I wanted room in my stomach for all the chips and salsa, so I worked out a version of the classic that still tastes like a treat, but is less filling and not all the sugar and calories of a traditional margarita, which means I can drink more of them.

Easy Skinny Margarita with Fresh Lime Juice and Agave

A lighter-calorie margarita shouldn’t feel like a sacrifice; it should feel just as indulgent. It should be fresh, tart, lightly sweet, and full of flavor without being weighed down by sugar or mystery mix ingredients. This version hits that sweet spot: a margarita you can feel good about mixing, whether it’s Friday night with friends or early Monday evening in your pajamas!

So grab your shaker, squeeze some limes, and give this one a go. Make a single serving or a pitcher—either way, you won’t be sorry!

Gather Your Ingredients

This recipe makes one 6-ounce margarita, but it can be easily doubled or batched for a pitcher if you’ve got company coming (or just a long week). Everything is measured in tablespoons to keep it easy. But if you are a jigger person, conversions are easy – see below.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 Tablespoons (1.5 oz) tequila – use your favorite! Blanco tequila works great here.
• 2 Tablespoons fresh-squeezed lime juice – about one juicy lime.
• 1.5 Tablespoons sugar-free triple sec syrup – Brands like Monin Sugar-Free Triple Sec Syrup work well. This gives you that orange essence without the sugar or booze – need more booze up the tequila.
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar—this is a flexible amount that helps balance the tart lime without oversweetening.
• 1 to 2 Tablespoons cold water—this is optional but helps mellow the drink and make it go a little further.
• Ice – for shaking and serving
• 1 lime wedge – For rimming the glass and garnish.
• Tajin or coarse salt or sugar – For rimming the glass, Tajin adds a zesty chili-lime kick that I personally love.

How to Make A Skinny Traditional Lime Margarita

1. Rim the Glass

Start by prepping your glass. You can use a margarita glass, a rocks glass, or whatever clean glass you’ve got handy. But can we take a minute for my cactus stem margarita glasses? I never, never pass these up at Goodwill!

• Grab a lime wedge and run it around the rim of the glass to moisten it.
• Pour a little Tajín (or salt or sugar) onto a small plate.
• Dip the rim of the glass into the Tajín, turning it to get a good, even coating.
• Set the glass aside. Admire it. Feel fancy. You are worth a rimmed glass!

2. Shake It Up

Next, you’re going to mix up that drink.

In a cocktail shaker (or a mason jar with a lid—we’re practical around here), combine:

• 3 tablespoons tequila
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1.5 tablespoons sugar-free triple sec syrup
• 1 tablespoon agave
• 1–2 tablespoons cold water

Add a handful of ice. Close the lid tight and shake the hell out of it—about 15-20 seconds. You want it nice and cold.

3. Pour and Enjoy

Fill your rimmed glass with fresh ice. Strain your shaken margarita over the ice. Garnish with a lime wedge, give it a little toast to yourself or whoever’s nearby, and take that first sip.

Tips, Tricks, and Questions

Tips, Tricks, and Questions

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Technically, sure. But honestly, fresh-squeezed lime juice is what makes this drink feel bright and clean. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but if you can spare the 30 seconds to squeeze a lime, do it. Besides, how jealous would our grandparents be that we could get fresh limes year-round for margaritas? Don’t disappoint them!

What tequila should I use?

Use what you like and what fits your budget. A decent blanco (silver) tequila is ideal—it’s clean, crisp, and blends well in a margarita without overwhelming it. Save the fancy aged stuff for sipping.

Why add water?

Adding a tablespoon or two of cold water mimics the dilution you’d naturally get if you were sipping a traditional margarita over time with melting ice. It takes the edge off the lime and helps stretch the drink without compromising the flavor. It’s optional—but recommended.

Can I leave out the agave?

Sure. If you like a super tart margarita, feel free to skip the agave or cut it back to 1 teaspoon. But that little bit of natural sweetness helps balance the acidity of the lime and makes the drink smoother. Think of it like seasoning a dish—agave is the salt of this cocktail.

What is sugar-free triple sec syrup?

This is a non-alcoholic, low-calorie substitute for traditional triple sec (which is both alcoholic and sweet). You still get the classic orange flavor without the added sugar or booze. Look for brands like Monins Sugar Free Triple Sec Syrup or other cocktail mixers labeled sugar-free.

Can I make a pitcher?

Absolutely. To make a pitcher that serves 4, use:

• ¾ cup tequila
• ½ cup fresh lime juice
• 6 tablespoons sugar-free triple sec syrup
• ¼ cup agave nectar
• ¼ cup cold water

Mix it up ahead of time and shake or stir well before serving over ice in Tajín-rimmed glasses.

I don’t like Tajín—what else can I use?

You can use kosher salt, pink Himalayan salt, or even a sugar + salt combo. Or leave the rim plain. But the Tajín adds a little something that really pops next to the lime and tequila—it’s worth trying at least once.

