{in the glass} pink grapefruit martini

This (pink thoughts thursday post for breast cancer awareness in the month of October) is for one of my very best friends and her beautiful mother who is a breast cancer survivor. My wonderful friend, her fabulous mother, her incredible twin sister and her wonderful older sister are celebrating a special birthday this weekend. These are some of the greatest women I know and they are all in one family. What a great job "mom" did - really. These women are strong, fun and so real - they are amazing! I can't say enough except I am so proud and so fortunate to know them. Happy Birthday and have a wonderful time together. I lift my glass to you all!

pink grapefruit martini by ann west

2 oz good vodka

splash of cointreau

1-2 oz of fresh pink grapefruit juice

1 tsp of honey or to taste

pour all ingredients in a shaker and shake it. rim glass with honey and super fine sugar if you like. garnish with a thin slice of lime. pour into a glass and have fun!

{in the glass} mimosa's

photo by ann west

Mimosa by ann west

dry champagne

fresh squeezed orange juice

1 tsp grand marnier (optional)

my favorite amounts are 2/3 champagne, 1/3 orange juice and a teaspoon of grand marnier - if you like. cheers!

{in the glass} ginger prosecco cocktail

Is it the bubbles? Not quite champagne but so fun to drink. I do like Prosecco. In fact I love to have a glass when I cook a meal on the weekends with the soundtrack for the Big Night playing in the back ... (especially track 1 Stornelli Amorisi- Claudio Villa - check it out. it will inspire). I came across this drink recipe and I made it for my book club. We so enjoyed it - hope you do too.

ginger prosecco cocktail by ann west

You will need a bottle of Prosecco - I prefer a little dry not too sweet and some ginger simple syrup - boil equal parts of water to sugar and add fresh ginger sliced. Once the sugar is dissolved cool your syrup. Pour about a tsp of the syrup in a wine glass, top with Prosecco and garnish with a twist of lime or a piece of candied ginger (or both).

enjoy!

ps If you haven't seen Big Night it is a great foodie watch.