National Margarita Day is TODAY.

We love tequila and we love margs, so in honor of the ‘holiday’ I thought I’d reshare the specific, micromanaged margarita I always make myself AND ask for at restaurants.

To preface this situation I want to say that I used to be a bartender. Whenever I post about this cocktail there’s an occasional DM about how I shouldn’t be micromanaging the bartender. (Side note: I was not only a bartender but I worked in the restaurant industry for 10 years. Started as a hostess when I was 14, went on to cocktailing for 4 years, & then bartended for about 4 years. When people used to know what they liked, it made my job easier. In fact, I embraced someone who knew what they wanted- I considered it a challenge to sharpen my bartending skills. Funny because I actually met one of my very good friends, Carly, when her husband, Adam, ordered a very specific margarita in a chilled martini glass- I liked that they knew what they wanted).

So ya, I disagree.

Here’s the thing: I know what I want. I’m specific. Just because I know what I want doesn’t make me a bitch. Also you can count on the fact that I am always kind. I say “please” & “thank you” and always tip 20% or more. There’s no rude micromanaging going on- just specific directions for what I like.

Personally, that’s how I believe you get what you want in life, you know?

You ask for it.

Direct, straight to the point, communication. Kindness is obviously important but there’s nothing wrong with knowing EXACTLY what you want.

Anyway, back to the margarita.

This weekend I made these at home & added a splash of POM ( pomegranate juice ) with some fresh pomegranate seeds. However, THIS is what I ask for when I’m out on the town:

THE SKINNY CONFIDENTIAL MICROMANAGED MARGARITA RECIPE:

+ 1.5 ounce blanco tequila
+ 1 ounce of Cointreau ( use Triple Sec if this is unavail )
+ limes
+ a little lemon
+ a speck of agave ( a fucking SPECK)
+ option: 2 squeezes of a grapefruit or even pomegranates
+ half rim of salt or Tajin

+ use a lime to rim the glass & then add salt to only half the rim. In a shaker add 3/4 fresh lime juice, one squeeze of lemon, then add Cointreau (or Triple Sec), & tequila.

Rule of Thumb: when making a cocktail, start with the cheapest ingredients first & finish with the most expensive last. Add ice to the shaker last (you don’t want the ice to melt into your ingredients). Add ice to rimmed glass & shake and strain your cocktail over the ice. Garnish with a grapefruit slice or lime wedge.  Latley I prefer a Baccarat glass but the classic blue rimmed glasses are always chic.

Ask for what you want & you shall receive. 

Rest assured you can ask for this if you’re at a hole in the wall Mexican bar (my favorite to be honest) or at a 5 star resort. In all my life, no one has ever turned this micromanaged marg down. THEY MAY EVEN ASK IF THEY CAN HAVE THE OVER-POUR, you know what I mean?

Hot Tip: Instead of slamming greasy chips, fatty burritos, & sugar-filled, pre-mixed, crappy chemical margaritas down my throat, I go for blue corn chips, tacos on corn tortillas or lettuce cups with veggies, Pico de Gallo, & black beans, & this delicious MARG.

And if you’re enjoying National Margarita day at home you have got to try Katie’s peach habanero salsa with Siete chips. Chef’s kiss.

That’s it, that’s all. Do you have any drinks you’re very specific about? Let me know below. And remember, always be kind.

Cheers,

x, Lauryn

+ See ya hangovers. Check out this low sugar wine.

++ Why you need Kris Jenner’s favorite glassware.

GET TIPSY:

The post THE SKINNY CONFIDENTIAL MICROMANAGED MARGARITA FOR YA appeared first on The Skinny Confidential.

We all love a good cocktail during the holidays. 

Cocktails are so quick and easy to make, which is why they make the perfect addition to any good holiday party. 

They’re a total crowd pleaser and a super easy way to add variety to your drink menu. Plus, a drink menu for your guests is an easy way to keep things streamlined, and semi under control. 

So, if you’re currently dreaming up the perfect drink menu for your next little holiday soiree, you’re in luck. Because today, we’re sharing a roundup of Prosecco cocktails that are perfect for various holidays throughout the year.

5 Holiday Prosecco Cocktails

What Is Prosecco?

Prosecco is an Italian white wine, also sometimes known as an Italian sparkling wine because of it’s larger, frothy bubbles that rise to the surface like champagne.

In general, Prosecco is slightly sweeter than champagne (although still very dry) with notes of lemon, citrus, green apple, and pear. YUM!

Prosecco is made by a slightly different process than champagne, and comes from the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia wine regions of Italy. Rather than going through the traditional method like champagne, Prosecco is made via the tank method. 

There are three main types of Prosecco: sparkling (Spumante), semi-sparkling (Frizzante) and still (Tranquillo), depending on the perlage. And Prosecco is super dynamic, with varieties ranging from dry to extra brut, depending on your favored taste. 

When it comes to cocktails, you’ll want to avoid the still altogether. The bubbles are non-negotiable, right? Also, if you’re not into sweetness, you could go for extra brut. 

Why Prosecco? 

It’s light & bubbly texture just adds a little something extra to a regular cocktail. It not only enhances the taste of a good cocktail, but the fresh aroma as well. 

Prosecco also has a lower alcohol content, meaning you & your guests can catch a buzz and keep it going. No crashing after just one or two drinks. 

On top of all that Prosecco is also a palette cleanser. Which means each and every sip of your Prosecco cocktail concoction will make your party food, appetizers, hors d’oeuvres, that much more delicious. 

