What do you after you have put your kids to bed? Let’s keep this sophisticated and get your mind out of the gutter! I am not asking if you get your freak on. I am talking about having a fun, just you and your mate, cocktail hour!!!

Since the boy was born it is during that time that we break out the latest craft beers that the hubs has brought home from the west coast. It is also the time that we celebrate National Margarita Day (February 22nd in case you were wondering), or make use of our whiskey stones, and generally reminisce about a quieter time before the succubus was born.

One big reason I love my husband is that he is a purist. He believes you should cut out the short cuts, especially when it comes to preparing food and drink. When he makes margaritas he don’t need no stinking margarita mix! That man makes it from scratch. For his hot toddies he slices lemons and places a single piece of clove into each section of the slice. It is overkill, it is the finest detail, and it is perfection.   His eggnog recipe comes from one of the greatest bartenders on the planet – Jeffrey Morgenthaler who works at the greatest place in Portland, Oregon called Clyde Common. The recipe is laborious (especially if you are making an entire pot of it like the hubs does) but it is a work of art. You can learn how to make a single serving of the drink at Moregenthaler’s website here.

There is homemade simple syrup in our fridge always at the ready. Our stemware collection is obnoxious and we own more martini shakers that James Bond would shake, not stir, a stick at. We are sort of cocktail experts over here, so allow me to share with you one of our favorite cocktails to have when the babe is finally sleeping.

 The St. Germain Cocktail

Fill a tall Collins glass with ice.

Add 2 parts brut champagne or sparkling wine,

1 1/2 parts St. Germain and

2 parts Club Soda.

Stir until completely blended and add a twist of lemon to garnish.

This cocktail is perfect for summer as it is cold, lemony,  and refreshing. Find more elderberry liqueur yummies at the St. Germain website.

Photos courtesy of Burnlab on Flickr creative commons