The Chella

Happy Sunday Funday! With Coachella rockin' hard into the weekend, I've been inspired by non-stop photos/videos of spinning grooves and wild, carefree bohemian free spirits! And since I couldn't be there this year, [insert sad face (NEXT YEAR!)], I am in spirit!

So, while my fellow hipsters are enjoying the endless amounts of parties and dancing in the desert, I opened all my windows in my New York City apartment while doing some spring cleaning today. Of course, some beats were playing amidst the background while sprucing up the joint!

Let me tell you about The Chella: She's sweet, playful, fun and even a bit flirty. It contains three simple ingredients: Cantaloupe juice, CALPICO® original soft drink, and Korean soju. The CALPICO® soft drink was a childhood favorite and oh, so, Asian. It's fresh and white, with a distinctive flavor. It kind of tastes like coconut, but less nutty. Think vanilla yogurt. It's absolutely delicious and goes perfectly well with the melon.

Photos & recipe by © Suzanne Spiegoski

The Chella Cocktail

Serves 2 - 3
Ingredients:

1/2 cantaloupe, juiced
1/2 cup CALPICO® Original Soft Drink
4 oz Korean Soju
Fresh mint

Directions:
Shake all together with ice and strain into a chilled Martini glass.
Grind the black pepper on top and place a couple pieces of fresh mint to garnish.
Enjoy immediately!

My favorite part about this cocktail? The freshly grounded pepper as a garnish. Last week I also posted a cocktail recipe that included black pepper as a garnish as well. I find it to bring all the flavor together, all the while giving a refreshing, delightful aftertaste. It's one of those drinks where you'll enjoy every last sip, down to the very last drop.

What are some of your favorite artists playing at Chella this year? I would've killed to see Disclosure, Matoma, CHVRCHES, Grimes, and Gun N' Roses (though I read and heard their performance was a doozy.) Can't wait to see what the lineup will be already for next year! Ha ha! But seriously kiddies, if you're hanging out on the West Coast this week, have a Pink's hot dog (or two) for me, some In-N-Outties, and of course, some major fun times. Be safe and stay cool!✌️

LOVE & XX'S

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Spicy Kimchi Bloody Mary

Spicy Kimchi Bloody Mary

Serves 8

Ingredients:

2 cups kimchi
46 oz tomato juice
1/4 cup Sriracha chile sauce
2 tablespoons Worchestershire sauce
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
2 cups Soju (Korean vodka)
Ice
Celery stalk, olives, radishes, pearl onions and cornichons for garnish

Directions:
Combine tomato juice, Sriracha sauce, Worchestershire sauce and vinegar. Puree kimchi with mixed juice, working in batches. With a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl, strain the kimchi puree, pressing firmly on the solids to get as much juice as you possibly can. You can save the solids for another use. Chill combined juice thoroughly, then season with salt and pepper. Stir in vodka. Serve over ice garnished with celery stalk, olives, radishes, pearl onions, and cornichons. Enjoy with a staple New York City brunch!

Sunday Funday equals brunch and cocktails. And this spicy kimchi Bloody Mary's will knock your socks off! It's got a kick to it and will definitely have any pre-brunching game going strong. The heat from the kimchi gives the traditional Bloody Mary new, pungent flavors. Combining other varied spices from the sauces,  such as Worcestershire and Sriracha, and counter-balancing it with a splash of vinegar, creates the perfect leisurely yet unique cocktail. Korean soju also has a distinct taste, putting a twist on the usual vodkas used in Bloody Mary's.

What's your go-to brunch cocktail? Are you a Bloody Mary enthusiast? More of a mimosa kind of gal? Or bellini's? Screwdriver's? Why not try this recipe today? It's super easy and a great changeup to your usual brunch hangout. Sometimes it's nice to just chill at home or have a small get-together rather than hustling through the crowds to grab a table at a restaurant. Especially when it's April and it feels like 30° outside! But whatever you plan on doing, I hope your Sunday is nothing but enjoyable. Until next time! Love. Always, love. ❤️

LOVE & XX'S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