Finally, without further ado, here are our top holiday Prosecco cocktails. Grab a bottle of Prosecco, break out the bar cart, & let’s get into it.

Note: all of these recipes are for ( 1 ) drink. Scale up depending on the size of your party, or treat yourself to a party for 1.

NYE Aperol Spritz

A gold drink to bring in the new year? We think YES!

1.5 ounces Aperol 

1 ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 ounce simple syrup* 

Prosecco

Perrier sparkling water

1 slice of lemon

Mint for garnish 

Ice

Instructions for cocktail: Place four ice cubes in a white wine glass. Place the lemon slice on the side of the glass, and then add the Aperol, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill the glass with Prosecco until the glass is almost full, then finish up with a touch of sparkling water. Garnish with mint. 

 * Simple Syrup:

1 cup organic sugar

1 cup of water

Instructions for simple syrup: add water & sugar to a saucepan and boil over low heat. Stir until all the residual sugar dissolves & it’s clear. Bottle the syrup a funnel does wonders here & put it in the refrigerator.

Blackberry Lime Pink Valentine’s Drink

A pretty pink drink for a day filled with love (& partying). This one comes with a few more steps, but the end product is totally worth it. 

6-10 fresh blackberries

1 ounce lime juice 

1 tbsp raw, organic honey

Prosecco 

Mint leaves 

1 lime slice 

Ice

Instructions: First, in a small bowl or jar, add freshly squeezed lime juice, fresh blackberries, fresh mint leaves, and raw, organic honey. Use a muddler (or a spoon or fork) to create a thick, mashed mixture. 

Next, add four ice cubes to any cocktail glass. Then, strain the berry mixture into the cocktail glass with a strainer to remove seeds & leaves. Use a spoon or fork to press the mixture to ensure you’ve strained all you can. Top with Prosecco. Garnish with blackberries, a slice of lime, and a few mint leaves. 

Fourth of July Summertime Spritz 

Alcohol & antioxidants to spice up your hot summer day? Yes, please! Plus this cocktail is red, white, & blue all the way. 

4 blueberries

1 strawberry, sliced

1 tbsp lime juice

2 slices of lime

A splash of ginger ale

A splash of freshly made lemonade

Prosecco

Sugar 

Instructions: Use a slice of lime to coat the edges of a champagne flute, then sugar the rim. Add blueberries & strawberries to the flute. In a cocktail shaker, add ginger ale, lemonade, lemon juice, and ice. Shake well. Strain the cocktail mixture into the flute. Top it off with Prosecco. Garish with a slice of lime

Autumn Orange Thanksgiving Spritz

Add a little more orange to the Thanksgiving table with these adorbable citrus cocktails. Not only is this cocktail so refreshing, but it’s also super easy to make. 

1.5 ounces Grand Marnier

1 ounce lemon juice

Prosecco

1 orange twist

Instructions: Add Grand Marnier & lemon juice to a champagne flute. Top off with Prosecco and garnish with an orange twist. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. 

Sparkling Christmas Cranberry Cocktail 

You can’t talk about Prosecco without mentioning cranberry juice at least once. And what’s more fitting for Christmas than a festive (& very red) cranberry Prosecco cocktail? 

1.5 ounces Grand Marnier 

1 ounce cranberry juice (naturally sweetened)

Prosecco

1 lime wedge 

6 cranberries

Instructions: Add Grand Marnier, cranberry juice, and ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake, and then strain the mixture into a cocktail glass of your choice. Top with Prosecco. Garnish with a lime wedge & some cranberries. 

Fresh, festive, & fruity cocktails galore.

There are a lot of Proseccos available so be sure to find the one that you like. We love one that’s organic with the lowest sugar possible. Here’s our pick for a nice everyday one, and a brut that’s not so sweet. You can never go wrong with Dry Farm Wines, too. Stalk this post for more on the no hangover wine.

What cocktails are you loving right now? Lauryn’s latest is a sexed up ranch water. It’s just ice, 1.5 inch of blanco tequila, Pellegrino, an inch of lime juice and a lemon wedge. In the Baccarat tumbler, of course.

x, The Skinny Confidential team

+ stalk Kris Jenner’s favorite glassware here.

++ check out Lauryn’s favorite things of 2023.

GET BUZZED:

The post 5 Holiday Prosecco Cocktails For a Fun Little Buzz appeared first on The Skinny Confidential.

WELL, HELLO.

There is nothing worse than waking up with a crusty, dehydrating hangover. Especially when it’s a hangover from only a glass or two of wine. Seriously, like what is worse? 

I’ve tried wines from all over the world & a lot of companies add shit to their wine. This means additives, aromas, colors, flavor alterations, sulfites & SUGAR. Yes. added. sugar. in. your. wine. Some brands add up to 50 grams of sugar- so essentially it’s like just eating a huge strawberry frosted cake with dinner. So it’s no surprise you wake up with a headache.

And honestly I would rather have a glass of no sugar added wine WITH a slice of strawberry frosted cake. 

A podcast guest raved to me about DRY FARM WINES years ago & after doing tons of research (and a lot of boozy brunches), I was FLOORED.

Floored because no hangover, better taste, and no headaches.

Like, I really put it to the test, and even though it was a few years ago, I remember that I had TWO HEAPING GLASSES of a Tuscan red, ate how I normally ate & went to bed.

The next morning, nothing.

Not even a speck of a headache. I didn’t even increase my water intake. So I decided to have my sister Mimi & Westin try it (don’t mean to brag but Westin knows his shit when it comes to alcohol & Mimi loves her wine, so they were the perfect people to test it out).

