How I'm Helping Break My Diet Coke Habit

July 12, 2018

This post is sponsored by Sparkling ICE but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Happy Thirsty Thursday! To say I'm attached to Diet Coke is an understatement. On average, I have one to two cans a day. I know, not healthy in the slightest but everyone has to have at least one vice, right? I heard about Sparkling ICE from a couple of friends who completely raved about it and I figured maybe it could help me kick my dirty little soda secret. Continue reading to learn more about my new favorite refreshment while on the go in the sweltering heat here in New York City! There's literally a rainbow of assorted flavors to choose from!

TASTE

Sparkling ICE Water comes in 16 different flavors.
My favorite is lemon-lime and kiwi strawberry.
Amazon has different variety packs to choose from, and if you're a prime member you get free shipping!
The flavors are made from natural fruit juices.

PRICE

They are around $2.00 here in NYC
They sell them individually or in bundles
Amazon has a great price - you can usually get a 12-pk for $10.37. (view the deal)

INGREDIENTS

First off, these refreshments are not a water substitute by any means. I've been choosing Sparkling ICE over Diet Cokes to help with my habit. I love carbonated drinks and these have vitamins, anti-oxidants, and real flavor. Did I mention they contain zero calories?! It's been a really great soda replacement.

Want to know more about these fruit-flavored waters? Well, #GetFizzy with it! Click here to shop while also saving up to 15% plus get free delivery if you subscribe & save as a Prime member on Amazon! Learn more about Sparkling ICE at sparklingice.com and facebook.com/sparklingice

LOVE & XX'S,

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The Smoothest Tequila I've Ever Had

May 4, 2018

This post is sponsored by Maestro Dobel Tequila but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Hey guys! Happy Cinco de Mayo! Raise your hand if you're up for some margaritas for the occasion, 'cuz I know I am! I love frozen ones for those hot, summer days but sometimes it's better to just slowly unwind after a long day and sip a margarita on the rocks - which is probably my favorite way to drink tequila. And with Maestro Dobel Diamante, a tequila with a heritage that sets it apart from every other tequila brand, its distillery process makes it the smoothest tequila available and of ultra-premium quality. Continue reading to learn how to make one of my favorite classic margaritas with Maestro Dobel Diamante along with where to shop this summery, resort-y look.

Maestro Dobel Diamante is the world’s first clear multi-aged tequila. It’s rule-defying elixir that consists of a blend of Extra-Añejo, Añejo, and Reposado Tequila, aged in the finest European white oak barrels! It is the perfect luxe tequila to relax, vibe on a good time and share these intimate moments- whether it’s with your better half, or at a dinner party with your closest friends, or just one on your own sitting on the porch, kicking back and chilling away. And I've got a great easy recipe that anyone can make! All you need are limes, a shaker, agave syrup and well... the best part... the tequila.

Now that we've got a relaxing margarita in our hand, let's talk about getting this easy, breezy summer look in there as well! I love this classic striped wrapped top from VIPSHOP, it goes well with the amazing packaging of the Maestro Dobel Diamante bottle, don't you think? I love to mix prints so I went with these super-comfy Leota pants that are just perfect for about any occasion. But they're so cozy, it's kind of hard to leave the house once you put them on! Just like having these margaritas at home. Too good and relaxing than to go anywhere else! :)

WHITE DIAMOND MARGARITA

2 OZ. DOBEL DIAMANTE TEQUILA
.5 OZ. AGAVE SYRUP
.5 OZ. FRESH LIME

Method: Shaken
Glassware: Cocktail Glass
Garnish: Rim with Salt

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My sandals are from the Patricia Green SS collection. A braided jute platform elevates a trend-right sandal featuring mixed media styling highlighted with contrast topstitching and set on a lightly cushioned footbed. It's my favorite sandals ever! My tote bag is great for quick trips to the market or liquor store to grab this beautiful Maestro Dobel Diamante tequila. I think it also goes well with the metallic in the sandals too. What do you guys think of this outfit? I think it's great for both the city and also being away on vacation - with summery tropical vibes of course, and this sleek, smooth tequila from Maestro Dobel Diamante that I just can't stop raving about! Seriously, guys it's the best tequila I've tried in the longest time, be sure to follow the links or shop down below to find where to get your bottle! Got a question about the recipe, outfit or anything else? Drop a line! I always love hearing from my readers. Cheers!

