for rinse)
2 oz. Cognac
1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
Several dashes Peychaud's Bitters (or Bitters of your choice)

Ice (Crushed & Cubed)

You will also need a mixing glass and an rocks tumbler or old fashioned glass.

SZ-IMG_5765SZ-IMG_5765

 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. Rinse your rocks tumbler or old fashion glass with Absinthe, then fill with crushed ice and set aside.

  2. In your mixing glass, add:

    • Cubed Ice

    • Cognac (2 oz.)

    • Simple syrup (1/2 oz)

    • Bitters (3-4 dashes)

  3. Stir until chilled.

  4. Discard crushed ice and excess Absinthe in your prepared glass from step 1.

  5. Strain drink into your glass.

  6. Express with lemon peel and add as garnish.

  7. Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday - Sazerac

    Press Play!       


 

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"It is well to remember that there are five reasons for drinking: the arrival of a friend, one’s present or future thirst, the excellence of the cognac, or any other reason."

 -W.C. Fields

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) absinthe cognac cognac cocktail sazerac https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/7/sazerac-cocktail Mon, 18 Jul 2022 14:00:00 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Beet-nik Gimlet https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/7/beet-nik-gimlet Hey There!

A few weeks ago we spent some time in Chicago. While there we dined at Beatnik, a boho chic, river side Moroccan, French, Italian oasis. This place is an entire mood. With our entrees, we ordered their heirloom carrots which were served on top of their roasted beet tahini hummus and we fell in love with the combination.  We hope you enjoy our interpretation of the dish in cocktail form!! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

 

BS-IMG_5480BS-IMG_5480                 

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Sprig of Basil


For Drink
1 oz. Fresh squeezed lime juice (~1 Lime)
1 egg white
3-4 Basil leaves
Several dashes citrus bitters
0.75 oz. Simple syrup
1.25 oz.  Hendricks Lunar gin
1 ounce carrot juice
1 ounce beet juice
1 pinch of salt

Ice

You will also need a shaker cup and coup glass.

BS-IMG_5506BS-IMG_5506

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your shaker cup, add:

    • Egg White (1)

    • Bitters (Several Dashes)

    • Basil (3-4 leaves)

    • Lime Juice (1 oz.)

  2. Dry shake (without ice) well for 30 seconds

  3. Add Remaining Ingredients:

    •  Simple syrup (3/4 oz)

    • Hendricks Lunar Gin (1 1/4 oz.) 

    • Carrot Juice (1 oz.)

    • Beet Juice (1 oz.)

    • Pinch of salt

    • Ice

  4. Shake Well

  5. Strain into your coup glass 

  6. Garnish with sprig of basil

  7. Enjoy!

 

  Mixology Monday - Beetnik Gimlet  Press Play!       


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“Be a rainbow in somebody else's cloud.”
― Maya Angelou

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) beet juice carrot juice gimlet gin https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/7/beet-nik-gimlet Mon, 11 Jul 2022 20:33:23 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Mint and Jalapeño Infused Margarita https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/7/mint-jalapeno-infused-margarita Hey There!

The margarita is a super popular cocktail and definitely makes us think of summer. On this first Monday of July, in the thick of summer we're going to keep it spicy with this mint and jalapeño infused margarita. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

TIKI-IMG_5316TIKI-IMG_5316                

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Pineapple Wedge (we sprinkled a little nutmeg on ours)
1-2 Sprigs of Mint 
1-2 Slices of J
alapeños
Lime Juice & Nutmeg Sugar Mixture to Rim Glass


For Drink
1.5 oz. Mint Jalapeño Infused Tequila (We used ‘El Espolon’ Tequila Blanco)
3/4 oz. Triple Sec
2 oz. Pineapple Juice
1 oz. Lime Juice
1/4 oz. Simple Syrup
1/4 cup Diced Pineapple
1 Slice Jalapeño
2-4 Fresh Mint Leaves
~ 1/8 tsp Ground Nutmeg
3 to 4 Dashes Orange Bitters

Ice
 

You will also need a shaker cup, fine mesh strainer, tumbler or margarita glass and 2 small plates to help rim your glass.

TIKI-IMG_5350TIKI-IMG_5350

Let's Make the Infused Tequila!

  1. In a mason jar, add:

    • 8 oz. Tequila

    • 4-5 Jalapeño Slices

    • 2-4 Large Mint Leaves

  2. Let sit several hours to overnight (the longer it sits, the spicier it gets :) )

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. Use about 1/2 ounce of lime juice and nutmeg sugar mixture to rim your glass. Set aside.

  2. In your shaker cup, add:

    • diced pineapple (1/4 cup)

    • 1 jalapeño slice

    • Mint Leaves (2-4)

    • Lime Juice (1 oz.)

  3. Muddle Well

  4. Add Remaining Ingredients:

    • Nutmeg

    • Bitters

    • ​​I​nfused Tequila (1.5 oz.)

    • Triple Sec (3/4 oz.)

    • Simple Syrup (1/4 oz.)

    • Pineapple Juice (2 oz.)

  5. Shake Well

  6. Add Ice to you nutmeg sugar rimmed glass and strain in cocktail 

  7. Garnish with pineapple wedge, jalapeño slices and sprig of mint

  8. Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday - Jalepeno Pineapple Margarita    Press Play!       



TIKI-IMG_5314TIKI-IMG_5314 TIKI-IMG_5330TIKI-IMG_5330

 

 

"Always make time for the things you love, like drinking and margaritas."

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) jalapeño margarita mexico pineapple tequila tequila cocktail https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/7/mint-jalapeno-infused-margarita Mon, 04 Jul 2022 17:10:42 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Lavender Lemon Drop Martini https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/6/lavender-lemon-drop-martini Hey There,

According to Chilled Magazine, "the Lemon Drop Martini is an adult version of the 19th-century lemon drop candy, the Lemon Drop Martini consists of vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup that’s shaken, strained, and poured into a sugar-rimmed Martini glass."  In our variation, we added Limoncello and garnished ours with a lemon twist and an edible lavender flower. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages  

 

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

LLM-IMG_5272LLM-IMG_5272

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Lemon Peel

1 Edible Lavender Flower 

For Drink
2 oz. Vido Vodka
1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
1/4 oz. Simple Syrup
3/4 ounce Triple Sec
1/4 ounce Limoncello
~1/4 tsp. Lemon Zest

Ice

You will also need 1 Martini Glass and a shaker cup. Feel free to rim your martini glass if you like using lemon juice and granulated sugar and lemon zest.

LLM-IMG_5255LLM-IMG_5255

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your shaker cup add all ingredients

    • 2 oz. Vido Vodka

    • 1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice

    • 1/4 oz. Simple Syrup

    • 3/4 ounce Triple Sec

    • 1/4 ounce Limoncello

    • ~1/4 tsp. Lemon Zest

    • Ice

  2. Shake vigorously 20-30 seconds

  3. Strain into martini glass

  4. Garnish with lemon peel and edible flower

  5. Enjoy! 

Mixology Monday - Lemon Drop Martini    Press Play!

 


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“I believe when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade...and try to find someone whose life has given them vodka, and have a party.”
― Ron White




 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) lavender lemon drop martini vodka https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/6/lavender-lemon-drop-martini Mon, 27 Jun 2022 20:08:16 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Orange Ginger Whiskey Cocktail https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/6/orange-ginger-whiskey-cocktail Hey there!

This weekend we celebrated our sister's return to heaven's glory. We were privileged to share moments with her in this life. So, in proper send off, we dedicate this Mixology Monday to Lisa Maxey-Leverett, mother, soldier, wife, and light in this world. Thanks to @theweekendmixologist for creating this ginger & orange infused whiskey cocktail. We used  Fevertree ginger beer, Cointreau and  herbal bitters from Underberg to recreate this new refreshing classic. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you decide to make this cocktail, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @staynfocusimages 


This recipe makes 1 drink. Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Orange Peel

Mint Bunch

For Drink
.5 oz. Cointreau
1.5 oz. Bourbon Whiskey
Few Dashes of Bitters
Ginger Beer
Ice

You'll also need a Collins glass or highball.

 

Let's Make the Drink:

  1.  In your Collins or High Ball add:

    • Ice

    • Cointreau (.5 oz)

    • Bourbon (1.5 oz)

    • Bitters

  2. Top with Ginger Beer

  3. Express with orange peel and add to glass

  4. Garnish with Mint Leaves

  5. Enjoy!!

Mixology Monday - CC     Click to Play!


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“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”
― Thomas Campbell
 

 

 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) bourbon cointreau orange whiskey https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/6/orange-ginger-whiskey-cocktail Mon, 13 Jun 2022 15:17:51 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Chocolate Covered Cherry Whiskey Sour https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/6/chocolate-covered-cherry-whiskey-sour Hey there!

It's no secret we love bourbon and we love whiskey sours! Here's another sour to add to the collection. We were gifted a bottle of Knob Creek Bourbon Whiskey by one of Frank's cousins (Thank you!). We decided to infuse it with cocoa nibs similar to what we done in the past (see here). If you you are short on time, or do not want to infuse your own whiskey, we recommend purchasing a whiskey like, Ballotin Chocolate Whiskey. In any event, we hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @staynfocusimages 


This recipe makes  1 drink. Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Cherry
1 Pinch Cocoa Nibs

 

For Drink
1.25 oz. Kentucky Bourbon (We recommend a chocolate infused whiskey like Ballotin Chocolate Whiskey)
.5 oz. Disaronno Amaretto,
4-6 Dashes Angostura Coco Bitters
1 Pinch Cocoa Nibs
1 oz.  Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
~.5 oz. Simple Syrup
~.25 oz Luxardo Cherry Liqueur
 4 Cherries
1 Egg White

You'll also need a shaker cup, ice, strainer and a Nick/Nora coupe glass. 

 

Let's Make the Drink:

  1.  In your shaker cup add and muddle:

    • Cherries (~4)

    • Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice (1 oz.)

  2. Once muddled well, add:

    • Add bitters

    • Pinch of cocoa nibs

    • Add egg white

  3. Dry shake for 20-30 seconds

  4. Add remaining ingredients

    • Ice
    • Chocolate Infused Bourbon Whiskey (1.25 oz.)
    • Amaretto (.5 oz.)
    • Simple Syrup (~.5 oz or 10 ml)
    • Luxardo Liqueur (~.25 oz or 5 ml)
  5. Shake vigorously an additional 15 to 20 seconds,
  6. Double strain into a Nick/Nora coupe glass
  7. Garnish with fresh cherry & remaining pinch of cocoa nibs
  8. Enjoy!!

 

Mixology Monday - Chocolate Cherry Sour         Click to Play!


 

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"When better cherries are not to be had,
We needs must take the seeming best of bad."

-Samuel Daniel

 

 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) cherry chocolate whiskey whiskey sour https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/6/chocolate-covered-cherry-whiskey-sour Mon, 06 Jun 2022 20:49:50 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Blue Long Island Iced Tea https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/5/blue-long-island-iced-tea Hey There!

 We've shared an LIIT before, but we wanted to revisit it especially on this long holiday weekend. If you have a little of this and little of that... this might be a great choice to make if you are entertaining. Personally, I think I prefer this blue variation made with Blue Curacao. What do you think? This recipe came from Vinepair. We hope you enjoy. As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @staynfocusimages 

This recipe makes 1 drink. Let's get LIIT!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Lemon Peel Twist
1 Cherry

 

For Drink
3/4 oz White Rum
3/4 oz Vodka
3/4 oz Gin
3/4 oz Tequila

3/4 oz Blue Curacao
1/2 oz Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
1/2 oz Simple Syrup
Lemon - Lime Soda

 

You'll also need, Highball or Collins glass, Ice, Shaker Cup and Hawthorn Strainer

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Let's Make the Drink:

  1. In your shaker cup, add  everything except lemon lime soda:
    • 3/4 oz White Rum
    • 3/4 oz Vodka
    • 3/4 oz Gin
    • 3/4 oz Tequila
    • 3/4 oz Blue Curacao
    • 1/2 oz Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
    • 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
  2. Shake for 20-30 seconds.
  3. Fill highball or collins glass with ice.
  4. Strain LIIT into glass.
  5. Top with lemon lime soda 
  6. Garnish with lemon twist and cherry
  7. Enjoy!

Mixology Monday - LIT Press Play!

 

 

If life gives you lemon, make lemonade…and find someone whose life gave them vodka.

– Ron White
 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) blue curacao gin LIIT long island iced tea rum soda sprite tequila vodka https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/5/blue-long-island-iced-tea Mon, 30 May 2022 19:29:47 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Quick Strawberry Frosé https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/5/strawberry-frose Hey There,

Here's another cocktail using bubbly. This time we opted for something more refreshing in the 90º weather we've been having! A frozen Rosé or Frosé is the perfect solution to cool off with. There are a few ways to make this. You can either pour Rosé into ice cube trays and freeze for at least 6 hours or you can freeze the fruit you're adding, in this case the strawberries, OR if you're impatient, like us, you can just use a blender with ice. Those steps are below. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 2 drinks! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1/2 strawberry
 

For Drink
1 cup (8 oz.) Brut Rosé 
3 cups Ice
3/4 oz. Rose Water
1/2 cup Sugar
2 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

You will also need a blender and wine glasses.

 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. Add all ingredients to your blender
    • Rosé (8 oz.)
    • Ice
    • Rose Water  (3/4 oz.)
    • Chopped Strawberries (~1 cup)
    • Sugar (1/2 cup)
    • Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice (2 oz.)
  2. Blend well
  3. Pour into wine glass
  4. Garnish with half a strawberry
  5. Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday - Frose

Click to Play!   


 

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"Always keep a bottle of champagne in the fridge for special occasions. Sometimes, the special occasion is that you’ve got a bottle of champagne in the fridge."

