Malaina Hudson, CPIM’s Post

Love Piñatas? Here’s the Perfect Occasion to Celebrate Them! Whether you love candies or simply like to admire the artistry of a piñata, National Piñata Day is your chance to feed your playful side. While a piñata is the heart of the party, don’t forget the food and drinks. Instead of serving the same old beverages, why not take some inspiration from candies to make cocktails that will bring out your guests’ inner child? Here are our favorite picks of candy-inspired drinks that are easy for beginners to make at home. Take your pick! White Chocolate and Peppermint: Put vodka, white chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and milk in an ice-filled shaker. Blend and pour in a mason jar. Don’t forget to garnish with whipped cream and candy cane. Champagne Gummy Bears: Gummy bears and Champagne are all you need to create this mix. Place your gummy bears in a glass or bowl and pour Champagne over them until they’re just covered. Then allow them to soak as you stir the mix occasionally. Watermelon Rock Candy Cocktail: Love rock candy? Make this blend by mixing coconut water, lime lemon soda, and watermelon pucker in a glass. Use watermelon and rock candy for garnish. We love gummy bears and rock candy, but you don’t have to limit yourself to those. We suggest giving your own spin to these cocktails with cotton, candy, skittles, sprinkles, Kool-Aid, Peeps marshmallows, Snickers, or whatever you like. What candy are you experimenting with? Tell us in the comments! #NationalPiñataDay #CelebrateWithPinatas #CandyInspiredDrinks #CandyCocktails #DrinkInspiration #NationalPinataDay #PartyWithPinatas #PinataFun #PinataParty #PinataCelebration #PinataLove #PinataTradition #PinataFiesta #SweetSips #DrinksInspo

Love Piñatas? Here’s the Perfect Occasion to Celebrate Them! Whether you love candies or simply like to admire the artistry of a piñata, National Piñata Day is your chance to feed your playful side. While a piñata is the heart of the party, don’t forget the food and drinks. Instead of serving the same old beverages, why not take some inspiration from candies to make cocktails that will bring out your guests’ inner child? Here are our favorite picks of candy-inspired drinks that are easy for beginners to make at home. Take your pick! White Chocolate and Peppermint: Put vodka, white chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and milk in an ice-filled shaker. Blend and pour in a mason jar. Don’t forget to garnish with whipped cream and candy cane. Champagne Gummy Bears: Gummy bears and Champagne are all you need to create this mix. Place your gummy bears in a glass or bowl and pour Champagne over them until they’re just covered. Then allow them to soak as you stir the mix occasionally. Watermelon Rock Candy Cocktail: Love rock candy? Make this blend by mixing coconut water, lime lemon soda, and watermelon pucker in a glass. Use watermelon and rock candy for garnish. We love gummy bears and rock candy, but you don’t have to limit yourself to those. We suggest giving your own spin to these cocktails with cotton, candy, skittles, sprinkles, Kool-Aid, Peeps marshmallows, Snickers, or whatever you like. What candy are you experimenting with? Tell us in the comments! #NationalPiñataDay #CelebrateWithPinatas #CandyInspiredDrinks #CandyCocktails #DrinkInspiration #NationalPinataDay #PartyWithPinatas #PinataFun #PinataParty #PinataCelebration #PinataLove #PinataTradition #PinataFiesta #SweetSips #DrinksInspo

🥃 It's late in the day, but I didn't forget to continue our celebration of #WhiskyWorthKnowingMonth. Let’s keep the focus on the wide world of affordable whiskies—because great whisky doesn’t have to break the bank! 🥃 When it comes to Scotch, one budget-friendly option that delivers exceptional quality is Compass Box Great King Street Artist's Blend. This blended Scotch whisky combines high-malt content with a touch of grain whisky, resulting in a beautifully balanced expression. Whether you’re a Scotch enthusiast or just starting out, it’s a fantastic choice at an approachable price. On the nose, you’ll find notes of ripe apple, vanilla, and delicate floral aromas with hints of honey and fresh baked bread. The palate is smooth and creamy, offering flavors of toasted barley, orchard fruits, and subtle spices, with a soft touch of oak. The finish is clean, with lingering sweetness and a gentle warmth. For food pairings, Artist’s Blend shines with lighter fare. Try it with smoked salmon, aged cheddar, roasted chicken, or even buttery shortbread for a delightful pairing. Its balance of sweet and spicy notes complements a variety of dishes without overwhelming them. Explore the world of Scotch whisky with confidence, knowing that you can enjoy quality without the hefty price tag. Cheers to affordable whiskies that are well worth knowing! 🥂 *Disclaimer: The whisky and whiskey mentioned in these posts are favorites from my own tastings and are not sponsored by any brand.* #WhiskyWorthKnowing #AffordableWhisky #Cheers #Slàinte

