Life Lately: A Girls’ Night Picnic (with Cocktail + Mocktail Recipes)

GIRL'S NIGHT PICNIC

with Cocktail + Mocktail Recipes

For the first time in what feels like years, I had the energy and excitement to host a girls’ night. Perimenopause, busy schedules, and full family life haven’t left much room… but more than anything, not much energy. Lately though, that’s shifted. Thanks to my recent journey with HRT, I finally feel like myself again.

And then there’s this new girl gang… which I’m honestly so thrilled about. There’s something really special about friendships that come into your life at different times, and this past year, I’ve been lucky enough to find some incredible women. They’ve become friends with each other too, and this little posse brings such great conversations, fun, fresh energy into my life. Vibes so good, they inspired me to host again (something I used to love doing!)

Knowing it was coming, I got the garden ready, the house clean, and planned out a simple menu - with cocktails and mocktails to match.

It ended up being one of those nights you don’t want to end. Easy, fun, and so full.

And the drinks were so good I just had to share!

FRENCH 75'S

Ingredients

• 1 oz Gin (Sheringham Seaside Gin is my go-to)
• 0.5 Lemon Juice - fresh squeezed courtesy of GLJ
• 0.5 oz Simple Syrup - recipe below
• 3 oz Prosecco or Champagne
• Garnish - lemon twist is standard - I added a blackberry for fun
• Ice

How To

• Add your gin, lemon and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice
• Shake it up
• Strain into a glass (traditionally French 75's are in champagne glasses but I felt these were more fun)
• Top with champagne and add a garnish

Simple Syrup

• Make your own by bringing 1/2 cup water to a boil, then turn down and add 1/2 cup sugar and stir until dissolved and clear. Then let cool.

APEROL SPRITZ

Ingredients

• 3 oz Prosecco
• 2 oz Aperol
• 3 oz Soda Water
• Ice
• Orange Garnish

How To

• Traditionally the ratio is 3-2-1 with soda water only being 1 oz, but personally I don’t love how sweet it is so add more soda water than a standard recipe.
• Add ice to a wine glass, add all your ingredients and enjoy.

GLO MOCKTAIL

Ingredients

• 4 oz Good Life's Glo
• 3 oz Soda Water
• Ice
• Lime or citrus for garnish

How To

• Add ice to a wine glass and top with glo, soda water and your garnish.

ENJOY!

Cheers to backyard season my friends!

XO, Andrea