 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) frose frozen champagne frozen rose rose strawberry https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/5/strawberry-frose Mon, 23 May 2022 22:55:14 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Pomegranate Mimosa https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/5/pomegranate-mimosa Hey There,

In case you didn't know, today, May 16th is National Mimosa Day.... so we had to oblige! This brunch staple is typically made with orange juice and champagne; we chose to be a little different and add pomegranate liqueur and use Prosecco which is Italian sparkling white wine instead of champagne. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages
 

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Orange Twist
Several tsp sugar and orange zest for rim of glass
~.5 oz. Lime Juice

 

For Drink
1 oz. Pomegranate Liqueur
3 oz. Orange Juice
~2 oz. Prosecco
Few Dashes of Bitters

You will also need, ice, strainer and champagne flutes.

 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. Dip flute into lime juice then into sugar/orange zest mixture. Set aside.
  2. In mixing glass add:
    • Ice
    • Pomegranate Liqueur (1 oz.)
    • Orange Juice (3 oz.)
    • Few dashes of Bitters
  3. Stir gently
  4. Strain into flute.
  5. Top with Prosecco (~2 oz.)
  6. Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday - Orange Pomergrante Mimosa_1 Click to Play!   


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"Mimosas are a great source for Vitamin C"

 

 


 

 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) mimosa orange juice pomegranate prosecco https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/5/pomegranate-mimosa Mon, 16 May 2022 22:32:44 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Honey Ginger Whiskey Sour https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/5/honey-ginger-whiskey-sour Hey there!

This drink was actually inspired by a bee that found itself trapped in our dining room. We started with the colors black and yellow, the flavor of honey and went from there. I love the smoothness of the Japanese whiskey we chose and how it paired with the added ginger notes. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @staynfocusimages 


This recipe makes 1 drink. Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
Lace Tuile (made with black food coloring click here for steps
) or Lemon Wheel

 

For Drink
1.5 oz. Whiskey (We used ShinJu, Japanese Whiskey)
1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
2 tbsp. Local Honey
1 tbsp Water
3 to 4 Dashes Bitters (We used Hella Ginger Bitters)
1 Egg White
1/4-1/2 tsp. Fresh Grated Ginger

 

You'll also need a shaker cup, ice, strainer and a coup glass. 

 

Let's Make the Drink:

  1.  In your shaker cup add:

    • 1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

    • 2 tbsp. Local Honey & 1 tbsp Water (for a honey simple syrup)

    • 1 Egg White

    • 1/4-1/2 tsp. Fresh Grated Ginger
       

  2. Dry shake vigorously (without ice) for 30 seconds

  3. Add:

    • 1.5 oz. Whiskey (We used ShinJu, Japanese Whiskey)

    • 3 to 4 Dashes Bitters (We used Hella Ginger Bitters)

    • Ice

  4. Shake again for 20-30 seconds

  5. Double Strain into your coup glass

  6. Garnish with Lace Tuile or lemon wheel

  7. Enjoy!!

        Mixology Monday - Honey Ginger Whiskey Sour Click to Play!


 

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" Words are like bees – some create honey; and others leave a sting."

– unknown

 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) black owned brands ginger honey shinju whiskey whiskey sour https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/5/honey-ginger-whiskey-sour Mon, 09 May 2022 16:13:30 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Luxardo Lemoncello G&T https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/5/luxardo-lemoncello-gin-and-tonic Hey there!

Today we're sharing another variation of a simple cocktail, the G&T or Gin and Tonic. We stumbled on these pink lemons in the local grocery store and knew we wanted to do something with them.  They are a little smaller and less tart than "regular" lemons and have a  sweeter flavor. They kind of look like tiny grapefruits. We added Lemoncello to amp up the tart lemon notes and we thought this would pair nicely with Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur for a a hint of cherry. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @staynfocusimages 


This recipe makes 1 drink. Let's get started!

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1-3 Pink Lemon Wheels

Mint Bunch (optional)

For Drink
1/2 oz. Fresh Squeezed Juice from a Pink Lemon
1/4 oz. Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
1/2 oz. Lemoncello
1 1/4 oz. Hendricks Gin
1/4 oz. Simple Syrup
2 1/4 oz. Tonic Water

 

You'll also need a mixing glass, bar spoon, ice, strainer and rocks tumbler. 

 

Let's Make the Drink:

  1.  In your mixing glass add all ingredients except tonic water:

    • 1/2 oz. Fresh Squeezed Juice from a Pink Lemon

    • 1/4 oz. Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

    • 1/2 oz. Lemoncello

    • 1 1/4 oz. Hendricks Gin

    • 1/4 oz. Simple Syrup

    • Ice

  2. Stir

  3. Strain into ice filled tumbler

  4. Top with tonic water

  5. Garnish with pink lemon wheels and mint bunch

  6. Enjoy!!

Mixology Monday - LL Cool GT       

Click to Play!


 

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 “The world’s favorite season is the spring. All things seem possible in May.”

– Edwin Way Teale

 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) G&T gin gin and tonic lemoncello luxardo maraschino https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/5/luxardo-lemoncello-gin-and-tonic Mon, 02 May 2022 15:50:51 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Pineapple Campari Cocktail https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/4/pineapple-campari-cocktail Hey there!

Continuing with the theme of light and airy drinks for spring, we introduce this low alcohol sip of pineapple, Campari and vermouth. Campari has a bitter taste so feel free to swap with Aperol for something a little sweeter. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @staynfocusimages 


This recipe makes 1 drink. Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Dehydrated Pineapple Slice 

Mint Bunch (optional)

For Drink
3 oz. Fresh Pineapple Juice
1 oz. Campari 
.75 oz. Dry Vermouth 
2-3 Dashes Bitters (We Used Ginger Flavored Bitters by Hella) 

 

You'll also need a rocks tumbler, shaker cup, ice and strainer. We also used a shaker ball to amp up the froth.

 

Let's Make the Drink:

  1.  In your shaker cup add all ingredients:

    • Shaker Ball (optional)

    • Fresh Pineapple Juice (3 oz.)

    • Campari (1 oz.)

    • Vermouth (.75 oz.)

    • Bitters (2-3 dashes)

    • Ice

  2. Shake Vigorously

  3. Strain into tumbler

  4. Garnish with dehydrated pineapple slice and mint bunch

  5. Enjoy!!

      Mixology Monday - Pineapple Campari

Click to Play!


 

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"April comes like an idiot, babbling and strewing flowers."

- Edna St. Vincent Millay

 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) campari pineapple vermouth https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/4/pineapple-campari-cocktail Mon, 25 Apr 2022 17:25:28 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Strawberry Wallbanger Sunset https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/4/strawberry-wallbanger-sunset Hey there!

So this started out as a Harvey Wallbanger cocktail but we kept going. A Harvey Wallbanger is an elevated screwdriver typically made with 1.5 oz Vodka, 4 oz Orange juice and a float of .5 oz Galliano. We decided to enhance this already great cocktail with muddled strawberries, vanilla simple syrup, grenadine and a splash of tonic water. This light, refreshing drink was like springtime in a glass. We hope you enjoy!

As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @staynfocusimages 


This recipe makes 1 drink. Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Dehydrated Orange Slice 

1/2 Strawberry

For Drink
.75 oz. Galliano
2-3 Fresh Chopped Strawberries (~2-3 Strawberries)*
.50 oz. Vanilla Simple Syrup 
1.5 oz. Vodka 
2.75 oz. Fresh OJ 
.25 oz. Splash Grenadine 
1 oz. Tonic Water

 

You'll also need a rocks tumbler or Collins glass, shaker cup, ice and strainer.

 

Let's Make the Drink:

  1.  In your shaker cup add:

  2. Muddle well

  3. Add remaining ingredients except tonic water to shaker cup:​​​​​

    • Vodka (1.5 oz.)

    • Galliano (.75 oz.)

    • Fresh OJ (2.75 oz.)

    • Splash Grenadine (~.25 oz.)

    • Ice

  4. Shake vigorously

  5. Strain into ice filled tumbler or Collins glass

  6. Top with tonic water

  7. Garnish with dehydrated orange slice and halved strawberry

  8. Enjoy!!

  Mixology Monday - Strawberry Wallbanger Sunset     

Click to Play!


 

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"If you can’t say something nice about someone, have another Vodka, it’ll come to you."

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) grenadine harvey wallbanger orangejuice screwdriver strawberry vodka https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/4/strawberry-wallbanger-sunset Mon, 18 Apr 2022 14:00:00 GMT
Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Puff Pastry Bites https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/4/caramelized-onion-gruyere-puff-pastry-bites Hey There!

I love a fancy looking appetizer; especially if it's tasty! I'm even more in love if It's something I can whip together quickly and effortlessly! Puff pastry is great and so versatile-- it works perfectly for handheld bites whether sweet or savory. These caramelized onion gruyere puff pastry bites are my new go to for any friends or family gathering... I'm obsessed! I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as me!

This will make 18 bites. Let's get started!!

 

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What You Need:

  • 1 Package of thawed puff pastry (I prefer Pepperidge Farm; there are 2 sheets in one box)
  • 2 Medium sized onions ( I used red because they're my favorite but yellow onions would be perfect for this recipe also)
  • 1 Sprig of thyme
  • 1/2 tsp Oregano
  • 1.5-2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 3 tbsp Salted butter
  • 1 Egg
  • 4-5 oz. Grated apple smoked gruyere cheese
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Chopped green onions/scallions and rainbow micro greens (optional garnish)

You'll also need a cast iron pan or dutch oven, knife or pizza cutter, baking sheet and parchment paper.

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Let's Get Started:

Note: Allow yourself extra time for caramelized onions to cool to room temperature before assembling and baking your bites. Keep your thawed puff pastry refrigerated until ready to bake.

  1. Prep the Onions
    • Slice your onions into rings or strips.
    • Using medium heat, add 3tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil to your cast iron pan or dutch oven. As butter melts add sliced onions, thyme and oregano. Let your onions cook down for about 20 minutes but stir periodically to prevent from burning. 
    • When onions are well browned, deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar. Then transfer to a dish to allow cooling to room temp.

 

  1. Prep the Puff Pastry
    • Preheat Oven to 400º
    • Using your knife or pizza cutter, divide each puff pastry sheet into 9 rectangles.
    • ​​​​​​​Line baking sheet with parchment paper and add your puff pastry rectangles.
    • Crack and beat 1 egg, and brush each rectangle with egg.
    • Poke the center of each rectangle with a fork.

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  1. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Let's Bake
    • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Grab your room temp caramelized onions and season with salt and pepper.
    • Add grated gruyere cheese and mix well.
    • Place forkful of onion gruyere mixture on each rectangle
    • Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown, rotate after 10 minutes.
    • Remove from oven and allow to cool a bit before garnishing and serving.
    • Enjoy!

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) appetizers baking cooking with nikki food photography puff pastry vegetarian https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/4/caramelized-onion-gruyere-puff-pastry-bites Thu, 14 Apr 2022 02:49:30 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Last Word https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/4/last-word Hey there!

Today's cocktail is a classic from the prohibition era. The Last Word is simple and straightforward, it calls for equal parts of gin, green Chartreuse, Maraschino liqueur and fresh lime juice. I would describe this as tart, and sophisticated. Variations of this cocktail exist, and we've done one previously called, the Paper Plane which uses Bourbon instead of Gin. We hope you enjoy!

As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @staynfocusimages 


This recipe makes 1 drink. Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Lime Twist

1 Cherry

For Drink
3/4 oz. Gin (We used Hendrick's)
3/4 oz. Green Chartreuse
3/4 oz. Maraschino Liqueur
3/4 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice 

 

You'll also need a coup glass or Nick & Nora, shaker cup, Ice and strainer.

 

Let's Make the Drink:

  1.  In your shaker cup add

    • 3/4 oz. Gin (We used Hendrick's)

    • 3/4 oz. Green Chartreuse

    • 3/4 oz. Maraschino Liqueur

    • 3/4 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice 

    • Ice

  2. Shake vigorously

  3.  Strain into coup or Nick & Nora glass

  4. Garnish with Lime Peel and Cherry

  5. Enjoy!!

Mixology Monday - Last Word     Click to Play!


 

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“I exercise strong self-control. I never drink anything stronger than gin at breakfast.”

– W.C. Fields
 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) chartreuse gin last word maraschino liqueur https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/4/last-word Mon, 11 Apr 2022 17:13:46 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Sunday Morning in the Park https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/4/sunday-morning-in-the-park Hey there!

Today's drink is a riff on the Sunday in the Park cocktail. We swapped out the fresh squeezed lemon juice for orange juice, so we're calling it Sunday Morning in the Park. We stumbled onto the original recipe online and it's my fault. Frank wanted an afterwork drink; however, I had already poured the last glass of wine he had been thinking about having. I also used the last lemon we had in the dish I was photographing! Whoops!  So... it was kind of like a Food Network's Chopped Challenge basket but with alcohol. This was the tasty result, we hope you enjoy!

As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @staynfocusimages 


This recipe makes 1 drink. Let's get started!

 

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Orange Wedge

Sprig of Thyme

For Drink
1.5 oz. Lillet Blanc
1.5 oz. Bourbon Whiskey
1/4 oz. Simple Syrup
1 oz. Fresh Squeezes Orange Juice 
1 Sprig Fresh Thyme 
2 oz. Club Soda

 

You'll also need a Collins glass or highball, shaker cup, and strainer.

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Let's Make the Drink:

  1.  In your shaker cup add

    • 1 Sprig of Thyme 

    • Lillet Blanc (1.5 oz.)

    • Bourbon (1.5 oz.)

    • Simple Syrup (1/4 oz.)

    • Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice (1 oz.)

    • Ice

  2. Shake vigorously

  3. Double Strain into ice filled Collins or Highball

  4. Top with Club Soda

  5. Garnish with Orange Wedge and Thyme Sprig

  6. Enjoy!!

 

Mixology Monday - Sunday Morning    Click to Play!


 

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“It's not so much do what you like as it is that you like what you do.”
― Stephen Sondheim, Sunday in the Park with George
 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) bourbon lillet blanc whiskey https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/4/sunday-morning-in-the-park Mon, 04 Apr 2022 04:56:13 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Necromancer https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/3/necromancer Hey there!

