BrandHabit: Blame it on the ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-al-cohol

By Carlina Harris

My birthday countdown has officially begun, in a few short hours I will turn a fabulous twenty seven! I am sooooo excited, I always look forward to this day week. Tomorrow I will celebrating with my beau in sunny Napa, sipping on some exquisite wines, and enjoying the beautiful rolling hills! Love me some wine!

But after all the low key, romantical stuff, I really just wanna get my inner nineteen year old out and party like its 2001--with all my friends of course! That is why I am hosting a festive poolside bash complete with very adult beverages. This party is all about showcasing the fantastic cocktails my "grown-up" palate has taken a liking to, while still keeping it fun and fresh.

For example, instead of a regular cran and vodka, I'll make a Cape Cod: cran juice, premium vodka, and Midori Melon Liqueur. Or for even more fun, a Midori snow cone....

Midori Sno-Cone
Pour 1 1/2 oz Midori Melon Liqueur over a ball of ice

Midori Melon Ball
1 oz Midori Melon Liqueur
1/2 oz of SKYY Infusions Pineapple

Splash of OJ
Pour over one ball of ice

Midori Margarita Sno-Ball
1 oz Midori Melon Liqueur
1/2 oz tequila
Splash of sweet and sour
Pour over one ball of ice

The sno-cone's sound tricky but are so easy to make, sno-cone + pool party = perfection!

For the cooler, more refined bunch of the group, I will make a Zen green tea sangria of sorts...

1 part green tea liquor, 3 parts sauvignon blanc, and fresh squeezed lemon juice. Since its a large party, I will mix larger portions into a pitcher and serve over ice and lemon slices!