They both said….. NO HANGOVER.

And like also check this out- DRY FARM WINES are all the things:

♡ natural, sustainable & biodynamic

♡ farmed & made using traditional wine making practices

♡ no sulfites & no commercial yeast

♡ they use an independent certified enologist to test all wines so they can guarantee the wines are SUGAR-FREE (THANK GOD !).

♡ they source the BEST wines from Italy & France

So presenting: The Skinny Confidential’s GIGGLE WATER BOX

A very pink curated box filled with all my personal favorite wines- I tested SO many wines and edited them down to the creme de la creme just for you.

What’s inside? Glad you asked.

♡ 2021 Craig and Carla Hawkins Mielie Orange, South Africa, Chenin Blanc:

This tart wine is ideal with spicy food. You guys know I love to add jalapeño to everything & this one complements spice let me tell you. 

♡ 2019 Casalin Langhe Rosso, Italy, Nebbiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot:

Specifically the exact selection my husband and I would choose for a dinner wine. Think: super dry, not syrupy/sweet. 

♡ 2020 Château la Baronne M…Autrement, France, Mourvèdre:

This is for pasta night ! Steak night ! Fig board night ! This one’s for the foodie who loves a good, bold red.

♡ 2020 Domaine De La Fruitière Muscadet Le Voyage Extraordinaire, France, Melon de Bourgogne:

Citrus, light, lemony & tart. It’s so not heavy- enjoy at a leisurely brunch. AND OMIGOD I LOVE IT WITH OYSTERS.

♡ NV Domaine du Penlois Crémant de Bourgogne, France, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir:

If you like Champagne, this wine is for you BABY. Add ice to make it a La Piscine. Bubbles galore!

♡ 2021 Château de Passavant Rosé de Loire, France, Cabernet Franc:

French feels, something to enjoy poolside- perhaps add ice? Pair with prosciutto, melon, & maybe a little Gruyère cheese.

So there you have it. The perfectly curated, very TSC wines of your dreams. We’ve totally got you covered. Think a sparkling, effervescent bubbly champagne that is just ideal for a boozy, cute brunch, a dry Italian red that will make you feel like you’re enjoying a leisurely lunch in Milan, and of course, a tart, bougie white to pair with a Brie cheese, cornishion, fig jam board. And DUH, we didn’t forget the most drinkable, fun wine there is, a rosé to enjoy ice cold on a patio at happy hour.

You guys have to check out the podcast episode the founder. Like…it will blow you away when you learn about all the nasty shit we’ve been drinking. Literally so eye-opening.

As you can see, partnering up with DRY FARMS WINE was a no brainer. SO I hope you love this curated selection of all my organic favorites just for you, wrapped in pink, delivered straight to your door- DUH. Also, such a good, unique gift for the wine lover.

 Cheers, x Lauryn Bosstick of The Skinny Confidential.

*Disclaimer: And just as a reminder, due to alcohol laws, there are a few states in the US we also cannot ship to (Utah, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Kansas)*

+ stalk this cocktail smoking cloche, perfect for gifting.

++ get festive with this hot buttered rum.

GET BUZZED:

The post The Skinny Confidential’s GIGGLE WATER BOX: Ready For a Curated Case of Sustainable, HANGOVER-FREE Wine? appeared first on The Skinny Confidential.

There is nothing worse than waking up with a hangover. Especially when it’s a hangover from only a glass or two of wine. Seriously, tell me what’s worse.

Well, I have a preventative measure… but first, let’s set the scene:

There you are at 6 pm, pouring yourself a glass of chilled rosé while making some cauliflower thins & avocado. You’re enjoying the wine so you pour yourself another glass then you go to bed around 10 & wake up with a headache. Like the psycho that I am I had to investigate why the hell I would wake up with headache from just a glass or two of wine. Like, this is not ok.

Sidenote: anyone else so inspired by Julia Haart’s wine glasses in My Unorthodox Life? So excited to sip an Italian red out of it when the baby is out.

I’ve tried so many different wines from all over the world, & I feel like I’ve finally figured it out: a lot of companies add shit to their wine. This means additives, aromas, colors, flavor alterations, sulfites & SUGAR. Yes. added. sugar. in. your. wine. So it’s no surprise that after two glasses you wake up with a headache. Because it’s basically like you had two Snickers bars. It’s disgusting that we buy a bottle of wine from Italy & think there’s no sugar added when there’s actually up to 40 grams.

THE BEST WINE FOR A HEADACHE-FREE MORNING

Anyways, as you know, a while ago my friend Katie of The Wellness Mama was on the podcast & she told me all about this company called Dry Farm Wines. The reason I was IMMEDIATELY interested is because they deliver it right to your door monthly – you know I love a delivery. Also, you can guarantee their wines:

♡ are natural, sustainable & biodynamic.

♡ are farmed & made using traditional wine making practices.

♡ have no chemical additives for aroma, color, flavor or texture enhancement.

♡ have no or minimal filtering/fining.

♡ have no or minimal addition of SO2 (sulfites).

♡ have no commercial yeast for flavor alteration.

♡ use minimal intervention in the vinification and aging.

To take it a step further I researched & learned about how specific they are about choosing their wines & they only procure authentic, natural wines.

THEN I TOOK IT EVEN FURTHER…. & got on the phone with the owners. They educated me about their wine, its low alcohol percentage & why there’s so much sugar & sulfites added to other wines. I told them that I love red wines from Italy, love rosé, & so they sent me some wine to try. They just get it.