One of our guilty pleasures is watching ghost hunting shows on the travel channel. Maybe its the over the top reenactments and reactions that hook us, or maybe its the "ghosts"! The name for today's cocktail may be a bit unusual. Necromancer is defined as, a person who uses witchcraft or sorcery, especially to reanimate dead people or to foretell the future by communicating with them. So this might be the perfect drink to sip while watching The Dead Files. This cocktail was created by Mayur Subbarao for Louro Restaurant in New York’s West Village, and is a riff on the classic Corpse Reviver cocktail. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @staynfocusimages 


This recipe makes 1 drink. Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
2 Lemon Peels

Spritz of Absinthe

For Drink
3/4 oz. Lillet Blanc
3/4 oz. Elderflower Liqueur
3/4 oz. Absinthe
3/4 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
Dash of Gin

 

You'll also need a Nick & Nora glass or a coup glass, shaker cup, strainer, atomizer/spray bottle for Absinthe.

 

Let's Make the Drink:

  1.  In your shaker cup add

    • 3/4 oz. Lillet Blanc

    • 3/4 oz. Elderflower Liqueur

    • 3/4 oz. Absinthe

    • 3/4 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice

    • Dash of Gin

    • Ice

  2. Shake for approximately 30 seconds

  3. Strain into glass

  4. Spray glass with Absinthe filled Atomizer

  5. Express lemon peel & enjoy

  6. Garnish with lemon Peel

  7. Enjoy!!

Mixology Monday - Necromancer

   Click to Play!


 

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“A bad conscience makes a very good ghost.”
― Hope Mirrlees
 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) absinthe elderflower gin lillet blanc vermouth https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/3/necromancer Mon, 28 Mar 2022 15:19:50 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Netflix & Dill https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/3/netflix-dill Hey there!

Inspiration comes from many places. This week we were inspired by Ryan Reynolds and Ash Lewis (@professional_lush) to create our version of this dill infused gin cocktail. We recently watched Ryan's newest movie, The Adam Project on Netflix where he plays a time traveling fighter pilot... so we thought now would be a good time to break out his Aviation American Gin. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @staynfocusimages 


This recipe makes 1 drink. Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
Small Sprig of Dill
Mini Clothespin (optional)


For Simple Syrup
1 Part Water
1 Part Granulated Sugar
2-4 Sprigs Fresh Dill

 

For Drink
2 oz. Aviation Gin
1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
1.25 oz. Dill Infused Simple Syrup*
~.25 cup Chopped Peeled Cucumber
4-6 Sprigs Fresh Dill
1 Egg White

 

You'll also need a coup glass, shaker cup ,strainer and small sauce pan.

 

 

Let's Make the Dill Infused Simple Syrup:

  1. Add to Sauce Pan: 
    • 1 Part Water
    • 1 Part Granulated Sugar
    • 2-4 Sprigs Fresh Dill
  2. Heat over medium-low heat until liquid is reduced by half (~15-20 mins.)

  3. Set aside to cool.

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Let's Make the Drink:

  1.  In your shaker cup add

    • Chopped Cucumber (~.25 cup)

    • Simple Syrup (1.25 oz.)

  2. Muddle well.

  3. Add Egg White & Lemon Juice (1 oz.) to shaker cup.

  4. Dry Shake for 30 sec. (shake vigorously without ice)

  5. Add remaining ingredients:

    •  Ice

    • Aviation Gin (2 oz.)

    • 1 Sprig Fresh Dill

  6. Vigorously shake an additional 20-30 sec.

  7. Strain into Coupe Glass

  8. Garnish with sprig of Fresh Dill

  9. Enjoy!!

 

Mixology Monday - Netflix and Dill   Click to Play!


 

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“When everything seems to be against you, remember that an airplane takes-off against the wind, not with it.”

- Henry Ford.

 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) cucumber dill gin https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/3/netflix-dill Mon, 21 Mar 2022 16:43:33 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Bananas Foster https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/3/bananas-foster Hey there!

We came across this Bananas Foster cocktail recipe on Just a Pinch and had to try! This decadence in a glass is perfect for after dinner... or maybe instead of! We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @staynfocusimages 


This recipe makes 3-4 drinks, depending on size of your glass.  Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
Candied Pecan Halves (see steps below)
Caramel Syrup
 

For Drink
4-6 Scoops vanilla or banana ice cream*
6 oz Rum (We used Ten to One)
2 oz Banana Liqueur
1-2 Bananas, cut in chunks
1 tbsp Brown Sugar
Cinnamon

You'll also need a martini glass and blender

 

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Let's Make the Garnish:

  1. Melt 1-2 tablespoons butter 
  2. Mix in 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  3. Add your pecan halves and stir to coat in glaze mixture.
  4. Set aside... (if you're extra like us, hit them with the kitchen torch a little before using.)


 

Let's Make the Drink:

  1. In your blender, add:
    • Ice Cream
    • Rum
    • Banana Liqueur
    • Banana Chunks
    • Few dashes of Cinnamon
    • Brown Sugar
  2. Blend well.
  3. Drizzle caramel syrup onto insides of martini glass.
  4. Pour your cocktail and garnish with pecan halves.
  5. Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday - Bananas Foster  Click to Play!


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“I'm not a vegetarian! I'm a dessertarian!”
― Bill Watterson
 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) banana bananas fosters black owned brands dessert dessert cocktail rum https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/3/bananas-foster Mon, 14 Mar 2022 22:54:59 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Empress Gin & Tonic https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/3/empress-gin-tonic Hey there!

Sometimes less is more. This week we are keeping it simple with a gin and tonic, however we decided to use Empress Gin which is handcrafted botanical gin made with a signature blend of black tea and butterfly pea blossom. The butterfly pea blossom gives the gin its beautiful indigo, purplish hue. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @staynfocusimages 


This recipe makes 1 drink!  Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
Lime slices (We used key limes)

 

For Drink
2 oz. Empress Gin
2 oz. Tonic Water (or more if you like)

You'll also need ice and a rocks tumbler.

 

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Let's Make the Drink:

  1. In a rocks-tumbler glass add ice.
  2. Next pour in 2 oz. Gin followed by 2 oz. Tonic Water. 
  3. Give it a gentle stir. 
  4. Add your lime slice garnishes and optional dried pea flower blossoms.
  5. Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday - Gin & Tonic Click to Play!

 


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“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication..."

-Leonardo da Vinci 

 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) butterfly pea flower empress gin g&t gin gin and tonic lime tonic https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/3/empress-gin-tonic Mon, 07 Mar 2022 15:12:30 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Plush Vodka Blueberry Smash https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/2/plush-vodka-blueberry-smash Hey There!

It's the last day of February and Black History Month and we haven't even scratched the surface of all the amazing Black Owned Brands out there. In the last two years we have uncovered many gems and we will continue to explore and share. Today we are sharing another original cocktail with Plush Vodka. You might remember this brand from our Sugar Plum Fairy Martini back in December. Plush Vodka is a 8x distilled, gluten free, American vodka and we chose their Plum flavor to pair with blueberries, rose water, mint and sage. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

Find Plush Vodka, near you! https://www.plushvodka.com/home

To find our other posts featuring black owned brands, click here: Recipes Featuring Black Owned Brands

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
3 Blueberries

1 Tendril of Mint Leaves


For Drink
2 oz. Plush Plum Vodka 
1/2 oz. Rosewater
1/2 oz. a Simple Syrup 
1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
One Small Handful of Blueberries 
4-6 mint leaves, 
4-6 sage leaves

Ice


You will also need a Rocks Tumblers,  Muddler, Fine Mesh Strainer, Shakercup and Juicer. 

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In Shaker Cup Add:
    • Blueberries
    • Lime Juice
    • Rosewater
    • Herbs
  2. Muddle well for 10 seconds or so
  3. Add remaining ingredients to shaker cup:
    • Ice
    • Simple Syrup
    • Blush Plum Vodka
  4. Shake vigorously 20-30 seconds
  5. Using your fine mesh strainer, double strain into your ice filled tumbler
  6. Garnish with fresh mint and blueberries
  7. Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday - Plush Vodka Smash Press Play!     


 

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“Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud.”
― Maya Angelou

 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) black owned brands blueberry mint sage smash smash cocktail vodka https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/2/plush-vodka-blueberry-smash Mon, 28 Feb 2022 16:12:54 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Chocolate Old Fashioned https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/2/chocolate-old-fashioned Hey There!

We are still sharing Black Owned Brands for Black History Month and today's share is for Virginia Black Whiskey. Virginia Black is co founded by celebrity musician and actor, Drake and award winning spirits producer, Brent Hocking.  We decided to infuse this already smooth and easy to drink whiskey with cacao for an even more decadent experience. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages  

Find Virginia Black, near you! https://virginiablackwhiskey.com

To find our other posts featuring black owned brands, click here: Recipes Featuring Black Owned Brands

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
Dark Chocolate Shavings
1 Orange Peel

 

For Cacao Whiskey Infusion (makes approx 2 servings)
6 ounces Virginia black whiskey (about half a bottle)
1 tablespoon Cacao Nibs
1 Orange Peel

 

For Drink
3 ounces cacao infused Virginia Black whiskey
1 ounce Grand Marnier
1/2 ounces simple syrup
3 to 5 dashes Cocoa Angostura Bitters

 

You will also need a rocks tumbler, bar spoon and large ice cube.

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Let's Make the Whiskey Infusion!

  1. In a glass jar add:
    • Orange Peel
    • Cacao Nibs (1 tbsp)
    • Virginia Black Whiskey (6 oz.)
  2. Cover and let sit for 24-36 hours (un-refrigerated)
  3. Strain out solids & set aside

 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your rocks tumbler add:
    • Whiskey (3 oz.)
    • Grand Marnier (1 oz.)
    • Simple Syrup (1/2 oz.)
    • Bitters (3-5 dashes)
    • Ice Cube
  2. Stir gently
  3. Express orange peel and add as garnish
  4. Top with shaved dark chocolate
  5. Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday - Chocolate Old Fashioned
 Press Play!    


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“Dreams are lovely but they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephemeral, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It’s hard work that makes things happen. It’s hard work that creates change.”

– Shonda Rhimes


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) black owned brands bourbon cointreau old fashioned virginia black whiskey https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/2/chocolate-old-fashioned Mon, 21 Feb 2022 19:19:32 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - HH Bespoke Vodka Rose Water Martini https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/2/rose-water-martini Hey There,

We are sharing Black Owned Brands for Black History Month AND its Valentine's day!! We decided to pair HH Bespoke Vodka with Rose Water for a martini perfect for sipping with your honey, your friends or by yourself! Harlem Haberdashery (HH) is rich in cultural history and draws inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance. Their vodka is grain based and handmade in small batches with a light, clean taste.  In addition to Vodka, Rum and Gin launched in 2018, HH is also an award winning boutique house. We hope you give them a try! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages  

Find HH Bespoke Spirits, near you! https://hhbespokespirits.com/locator or order online! https://hhbespokespirits.com/buy-now

To find our other posts featuring black owned brands, click here: Recipes Featuring Black Owned Brands

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Lemon Peel

 

For Drink
1.5 oz. HH Bespoke Vodka
1.5 oz. White Grape Juice
.5 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
.25 oz. Simple Syrup
5 ml. (~.25 oz.) Rose Water
Ice

You will also need,1 Martini Glass, Shaker cup and Hawthorne Strainer.
 

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your shaker cup add all ingredients

    • Vodka

    • White Grape Juice

    • Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

    • Simple Syrup

    • Rose Water

  2. Shake vigorously 20-30 seconds

  3. Strain into martini glass

  4. Garnish with lemon peel

  5. Enjoy! Happy Valentine's Day!

Mixology Monday - Rose Water Martini

   Press Play!


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“You are your best thing.”

Toni Morrison


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) black owned brands harlem haberdashery martini valentine's day vodka https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/2/rose-water-martini Mon, 14 Feb 2022 13:30:48 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Shinju and Nectarine Nectar https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/2/nectarine-nectar Hey There,

February is here and that means we will be celebrating and sharing black owned brands for Black History Month. We are kicking things off with Shinju, a Japanese Whiskey. Shinju is “double distilled, with wafts of honey, orange and vanilla, accompanied by hints of herbaceous notes and light oak." This is absolutely one of our favorite whiskeys to sip and also to gift. It is so smooth and delicate-- we know you will enjoy. We chose to pair this whiskey with nectarines, rosemary and thyme.  We hope you give this a try! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages  

Find Shinju, near you! https://www.shinjuwhisky.com/

To find our other posts featuring black owned brands, click here: Recipes Featuring Black Owned Brands

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Sprig of Thyme

 

For Nectarine Herb Simple Syrup
1 cup Sugar
1 cup Water
2 Nectarines (chopped)
2 - 3 Sprigs of Thyme
2 - 3 Sprigs of Rosemary

 

For Drink
1.5 oz. Shinju Whiskey
0.5 oz. Aperol
0.5 oz. Sweet Vermouth
0.25 oz. Nectarine Herb Simple Syrup (steps below)
1-2 tsp. Cooked Nectarine & Herb Solids (from making simple syrup)

 

You will also need,1 Whiskey Glass or Tumbler, Shaker cup (or mixing glass), Muddler, bar spoon, Hawthorne Strainer, large saucepan, colander, and ice.
 

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Let's Make the Simple Syrup!

  1. Add chopped nectarines, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water and few sprigs of rosemary and thyme to a pot over medium low heat until liquid is reduced by about half. (~15-20 mins) 

  2. Strain simple syrup liquid & let cool to room temperature.

  3. Set the cooked herb nectarine solids aside for cocktail.

 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your shaker cup or  mixing glass add:

    • 1-2 teaspoons of cooked nectarines (from the simple syrup)

    • A few sprigs of thyme

    • Aperol (.5 oz.)

  2. Muddle

  3. Add remaining ingredients:

    • Ice 

    • Vermouth (.5 oz.)

    • Nectarine and Herb Simple Syrup (.25 oz.)

    • Shinju Whiskey (1.5 oz.)