Cocktail of the Week: The Classic Old Fashioned Ready to wow your guests with a timeless classic? This week’s cocktail spotlight is on the Old Fashioned. 🥃 Simple yet sophisticated, it’s the perfect blend of whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a twist of citrus. Ingredients: - 2 oz. whiskey - 2 dashes bitters - 1 sugar cube - Orange twist Mix it up and let us know how it goes! #CocktailOfTheWeek #Mixology #WhiskeyCocktails #ClassicDrinks #EstablishedDrinks Try this recipe and share your version with us using #CocktailOfTheWeek. Cheers to crafting perfection!

🍸Drunken Peanut Butter Cups🍸 Ingredients: For the Reese's-infused vodka 1 c. vodka 1/2 c. Reese's Pieces For the cocktail Ice 3 oz. Reese's-infused vodka 3 oz. milk 2 oz. Chocolate Liqueur 1/4 c. peanut butter, for rimming glass 1/2 c. crushed Reese's Pieces, for rimming glass 2 Reese's peanut butter cups, for garnish 2 Tbsp. chocolate syrup Directions: 1. In a mason jar, combine vodka and Reese’s pieces. Cover with tight-fitting lid and shake. Refrigerate overnight, then strain. 2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice then pour over strained vodka, milk, and chocolate liqueur. Shake until chilled. 3. Put peanut butter on one small plate and crushed Reese's Pieces on another. Dunk tops of two cocktail glasses in peanut butter then roll in crushed Reese's Pieces. 4. Drizzle about a tablespoon of chocolate syrup into each glass. Divide cocktail mixture between glasses and garnish each with a peanut butter cup. #TastyTuesday #PeanutButterCups #Creamy #TastyDrinks

The Gold Rush is a delightful twist on the classic Whiskey Sour. It’s perfect for those who claim they don’t like brown liquors – this cocktail might just change their minds! Ingredients: 2 oz whiskey (your favorite brand) 1 oz fresh lemon juice (squeeze it yourself for the best flavor!) 1 oz honey syrup (easy to make: mix 3 parts honey with 1 part water) 2 dashes of orange bitters Instructions: Fill a shaker with ice. Add all of the ingredients and shake vigorously until well-chilled. Double strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or a sprig of fresh mint. Why we love it: The Gold Rush strikes the perfect balance between sweet, sour, and boozy. The honey syrup adds a touch of warmth and complexity, making it a go-to cocktail for any occasion. Cheers! Pro tip: Experiment with different whiskey styles – bourbon, rye, or even a smoky Scotch – to find your favorite Gold Rush variation. #CocktailHour #MixologyMagic #CheersToTheWeekend #DrinkingWithPatriots

🧈🍸 Butter in your drink? It might sound wild, but buttery cocktails are here to warm your heart and soul this season. Here are some drinks that take ‘butter’ to the next level: 1.Hot Buttered Rum: A cozy classic made with dark rum, spices, and a rich butter batter. Perfect for cold nights by the fire. 🔥 2.Butterbeer (Harry Potter Style): A non-alcoholic favorite, but you can spike it with a bit of whiskey for an adults-only version. Cream soda, butterscotch, and a generous dollop of buttery foam. Pure magic! 🧙♂️ 3.Buttered Whiskey Sour: Whiskey sour meets warm, melted butter, creating a velvety texture that coats your taste buds in smooth bliss. 4.Brown Butter Old Fashioned: Infuse your whiskey with browned butter for a nutty, rich twist on a classic cocktail. Stir it with bitters and a touch of maple syrup for a holiday-worthy sipper. 5.Buttered Coffee: For those who need a kick in the morning, butter coffee isn’t just a keto favorite—it’s smooth, creamy, and unexpectedly satisfying! Add a dash of whiskey if you’re feeling bold. ☕️🥃 Which buttery drink are you trying first, or do you have a recipe of your own to share? Drop your thoughts below and let’s get sipping! #ButteryDrinks #HotButteredRum #WinterCocktails #DrinkUp #CozyVibes #ButterIsBetter