It was time to put it to the test- always wanna human guinea pig myself for you guys. I had TWO HEAPING GLASSES of a Tuscan red, ate how I normally ate & went to bed.

The next morning, nothing.

Not even a speck of a headache. I didn’t even increase my water intake. So I decided to have my sister Mimi & best friend Westin try it ( don’t mean to brag but Westin knows his shit when it comes to alcohol & Mimi loves her wine, so they were the perfect people to test it out ).

They both said….. NO HANGOVER.

Some more fun facts about Dry Farm Wines:

♡ they use an independent certified enologist to test all wines so they can guarantee the wines are SUGAR FREE ( thank the lord ).

♡ they ensure every wine meets strict standards of health & purity ( we don’t want a bunch of shit in our wine that doesn’t need to be there ).

♡ they work with small family farmers to offer wine that’s grown & made the way nature intended.

♡ they support small, organic, natural wine growers with fair trade pricing.

♡ they verify a lower alcohol content & sulfites.

I want to talk about the lower alcohol content for a minute… having a shot of hard liquor is not the same as enjoying a glass of wine. SIPPING on a drink with a lower alcohol content gives your liver time to process the alcohol & it doesn’t overwhelm it. There’s such a fine line with drinking because in moderation it can be so beneficial ( less stress, lower inflammation, reduced risk of stroke & dementia ), but in excess it can be so deadly & really bad for your brain.

It’s nice to know that Dry Farm Wines never source wines that have more than 12.5% alcohol. So you can really enjoy an evening glass of wine without going too far, ya know?

There aren’t a lot of companies that seem to be able to make these same claims.

& not only that, I also feel there aren’t a lot of owners that care the way these owners care. To hop on the phone with them to hear their whole story was so interesting to hear & you can tell it’s their passion & craft to bring quality wine to customers everywhere.

Personally, I’m now a fan & felt like I needed to share this brand with you guys because it’s very TSC-esque. If you’re interested in checking them out just click here, then click SHOP & choose your delivery frequency, red, white or mixed, & then how many bottles you’d like. Done! I highly recommend the reds.

Anyways, stalk Dry Farm Wines & see for yourself.

That’s my spiel on wine. Thought you guys would love to know all these interesting factoids. I’m off to pour my first glass of the night & enjoy some dried mango.

Oh wait, before we go, just wanted to share with you guys some of my favorite cocktail gadgets & happy hour accessories. Duh, I ordered Julia Haart’s wine glasses before episode 1 was over. But I have some other fun tools that make opening a bottle of wine or making a cocktail an ‘experience’. Stalk all my happy hour favs here.

x, lauryn

+ this cocktail smoker will really uplift your at-home drinks.

++ check out the summer ‘it’ drink you have to try.

SHOP THE POST

The post SEE YA LATER HANGOVERS: THE BEST WINE FOR A HEADACHE-FREE MORNING appeared first on The Skinny Confidential.

In my last post about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale I promised to tell you about the cocktail smoker that Westin bought Michael for his birthday.

You may have seen it on my Instagram, but I wanted to talk about it here & also give you Westin’s favorite cocktail recipes that can be SMOKED.

This smoking cloche reminds me of The Beauty & The Beast– ya know when they pull that glass cloche/dome thing off of the rose ?? WELL, this one is even more magical. It really kicks your Mezcal margarita with a half rim of Tajin up a notch – oh, & extra spicy please if we’re being annoying.

So when it comes to your cocktails, this smoker totally changes the game & if you’re also into cool drinks, this post is for you.

How To Make Your Own Smoked Cocktails At Home

The aesthetic is so cute, the base is acacia wood, the glass dome is huge & boy oh boy does it work. It’s BPA & lead free, comes with the handheld smoker & smoking chips. So the only thing you need to buy separately are 4 AA batteries & a torch-style lighter ( & your craft cocktail ingredients ).

Speaking of which, let’s get into Westin’s cocktail recipes.

WESTIN’S FAVORITE COCKTAILS TO SMOKE:

♡ Smoked Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

+ 2 ounces bourbon

+ 2 teaspoon demerara syrup

+ 2 dashes angostura bitters

+ 1 dash bitter truth aromatic bitters

+ Garnish: 1 orange twist

DIRECTIONS:

Stir all the ingredients over ice, then strain into a rocks glass over 1 large ice cube. Garnish with the orange twist.

♡ Smoked Mezcal Margarita

Ingredients:

+ 2 ounces Mezcal

+ 3/4 ounce cointreau

+ 1 ounce lime juice

+ 1/4 ounce agave nectar

+ Garnish: 1 lime wheel 

DIRECTIONS:

Rim half of a rocks glass with Tajin. Shake all the ingredients with ice, then strain into the glass over ice cubes. Then garnish with the lime wheel.

♡ Smoked Manhattan

Ingredients:

+ 2.5 ounces rye whiskey

+ 1 ounce sweet vermouth

+ 1 dash angostura bitters

+ Garnish: 1 maraschino cherry 

DIRECTIONS:

Stir all the ingredients over ice, then strain into a chilled coupe glass. Then garnish with maraschino cherry.

Needless to say my favorite cocktail to smoke is the spicy Mezcal margarita with a half rim of Tajin. But if you haven’t tried Tajin yet, it’s a MUST.

In fact, it’s pretty simple to smoke your cocktail. You make your drink, then place it in on the wood base & cover it with the dome. You put the smoking chips in the little handheld smoker, use your torch to get it all smoky & then leave your drink there for a few minutes. Take it out & enjoy. Cheers!