  4. Stir gently for about 20 to 30 seconds

  5. Strain into glass, garnish with a sprig of thyme

  6. Enjoy!

   Mixology Monday -ShinJu Nectarine  Press Play!


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“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”
—Dr. Mae Jemison, first African-American female astronaut


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) black owned brands fruit japanese whiskey nectarine shinju whiskey https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/2/nectarine-nectar Mon, 07 Feb 2022 19:26:46 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Blood Orange Mint and Basil Smash https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/1/blood-orange-mint-and-basil-smash Hey There!

Cooler temperatures mean its blood orange season. Blood oranges are grown typically in Mediterranean climates and also in Florida and California in the US then harvested in winter. You should be able to locate them near you between December and April. We definitely wanted to take advantage of this juicy tart fruit in today's cocktail. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Blood Orange Wedge/Slice

1 Bunch of Mint Leaves


For Drink
1.5 ounce Fresh Squeezed Blood Orange Juice
3 to 4 Mint Leaves
2 to 3 Basil Leaves
1/2 ounce Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
1 ounce Grenadine,
2 ounces Scotch Whiskey
2 to 3 dashes Underberg German bitters

Ice

 


 You will also need a Rocks Tumblers,  Muddler, Fine Mesh Strainer, Hawthorne Strainer, Shakercup and Juicer. We used our Boston Shaker kit from VinoBravo, Use Nicole10 for a discount.

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In Shaker Cup Add:
    • Mint Leaves
    • Basil Leaves
    • Grenadine
    • Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice 
  2. Muddle gently for 10 seconds or so
  3. Add remaining ingredients to Mixing  Glass:
    • Ice
    • Blood Orange Juice 
    • 2-3 Dashes of Bitters
    • Scotch Whiskey  
  4. Shake vigorously 20-30 seconds
  5. Using your fine mesh strainer and hawthorne strainer, strain into your ice filler tumbler.
  6. Garnish with fresh mint and blood orange  slice.
  7. Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday - Blood Orange Whiskey Smash Press Play!     


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“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”
― John Steinbeck
 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) basil blood orange fruit mint scotch smash smash cocktail whiskey cocktail https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/1/blood-orange-mint-and-basil-smash Mon, 31 Jan 2022 17:17:12 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Negroni Sbagliato https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/1/negroni-sbagliato Hey There!

This week's cocktail is a "wrong Negroni". "The Negroni Sbagliato was invented by bartender Mirko Stocchetto in Milan in 1972. It's said that while making the classic Negroni, Mirko accidentally grabbed a bottle of prosecco instead of gin." Oops!  "Sbagliato"  is Italian for "wrong,"  or "mistaken." We hope you enjoy this happy mistake! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Orange Peel

For Drink
1 oz. Prosecco (or more)
1 oz. Sweet Vermouth
1 oz. Campari

Ice

You will also need a rocks tumbler or old fashioned glass, peeler, and a bar spoon.

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your tumbler, add: 

    • Sweet Vermouth (1 oz.)

    • Campari (1 oz.)

  2. Add your Ice.

  3. Stir gently.

  4. Top with Prosecco.

  5. Garnish with your orange peel.

  6. Sip slow and Enjoy!

 

       

MIXOLOGY MONDAY - NEGRONI SBAGLIATO
Press Play!  


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Naturally, I'm misanthropic. But the Negronis are helping considerably.

-Anthony Bourdain

 

 


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) apéritif beverage brunch gin negroni prosecco Sbagliato https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/1/negroni-sbagliato Mon, 24 Jan 2022 17:12:13 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Matcha Mojito Mocktail https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/1/matcha-mojito-mocktail Hey There,

Continuing the theme of cocktails sans alcohol for Dry January, here's our twist on the classic mojito. A Matcha Mojito Mocktail.... or Fauxjito if you will. This light and refreshing drink is made with muddled mint and cucumber topped with matcha green tea and club soda. We hope you enjoy! If you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages 


This recipe makes 1 drink. Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
Mint Leaves
Cucumber Ribbon

 

For Drink
2 tablespoons sugar (we used sugar in the raw)
Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice (aproximately1/2 oz. to 1 oz.)

Chopped cucumber (3-4 quarter inch slices) 
3 oz.  Matcha Green Tea (Brewed and Chilled)
1/4 tsp grated ginger
6-8 Mint Leaves
Club soda
Ice

You will also need a muddler, and a tumbler or collins glass.

 

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Let's Make the Mocktail:

  1. First brew your matcha tea in hot water and set aside to chill.
  2. When your matcha is ready and chilled, grab your collins or tumbler and add:
    • Mint
    • Sugar
    • Ginger
    • Cucumber
    • Lime Juice
  3. Gently Muddle.
  4. Add Ice.
  5. Add 3 oz. of your brewed matcha tea
  6. Top with Club Soda
  7. Garnish with Cucumber ribbon and small bunch of mint leaves.
  8. Enjoy!!

Mixology Monday - Matcha Mojito Mocktail Press Play!


 

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"You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step."

– Martin Luther King

 

 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) cucumber dry january fauxjito fruit green lime low abv matcha mocktail mojito monday tea virgin https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/1/matcha-mojito-mocktail Mon, 17 Jan 2022 16:44:46 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Chile Lime Pineapple Mocktail https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/1/chile-lime-pineapple-mocktail Hey Hey,

Many decide to go dry in January after indulging over the holidays. If you happen to be sampling sobriety, this mocktail recipe is for you! More than just pineapple juice, this packs a kick and drinks like a cocktail without any alcohol. We came across this recipe on Bon Appetite and knew we had to give it a try. We combined Chiles, lime zest, peppercorns sugar and salt with pineapple juice and topped with club soda. This is soooo good. Seriously! We hope you enjoy! If you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages 


This recipe makes 10-12 drinks. Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
Pineapple Wedges
Whole and Crushed Chiles

 

For Drink
1 tablespoon pink peppercorns
1 lime
2-3 dried chiles de árbol
3 cups fresh pineapple juice
1/2 cup sugar
Pinch of kosher salt
Club soda
Ice

You will also need a mason jar that hold at least 3.5 cups, bar spoon, fine mesh strainer, and tumblers or collins glasses.

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Let's Make the Chile Lime Infused Juice:

  1. Make this part 8-12 hours in advance.
  2. Remove peel from lime in wide strips with a peeler, leaving white pith behind.
  3. In your mason jar add:
    • Lime Peel
    • Pink Peppercorns (1 tbsp)
    • Whole dried chiles de árbol (2-3)
    • Pineapple juice (3 cups)
    • Sugar (1/2 cup)
    • Pinch of Salt 
  4. Stir until most of sugar is dissolved.
  5. Place lid on jar and chill in refrigerator for 8–12 hours.
     

 

Let's Make the Mocktail:

  1. Once your infused juice is ready, strain out the solids and discard using fine mesh strainer.
  2. In your ice filled tumblers or collins glasses add your infused juice and top with club soda. You can start with a ratio of 1:4 juice to club soda. You can add more juice for a sweeter taste. 
  3. Garnish with pineapple or lime wedge along with whole and crushed chiles.
  4. Enjoy!!

 

Mixology Monday - Chile Lime Pineapple Mocktail Press Play!


 

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"Live less out of habit and more out of intent."

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) chile dry january fruit lime low abv mocktail monday pineapple virgin https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/1/chile-lime-pineapple-mocktail Mon, 10 Jan 2022 15:32:04 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Grapefruit Pomegranate Whiskey Sour https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/1/grapefruit-pomegranate-whiskey-sour Hey Hey!

It's the first Monday after a holiday and we know you could use a drink. Let's make it a good one with this grapefruit pomegranate whiskey sour! We received a gift of a bottle of Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve Scotch Whiskey this Christmas and had to crack it open.  We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1/4 Wedge of Grapefruit
Several Pomegranate Arils

 

For Pomegranate Simple Syrup
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1/2 tsp. Cardamom
1 handful Pomegranate Arils



For Drink
1.5 oz. Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice
1 egg white
1.5 oz. Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve Scotch Whiskey
1 oz. Pomegranate Simple Syrup

Ice

You will also need a shakercup, bar spoon, hawthorne strainer, fine mesh strainer, 1 rocks tumbler, and a medium saucepan.

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Let's Make the Pomegranate Simple Syrup!

  1. In small pot or saucepan add all ingredients:

    • 1 cup granulated sugar

    • 1 cup water

    • 1/2 tsp. Cardamom

    • 1 handful Pomegranate Arils

  2. Cook on Medium heat for 12-15 min. Stirring periodically until liquid is reduced by 1/3. 

  3. Strain out syrup and let cool before use.

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your shaker cup, add:

    • Egg white from 1 egg

    • Grapefruit Juice (1.5 oz.)

  2. Dry shake (without ice)vigorously 20-30 seconds.

  3. Add remaining ingredients:

    • Ice

    • Whiskey (1.5 oz.)

    • Simple Syrup (1 oz.)

  4. Shake again 20-30 seconds.

  5. Strain into your rocks tumbler.

  6. Garnish with grapefruit and pomegranate arils.

  7. Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday - Grapefruit Pom Wishkey Sour Press Play!       



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“Never cry over spilt milk. It could’ve been whiskey.” 

– Maverick


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) bourbon grapefruit pomegranate scotch whiskey cocktail whiskey sour whisky https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2022/1/grapefruit-pomegranate-whiskey-sour Mon, 03 Jan 2022 17:38:37 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - French 75 https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/12/french-75 Hey There,

As we approach New Year's Eve, we wanted to share something a little bubbly perfecting for toasting. The French 75, according to liquor.com,  "is named for the fast-firing 75 millimeter field gun that was utilized by the French during World War One. Consisting of gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar and Champagne, the drink is a lot friendlier than the name implies." We hope you enjoy! If you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages 


This recipe makes 1 drink. Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Lemon Peel Spiral


 

For Drink
1 oz. Aviation Gin
1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
1/2 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
~3 oz. Champagne/Sparkling Wine

 

Let's Make the Drink:

  1. To your shaker cup, add:
    • Ice
    • Gin (1 oz.)
    • Simple Syrup (.5 oz.)
    • Lemon Juice (.5 oz.)
  2. Shake vigorously 20 seconds until chilled.
  3. Pour into your champagne flute and top with champagne (or sparkling wine) (approx 3 oz.).
  4. Garnish with Lemon Peel and enjoy.

Mixology Monday - French 75 Press Play!


 

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“I only drink champagne on two occasions, when I am in love and when I am not.”

– Coco Chanel
 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) bubbly champagne french 75 gin https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/12/french-75 Mon, 27 Dec 2021 19:47:06 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Bah Humbug Sugar Plum Martini https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/12/bah-humbug-sugar-plum-martini Hey Hey,

This one is for all the Grinches and Scrooges.... all of us who are not quite in the holiday spirit and/or might find ourselves on Santa's naughty list. They say if you receive a lump of coal for Christmas its because you're being punished, let me be the first to start a petition to Santa to swap out that lump of coal, for a swirl of coal in this cocktail. This cocktail has the look and gritty texture of coal thanks to activated charcoal and luster dust but the flavor of sugar plum fairies dancing around on your tongue. We hope you enjoy! If you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages 


This recipe makes 1 drink. Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Drink
1.5 oz. Plum Infused Vodka
0.5 oz. Dry Vermouth
0.25 oz. Simple Syrup
0.5 oz. Grenadine
0.5  oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
1 (260 mg.) Capsule Activated Charcoal
50 mg. Edible Pearl Lustre Dust

You'll also need, a mixing glass, bar spoon, hawthorne strainer and a coup or martini glass.

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Let's Make the Drink:

  1. In your mixing glass, add:
    • Ice
    • Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice (1/2 oz.)
    • Simple Syrup (1/4 oz.)
    • Grenadine (1/2 oz.)
    • Dry Vermouth (1/2 oz.)
    • Plum Infused Vodka (1.5 oz.) (We used Plush
  2. Stir in Activated Charcoal & Luster Dust
  3. Strain into your coup/martini glass
  4. Enjoy!!

Mixology Monday - Bah Humbug

Press Play!


 

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"A lovely thing about Christmas is that it’s compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together.”

–Garrison Keillor


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) black owned brands lump of coal martini plum plum vodka plush sugar plum vodka https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/12/bah-humbug-sugar-plum-martini Mon, 20 Dec 2021 20:57:32 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Lunar Azure https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/12/lunar-azure Hey there!

 If you are looking for something sweet, perhaps something to serve at your next holiday party, then this is one for you. We combine Hendricks Lunar Gin with Peach Schnapps, Blue Curacao and Vermouth for a orange-y, peach-y treat. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @staynfocusimages
 

This makes 1 drink. Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Drink
1/4 oz. Hendricks Lunar Gin
1/2 oz. Dry Vermouth
1/4 oz. Peach Schnapps 
1 oz. Blue Curacao
1 Orange Peel for Zest
Ice

You will also need, a mixing glass, a bar spoon and 2 coup glasses. 

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your mixing glass add:
    • Ice
    • Gin (1/4 oz.)
    • Dry Vermouth (1/2 oz.)
    • Peach Schnapps (1/4oz.)
    • Blue Curacao (1oz.)
  2. Stir
  3. Pour into your coup glass.
  4. Zest with orange peel
  5. Enjoy

 

Mixology Monday - Lunar Azure

Press Play!     


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"Do not allow children to mix drinks. It is unseemly and they use too much vermouth."

– Steve Allen
 

 

 


 

 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) blue curacao gin orange peach schnapps https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/12/lunar-azure Mon, 13 Dec 2021 05:33:30 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Peppermint Schnapps Hot Cocoa https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/12/peppermint-schnapps-hot-cocoa Hey there!

