When The Boastful Host was recently asked to pull together a last minute 40th birthday party, we jumped at the chance. Amy recently hit the big 4-0 and mine is quickly approaching, so we absolutely understand the necessity of celebrating this big day (but then again, we also think Tuesday is a good enough excuse to throw a party)!
We didn't have much time, and we needed a theme, so we used the birthday girl's love of fun Mexican food as inspiration for a Fortieth Fiesta!
We didn't have much time, and we needed a theme, so we used the birthday girl's love of fun Mexican food as inspiration for a Fortieth Fiesta!
While Amy started crafting, I immediately went into menu planning mode. Knowing we were doing a fiesta, I assumed a tequila cocktail would be a perfect compliment until the guest of honor said that she doesn't like tequila.Obviously there are tons of other options out there, but what to do that still felt on theme and paired well? How about a Hibiscus Tea and vodka based cocktail to feel tropical?
To make this even more perfect, I had just made a ton of mint simple syrup, so we were going to put all of that deliciousness to work in this cocktail as well.
To make this even more perfect, I had just made a ton of mint simple syrup, so we were going to put all of that deliciousness to work in this cocktail as well.
This isn't the quickest cocktail to put together, but with a little planning, it is well worth it!
Ingredients
Hibiscus Tea Syrup
3 cups water
3/4 cup of loose hibiscus tea
1/2 cup sugar
Small bunch of mint
For Two Cocktails
4 oz hibiscus syrup
4 oz vodka
1.5 oz of fresh lime juice (about 1 large lime)
Sliced jalapeño rounds
Few sprigs of mint
Lime sliced into wheels
Directions:
Hibiscus tea syrup - You'll first need to make the hibiscus tea syrup (you can do this up to 2 weeks in advance). In a saucepan, add ½ cup sugar to 3 cups water and bring to a boil. Add dried hibiscus and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat add a small bunch of mint, and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a jar or glass container and chill until cold.
Cocktails - Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, chilled hibiscus syrup, lime juice, and vodka and shake vigorously to combine. Pour into glasses filled with ice and garnished with a couple of slices of jalapeño, a sprig of mint, and a wheel of line.
Ingredients
Hibiscus Tea Syrup
3 cups water
3/4 cup of loose hibiscus tea
1/2 cup sugar
Small bunch of mint
For Two Cocktails
4 oz hibiscus syrup
4 oz vodka
1.5 oz of fresh lime juice (about 1 large lime)
Sliced jalapeño rounds
Few sprigs of mint
Lime sliced into wheels
Directions:
Hibiscus tea syrup - You'll first need to make the hibiscus tea syrup (you can do this up to 2 weeks in advance). In a saucepan, add ½ cup sugar to 3 cups water and bring to a boil. Add dried hibiscus and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat add a small bunch of mint, and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a jar or glass container and chill until cold.
Cocktails - Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, chilled hibiscus syrup, lime juice, and vodka and shake vigorously to combine. Pour into glasses filled with ice and garnished with a couple of slices of jalapeño, a sprig of mint, and a wheel of line.
Feedback from the party was that this cocktail was a HUGE hit! A flavor a bit out of the ordinary, not too sweet, and a little bit of heat seemed to be a recipe for success. We'd love to know if you try this one and what you think.
Make every day a fiesta!
Adrienne
Make every day a fiesta!
Adrienne