In addition, this smoking cocktail cloche is such a great gift idea if you know someone who likes to make craft cocktails at home. Over the last year a lot of people picked up some new hobbies & making cool drinks at home is one of them.

It’s just such a sexy gift & looks so good on a bar cart. Michael is so hard to buy for so that fact that Westin found this is so clever. Oh, & you should know that you could also use this to smoke meats & cheese. Yum.

Now you have a fun gift idea, some craft cocktail recipes & also an amazing spinach & artichoke dip to try.

Would love to know if there are any cocktails you think we should try next in the smoker. In fact, I think a Bloody Mary would be so major.

x, lauryn

+ scope this post on the very chic, very French summer drink.

++ if you’re not into booze, check out these 3 collagen tea recipes.

SHOP THE POST:

The post How To Make Your Own Smoked Cocktails At Home appeared first on The Skinny Confidential.

Hello hello. Happy 3 day weekend!

Tomorrow is Labor Day & I’m sure the alcohol options are in full effect. To streamline things for you guys, I wanted to do a post completely dedicated to my 3 most favorite cocktail recipes- a vodka kombucha, á la piscine de champagne, & a micromanaged skinny margarita.

& get excited because I’ve also included my favorite wine that will leave you with NO HANGOVER. That’s right people. Wake up on Tuesday, ready for the office, feeling fresh as a fucking daisy. k?

Let’s get into it:

♡ MINT KOMBUCHA VODKAS

+ 1-2 ounces of vodka ( I like gluten-free Tito’s )

 + A couple splashes of sparkling water

+ A couple of splashes of Kombucha ( guava is amazing )

+ Fresh mint ( I like A LOT )

+ Shaved ginger

+ Grapefruit bitters ( if you don’t have this, use a squeeze of lemon )

+ Handful of ice

Directions: add ice to a chilled glass. Add vodka & top with a little sparkling water. Add 1/2 cup of your favorite Kombucha. Grab mint & clap it between your hands ( << this brings out the flavor ). Use mint as a garnish & mix it into the cocktail. Top with a couple dashes of grapefruit bitters ( or lemon ) & shave some ginger on top ( use a cheese grater to shave ginger! ). Option: add raspberries for a festive flair. CHEERS!

Some cool things about kombucha? Glad you asked: ( via )

♡ liver detoxification
♡ improved pancreas function
♡ increased energy
♡ better digestion
♡ improved mood ( helps with anxiety/depression )
♡ kills Candida ( yeast )
♡ helps nutrient assimilation
♡ weight loss

♡ Á LA PISCINE DE CHAMPAGNE

+ champagne

+ a ton of ice

+ huge wine goblet

Directions: grab your goblet & pour yourself a nice big glass of champagne. Throw in your ice & enjoy this ice cold, chic, very French, beverage.

A little backstory here:

I was first introduced to it by, you guessed it, Ingrid. She lives in Monaco & we were at this cute little restaurant called Petite Maison in Nice. Ingrid casually ordered ‘à la piscine de champagne.’ Immediately I had 100 questions.

A big goblet of champagne showed up, packed with ice cubes. As I was guzzling, Ingrid explained this is the chic way to drink slower. & while you’re drinking, you’re hydrating from the ice & staying cool in the heat.

I very much liked this idea because I’m someone who will down a flute of champagne in 5 seconds because it’s so easy to drink. But when it’s in a goblet with lots of ice, you tend to drink it slower. You don’t get buzzed a quickly. Perfect for some Labor Day fun.

♡ TSC MICROMANAGED SKINNY MARGARITA

+ 1.5 ounce blanco tequila

+ 1 ounce of Cointreau ( use Triple Sec if this is unavail )

+ limes ( tons )

+ a little lemon

+ a speck of agave ( like a fucking SPECK ! )

+ option: 2 squeezes of a grapefruit or even pomegranates

+ half rim of salt, always

Directions: use a lime to rim the glass & then add salt to only half the rim. In a martini shaker add 3/4 fresh lime juice, one squeeze of lemon, then add Cointreau ( or Triple Sec ), & tequila. rule of thumb: when making a cocktail, start with the cheapest ingredients first & finish with the most expensive last. Add ice to shaker ( you don’t want the ice to melt into your ingredients, so do this last ). Add ice to rimmed glass & shake and strain your cocktail over the ice. Garnish with a grapefruit slice or lime wheel. GET NAKED WASTED.

Here’s the thing with a micromanaged margarita…

I know what I want. I’m specific. Just because I know what I want doesn’t make me a bitch. Also you can count on the fact that I am always kind. I say “please” & “thank you” and always tip 20% or more. There’s no rude micromanaging going on- just specific directions for what I like. Direct, straight to the point, communication. Kindness is obviously important but there’s nothing wrong with knowing EXACTLY what you want.

♡ THE NO HANGOVER WINE

There is nothing worse than waking up with a hangover. Especially when it’s a hangover from only a glass or two of wine. Seriously tell me what’s worse.

Well, I have a preventative measure… but first, let’s set the scene:

There you are at 6 pm, pouring yourself a glass of chilled rosé while making some cauliflower thins & avocado. You’re enjoying the wine so you pour yourself another glass then you go to bed around 10 & wake up with a headache. Like the psycho that I am I had to investigate why the hell I would wake up with headache from just a glass or two of wine. Like, this is not ok.

I’ve tried so many different wines from all over the world, & I feel like I’ve finally figured it out: a lot of companies add shit to their wine. This means additives, aromas, colors, flavor alterations, sulfites & SUGAR. Yes. added. sugar. in. your. wine. So it’s no surprise that after two glasses you wake up with a headache because it’s basically like you had two Snickers bars. It’s disgusting that we buy we buy a bottle of wine from Italy & think there’s no sugar added when there’s actually up to 40 grams.