Frank and I are trying to get ourselves in the holiday spirit and off Santa's naughty list. We found ourselves thinking about last year's boozy hot chocolate (click here) and wanted to remix it! We purchased some peppermint schnapps which came in a scratch and sniff bottle (how fun!?) to make in our opinion the best flavor combo ever... mint and chocolate!  We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @staynfocusimages
 

This makes 2-4 drinks (depending on size of your mugs). Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Drink
1 Quart Milk
6 oz. bittersweet or semisweet chocolate
1.5 oz. Peppermint Schnapps (per serving)

For Garnish
Have fun with this.
Chocolate and peppermint sticks
Marshmallows (we skewered ours with a sprig of rosemary)

Sprinkles

 

You will also need, 1 medium-large sauce pans, large stirring spoon and  heat safe mugs. 

 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. Heat 1 cup of  milk in a medium saucepan over low heat.
  2. Add chocolate, stirring constantly, until melted.
  3. When the chocolate has melted, increase heat to medium and add the remainder of the milk while whisking rapidly. Do not allow to boil.
  4. In your favorite mug, add 1.5 oz of peppermint schnapps.
  5. Top with your freshly made hot cocoa.
  6. Garnish with your peppermint sticks, marshmallows and sprinkles.
  7. Find a cozy blanket to curl up in and enjoy!!

 

Mixology Monday- Peppermint Schnapps Hot Cocoa Press Play!     


 

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“Dear Santa, I’ve been good all year.  Most of the time. Once in awhile. Nevermind, I’ll buy my own stuff.”

 


 

 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) boozy hot cocoa hot chocolate hot cocktail peppermint schnapps https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/12/peppermint-schnapps-hot-cocoa Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:42:51 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Wild Orange Hot Toddy https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/11/wild-orange-hot-toddy Hey There,

It's getting chilly here in the northeast so we thought we would revisit a cocktail we did way back when we started Mixology Monday! The grandfather of hot drinks (according to liquor.com)... The Hot Toddy! Hot Toddies are often made with whiskey but almost any spirit can be made into a hot toddy if you try hard enough. There are several stories laying claim to the Hot Toddy, and many cultures around the world have their own version of this steamy cocktail. One story points to an Irish physician Robert Bentley Todd, who prescribed a hot drink of brandy, white cinnamon, sugar syrup and water to cure illnesses. Yes please! You can use any mug you'd like; if you use a glass mug be sure its rated for hot temperatures. Safety first! :)  We hope you enjoy! If you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages 


This recipe makes 1 drink. Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Lemon Slice
1 Orange Slice (we dehydrated ours)
Several Whole Cloves

 

For Drink
1.5 oz. Cognac Brandy
.5 oz. Cointreau
Freshly Brewed Tea (we used Wild Sweet Orange Tea from Tazo)
Honey 

 

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Let's Start the Garnish:

  1. Actually let's put the tea kettle on first.
  2. Slice your lemon and orange and set aside. If you choose to dehydrate your orange slices you will need to begin that process way in advance. In a pinch you can use your air fryer on the lowest setting for 20-30 minutes.
  3. Set aside your cloves.

 

Let's Make the Drink:

  1. Brew your tea of choice, we used Wild Sweet Orange by Tazo (link here)
  2. In your heat safe mug, add honey to taste
  3. Add 1.5 ounce Cognac Brandy
  4. Add.5 ounce Cointreau
  5. Add your tea
  6. Garnish with both orange slice, lemon slice and whole cloves.
  7. Find someplace cozy to sit and sip.
  8. Enjoy!!

 

Mixology Monday - Wild Orange Hot Toddy Press Play!


 

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“The only two things in life guaranteed to bring joy are both liquid:
fresh dark coffee in the morning or fragrant cognac in the evening.
(In between, you're on your own.)”

― Charles Joseph Albert
 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) brandy cognac honey hot hot toddy tea toddy https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/11/wild-orange-hot-toddy Mon, 29 Nov 2021 21:43:37 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Bourbon & Sage https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/11/bourbon-sage Hey There!

Sometimes, you just want to sip on a little whiskey. Today's simple recipe makes that straight whiskey a little more palatable. The measurements below are technically for a double, so feel free to adjust as you see fit. For those celebrating, we wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 1 strong drink! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Sage Leaf

 

For Honey Sage Simple Syrup
1/2 Cup Local Honey
10 Sage Leaves
1 Cup Water


For Drink
3 oz. Bourbon Whiskey (we used Basil Hayden's Bourbon)
3 tbsp. Honey Sage Simple Syrup (instructions below)
Orange Peel
Ice ( cubed and one large block/sphere)
 

You will also need a mixing glass, bar spoon, hawthorne strainer, 1 rocks tumbler, and a medium saucepan.

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Let's Make the Honey Sage Simple Syrup!

  1. In small pot or saucepan add all ingredients:

    • 1/2 Cup Local Honey

    • 10 Sage Leaves

    • 1 Cup Water

  2. Cook on Medium heat; bring to a boil. 

  3. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.

  4. Remove from heat, strain out sage leaves and set aside to chill.


 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your mixing glass, add:

    • Ice

    • Bourbon Whiskey (3 oz.)

    • Honey Sage Simple Syrup (3 tbsp.)

  2. Stir gently.

  3. Add ice sphere/block to tumbler and pour your cocktail.

  4. Twist orange peel over glass to release oils

  5. Garnish with sage leaf.

  6. Sip slow. Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday - Bourbon & Sage Press Play!




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"You don’t really need a reason to pour yourself a glass of whiskey."

-unknown

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) bourbon sage whiskey whiskey cocktail whisky https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/11/bourbon-sage Mon, 22 Nov 2021 19:07:44 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Vodka Cranberry Martini https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/11/vodka-cranberry-martini Hey There!

This week we wanted to share a cocktail perfect for your Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving dinners. A simple martini but with a sweet addition. We made a simple syrup of cranberries and fresh rosemary herbs which not only made a great cocktail, but also had the house smelling like the holidays. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This recipe makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
3 Fresh Cranberries


For Drink
1 1/4 oz. Cranberry Simple Syrup (details below)
1 1/4 oz. Vodka
1/2 oz. Sweet Vermouth
1/2 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
1/2 oz. Grand Marnier
Ice

For Simple Syrup
1 cup Sugar
2 cups Water
1 cup Fresh Cranberries
1-2 Sprigs Fresh Rosemary
Orange Peel

 

You will also need a martini glass, cocktail pick, shaker cup, small pot and spoon.

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Let's Make the Simple Syrup!

  1. In small pot over low-medium heat, add

    • 1 cup of sugar

    • 2 cups water

    • 1 cup fresh cranberries

    • 1-2 sprigs of rosemary

    • Orange peel

  2. Stir and let simmer approximately 12-15 mins

  3. Remove from heat, strain, and allow to cool.

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your shaker cup add:

    • Ice

    • Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice (1/2 oz.)

    • Sweet Vermouth (1/2 oz.)

    • Grand Marnier (1/2 oz.)

    • Vodka (1 1/4 oz.)

    • Cranberry Simple Syrup (1 1/4 oz.)

  2. Shake for 30 seconds or so until chilled.

  3. Strain into your martini glass.

  4. Garnish with cocktail pick of fresh cranberries

  5. Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday - Vodka Cranberry Martini

Press Play!



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“If life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade. And try to find somebody who’s life gives them vodka, and have a party.”
 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) cranberry martini thanksgiving vodka https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/11/vodka-cranberry-martini Mon, 15 Nov 2021 16:10:03 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Cable Car https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/11/cable-car Hey There!

The stars have aligned and Mixology Monday falls on Frank and I's 2nd wedding anniversary. November 8th, 2019 we had a pop up elopement at city hall in San Francisco (see our highlight reel here). In honor of the city where we promised each other forever, we're sharing a modern classic, the Cable Car cocktail. Named after the Golden Gate City's historic and iconic transportation, the Cable Car is a rift on the Side Car and swaps cognac for rum. We also opted to include a few dashes of fee foam, a non egg alternative to creating a beautiful foam on the tops of cocktails. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 2 drinks! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
2 Orange Peel Spirals 
Fresh Ground Cinnamon


For Drink
3 oz. Spiced Rum
1.5 oz. Orange Curacao
2 oz. Simple Syrup
2 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
4 Dashes Fee Foam (this is an egg white substitution)
Ice

You will also need 2 coupe glasses, peeler, and a shaker cup.

 

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In shaker cup, add all ingredients: 

    • Ice

    • Rum (3 oz.)

    • Orange Curacao (1.5 oz.)

    • Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice (2 oz.)

    • Simple Syrup (2 oz.)

    • Fee Foam (optional non egg alternative to create a foamy head on cocktails) (4 dashes)

  2. Shake Well.

  3. Pour evenly between both coup glasses

  4. Garnish with ground cinnamon and orange peel spirals.

  5. Sip Slow and Enjoy!

Mixology Monday - Cable Car Press Play!  

 


 

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“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
― Lao Tzu
 

xoxo

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) cable car cocktail orange curacao rum rum cocktail https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/11/cable-car Mon, 08 Nov 2021 16:00:00 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Flaming Apple Cider Margarita https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/11/flaming-apple-cider-margarita Hey There!

Happy November 1st! Hard to believe we are coming to the close of 2021 already! I know we have just celebrated Halloween but we are not ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas just yet! So, let's talk about something else! Today through tomorrow, November 2nd, signifies the celebration, Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead).  The focus during this time is to show love, respect and remembrance for friends and family who have been lost. Dia De Los Muertos is celebrated in many Latin countries however it originated in Mexico so we decided to share another Mexican staple, the margarita! We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Half Lime Squeezed/Hollowed Out
1 Sugar Cube
Approximately 1/4 oz. 151 high proof alcohol
1 tsp. Cinnamon
Lime Juice & Cinnamon Sugar Mixture to Rim Glass


For Drink
1.5 oz. Reposado Tequila
1 oz. Apple Cider (We used fresh honey crisp apple cider)
3/4 oz. Grand Marnier
1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice (juice from 1 lime)
Ice

 

You will also need a shaker cup, tumbler or margarita glass and 2 small plates to help rim your glass. Additionally for the optional flaming garnish, you will need a metal tea strainer or small sieve.

 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. Use about 1/2 ounce of lime juice and cinnamon sugar mixture to rim your glass. Set aside.

  2. In your shaker cup, add:

    • Ice

    • Grand Marnier (3/4 oz.)

    • Reposado Tequila (1 1/2 oz.)

    • Apple Cider (1 oz.)

    • Simple Syrup (1/2 oz.)

    • Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice (1 oz.)

  3. Shake Well

  4. Pour cocktail into your cinnamon sugar rimmed glass over ice.

  5. Optional Garnish: Add hollowed out lime half on top with sugar cube placed in middle. Pour 151 high proof rum into lime half without overflowing. CAREFULLY light rum and dust with a little cinnamon.

  6. Extinguish and Enjoy!

Mixology Monday - Flaming Margarita   Press Play!       



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"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."

-Richard Puz

 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) day of the dead flaming garnish margarita mexico tequila tequila cocktail https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/11/flaming-apple-cider-margarita Mon, 01 Nov 2021 17:08:09 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Candy Corn Vodka Cocktail https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/10/candy-corn-vodka-cocktail Hey There Ghouls & Boys!

Today is the last Monday before Halloween so we had to share a recipe incorporating the day! We chose to focus on the candy and derived inspiration from probably the most divisive one. Candy corn. It's no secret that many (including myself) hate candy corn. Stephanie Hayes says, "It tastes like wax and is shaped like tears." and I couldn't agree more.  Fortunately this drink tastes nothing like the candy... kinda like how the candy tastes nothing like corn. We took some liberties and used Vido Vodka, an orange liqueur and aperol for a spicy, orangey, yummy sip. No matter what side of the candy corn fence you stand, we hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

Find Vido Vodka Near You: https://shop.drinkvido.com/Find-our-Vodka
 

This makes 2 drinks! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
Nutmeg
Orange Zest


For Drink
4 oz. VIDO Premium Vodka

Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice (1 lemon)
2 oz.  Simple Syrup 
2 Egg Whites 
2 oz. Orangecello Liqueur

1 oz. Aperol
1/8 tsp Cardamom 
Ice 

You will also need a shaker cup, 2 flutes (glasses), and a hawthorne strainer

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Let's Make the Drink!

Note: If you actually LIKE candy corn, you can infuse your vodka by soaking the candy (in a separate jar) for at least 4 hours or even overnight. If you use the infused vodka you may want to skip adding the simple syrup in the steps below.

  1. In your shaker cup, add:

    • Juice from one Lemon

    • Egg Whites from 2 eggs

    • Few dashes of Cardamom (1/8 tsp.)

  2. Dry Shake Vigorously (45 seconds or so to 'cook' the egg and create a nice foam)

  3. Add to your shaker cup:

    • Ice

    • VIDO Premium Vodka (4 oz.)

    • Orangecello Liqueur (2 oz.)

    • Simple Syrup (2 oz.)

  4. Shake vigorously again (30 seconds or so).

  5. Strain evenly between your two flutes, topping with foam (may need to use a spoon).

  6. Using a Barspoon to break the surface of the foam, gently pour in your Aperol (approx 1/2 oz. for each glass)

  7. Top with Nutmeg and Orange Zest

  8. Enjoy!

Mixology Monday - Candy Corn Cocktail Press Play!       



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"May your candy supply last you well into the Christmas season."

 


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) candy corn halloween halloween cocktail martini vodka https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/10/candy-corn-vodka-cocktail Mon, 25 Oct 2021 19:05:01 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Candy Apple Martini https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/10/candy-apple-martini Hey There!

We have cannonballed straight into autumn and we wanted to capture all of the traditional flavors of the season. Next up is candy apples! We were gifted a bottle of Vido Vodka and decided to pair it with apple cider and a caramel simple syrup and we're happy with the outcome! We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

Find Vido Vodka Near You: https://shop.drinkvido.com/Find-our-Vodka
 

This makes 2 drinks! Let's get started!

CAT-IMG_6507CAT-IMG_6507                 

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
2 Apple Slices
Optional: Use a candy apple kit and coat the slices with mixture.

