Sunset Happy Hour Cocktails
I knew New Orleans would feel different from my little beach bungalow in Venice, California. That’s why you move across the country, right?
I knew the air would be thicker in New Orleans, I figured the walls would be older, the people more talkative, the fried chicken more readily devoured. The Mississippi is much more brown than the dull grey/green tones of the Pacific Ocean. The cobble stone streets in my neighborhood are like a vortex you can fall into if you’re not diligent… like quicksand. It’s different from the sandy beach and paved bike paths of California.
I sometimes feel like I’m underwater, without the water. Does that make sense? It must have something to do with the fact that I’m hanging out below sea level. It’s a real feeling.
The sunsets though… the sunsets in Louisiana have a really familiar quality. They have the same dusty pink, brilliant orange, and stunning blue. It feels very similar to the sunsets I’d watch sitting in the sand in California.
Lately I’ve wanted my cocktails to match my sunset. It’s my little way of creating a Pinterest-worthy moment (just a moment) out of my day.. when the brilliant orange of my cocktail resembles the brilliant orange of the setting sun. That moment of synergy feels really good.
As the days get warmer I find myself wanting to drink ALL the drinks. It’s so hot and humid, I’m a bottomless pit of fresh juice.
We’ve talked about Juicing here before, but I totally understand that not all of us have the space, funds, or desire to have a fancy juicer in our kitchen cupboards. It felt like a definite splurge item to me in terms of both funds and space. I get it.
I keep a few Evolution Fresh Juices on hand because Evolution Fresh does all of the hard work of cold-pressing for us! Their juices are fresh and bright and sooooo perfect sunset inspired cocktails! No big fancy juicer required.
It’s not every day that we get to mix tequila with our carrot juice…. but it should be!
Don’t be scared. Carrot juice is beautifully sweet and far less vegetable-y tasting than you might think. When paired with bright orange and sweet mango, this juice feels perfectly tropical. Tequila distinguishes this cocktail and a splash of sparkling water adds a lovely bubble. I love these cocktails served in champagne flutes. It sets the tone for a classy (but tequila-fun) sort of evening.
Carrot Orange Mango Tequila Sunset
makes 2 cocktails
2 ounces tequila
1 5.2 ounce bottle Evolution Fresh Carrot Orange Mango Juice
sparkling water to top off
Divide tequila into two champagne glasses. Fill each glass 3/4 full with chilled Carrot Orange Mango Juice. Top off with chilled sparkling water and serve immediately.
I have always loved a ton of citrus in my beer. I don’t mind the funny looks from friends at the barbecue. It’s cool!
This cocktail is light, fun, and feels pretty dang clever.
A glass is filled with loads of crushed ice, filled halfway with strawberry lemonade, and topped off with blonde beer. The strawberry lemonade adds a tart sweetness and the beer adds a round bitterness. It’s the perfect balance and not too boozy! Such a great late afternoon sipper!
Strawberry Blonde Lemonade
makes 2 cocktails
crushed ice
1 15.2-ounce bottle Evolution Fresh Strawberry Lemonade
1 bottle (or can) blonde beer
Fill two tall pint glasses with crushed ice. Fill each glass half full with chilled Strawberry Lemonade. Top each glass with blonde beer and enjoy immediately.
If I’m in the mood for the sort of happy hour that requires salty almonds I’d reach for this Ginger Lime Cucumber Sparkler. It’s sweet without being entirely overpowering. The cucumber balances the sweetness of the limeade. There’s also a hint of spice from ginger aaaannnd gin. It feels clean and fresh. Like hitting the reset button and settling in for a really great night.
Ginger Lime Cucumber Sparkler
makes 2 cocktails
ice cubes
2 ounces gin
1 15.2-ounce bottle Evolution Fresh Ginger Limeade Juice
sparkling water to top off
thinly sliced cucumber for garnish.
Fill two rocks glasses with ice. Divide the gin between the glasses. Fill 3/4 full with Ginger Limeade Juice. Top off with sparkling water and garnish with fresh cucumber slices. Enjoy immediately.