Anyways, as you know, I recently had my friend Katie of The Wellness Mama on TSC podcast & she told me all about this company called Dry Farm Wines. The reason I was IMMEDIATELY interested is because they deliver it right to your door monthly – you know I love a delivery. Also, you can guarantee their wines:

♡ are natural, sustainable & biodynamic.

♡ are farmed & made using traditional wine making practices.

♡ have no chemical additives for aroma, color, flavor or texture enhancement.

♡ have no or minimal filtering/fining.

♡ have no or minimal addition of SO2 (sulfites).

♡ have no commercial yeast for flavor alteration.

♡ use minimal intervention in the vinification and aging.

To take it a step further I researched & learned about how specific they are about choosing their wines & they only procure authentic, natural wines.

THEN I TOOK IT EVEN FURTHER…. & got on the phone with the owners. They educated me about their wine, it’s low alcohol percentage & why there’s so much sugar & sulfites added to other wines. I told them that I love red wines from Italy, love rosé, & so they sent me some wine to try. They just get it.

It was time to put it to the test- always wanna human guinea pig myself for you guys. I had TWO HEAPING GLASSES of a Tuscan red, ate how I normally ate & went to bed.

The next morning, nothing. Not even a speck of a headache. I didn’t even increase my water intake. So I decided to have my sister Mimi & best friend Westin try it ( don’t mean to brag but Westin knows his shit when it comes to alcohol & Mimi loves her wine, so they were the perfect people to test it out ).

They both said….. NO HANGOVER.

Some more fun facts about Dry Farm Wines:

♡ they use an independent certified enologist to test all wines so they can guarantee the wines are SUGAR FREE ( thank the lord ).

♡ they ensure every wine meets strict standards of health & purity ( we don’t want a bunch of shit in our wine that doesn’t need to be there ).

♡ they work with small family farmers to offer wine that’s grown & made the way nature intended.

♡ they support small, organic, natural wine growers with fair trade pricing.

♡ they verify a lower alcohol content & sulfites.

I want to talk about the lower alcohol content for a minute… having a shot of hard liquor is not the same as enjoying a glass of wine. SIPPING on a drink with a lower alcohol content gives your liver time to process the alcohol & it doesn’t overwhelm it. There’s such a fine line with drinking because in moderation it can be so beneficial ( less stress, lower inflammation, reduced risk of stroke & dementia ), but in excess it can be so deadly & really bad for your brain.

It’s nice to know that Dry Farm Wines never source wines that have more than 12.5% alcohol so you can really enjoy an evening glass of wine without going too far, ya know?

There aren’t a lot of companies that seem to be able to make these same claims. & not only that, I also feel there aren’t a lot of owners that care the way these owners care. To hop on the phone with them to hear their whole story was so interesting to hear & you can tell it’s their passion & craft to bring quality wine to customers everywhere.

Personally, I’m now a fan & felt like i needed to share this brand with you guys because it’s very TSC-esque. If you’re interested in checking them out just click here, then click SHOP & choose your delivery frequency, red, white or mixed, & then how many bottles you’d like. Done! I highly recommend the reds.

Anyways, stalk Dry Farm Wines & see for yourself.

So that is my alcohol guide to Labor Day. Hopefully this makes your life a bit easier. Having these ingredients on hand is just so efficient in my opinion. These skinny drinks make all the difference. If you’re looking for some other drink options, check out the booze section on TSC, one of them is bound to have you covered.

x, lauryn

+ check out my spiked apple fizz recipe here.

++ also scope a homemade peach bellini recipe.

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The post Some Labor Day Cocktails For Ya and A ‘No Hangover’ Wine appeared first on The Skinny Confidential.

à la Piscine de Champagne

Let’s just start off with a little history on this amazing drink. I was first introduced to it by, you guessed it, Ingrid. She lives in Monaco & we were at this cute little restaurant called Petite Maison in Nice. Ingrid casually ordered ‘à la piscine de champagne.’ Immediately I had 100 questions.

A big goblet of champagne showed up, packed with ice cubes. As I was guzzling, Ingrid explained this is the chic way to drink slower. & while you’re drinking, you’re hydrating from the ice & staying cool in the heat.

I very much liked this idea because I’m someone who will down a flute of champagne in 5 seconds because it’s so easy to drink. But when it’s in a goblet with lots of ice, you tend to drink it slower. You don’t get buzzed a quickly.

No fear, this drink isn’t just for women, men enjoy it too. Michael loves to order Domaine Ott rosé or Veuve Clicquot in Ice Jacket & a bunch of ice & pours it into a white wine glass. In my opinion it’s something everyone needs to try. It’s very French, very chic & very bougie in a good way.

“For years, Bill Murray has enjoyed an unorthodox alcoholic drink: Champagne on ice. “The way I like to drink it is in a big pint glass with ice,” the actor once said. “I fill it with ice and I pour the Champagne in it, because Champagne can never be too cold.”

Of course, this goes against centuries of tradition and the advice of Champagne makers, who have long believed that the wine has a completeness and harmony that should be enjoyed neat. To dilute the flavors and aromas with ice was gauche.

But it turns out Mr. Murray was a trendsetter. Others are just now catching up. At events including Coachella, the tennis tournament in Indian Wells, Calif., and a party for the men’s wear label Orlebar Brown during the recent shows in New York, the attendees were, heretically, drinking Champagne on ice.

