Monday, May 13, 2013

Mangia Monday: Cool Cocktails & Hot Appetizers

The cocktail hour sets the scene for your wedding. Start your reception off right with a combination of delicious hors d'oeuvres and refreshing, flavorful cocktails. For a truly spectacular San Diego wedding, take a cue from our region with gorgeous drinks bursting with the colors of the California sunset and hors d'oeuvres full of Southwestern flavors. 



Sunset Fizz
Celebrate the beautiful colors of the California sunset with your signature cocktail, a Sunset Fizz, made by muddling a slice of orange with fresh mint leaves and 1/4 ounce each of gin and Cointreau. Shake the mixture with ice and then top with sparkling wine. An orange slice garnish covered in red currants completes the color scheme.

Chipotle Crab Cake
Bring a little spice to your reception with a Chipotle Crab Cake, a blend of lump crab meat and hot peppers. Serving the classic appetizer on a skewer makes it easier for guests to nibble without getting their hands dirty.




Claret Punch
Claret Punch, a richly flavored cocktail, offers a slightly sweet, slightly sour taste with a gorgeous deep red color. The drink is made by combining three parts red wine with one part lemon juice and a dash of orange curacao with simple syrup to taste. Garnish with a strand of red currants and a wedge or two of pineapple.


Pepper Bite
Your vegetarian friends will thank you for serving this ricotta-stuffed pepper, flavorful and meatless appetizer. The creamy cheese tempers the heat of the pepper.