🍂 Exploring the World of Whiskey 🥃 Whiskey is more than just a drink; it’s a rich tapestry of tradition, craftsmanship, and flavor. Here’s a brief overview of the main types of whiskey: 1. Bourbon: This American classic is made primarily from corn, offering sweet notes of caramel and vanilla. It’s perfect for sipping or in cocktails like the Old Fashioned. 2. Scotch: Originating from Scotland, Scotch is typically made from malted barley. Its flavor can range from light and fruity to rich and smoky, depending on the region. 3. Rye: Known for its spicy profile, rye whiskey must contain at least 51% rye grain. It’s a favorite in classic cocktails, adding complexity and depth. 4. Irish Whiskey: Often triple-distilled for smoothness, this whiskey tends to have a lighter, fruitier flavor. Each type has its unique characteristics and history, making whiskey tasting a delightful journey. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a casual drinker, there’s always something new to discover! What’s your favorite type of whiskey, and how do you enjoy it? #Whiskey #Bourbon #Scotch #Rye #Craftsmanship #FoodAndDrink

Simple, sophisticated, and refreshing, the mighty Mint Julep has a colorful origin story. Born somewhere in the Middle East, it traveled overseas to pre-Civil War America where it was used strictly for medicinal purposes. Things changed when some Americans started mixing sweetened water and mint with whisky or brandy of a recreational drink. That’s how the cocktail came to be. We thought we would doff our hats to this incredible drink today and share an easy recipe that you can make at home. What You’ll Need: 1. 2 ½ ounces bourbon whiskey 2. ½ ounce simple syrup 3. 4-5 fresh mint sprigs (leaves for drink and sprigs for garnish) 4. Crushed ice These are enough for a single glass of a perfectly balanced Mint Julep, so adjust the quantities according to your needs if you’re making for a party. What You’ll Do: 1. Add mint leaves along with simple syrup into a julep cup 2. Muddle the ingredients gently 3. Crush some ice and set aside 4. Add bourbon whiskey to the julep cup and top with crushed ice 5. Stir until the glass becomes frosty 6. Gently clap a mint sprig in your hands and garnish the julep cup with it 7. Serve it in our signature silver cups! You could also try these Mint Julep variations: 1. Mellow the sweetness and give your julep an elegant twist by adding Champagne to the recipe 2. Muddle lemon along with your mint for a citrusy flavor 3. Switch your whiskey for cognac to make a Napoleon Julep 4. Use Spanish white wine as your base and combine it with some peach liqueur for a “softer” version Don’t forget to try these recipes - you’re going to love them! #MintJulep #ClassicRecipe #MintVariations #RefreshingCocktail #SummerDrinks #MintyGoodness #Mixology #BourbonMintJulep #MintyTwist #CocktailRecipes #MintyMojito #MintyFlavors #CocktailHour #MintySip

Difference between Irish and Scotch whisky? While some claim there's no significant difference, the unique production methods, distinct flavors, and even the spelling tell another story. Here are the key differences between them! 1️⃣ Irish whiskey must be crafted in Ireland, and Scotch whisky must come from Scotland. Both require a minimum of three years of aging, 2️⃣ Most Irish whiskeys, such as Jameson, are triple-distilled for a smoother, lighter taste. In contrast, Scotch whisky, like Glenfiddich, is usually distilled twice, resulting in a richer, more robust flavor. 3️⃣ Irish whiskey often includes unmalted barley, as in Redbreast, which adds a creamy texture. Scotch, on the other hand, emphasizes malted barley, and can be smoky if peated, like Laphroaig. 4️⃣ Irish whiskey may age in various wood types, not limited to oak, allowing for diverse flavor profiles. Scotch, however, is aged exclusively in oak casks, contributing to its more classic woody notes. So, which do you prefer—smooth Irish or bold Scotch? Let me know in the comments! Cheers! #sonalholland #masterofwine #scotch #irish #whiskey #whisky #whiskyenthusiasts #whiskylovers