Family Reunion Infosheet

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.  The ladies already know this and the guys haven’t given it a single thought yet (and won’t until after Super Bowl Sunday).  But I thought I would plant an idea in everyone’s head, so you might get a little jump this year.

Last year I did a post on aphrodisiac flavors for cocktails.  This year I wanna hit you up about some cool garnish ideas for your drinks (this will be a multi-part post).

Let’s start with ice.  Now every mixology blog has a blurb or ten about using quality ice, and I am no exception.  Pure, filtered  water made into ice cubes makes a difference in all drinks. And yes size matters!  Options are endless on getting good water.  Americans spends billions of dollars a years on bottled water.  Personally I work for a living and don;t have the cash flow for this.  The most frugal way to get great water for making ice is a home water filter, or filtering water pitcher (what I use).  The are cheap, the filter last a month or so for the average family use, and the pitchers have a little built-in timer that tells you when to change the filter.

Ice molds have become popular thing.  And recently, silicone muffin and cake pans have popped up all over.  These work great for ice cubes as well.  You can pick up a heart-shaped muffin pan at your almost any kitchen supply shop.  Because of silicone’s flexibilty, the cubes will pop out no problem.

You don’t have to settle for just plain ice.  Fruit juice makes great ice, or decorate your ice with slices of fruit, herbs or candies inside.  Just make sure the favors you use match the libation of the night.

Next we will hit some cocktails for couples and help set the mood for romance.

¡Salud!