The driver of the trend, the French Champagne producer Moët Chandon also known simply as Moët.  Benoît Gouez, the company’s chef de cave, said his colleagues noticed Champagne sales slumped during the summer months, and blamed the drink’s formal tux-and-gown reputation.

Inspired by jet-setters in the south of France, who, like Mr. Murray, have long added ice to their Champagne (the drink is called a piscine — or pool), Mr. Gouez conceived Moët Ice Impérial, a Champagne designed specifically to be consumed over ice. Think of it as a looser, T-shirt-and-halter-top Champagne.

It has become more of a party drink,” Mr. Gouez said. “New generations are looking for more freedom, a more casual approach.” – via

YES, you’ll say it goes against traditions & advice of champagne makers who say ice has no place in champagne. But that’s neither here nor there. I’m here to tell you that this drink is on the pulse & all the trendsetters are drinking it. You can even find Olivia Palermo with a huge goblet of ice & champagne.

As the article already mentions, this drink is inspired by the jet-setters in the South of France because it’s so hot here. Sure you can reach for a frosé, but why not feel French & sip on a cocktail la piscine de Champagne.  Oh I almost forgot, la piscine means pool in French. Wink!

& like Bill Murray says: “You don’t want to crash. you want to keep that buzz, that bling, that smile.”

With love from Antibes,

x, lauryn

+ if you’re more of a frosé girl, check out my watermelon frosé here.

++ & if you’re more into hard alcohol I got some vodka kombucha for ya.

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The post The Summer ‘IT’ Drink: à la Piscine de Champagne appeared first on The Skinny Confidential.

ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT- so maybe I’m not the best person to show you how to open champagne but I figured maybe a post on walking you through it could help?

To be honest I was the WORST employee on the planet. No really, I was like the worst.

I was late, worked on my blog in the bathroom stall, made to-do lists for The Skinny Confidential, & even snuck in taking Instagrams…all while mixing Bleu cheese martinis & entertaining guests. ( WHAT A GREAT LESSON IN HOW TO MULTI-TASK! ).

Granted- I did pick up a thing or two.

I started in the restaurant industry when I was 14!!! Hostessed all through high school, became a cocktail server for 3 years, & then bartended for like 4 years. So yes, I’m not the best employee BUT a big part of my life was spent behind the bar.

Anyway, typically I’m ::pretty:: good at opening champagne- it’s kind of a 50/50 thing…it’s a hit or miss really.

My dad, Brad, who is a restaurateur, taught me to always have your champagne ‘KISS.’ ( Speaking of restaurants: he’s opening one soon in Del Mar- I cannot WAIT. It will be called ALCE which means MOOSE in Spanish ).

WHAT’S A CHAMPAGNE ‘KISS’ YOU ASK?

Well it’s this sound that isn’t like popping. It sounds like the champagne is almost breathing a breath OUT. It’s not too loud at all. Kind of like a little POP. Does anyone else know what I mean?

I tried to make a tutorial for you guys- it’s quick, but in all honesty my bartending skills are a little rusty. Looks like I need to break open some champagne tonight? One reason is as good as another, right?

Anyway- here’s HOW TO OPEN CHAMPAGNE ( welllllllll kind of? ):

CHAMPAGNE BOTTLE OPENING TUTORIAL:

Here’s the step by step for you: HOW TO OPEN CHAMPAGNE:

♡ Remove foil. Discard…or THROW IT OVER YOUR SHOULDER.

♡ Loosen up the wire cage. Flip down the small wire “key” that’s pressed up against the neck of the bottle at the bottom of the wire cage that encloses the cork.

♡ Place a towel over the bottle’s top- I love to use something with a little grip.

♡ Twist the bottom hand until the cork eases out.

♡ Try to make a ‘KISS’ sound- go slow. A soft pop is what you’re going for. Smile, serve in a chilled glass, & add some pomegranate seeds if you’re feeling festive.

( thank you Daddy, for teaching me the ‘KISS’ trick! )

DETAILS

+ Rails shirt
+ ‘Lady Danger’ lipstick

WANT MORE?

+ how to throw a last-minute soirée
+ blackberry champagne cocktail
+ how to throw a bachelorette weekend
+ Dry Farm Wine

WANT TO WIN TSC POPSOCKET FOR YOUR PHONE CASE?

+ SIMPLY comment your FAVORITE PARTY TRICK on my latest IG post.

HOPEFULLY I CAN SHOW YOU GUYS ON IG STORIES a real kiss, the video doesn’t really make the sound I want but you get the drift.

Are you a champagne drinker? Also, while we are on the topic: are there any skinny drinks you want me to make on The Skinny Confidential– get creative. I had a lot of time on my hands when I was a bartender.

Hope you’re all having a productive week. Talk soon, x

x, lauryn

+ CHECK OUT: DIY Kombucha champagnes ; ).

++ FOR MORE VIDEOS: SUBSCRIBE TO TSC YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

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STAY BUBBLY

The post HOW TO OPEN A BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE: TSC STYLE appeared first on The Skinny Confidential.

There is nothing I love more than an OVERLY festive holiday moment.

Picture this: cinnamon, pine filled candles burning, Frank Sinatra holiday soundtrack blaring on the speakers, homemade potpourri…& MULLED WINE.

Firstly, as you know I just got back from London. I almost died when we walked through the Winter Wonderland themed park & there was a MULLED WINE stand. Like just sitting there in the middle of the park. Warm, delicious mulled wine with cinnamon sticks & orange zest. So ideal when you’re freezing your ass off in a beanie & scarf, craving a little buzz.