LOVE & XX'S,

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Voveti Blackberry Rosemary Cocktails

November 27, 2017

Thank you VOVETI for sponsoring this post. Elevate your entertaining this season with VOVETI Prosecco

The other day I posted a cocktail recipe that included vodka and passionfruit. Many of you messaged me about a way to make the drink less rich in terms of liquor and also in sugar. So, in today's post, I've created a lighter recipe with VOVETI. VOVETI Prosecco is dry with hints of fruit on the palate, making it the perfect choice for an easy drinking aperitif, cocktail and to share with friends anytime. VOVETI has more bubbles than other Proseccos; the powerful pressure in each bottle creates millions of tiny bubbles, ensuring freshness and effervescence. VOVETI is a brut style DOC with tempered acidity and a fresh, graceful profile.The VOVETI bottle is sleek and modern with a unique shape that will bring chicness to any occasion. The name VOVETI is inspired by the Latin verb voveo, which means “to vow” or “to promise.” Signifying the vow are 2 orange rings, intertwined. The rings represent the harmonious marriage of classic Italian winemaking and modern luxurious taste.

With the hints of fruit in the prosecco, I wanted to stay within that category when it came to fresh ingredients. And I've always loved blackberries with prosecco. Or any berry, as a matter of fact.To keep it from being too sweet, I worked in some rosemary. Its tea-like aroma and piney flavor definitely complement well with the blackberry and prosecco. And I've always loved them as garnish, I'm all about that evergreen decor.

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photos + recipe by © Suzanne Spiegoski — photos + recipe by © **Suzanne Spiegoski**

Voveti Blackberry Rosemary Cocktails

Serves 2-4

Ingredients:

Voveti Prosecco

Some blackberries
Few sprigs of fresh rosemary

Directions:

Pour the Voveti Prosecco into champagne flutes, but don’t fill it up right to the top yet (leave some space).
Add a few blackberries to each glass and use a teaspoon to lightly crush them, releasing their purple juices.
Add a sprig of rosemary to easy glass and serve immediately.

And this recipe is easy-peasy. Just add a few berries into each flute glass and use a fork to gently crush them, releasing their purple juices for a touch of color. Then add the prosecco and rosemary garnish and you'll be good to go! What do you guys think of VOVETI and this blackberry rosemary cocktail? Don't forget to save this recipe for later and leave your comment down below!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

LOVE & XX'S,

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Spiced Apple Margaritas

September 3, 2017

Happy Labor Day weekend! I'm staying in town relaxing and prepping for NYFW along with brainstorming and creating content for my favorite season, fall! There's no drink quite like the margarita- whether it's frozen or on the rocks, from delicious variants like Chipotle to strawberry and more. That's why Margaritas are the #1 cocktail in the U.S., with 70% of them made from scratch in our very own homes... But there's a well-kept secret that turns an ordinary home-made margarita into an extraordinary one--Agavero Orange. Which is why I've partnered with Agavero Orange Liqueur, a tequila based liqueur that is the perfect addition to any margarita recipe. It's Gran Centenario Tequila's perfect match, and it's your dance partner, party pleaser and top-secret ingredient.With summer coming to an end, I wanted to create a fall-inspired margarita cocktail. Enter: Spiced Apple Margaritas!

Spiced Apple Margaritas

Serves 2

Ingredients:

1.5 parts Gran Centenario Plata

.75 parts Agavero Orange Liqueur

1.5 to 2 ounces apple juice

1 oz fresh orange juice (about half an orange, juiced)

Dash all spice & cinnamon

Star anise, apple & orange zest for garnish

Cinnamon/sugar/salt rim blend and garnish

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp salt

½ tsp ground cinnamon

Directions:

On a small plate, use a fork to blend the sugar, salt and cinnamon. Run a wedge of orange around the top of each drinking glass, then turn the glass down at a 45-degree angle and roll the top of the glass through the cinnamon, sugar and salt blend. Fill the glasses with ice and set them aside.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Feel free to make 2 to 3 drinks at once. Pour in the tequilas, apple juice, orange juice, all spice, and cinnamon. Put on the lid and shake the cocktail for about 20 seconds. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass(es) and add a star of anise if you’d like. Garnish with a slice of apple and orange zest. Cheers!