 

For Caramel Simple Syrup
1/3 Cup Caramel Melts
1/3 Cup Granulated Sugar
1/3 Cup Water

1/2 Vanilla Bean (Split Open)
1/4 Cup Salted Carmel Syrup 


For Drink
2 oz. VIDO Premium Vodka

1/2 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
1 oz. Caramel Simple Syrup (Instructions Below!)
1 oz. Apple Liqueur (Berentzen)
4 oz. Apple Cider

Ice 

You will also need a shaker cup, 2 martini glasses, along with a medium saucepan for syrup.

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Let's Make the Caramel Simple Syrup!

  1. In small pot or saucepan add all ingredients:

    • 1/3 Cup Caramel Melts

    • 1/3 Cup Granulated Sugar

    • 1/3 Cup Water

    • 1/2 Vanilla Bean (Split Open)

    • 1/4 Cup Salted Carmel Syrup 

  2. Cook on Medium heat for 7-10 min. Stirring periodically. 

  3. Strain and Set aside to cool.


 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your shaker cup, add:

    • Ice

    • VIDO Premium Vodka (2 oz.)

    • Apple Liquor (Berentzen) (1 oz.)

    • Apple Cider (4 oz.)

    • Carmel Simple Syrup (1 oz.)

    • Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice (1/2 oz.)

  2. Shake Well

  3. Pour evenly between your martini glasses

  4. Garnish with apple slices.

  5. Enjoy!

Mixology Monday - Candy Apple Tini

Press Play!       




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"The heat of autumn is different from the heat of summer. One ripens the apples, the other turns them to cider."

– Jane Hirshfield

 


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) apple apple cider martini vodka https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/10/candy-apple-martini Mon, 18 Oct 2021 17:47:14 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Pumpkin Pie Whiskey Sour https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/10/pumpkin-pie-whiskey-sour Hey There!

Tis the season for all things spooky and pumpkin spice related so we're hopping onboard with this pumpkin pie whiskey sour. Our pumpkin pie simple syrup is far from basic and is full of flavor... as a bonus the left over pumpkin pulp is an amazing pumpkin jam! So actually this is like 3 recipes for the price of 1!! You're welcome! We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

PSB-IMG_6254PSB-IMG_6254                

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Cinnamon Stick
1-2 Sprigs of Thyme

 

For Pumpkin Pie Simple Syrup
1/3 Cup Canned Pumpkin
2/3 Cup Granulated Sugar
1 Cup Water
1/4 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
1/4 tsp. Ground Ginger
1/2 tsp. Ground Clove
1 tsp. Ground Nutmeg
1 Fresh Orange Peel



For Drink
2 oz. Bourbon Whiskey (we used Basil Hayden's Bourbon)
1/4 oz. Lemon Juice
1 1/2 oz. Pumpkin Pie Syrup (Instructions Below!)

Ice (we made a large sphere using this mold)
 

You will also need a mixing glass, bar spoon, fine mesh strainer, 1 rocks tumbler, and a medium saucepan.

 

Let's Make the Pumpkin Pie Simple Syrup!

  1. In small pot or saucepan add all ingredients:

    • 1/3 Cup Canned Pumpkin

    • 2/3 Cup Granulated Sugar

    • 1 Cup Water

    • 1/4 tsp. Ground Cinnamon

    • 1/4 tsp. Ground Ginger

    • 1/2 tsp. Ground Clove

    • 1 tsp. Ground Nutmeg

    • 1 Fresh Orange Peel

  2. Cook on Medium heat for 7-10 min. Stirring periodically. (Your home will smell amazing!)

  3. Strain with fine filter separating the sold pumpkin paste from the liquid.

  4. Set aside the paste for use as a sweet pumpkin pie jam. (so good!)

  5. Place the strained liquid back over medium heat and reduce by 1/3. (~4-7 mins.)

  6. Let syrup cool before use.

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your mixing glass, add:

    • Bourbon

    • Lemon Juice

    • Pumpkin Pie Simple Syrup

  2. Stir gently.

  3. Add ice sphere/block to tumbler and pour your cocktail.

  4. Garnish with cinnamon and thyme.

  5. Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday - Pumpkin Pie Bourbon Smash Press Play!       



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"I can smell autumn dancing in the breeze. The sweet chill of pumpkin, and crisp sunburnt leaves."

– Ann Drake


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) bourbon pumpkin pumpkin spice whiskey cocktail whiskey sour whisky https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/10/pumpkin-pie-whiskey-sour Mon, 11 Oct 2021 16:35:09 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Boulevardier https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/10/boulevardier Hey There!

This week we are sharing a variation of the Negroni which swaps gin for bourbon and is called a Boulevardier. The Boulevardier hails from the 1920s, named by American born writer, Erskine Gwynne, who founded a monthly magazine in Paris by the same name.  To quote Paul Clarke from Serious Eats,  "This isn't a Negroni. It is, however, the Negroni's long-lost autumnal cousin." We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 2 drinks! Let's get started!

BO-IMG_6110BO-IMG_6110        

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
2 Orange Peels or 2 Bourbon Cherries 


For Drink
2.5 oz. Bourbon
2 oz. Vermouth (Sweet)
2 oz. Campari

Ice

You will also need 2 coupe glasses if serving straight up, or 2 rocks tumblers, peeler, a mixing glass, strainer and a bar spoon.

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In mixing glass, add: 

    • Ice

    • Bourbon (2.5 oz.)

    • Vermouth (2 oz.)

    • Campari (2 oz.)

  2. Stir gently until chilled.

  3. If serving straight up (chilled, without ice) Strain and pour mixture evenly between both coup glasses.

  4. If serving on the rocks (with ice), fill your rocks tumbler with ice and continue with previous step.

  5. Twist orange peel over glass.

  6. Garnish with orange peel or bourbon cherry. 

  7. Sip slow and Enjoy!

 

Mixology Monday - Boulevardier Press Play!  


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"Whiskey is by far the most popular of all remedies that won't cure a cold."

-Jerry Vale

 


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) apéritif boulevardier bourbon brunch campari negroni vermouth https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/10/boulevardier Mon, 04 Oct 2021 22:07:09 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Smoky Bourbon Peach Cocktail https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/9/smoky-bourbon-peach-cocktail Hey Hey!

Here in NJ we are coming to the end of peach season and we are officially in autumn. We were inspired by our recent trip to Savannah, Georgia and we wanted to share one more peach cocktail for the road. Made with Bourbon, fresh herbs and a peach simple syrup...  we hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online!

Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 2 drinks! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
2 Dehydrated Peach Slices (we used our air fryer on the lowest setting)
2 Sprigs of Rosemary

 

For Simple Syrup
4 oz. Sugar
8 oz. Water
1 Peach Chopped
1-2 Sprigs of Thyme


For Drink
1-2 Peaches Diced
3 oz. Peach/Thyme Simple Syrup
4 oz. Kentucky Bourbon
3 oz. Lime Juice
3-4 Sprigs Fresh Rosemary
3-4 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
Ginger Bitters

Ice

You will also need a mixing glass, bar spoon, hawthorne strainer, fine mesh strainer, muddler, 2 rocks tumblers, culinary torch/lighter and optional cocktail smoker. 

 

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Let's Make the Peach Thyme Simple Syrup!

  1. In small pot or saucepan add:

    • Sugar (4 oz.)

    • Water (4 oz.)

    • 1 Peach (chopped)

    • 1-2 Sprigs of Thyme

  2. Cook on Medium heat until liquid is reduced by half.

  3. Strain and Set Aside to Cool

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. First, let's smoke our glasses. We used our Foghat cocktail smoker along with their bourbon barrel oak fuel and a few pieces of rosemary. If you do not have a smoker, you can carefully light your rosemary and wood chips until smoking (not on fire) and place your rocks tumbler upside down over it to capture the smoke. Set aside.

  2. In your mixing glass, add:

    • Diced Peaches

    • Rosemary

    • Thyme

    • Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice (3 oz.)

  3. Muddle.

  4. Add Remaining Ingredients:

    • Ice

    • Peach Simple Syrup (3 oz.)

    • Bourbon (4 oz.)

    • Few Dashes of  Bitters

  5. Stir gently.

  6. Remove rocks tumbler from smoke and fill glass with ice.

  7. Double strain your cocktail using fine mesh strainer and your hawthrone strainer between both of your tumblers.

  8. Garnish with your dehydrated peach slice and sprig of rosemary.

  9. Enjoy!

Mixology Monday - Smoked Peach   Press Play!       



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“Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.”

– Mark Twain
 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) bourbon peach smoked smoky whiskey cocktail whisky https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/9/smoky-bourbon-peach-cocktail Mon, 27 Sep 2021 16:53:14 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Cafe Amaretto https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/9/cafe-amaretto Hey There!

We were inspired to recreate this hot cocktail after traveling last week. After staying up late to finish packing, zooming through traffic and airport security; I spent $42 on 2 magazines and a snack, then Frank needed a coffee but also a cocktail. LOL  Cafe Amaretto sounds like a lovely place to visit but it is actually an Italian cocktail typically made with hot coffee, cognac/brandy, amaretto & whipped cream. We skipped the whip and opted for froth and garnished with nutmeg. *chef's kiss* We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
Nutmeg

 

For Drink
1 oz. Amaretto (DiSaronno)
.5 oz. cognac (Courvoisier)
2 oz. Light Cream Froth
8 oz. Fresh Coffee
Sugar to taste

 

You will also need a mug, a bar spoon, milk/cream frother (or you can substitute with whip).
 

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. Add your freshly brewed coffee to your mug. (We used a hazelnut cream flavor blend for ours)

  2. Add in Cognac/Brandy (.5 oz.) and Amaretto (1 oz.)

  3. Stir Gently

  4. Top with Froth or Whipped Cream

  5. Garnish with a dusting of nutmeg.

  6. Add sugar to taste if necessary.

  7. Enjoy!!

 

Mixology Monday - Cafe Amaretto

Press Play!

 


 

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"The airport is a lawless place. 7am? Drink a beer. Tired? Sleep on the floor. Hungry? Chips now cost $17."

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) amaretto brandy coffee coffee cocktail cognac https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/9/cafe-amaretto Mon, 20 Sep 2021 18:20:36 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Blueberry Butterfly https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/9/blueberrybutterfly Hey there!

Today is Labor Day, the unofficial end to summer and we're sharing an original cocktail perfect for sipping poolside as you soak up the remaining summer sun rays. For this recipe you will need to either purchase or make butterfly pea flower tea. We will walk you through the steps of making the tea below. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

BB-IMG_5021BB-IMG_5021           

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Bunch of Mint Leaves
Handful of Blueberries

 

For Drink
1/2 oz. 44 North Vodka (Mountain Huckleberry)
1 oz. Cointreau
2 oz. Blueberry Butterfly Pea Flower Tea (details below)

2-2 1/2 oz. Elderflower Tonic Water
1 oz. Lime Juice
Ice

You will also need a small pot, colander, a mixing glass, bar spoon, strainer , ice and a tumbler.
 

Let's Make the Butterfly Pea Flower Tea!

  1. For the tea you will need butterfly pea flowers, water and sugar. We purchased our butterfly pea flowers from amazon.( link here)

  2. In a small pot add 3 cups of water and bring to a boil.

  3. Add a handful of butterfly pea flowers and a handful of blueberries  to your boiling water let boil for 3 minutes.

  4. Reduce heat, strain out flowers and blueberries, and add 2 tbsp sugar.

  5. Simmer until sugar dissolves.

  6. Set Aside and let chill.

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your mixing glass add:

    • Ice

    • Vodka (We used 44 North in Mountain Huckleberry) (1/2 oz.)

    • Cointreau (1 oz.)

    • Blueberry Butterfly Pea Flower Tea (2 oz.)

    • Lime Juice (1 oz.)

  2. Stir Gently

  3. Strain into your ice filled tumbler

  4. Top with Tonic Water

  5. Garnish with mint and blueberries

  6. Enjoy!!

 

Mixology Monday - Blueberry Butterfly

Press Play!

 



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“Summer’s lease hath all too short a date.”

– William Shakespeare


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) black owned brands butterfly pea flower vodka https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/9/blueberrybutterfly Mon, 06 Sep 2021 16:41:38 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Paloma https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/8/paloma Hey There!

Today we're sharing a popular cocktail in Mexico called the Paloma, which translates to "dove". The classic/traditional Paloma is made with tequila and grapefruit soda. If you cannot find grapefruit soda, you can use fresh squeezed grapefruit juice and club soda like we did. This cocktail screams, just a little more summer please!! We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 2 drinks! Let's get started!

             

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
2 Grapefruit Wedges
2 Bunches of Mint Leaves

Granulated Sugar (or salt)
1/2 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice


For Drink
3 oz. Silver Tequila
3 oz. Fresh Grapefruit Juice
1.5 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
4 oz. Club Soda
Ice

 

You will also need a mixing glass, bar spoon, hawthorne strainer, 2 highballs or tumblers and 2 small plates to help rim your glass.

 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. Use 1/2 ounce of lime juice and granulated sugar to rim 2 tumbler glasses. (You can also use salt if you wish to enhance the grapefruit flavor). Set glasses aside.

  2. In your mixing glass, add:

    • Silver Tequila

    • Grapefruit juice

    • Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

    • Ice

  3. Stir gently and use Hawthorne Strainer to pour evenly between your two sugar-rimmed glasses.

  4. Top with club soda and garnish with grapefruit wedges and mint leaves.

  5. Enjoy!

Mixology Monday - Paloma

  Press Play!       


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"A little bit of summer is what the whole year is all about."

-John Mayer
 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) paloma tequila tequila cocktail https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/8/paloma Mon, 30 Aug 2021 16:09:22 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Frozen Aperol Spritz https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/8/frozen-aperol-spritz Hey There!

An Aperol spritz is an Italian wine based cocktail and it is having a moment this summer! We knew we wanted to get on this bandwagon especially after seeing the frozen variations from The Social Sipper and The Cocktail Snob NYC! We added peaches and raspberries and fell in love! We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

            

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
2 Orange Wheels
2 cocktail picks with 3 frozen raspberries (optional)

 


For Drink
3/4 cup frozen OJ 
1/4 cup frozen raspberries 
1/2 cup frozen peaches 
8 oz. Prosecco
4 oz. Aperol
1/2 cup Ice

 

You will also need a blender and 2 wine glasses, we opted for stemless.