Thankfully I convinced Michael to wait in line to get us two.

Anyway, when we came home, I had an IDEA: SANGRIA mulled wine. Kind of a twist on a traditional staple. Just how we like it around here.

This recipe will also take you like two seconds. It smells delicious & will really make you the life of the party. Very winter-appropriate too.

CINNAMON SANGRIA MULLED WINE:

1 bottle of red Eppa Sangria ( or two if you’re feeling frisky )
1 orange
½ lemon
1 cup of apple cider
Handful of cinnamon sticks
3 whole cloves
A dash of nutmeg

+ directions: mix sangria, cider, ½ orange ( juiced ), a squeeze of lemon, cinnamon sticks, cloves in a saucepan. Bring the medley to a boil & let it kind of simmer on lowest heat for 5 minutes. Pour into festive mugs. Have orange slices and zest ready to go & rub them against the rim of mugs. Add a cinnamon stick. Sometimes I’ll even squeeze a whole lemon slice in there too ( the lemon rind is SO good for you! Antioxidants while you booze ).

Speaking of antioxidants, this organic sangria mulled magic is FILLED WITH THEM. In fact, Eppa Sangria has nearly 2x the antioxidants as wine…just add that lemon rind & I feel like you’ve got your daily dose, no? A cupful of superfruits.  An inexpensive Cabernet Sauvignon can also be an alternative choice in your red wine sangrias.

And voilà, the whole holiday party will absolutely love, love, love you! SKIP the boring upside down cake & bring this instead.

I prefer to serve this with tiny Meyer lemon sugar cookies. Trust me, it really hits the spot.

If you’re more visual, here ya go:

{ SUBSCRIBE TO TSC YOUTUBE CHANNEL }

Oh BTW, don’t throw away your orange peel.  You can dry those and store them in an air-tight container.  If you have a dehydrator, the orange peels can be dried at 140 degrees Fahrenheit from 20 minutes to an hour or until the peels are dry and crispy.  It can be used as marinades, infusions, tea, mulling spices, and homemade potpourri.

On another note I’m already missing London. Who’s been? The whole city is so different & special. Especially during the holidays. Everywhere we went there was twinkle lights & holiday-inspired activities.  Very magical. I guess it’s almost New York City on steroids?

Ok I am off to pack…but of course, I left all packing to the last minute- would you expect anything less? Running around like a real psycho over here.

Hope you’re having a perfect week! Sending love to the beautiful, inspiring TSC Community! Happy holidays.

Cheers guys, lauryn x

+ taupe wrap top is from my friends, Sara & Hanna’s clothing brand. I’m obsessed! & small bone necklace is Belladaar. 

++ this post is in collaboration with Eppa. As always all opinions are my own.

{ photos | video }

The post Getting Festive: SANGRIA MULLED WINE appeared first on The Skinny Confidential.

Ohhhhh yes.

I am always last minute.

Alwaysssss.

Count on me to be the one who texts all my friends on Friday at 1:30 pm to come over at 5 for a quick, casual holiday party. “Wear jeans & a tee- nothing fancy”, I text!

Because of that fun fact, I’m going to share with you guys how you can throw together a party in minutes. I’m all about easy holiday party ideas.

Like let me tell you though: ANYTHING IS DOABLE.

Just when you think you can’t, you can.

BUT be sure you have a few things on hand at all times.

Party essentials I always have: pixy straws, a chic ice bucket, colorful bowls, vintage cake stand, chilled champagne/beer glasses, hummus, some fruit, veggies, cold beer ( you know I love my Stella ), cocktail napkins, & some fake flowers.

If you have these essentials, you’ll be able to go into any last minute party situation.

Set the vibe with some light holiday Bossanova & a couple cinnamon, clove scented candles. The more festive, the better. Everyone loves a spiced pumpkin candle right?

Another idea was I used Stella Artois Cidre to start the party. Instead of starting with beer I gave everyone a little cup of cidre with a few cranberries in it. It was chilled & the perfect aperitif to begin the festivities.

For a quick appetizer I served tomato soup ( it was definitely out of a can…GUILTY ) & added tiny pickles as a garnish. Squeeze a little lime on top & your guests will never know the difference. Oh, & the best part here? I served the soup in shot glasses so they were shooters. FESTIVE.

Drinks are always simple & to the point.

We can all agree there’s nothing better than a cold beer. If you follow along on Snapchat you know Stella is always stocked VERY full in our fridge. It’s a beer that’s masculine AND feminine. Girls & guys both love it. Plus it’s green…so it’s very holiday-esque.

Fake flowers are ALWAYS good to have on hand because they will instantly make any table look better. And of course you know I’m all about different heights. So go for tall fake flowers & short too- dimension is king. To keep the theme of different heights going add a vintage cake stand with beer on top.

If you’re hosting, make sure your outfit is sassy. Nothing boring. I’m wearing a faux fur neck wrap that reminds me of everything holiday. To be real, I’m wearing this with comfy black leggings & I’m sure no one would notice…or care?

This whole set-up literally took me 20 minutes. Of course, Postmates, cold beers, & my secret party stash helped.

What are your holiday party essentials? Anything I’m missing?

…for the record if you haven’t listened to holiday Bossanova, you’re missing out! Give it a try.

CHEERS!

x lauryn

+ Check out my top holiday decor picks to make your space even more holiday-ie.

++ this post is in collaboration with Stella Artois. As always, all opinions are my own.

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LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY PARTY ESSENTIALS:

The post How To Host A Last Minute Holiday Soiree appeared first on The Skinny Confidential.