Agavero Orange Liqueur is a delicious blend of 100% agave tequila infused with orange and agave nectar. It is subtle enough for sipping, but also an ideal orange liqueur for the ultimate Margarita as it offers a robust tequila flavor coupled with the ripe citrus of Mexican oranges. So I paired the orange liqueur with Gran Centenario® Plata - it adds extra depth and character to crafted cocktails. The tequila is also delicious as a chilled shot. I paired the Tequila's with more orange and apple flavors, spicing it up with some ground all-spice and cinnamon. Lastly, I garnished the drinks with star anise, to not only enhance the flavor but to maintain a rustic sort of fall cocktail.

What do you guys think of these spiced apple margaritas? I definitely wanted to try something different using fall-inspired ingredients. I was even thinking of a pumpkin spiced margarita, but given the fact that I don't have a blender in my kitchen at the moment, I found it to be rather more challenging to mix those kinds of ingredients together. Which is why I opted for apple and orange, the perfect combination with the Agavero Orange Liqueur and Gran Centenario Tequila. Enjoy the rest of the long weekend!

LOVE & XX'S,

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Rosemary Peach Gin Cocktail

April 30, 2017

Sponsored Post: Message for 21+. This post is sponsored by Seagram’s, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. Play it Smart. Drink Responsibly.

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Rosemary Peach Gin Cocktail

Cocktail recipe + photos by © Suzanne Spiegoski — Cocktail recipe + photos by © Suzanne Spiegoski

Serves 2

Ingredients:

2 Peach

4 Rosemary Sprigs

2 Tbsp Freshly-Squeezed Lemon Juice

1 20 oz. Ginger Ale

4 Tbsp. Rosemary Simple Syrup (1/2 Cup of Sugar, 1/2 Cup of Water, bring to a boil, remove from heat, add rosemary sprigs, stir, and let cool. Chill until ready to use.)

3 oz. Seagram's Extra Dry Gin

Directions:

Thinly slice half of peach. Make ice cubes with them by first adding the slice in each cube before adding water.
In a cocktail shaker, add ice, rosemary syrup, lemon juice, ginger ale and Seagram's extra dry gin. Shake well.

Pour over crushed ice evenly between two glasses.
Garnish with extra peach slices (optional) and rosemary sprigs. Serve immediately.

Happy Sunday, guys! I know I said I was going to post up a new cocktail recipe on Monday, but I was just too excited to wait until then! So here you have it, folks... a rosemary peach gin cocktail just in time for cocktail hour! It's always 5 'o clock somewhere, am I right? This recipe is so easy and delicious, let me tell you how to create this wonderful concoction! It'll be the perfect drink to unwind with for the rest of your weekend! Just peachy :)

I started with making ice cubes, but not any regular ice cubes, I put in some peach slices to bring a subtle flavor and fresh look to the drink. I've seen others use edible flowers, lavender, and other herbs when making ice cubes. And it's a great way to lightly infuse an adding taste while you drink it! The secret to the rosemary syrup is here: 1/2 Cup of Sugar, 1/2 Cup of Water, bring to a boil, remove from heat, add rosemary sprigs, stir, and let cool. Chill until ready to use.

When the rosemary syrup is ready to use, I added it into a cocktail shaker with regular ice, lemon juice, ginger ale and Seagram's Extra Dry Gin. Shake well (be careful when you open ha ha!) and pour over glasses with added peach cubes, (about 3 per drink). Garnish with peach slices (this is optional as I didn't do it as I felt it would've clutter the beautiful peach cubes) #foodphotography #problems #lol and rosemary twigs. Hope you guys enjoyed this recipe and will give it a try! It's the perfect spring/summer cocktail! Let me know what you think. Can't wait to start doing more cocktails in the future! Until next time, thanks for stopping by and I hope you all had a great weekend!