4 Starbucks Caramel Apple Cider

It's the most wonderful time of the year...when Starbucks has those delicious, limited-time-only seasonal drinks that I crave at all other times of the year.  One of them is their Caramel Apple Cider.  Aside:  Can someone please explain why this isn't on their drive-thru menu?  I can never remember what it's officially called and mumble about apple cider-something-or-other-that's-not-coffee.

I discovered an at-home clone recipe from blogger and fellow mom from E's class, Dixie Delights.  I have literally been stalking this recipe since A first posted it, and I finally got around to making my own after spending approximately $793 buying them at Starbucks.  My recipe ratios are just slightly different, only because I just have apple juice boxes which are 6.75 oz each.

- 2  juice boxes (6.75 oz) of apple juice (I always use no sugar-added like Apple & Eve)
- 4.5 - 5 pumps of Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce syrup (BTW, had you any idea they sell these at their coffee shops...for $8?!?!)
1.5 tsp of caramel.  I've been using a handy little tub of caramel sauce that came with pre-sliced apples ever since I became maimed by that apple slicer.  I'm not ashamed to admit I'm still afraid to use one right now.

But I digress.

In a small saucepan combine all ingredients and heat until just starting to bubble slightly.  Pour into your favorite large mug and roll your eyes in pure bliss.  It's that good.

13 Not-So-Kid-Friendly...Caipirinhas!

Happy Friday! What better way to start off the weekend than with a delicious adult beverage (maybe wait until the kids are tucked away in bed?) Caipirinhas! Please, someone with better knowledge than me correct if I'm wrong, but I believe they are pronounced "Cappa-ree-nya" with a fun little tongue roll on the "r".

My baby sister Liz introduced us to this amazing drink a couple weeks ago - her best friend Melissa who is a supermodel was rooming with some Brazilian models in Milan (oh, what a life! They are right now traveling around Spain and Ibiza together) and they taught her how to make Brazil's national drink, and in turn...you get the picture? Whatever the story, it's delish, and I share it now with you.

You'll need (for two drinks):

2 Limes (washed and quartered)
4 oz Vodka, Rum or lesser-known (but most authentic) Cachaça (OR gingerale/Sprite for virgin)
Brown sugar to taste, about 3-4 tbls
Ice

First, in a container use a muddler on the quartered limes (that is, use something to smoosh them, extracting the juice and oils. Not too much, though, otherwise it could become bitter.) Then add some brown sugar.

You can always add more later, so start with less. Stir. (That is my husband's hairy hand, not mine. Thank goodness.)

Now, add the booze. We used vodka. If you want to make this drink virgin, (kids, I'm talking to you! Mama says no underage alcohol consumption, please) replace the alcohol with gingerale or Sprite and use less sugar. Stir a little more, and pour into tall glasses over ice.

It's both sweet and tart in perfect balance, and reallly drinkable.  Of course, enjoy responsibly!

Inebriated guy: Here’s hoping you’re in Heaven ten minutes before the devil knows you’re dead.
Inebriated girl: What’s that mean?
Inebriated guy: It’s an Irish toast.
Inebriated girl: Oh. Well, here’s to bread, eggs and cinnamon.
Inebriated guy: Huh?
Inebriated: That’s French toast.

Cheers!