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. The day/night before, freeze a few cubes of orange juice and also freeze a container with some chopped peaches and whole raspberries.

  2. When ready, add all ingredients to your blender.

  3. Blend well for about 1 minute.

  4. Pour evenly between two wine glasses and garnish with an orange wheel and raspberries!

  5. Enjoy!

Mixology Monday - Frozen Aperol Spritz

  Press Play!       



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"Always keep a bottle of Prosecco in the fridge for special occasions, you know, like Monday!"
 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) aperol aperol spritz frozen frozen cocktail prosecco wine https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/8/frozen-aperol-spritz Mon, 23 Aug 2021 19:53:08 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Cuba Libre https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/8/cuba-libre Hey Hey!

Today is national rum day and we are sharing the recipe for a Cuba Libre. Cuba Libre which translates to Free Cuba, may seem at a glance just rum and Coke, but the addition of lime juice makes all the difference. The cocktail originated in the early 20th century in Cuba, after the country won independence in the Spanish–American War. It subsequently became popular across Cuba, the United States, and beyond! We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

CL-IMG_3437CL-IMG_3437            

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Bunch of Cilantro
1 Bunch of Mint Leaves
Lime Wedges/Slices & Twist of Lime


For Drink
2 oz. Rum
1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime juice
~4-5 oz. Cola
Dash of Vanilla Extract
Ice
Several Lime Slices (optional)

You will also need a highball/collins glass and a bar spoon.

 

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. Fill your highball/collins glass with ice and lime slices.

  2. Add a few drops of vanilla extract.

  3. Add 2 oz. Rum (We used Bacardi Anejo Cuatro Rum)

  4. Add 1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice.

  5. Top with cola and stir gently.

  6. Garnish with mint, cilantro and lime twist.

  7. Enjoy!

Mixology Monday - Cuba Libre  Press Play!       



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"The only way that I could figure they could improve on Coca-Cola, one of life's most delightful elixirs, which studies prove will heal the sick and occasionally raise the dead, is to put rum or bourbon in it. "

- Lewis Grizzard 

 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) cola cuba libre lime national rum day rum rum and coke https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/8/cuba-libre Mon, 16 Aug 2021 15:04:37 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Strawberry Éclair Gin Sour https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/8/Strawberry-Eclair-Gin-Sour Hey there!

Today we are sharing an original cocktail with flavors reminiscent of a strawberry éclair. We combined fresh strawberries, Crema di Limoncello, lime juice, mint, Indoggo (Snoop Dogg's strawberry infused gin), and egg white for a nice froth. We know this one will satisfy your sweet tooth.  We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

SGS-IMG_3170SGS-IMG_3170           

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 or 2 Thin Slices of Strawberry
1 Small Bunch of Mint Leaves

For Strawberry Simple Syrup
1/2 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Water
6 Chopped Strawberries


For Drink
1.5 oz. Indoggo strawberry infused Gin
.75 oz Crema di Limoncello (Fabrizia Cream Liqueur)
1.25 oz. Strawberry Simple Syrup 
.75 oz. Lime juice
1 mint leaf
1 egg white
2-3 chopped strawberries
Ice

You will also need a sauce pan/pot, shaker cup, muddler and a coup glass.

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Let's Make the Simple Syrup!

  1. Add water, sugar and chopped strawberries to a sauce pan/pot. 

  2. Let simmer over medium/low heat until it reduces by half. 

  3. Strain out the strawberries.

  4. Set aside to cool.

 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In shaker cup add and muddle 2-3 strawberries

  2. Add Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice & 1 Egg White

  3. Dry shake vigorously 30 seconds (no ice)

  4. Add remaining ingredients to shaker cup:

    • Simple Syrup (1.25 oz)

    • Crema di Limoncello (.75 oz)

    • Gin (1.5 oz)

    • Mint Leaf (give mint a slap before adding to shaker cup)

    • Ice

  5. Shake 30 seconds 

  6. Strain into coupe glass (spoon additional froth on top of cocktail as desired)

  7. Garnish with strawberry slice & mint

  8. Enjoy!

SGS-IMG_3131SGS-IMG_3131 SGS-IMG_3132SGS-IMG_3132 SGS-IMG_3138SGS-IMG_3138 SGS-IMG_3147SGS-IMG_3147 SGS-IMG_3151SGS-IMG_3151 SGS-IMG_3152SGS-IMG_3152 SGS-IMG_3155SGS-IMG_3155 SGS-IMG_3156SGS-IMG_3156 SGS-IMG_3160SGS-IMG_3160 SGS-IMG_3159SGS-IMG_3159 SGS-IMG_3162SGS-IMG_3162 SGS-IMG_3163SGS-IMG_3163 SGS-IMG_3164SGS-IMG_3164 SGS-IMG_3165SGS-IMG_3165 SGS-IMG_3168SGS-IMG_3168

       



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"According to chemists, gin IS a solution."
 


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) black owned brands gin gin sour limoncello strawberry https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/8/Strawberry-Eclair-Gin-Sour Mon, 09 Aug 2021 14:48:50 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Mana Sunrise https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/8/mana-sunrise Hey there!

Today's' cocktail  comes from Zack Prohaska of Cocktail and Dreams Bartending (link here). We were specifically wanting to share a cocktail featuring everyone's summertime favorite, watermelon and knew this was a winner right away. In addition to Aperol and Teremana Tequila, you will need to either purchase or make butterfly pea flower tea. We will walk you through the steps of making the tea below. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

MS-IMG_2768MS-IMG_2768          

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Watermelon Wedge
1 Pineapple Wedge

 

For Drink
2-3 chunks of watermelon 
2-3 chunks pineapple
2 tsp. honey
1 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice (1 lime)
1 oz. Teremana Tequila
1/2 oz. Aperol
~ 2 oz. Butterfly Pea Flower Tea (details below)

You will also need a small pot, colander, ideally 2 shaker cups (but one is ok), muddler, hawthorne strainer/strainer , ice and a collins glass.
 

Let's Make the Butterfly Pea Flower Tea!

  1. For the tea you will need butterfly pea flowers, water and sugar. We purchased our butterfly pea flowers from amazon.( link here)

  2. In a small pot add 3 cups of water and bring to a boil.

  3. Add a handful of butterfly pea flowers and let boil for 3 minutes.

  4. Reduce heat, strain out flowers and add 2 tbsp sugar.

  5. Simmer until sugar dissolves.

  6. Set Aside and let chill.

MS-IMG_2719MS-IMG_2719

 

Let's Make the Drink!

This drink requires separate muddling of the watermelon and pineapple, if you do not have two shaker cups you can use one, but we recommend rinsing in between mixtures.

  1. In shaker cup 1 add:

    • 2-3 chunks of pineapple

    • 1/2 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice

    • 2 teaspoons honey (we used blood orange infused honey by Batch2020 link here)

  2. Muddle and add 1 oz. Teremana Tequila and set aside.

  3. In shaker cup 2 add:

    • 2-3 chunks watermelon

    • 1/2 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice

  4. Muddle and add 1/2 oz. Aperol and 1/2 oz. Teremana Tequila.

  5. Add ice to both shaker cups and shake well.

  6. Fill collins glass with ice.

  7. Gently strain into collins glass the pineapple mixture first, then your watermelon mixture.

  8. Top with butterfly pea flower tea.

  9. Garnish with fruit of your choice, we chose watermelon and pineapple.

  10. Enjoy!

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"If you want to make some memories, add some tequila."
 

 

 


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) aperol black owned brands pineapple tequila tequila sunrise watermelon https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/8/mana-sunrise Mon, 02 Aug 2021 21:41:39 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Mango Daiquiri https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/7/mango-daiquiri Hey there!

Here's another frozen cocktail to beat the summer heat. All you need are some ripe mangoes, fresh squeezed lime juice, rum and some mint! If you close your eyes while sipping you can almost hear the ocean. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 2 drinks! Let's get started!

MD-IMG_2175MD-IMG_2175         

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
2 Lime Wheels
2-4 bunches of mint leaves

 

For Drink
4 oz. Rum (we used Malibu) 
1 oz. Fresh Squeeze Lime Juice
~2 tsp. Lime Mint Sugar (details below)

1-2 Mangoes (chopped)
Ice
 

You will also need a blender and two coup or martini glasses.
 

MD-IMG_2233MD-IMG_2233

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. Chop up your mango (we used fresh fruit but you can definitely use frozen with less/no ice).

  2. Add everything to you blender:

    • Rum  (~3.5 oz.)

    • Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice (1 oz.)

    • 1-2 Mangoes (Chopped)

    • Lime Mint Sugar (2 tsp) - (add lime zest and finely chopped mint to your granulated sugar and mix)

      • You can also rim your coup/martini glasses with this  mixture if you'd like.

    • Ice (~ 1 cup)

  3. Run blender until everything is well combined.

  4. Pour equally between 2 coup/martini glasses.

  5. Garnish with lime wheel and mint leaves.

  6. Enjoy!


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"Rum is never the answer… But it does make you forget the question."

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) daiquiri mango mango daiquiri mint rum https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/7/mango-daiquiri Mon, 26 Jul 2021 17:44:35 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Peach Mint Julep https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/7/peach-mint-julep Hey there!

Today's recipe is for a cocktail known as the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby. We think our version which includes a peach simple syrup and grilled peach garnish is better than good enough to enjoy not just in the spring on Derby Day but all throughout summer. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 2 drinks! Let's get started!

MJ-IMG_1463MJ-IMG_1463        

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
2 Peach Slices
2-4 bunches of mint leaves
1 tsp honey

For Simple Syrup
4 oz. Sugar
4 oz. Water
2 Peaches Chopped
2-4 Sprigs of Thyme

 

For Drink
3 oz. Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey (However we chose to use Monkey Shoulder, a malt scotch whiskey) 
2 oz. Peach Simple Syrup
8-10 Fresh Mint Leaves
Crushed Ice

 

You will also need a mixing glass, muddler,  strainer,  2 rocks glass/tumblers, sauce pan and grill/grill pan.
 

Let's Make the Simple Syrup & Garnish!

  1. In a small pot/saucepan add:

    • Sugar (4 oz.)

    • Water (4 oz.)

    • 2 Peaches (chopped)

    • 2-4 Sprigs of thyme

  2. Cook of medium heat until reduced by half.

  3. Strain and set aside.

  4. While your simple syrup cools, cut two 1/4 inch slices of peach.

  5. Rub each side with small amount of honey.

  6. Grill over medium heat for 1-2 minutes on each side.

  7. Set aside to cool.

MJ-IMG_1381MJ-IMG_1381 MJ-IMG_1393MJ-IMG_1393

 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your mixing glass add:

    • Mint leaves (8-10 leaves)

    • Peach Simple Syrup (2 oz.)

  2. Muddle and set aside.

  3. Fill each 8 oz. rocks glass with crushed ice.

  4. Add Bourbon Whiskey & stir gently (1.5 oz for each glass)

  5. Top with the mint muddled Peach Simple Syrup. (1 oz for each glass)

  6. Garnish with grilled peach slice & fresh mint.

  7. Enjoy!

MJ-IMG_1408MJ-IMG_1408 MJ-IMG_1414MJ-IMG_1414 MJ-IMG_1422MJ-IMG_1422 MJ-IMG_1427MJ-IMG_1427 MJ-IMG_1431MJ-IMG_1431 MJ-IMG_1435MJ-IMG_1435 MJ-IMG_1436MJ-IMG_1436 MJ-IMG_1438MJ-IMG_1438 MJ-IMG_1443MJ-IMG_1443 MJ-IMG_1445MJ-IMG_1445

           


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“There is no bad whiskey. There are only some whiskeys that aren’t as good as others.” – Raymond Chandler
 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) bourbon mint julep peach whiskey https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/7/peach-mint-julep Mon, 19 Jul 2021 19:00:52 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Black Widow https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/7/black-widow-cocktail Hey there!

Today's recipe is dedicated to Natasha, Yelena and the MCU. The black widow cocktail, created by San Francisco bartender Duggan McDonnell combines blanco tequila, blackberries, basil, agave nectar and fresh squeezed lime juice for something sweet with a bite. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 2 drinks! Let's get started!

BW-IMG_1215BW-IMG_1215       

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
2 Bunches of basil leaves
6 Blackberries

 

For Drink
6-10 Basil leaves
4-6 Blackberries
3 oz. Blanco tequila 
2 tsp. Agave Nectar
2 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

Ice

You will also need a shaker cup, muddler,  strainer,  2 rocks tumblers and 2 cocktail picks


BW-IMG_1227BW-IMG_1227

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your shaker cup add:

    • Basil (6-10 leaves)

    • Blackberries (4-6 berries)

  2. Muddle for 10 seconds or so

  3. Add remaining ingredients to your shaker cup

    • Blanco Tequila (3oz.)

    • Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice (2 oz.)

    • Agave Nectar (2 tsp. adjust as needed)

    • Ice

  4. Shake vigorously

  5. Strain between your two rocks tumblers full of ice.

  6. Garnish each glass with a bunch of basil leaves and 3 blackberries.

  7. Enjoy!

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"At some point, we all have to choose between what the world wants you to be and who you are"
 

-Natasha Romanoff


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) black widow blackberries tequila tequila cocktail https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/7/black-widow-cocktail Mon, 12 Jul 2021 15:30:47 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Bee's Knees https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/7/bees-knees Hey Hey!

I just love this cocktail! This prohibition era drink definitely lives up to its name! You only need a few ingredients: gin, lemon juice and honey syrup so whipping this up is super quick. We will walk you through how to make the honey syrup as well as this refreshing cocktail.  We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 2 drinks! Let's get started!

