cheers to that {cruise-inspired sips}

There's something about being on vacation (especially of the sun-infused variety) that demands a refreshing cocktail. While I'm definitely much more of a hearty drink kind of gal (give me a Manhattan and I'm a happy camper), I can't say no to sipping on something lighter and, dare I say, fruitier, while lounging in a hammock or taking in a tropical ocean breeze. When in Rome (or in this case, the Caribbean), right?

During our at sea adventures with Princess Cruises, we had a few days dedicated to just sailing to our next destination, which oddly enough, I relished in. It was a great chance to simply relax, unwind and appreciate the stretch of ocean surrounding us. For those days in particular, I relied on a few of my vacation standbys: a classic Mojito and my latest obsession, Death in the Afternoon, created by Hemingway himself (all the more reason to love it).

Hope you enjoy!

Mojito

1 ounce fresh lime juice

2 teaspoons of superfine sugar

1 cup crushed ice

12 fresh mint leaves + sprigs for garnish

1 ounces white rum

1 ounce club soda

In a Collins or highball glass, stir lime juice and sugar together until the sugar dissolves. Add 1/4 cup crushed ice. Rub mint leaves around the rim of the glass then tear them in half, adding to the mixture once done. Gently stir and then add rum, rest of the ice and club soda. Stir again and top off with mint sprigs as a garnish. 

Death in the Afternoon

1 1/2 ounces absinthe (but legally speaking, Pernod is a suitable substitute)

4 ounces Brut champagne

Pour absinthe (or a legal substitute) into a champagne flute. Add chilled champagne until the mixture clouds up and serve! Simple and addicting. 

This post was in collaboration with Princess Cruises. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations! 

salud! {happy cinco de mayo}

Sure. It's Monday. But hey, at least Cinco de Mayo gives us a little excuse to sneak out early, kick our feet up and extend the weekend just a bit longer! While margaritas are the obvious drink of choice today, I love this simple twist I stole from my guy's dad that just requires a splash of Grand Marnier. We opted to give it a spin this weekend and spent a leisurely afternoon sunning ourselves out on the patio. Summertime siestas truly are a godsend, no?

Cadillac Margarita 

1 1/2 oz. tequila 

1 oz. Grand Marnier 

1/4 oz. agave nectar

3/4 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice

an extra lime or two for garnish

salt for rim

Add tequila, agave nectar, some ice and lime juice (we opted to squeeze ours) and shake well. Bonus points for shaking to the beat of a little fiesta music. Take a chilled glass and run a lime wedge along the lip. Dip the glass into some salt (either in a bowl or on a plate) and spin until desired coverage. Add ice cubes and strain drink mixture into glass. Finally, swirl in Grand Marnier on top, throw on your lime wedge for garnish and bottoms up! 

Photos by Dan Johnson

cheers to that {french 75}

You can never have too many cocktail recipes that call for champagne -- especially during the summer months. And lately, instead of sipping on mimosas for our weekend brunches, I've been whipping up an old favorite of mine: French 75. It's extremely easy to throw together and makes for the perfect excuse to bust out the cocktail shaker (instantly assuring your guests you know your way around a bar, even if you really don't). Here's what you need:

1 lemon

3 tablespoons gin (I have Juniper gin here)

1 and a half tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon simple syrup 

1 cup ice cubes

1/4 cup sparkling wine (We've been loving this blanc de blanc by Francis Coppola)

As far as prep:

Combine gin, lemon juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake for about 20 seconds until well mixed. Strain into a chilled champagne flute and top with sparkling wine. Use a paring knife to slice peel from lemon in a long, thin strip. Curl the peel around your finger allowing it to take a spiral shape. Garnish glass. Or if you're like me and completely hopeless when it comes to lemon art, cut a thin slice from lemon and garnish the side of the glass instead. 

And enjoy!

Wine courtesy of Francis Coppola.