Photo RachelRay.com

While most dermatologists and doctors preach the benefits of drinking more water, water gets boring. Perhaps you’ve done just about everything to make your plain glass of water more enjoyable. If you’re running out of ideas and are tempted to reach for a caffeinated beverage you’re not alone. We talked to the experts who gave us six fresh infused water recipes that’ll pack a punch of flavor and add health and beauty benefits to your H2O! If you’re new to infused water it’s easy. Chop up the ingredients, let them sit over night in your water pitcher and sip your way to healthy hydration inside and out.

I will admit I love margaritas!  The problem is everyplace you go makes their margarita different and it is like playing Russian Roulette you never know what you are going to get.  Hence, I am very picky and when I order margaritas I always ask the servers or bartenders what is in theirs.  I am a purist with a margarita.  I like simple no fancy stuff and this recipe below is probably the best you can get! I know there are many of you ready that are saying you only like ones with an orange liquor in it but do me a favor just try this recipe then make up your mind!

One last thing!  Do NOT  Jose Cuervo or another cheap brand.  Cheap tequila is cheap for a reason...yuck!

• 1 ½ oz. FOS Greek Mastiha
• ¾ oz. orange liqueur, such as Triple Sec or Cointreau 
• ¾ oz. cranberry juice 
• ½ oz. fresh lime juice 

Combine the vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice and lime juice in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Strain into a martini glass.

Are you like me and always trying to find the perfect drink with the event you are hosting?

Freixenet sent me an email with some recipes for summer drinks and I think this one tops the charts for all 4th of July parties!

To go along with the #IHeartBourbon twitter party I put together three of my favorite ones with links to the original authors.

At the bourbon gala we had the pleasure of tasting some different bourbon cocktails. Here are some that were highlighted. Make a cocktail tonight!

Whiskey Sour

1-12 oz can of Frozen Lemonade concentrate
12 oz of Jim Beam Black Bourbon
12 oz of Orange Juice
12 oz of Water

• Mix all four ingredients, pour over crushed ice and serve. Garnish with a cherry or an orange slice.

The Loretto Pear

½ Aisan Pear Diced or Pear Puree
½ Part Vanilla Syrup*
1 ½ Parts of Maker’s Mark Bourbon
¼ Part Fresh Lime Juice Muddle pear and vanilla syrup.

• Add Maker’s Mark and lime juice. Pour into shaker and shake 10 times. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a pear slice.

• *Vanilla Syrup 1 Vanilla Bean, Split 1 Cup of Sugar 1 Cup of Water Combine ingredients and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes. Cool and let rest for 12 hours. Refrigerate up to 4 months.

1792 Orange Slush

2 Cups Sugar
3 4oz. Pkgs. Orange Jell-O
3 Cups Brewed Tea (3 Tea Bags to 3 Cups of Water)
1 Gallon Prepared Orange Juice
1 Gallon Prepared Lemonade
2 Bottles 1792 (750 ml)
Yield: 3 Gallons

• Add dry Jell-O & sugar to hot tea mixture & stir well until dissolved. Then add the other ingredients, and mix well. Freeze, or “slush” in machine.