BK-IMG_0936BK-IMG_0936      

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
2 Lemon Peel Spirals

2 Sprigs of Thyme

For Honey Thyme Syrup
1 Part Honey (adjust to taste; you can also equal part sugar for a sweeter syrup)
1 Part Water
Several Sprigs of Thyme (we specifically used lemon thyme)

For Drink
4 oz. Gin (we used Hendricks Lunar) 
1.5 oz. Honey Thyme Syrup
~2 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

 

You will also need a shaker cup, hawthorne strainer and 2 coup glasses.

BK-IMG_0906BK-IMG_0906
 

Let's Make the Honey Syrup!

  1. Combine 1part water and 1 part honey (along with 1 part sugar if you choose) along with your thyme in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until honey dissolves and liquid reduces (approx 10-15 minutes) Remove from heat, and cool to room temperature, and strain out thyme. 

 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your shaker cup add:

    • Gin (4 oz.) (we used Hendricks Lunar Gin)

    • Honey Thyme Syrup (1.5 oz.)

    • Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice (~2 oz.)

  2. Shake for 10 - 20 seconds or so.

  3. Pour equally between your coup glasses.

  4. Garnish with lemon spiral and sprig of thyme

  5. Enjoy!

BK-IMG_0908BK-IMG_0908 BK-IMG_0910BK-IMG_0910 BK-IMG_0913BK-IMG_0913 BK-IMG_0914BK-IMG_0914 BK-IMG_0915BK-IMG_0915 BK-IMG_0917BK-IMG_0917 BK-IMG_0918BK-IMG_0918 BK-IMG_0919BK-IMG_0919 BK-IMG_0921BK-IMG_0921          


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"The flower doesn't dream of the bee. It blossoms and the bee comes."

-Mark Nepo


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) bee's knees gin honey syrup https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/7/bees-knees Mon, 05 Jul 2021 16:14:16 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Kiwi Lemonade https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/6/kiwi-lemonade Hey There!

In my opinion a nice cold glass of lemonade is quintessentially summer. It's super easy to make with only three ingredients that you probably already have. Now that summer plans are beginning to happen, save this recipe for your next get together. We spiked our lemonade with vodka and added some kiwi. *chef's kiss* Your guests will love you for this one. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 2 drinks! Let's get started!

KL-IMG_0675KL-IMG_0675     

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
2 Lemon wheels

 

For Drink
2 Kiwis 
3 oz. Midori
3 oz. Vodka
1.5 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
4-5 oz. Fresh Lemonade
(1 cup of lemon juice to 1 cup of sugar added to 1 1/2 quarts of cold water)
Ice

You will also need a highball or collins glass, muddler, strainer and mixing glass.


KL-IMG_0653KL-IMG_0653

 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your mixing glass add:

    • Chopped Kiwi

    • Midori (3 oz.)

    • Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice (1.5 oz.)

  2. Muddle for 10 - 20 seconds or so.

  3. Add Vodka (3 oz.) to Mixing Glass.

  4. Stir gently.

  5. Fill your highball/collins glass with ice and add 2 or 2.5 oz. of lemonade to each glass.

  6. Strain your kiwi mixture evenly between each glass. (feel free to spoon a few chunks of kiwi into your glass if you like)

  7. Garnish with lemon wheel and enjoy!

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“When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. Then find someone who's life is giving them vodka and have a party!”
 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) kiwi lemonade lime mixed spiked lemonade vodka https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/6/kiwi-lemonade Mon, 28 Jun 2021 23:46:45 GMT
Super Easy Low Calorie Veggie Snack - Zucchini Fritters https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/6/super-easy-low-calorie-veggie-snack---zucchini-fritters Hey hey!

I love squash and all its varieties... acorn, spaghetti, butternut, winter or summer squash aka zucchini. Zucchini is so fun and versatile and pairs well with just about anything. I recently made zucchini fritters and knew I had to share the recipe. So here's an easy, quick, low calorie, veggie snack you'll definitely have to make more than once.

 

Here's What You Need:

  • 1 large zucchini
  • 1 sliced green onion
  • 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp olive oil (plus additional oil for cooking)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • Optional: a few dollops of sour cream for serving

You'll also need a grater, colander, mixing bowl, non stick skillet, wire cooling rack.

 

Timing:

  • Prep: 20 min
  • Cook: 5-10 min
  • Yields 4-5 Fritters

ZF-IMG_1557ZF-IMG_1557

Let's Make Some Fritters:

  1. Trim the ends off of your zucchini and shred the remaining with a grater.

  2. Place the shredded zucchini in a colander set inside a bowl and sprinkle lightly with salt. Allow the zucchini to sit for approx. 10 minutes.

  3. Push/squeeze out as much liquid from the zucchini as possible. When dry, Transfer the zucchini to a large bowl.

  4. Add the flour, egg, ¾ of your sliced scallions, salt and pepper to the bowl, stirring until the mixture is combined.

  5. Add large drizzle of olive oil to skillet set over medium heat.

  6. Using a tablespoon or ice cream scoop, form even balls of your zucchini batter and place in pan about 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten with a spatula and cook on both side 3-4 min until golden brown.

  7. Transfer the zucchini fritters to your wire cooling rack and sprinkle with salt.

  8. Serve the zucchini fritters topped with sour cream (optional) and remaining sliced scallions. I also added broccoli micro greens on mine to be fancy! 😊

  9. Enjoy!


    ZF-IMG_0525cropZF-IMG_0525crop  


 

 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) cooking with nikki fritter fritters" low calorie recipe vegetarian zucchini zucchini fritters https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/6/super-easy-low-calorie-veggie-snack---zucchini-fritters Wed, 23 Jun 2021 23:28:46 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Rhubarb Basil Gin Cocktail https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/6/rhubarb-basil-gin-cocktail Hey There!

This week's cocktail inspired us to try something new. Rhubarb is an edible plant that we have never used before. It grows in cooler temperatures so typically becomes available in spring--- in case you are wondering why you might be seeing rhubarb recipes popping up like we have. When eaten raw, rhubarb is quite tart but after cooking, that tartness fades. So we decided to infuse it into a simple syrup. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 2 drinks! Let's get started!

RG-IMG_0354RG-IMG_0354    

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
2 Rhubarb ribbons
2 Basil /Mint Leave bunches (optional)

 

For Rhubarb Simple Syrup
1 part Honey
2 parts Sugar
2 parts Water
Fresh Basil
Chopped Rhubarb


For Drink
Chopped Rhubarb
Fresh Basil
1.5 oz. Lemon Juice
2 oz. Rhubarb Basil Syrup
2 oz. Amaro Nonino
4 oz. Bombay Sapphire Gin
~4 oz. Elderflower Tonic Water
Ice

You will also need a rocks tumbler, muddler, strainer and a shaker cup.


 

Let's Make the Simple Syrup!

  1. Add water, sugar, honey, fresh basil, and chopped rhubarb to a sauce pan. (We used 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 4 oz. honey, 6-8 basil leaves & 3/4 chopped rhubarb)

  2. Let simmer over medium/low heat until it reduces by half (approx 6 oz.)

  3. Strain out the rhubarb and basil.

  4. Set aside to cool.

RG-IMG_0325RG-IMG_0325

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In your shaker cup add:

    • Chopped Rhubarb

    • Rhubarb Syrup (2 oz.)

    • Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice (1.5 oz.)

    • Fresh Basil 

  2. Muddle for 10 - 20 seconds or so.

  3. In your shaker cup add:

    • Add Ice

    • Amaro Nonino (2oz.)

    • Bombay Sapphire (4 oz.)

  4. Shake  Well 

  5. Strain evenly between two ice filled glasses

  6. Top with Tonic water (We used Edlerflower Tonic water by Fevertree)

  7. Garnish with Rhubarb ribbon and optional basil or mint leaves.

  8. Enjoy!

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"I love water, especially when it’s frozen and surrounded by gin."
-unknown

 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) basil gin rhubarb https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/6/rhubarb-basil-gin-cocktail Mon, 21 Jun 2021 17:35:46 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Paper Plane https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/6/paper-plane Hey There!

It's national bourbon day so we definitely wanted to feature it in this week's cocktail. The Paper Plane cocktail was invented in 2008 by Sam Ross and is a modern take on the class Last Word cocktail. Ross was inspired by M.I.A. hit song at the time and garnished the drink with a paper plane. We opted for a orange peel instead. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 orange peel curl

For Drink
3/4 oz. Bourbon
3/4 oz. Aperol
3/4 oz. Amaro Nonino Quintessentia
3/4 oz. Fresh Squeeze Lemon Juice

You will also need 1 coup glass, a shaker cup, hawthorne strainer,  and ice.

 

Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In shaker cup glass, add: 

    • Ice

    • Bourbon (3/4 oz.)

    • Aperol  (3/4 oz.)

    • Amaro Nonino (3/4 oz.)

    • Lemon Juice (3/4 oz.)

  2. Shake 20 seconds or so.

  3. Strain into your coup glass.

  4. Garnish with your orange peel curl.

  5. Sip slow and enjoy your flight!

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If I cannot drink Bourbon and smoke cigars in Heaven than I shall not go.

-Mark Twain
 

 


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) amaro amaro nonino aperol bourbon paper plane https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/6/paper-plane Mon, 14 Jun 2021 21:24:39 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Manhattan https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/6/manhattan Hey There!

This week's cocktail recipe is another timeless classic similar to the old fashioned and sidecar.  The bold but sippable Manhattan combines whiskey, vermouth and bitters with a cherry garnish. Named for one of NY's five boroughs, the Manhattan is simple and straightforward, no frills or fanfare but has many variations. For our recipe, we used the black owned brands Shinju Whisky and Hella Bitters because we truly love them. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

Find Shinju, near you! https://www.shinjuwhisky.com/
Find Hella Cocktail Co., near you! https://hellacocktail.co/pages/find-it

 

This makes 1 drink! Let's get started!

MA-IMG_2794MA-IMG_2794        

Here's what you need:

For Garnish
1 Cocktail Cherry (we used a bourbon cherry)

For Drink
2 oz. Whisky
3/4 oz. Sweet Vermouth
Several Dashes Bitters (we used ginger bitters)
 

You will also need 1 martini glass, a mixing glass, hawthorne strainer, cocktail pick, bar spoon and ice.

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In mixing glass, add: 

    • Ice

    • Whisky (2 oz.)

    • Sweet Vermouth (3/4 oz.)

    • Bitters (several dashes)

  2. Stir gently.

  3. Strain into your martini glass.

  4. Skewer your cocktail cherry and add as garnish.

  5. Sip slow and Enjoy!

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"Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough."

– Mark Twain

 


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) black owned brands manhattan whiskey whisky https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/6/manhattan Mon, 07 Jun 2021 13:22:12 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Boozy Popsicles https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/5/boozy-popsicles Hey There!

This week's cocktail recipe is actually not really a beverage, but a minty, peachy, strawberry frozen treat to celebrate the unofficial start of summer. You can find your popsicle molds at your local Target like we did or online. When creating your popsicles its important to keep the ratio of non alcoholic liquid to liquor in mind. Vodka has a lower freezing point than non alcoholic liquid. So when you mix it with regular liquid then it raises the freezing temperature. If you keep the ratio around 3 or 4 to 1 liquid to alcohol, you ensure that the popsicles will freeze at your normal freezer temperature. We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes six 3oz popsicles! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:


For Popsicles
Several Bunches of Mint Leaves
Thinly Sliced Fruit (we used peaches and strawberries)

6 oz. Vodka
2 oz. Lemon Juice
3 1/4 oz. Simple Syrup
7 1/4 oz. Coconut Water

You will also need popsicle molds with popsicle sticks, muddler, mixing glass, strainer, knife or mandolin.

 

Let's Make the Popsicles!

  1. Prep Your Fruit and Mint Leaves

    • Thinly slice your strawberries, peaches or fruit of choice with a knife or mandolin.

    • Set aside a few small mint leaves for the popsicles along with several larger leaves.

  2. In Mixing Glass add and muddle for 10 seconds or so:

    • Lemon Juice (2 oz.)

    • Simple Syrup (3 1/4 oz.)

    • Mint Leaves

  3. After muddling, add:

    • Coconut Water (7 1/4 oz.)

    • Vodka (6 oz.)

  4. For the look of our pops we wanted the fruit and mint leaves to be visible on the sizes so we placed them using tweezers to the walls of the popsicle molds and placed in the freezer for a little while (45 min - 1 hour or so). You can skip this step if you like and just add the fruit to your mixture.

  5. Fill each popsicle mold with mixture and secure your popsicle sticks. (we used two layers of saran wrap)

  6. Freeze for 6 hours or longer.

  7. Enjoy!

 

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"A little bit of summer is what the whole year is all about."

-John Mayer


 

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(Nicole J. Leverett for Stay N Focus) boozy popsicles frozen cocktail popsicles vodka https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/5/boozy-popsicles Mon, 31 May 2021 21:30:18 GMT
Mixology Monday With The Leveretts - Classic Negroni https://www.staynfocus.com/blog/2021/5/negroni Hey There!

This week's cocktail recipe is the classic Negroni. It hails from Italy and is considered an apéritif or a "before dinner drink", used to stimulate the appetite, and is usually dry rather than sweet. The Negroni definitely leans more toward dry/bitter so some may say it's an acquired taste. I guess that means if you and your palate are on the fence, you'll have to keep trying to know for sure! We hope you enjoy! As always, if you make any of our drinks, take a picture and share them with us online! Instagram ---> @ staynfocusimages

This makes 2 drinks! Let's get started!

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Here's what you need:

For Garnish
2 Slices of Orange Peel

For Drink
2 oz. Gin
2 oz. Vermouth
2 oz. Campari

Ice

You will also need 2 rocks tumblers, peeler, a mixing glass, strainer and a bar spoon.

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Let's Make the Drink!

  1. In mixing glass, add: 

    • Ice

    • Gin (2 oz.)

    • Vermouth (2 oz.)

    • Campari (2 oz.)

  2. Stir gently.

  3. Add ice to your rocks tumblers.

  4. Strain and pour cocktail mixture evenly between both glasses.

  5. Twist orange peel over glass then place as garnish.

  6. Sip slow and Enjoy!

 

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