Need Help with Measurements? Here’s a Quick Conversion Guide:

• 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons
• 1 tablespoon = 0.5 ounce
• 1 jigger (standard cocktail measurement) = 1.5 ounces = 3 tablespoons
• ½ jigger = 0.75 ounces = 1.5 tablespoons

Print

Skinny Margarita (Single Serving)

A fresh, light margarita with all the flavor and none of the guilt.

Servings 1

Calories 182kcal

Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons tequila
• 2 Tablespoons fresh-squeezed lime juice about I juicy lime
• 1.5 Tablespoons sugar-free tiple sec syrup
• 1 Tablespoon agave nectar
• 1-2 Tablespoons cold water Optional
• 1 lime wedge For rimming the glass and garnish
• Tagjin, coarse salt or rimming sugar

Instructions

Prepare the Glass

• Take a lime wedge and run it around the rim of your glass of choice.
• Pour Tajin (coarse salt or rimming sugar) onto a small plate.
• Dip the moistened rim of the glass into the Tajim, turning gently to coat.
• Set the glass adise while you mix the drink.

Mix the Margarita

• In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, fresh lime juice, sugar-free triple sec syrup, agave nectar, and cold water (if using).
• Add a generous handful of ice to the shaker.
• Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled.

Serve – Drink

• Fill your prepared glass with fresh ice.
• Strain the margarita into the glass.
• Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel!

Notes

💡 Tips:

• Add more or less agave depending on your sweetness preference.
• If you like it extra citrusy, throw in a splash of fresh orange juice.
• This recipe easily doubles or triples for a small batch.t

Nutrition

Serving: 6ounces | Calories: 182kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 193mg | Potassium: 54mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 24IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.2mg

The post Easy Skinny Margarita with Fresh Lime Juice and Agave appeared first on The Farmwife Feeds.

Farmhouse Favorite: MiMi’s Lemonade with Country Time and OJ

This isn’t one of those fancy homemade lemonades where you squeeze lemons raised by monks and measure out honey made by special bees. No, this lemonade is fast, easy, and absolutely lip-licking good. It’s perfect for busy summer days, lazy summer day, and everyday in between.

Gather Your Ingredients

You don’t need a ton of ingredients or a culinary degree to whip this up. Just a few pantry staples that, if you are like me, you have on hand because easy lemonade is a must! This is just easy, hyped up… on sugar and orange juice!

Here’s what you’ll need to make this favorite summer must-have:

• 2/3 cup of Country Time Lemonade mix
  Yes, the powdered stuff. Don’t overthink it – it’s easy, ready to go, and good.
• 1/3 cup white sugar
  Yes, more sugar. Trust the process.
• 2 Tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate
  Or 4 Tablespoons regular orange juice, if that’s what you’ve got. The orange juice adds a little kick of extra citrus that takes this lemonade from good to where has this been all my life!
• Cold water to fill a 2 quart pitcher

How to Make MiMi’s Lemonade

This is so easy that calling it a “recipe” almost feels like cheating. In under five minutes, you’ll have it mixed up and ready to pour!

Step 1: Grab a 2-quart pitcher
Plastic, glass, fancy, or an empty milk jug – anything that holds liquid!

Step 2: Combine your dry ingredients
Pour in 2/3 cup of Country Time Lemonade powder and 1/3 cup of sugar.

Step 3: Add the orange juice
If you’re using frozen orange juice concentrate, you only need 2 tablespoons. If you’re using regular orange juice (like the kind you have for breakfast), go with 4 tablespoons. Either way, it’ll give your lemonade that perfect little hint of orange without taking over.

Step 4: Fill with cold water
Top off the pitcher with cold water and give it a really good stir until everything’s dissolved and mixed.

Step 5: Serve over ice and enjoy
You can pour it over ice, garnish with a lemon slice if your’re feeling fancy! Or add a shot of vodka if you’re having one of those days!!!!

Tips, Tricks, and Questions 

Here are a few handy tips and common questions I get about MiMi’s Lemonade – because if you’re going to make this recipe a regular summer thing (or year around), it helps to have all the info.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, I think it tastes even better after it’s had a chance to chill in the fridge for a bit. Just give it a quick stir before serving in case anything settled.

Can I make it in a gallon-sized pitcher?

FOR SURE, and I encourage that! Just be sure to double all the ingredients!

What kind of orange juice works best?

I prefer frozen concentrate because I can keep a couple of cans in my freezer and just use what I need for each batch. Regular orange juice works just fine though so don’t stress, use what makes your life easier. If you do buy pulpy OJ, you may want to strain it first unless you are a fan of floaty bits in your lemonade!

Can I use less sugar?

Technically, yes. But it won’t be MiMi’s Lemonade anymore. The extra sugar is what gives this recipe that nostalgic, lemonade stand feel and taste. If you’re cutting back on sugar you can try a sugar substitute, but I personally have not, so please don’t come at me if it doesn’t work!

Is this kid-friendly?

Heck yeah! It’s a staple for my kids, and they request it by name, should I dare serve them just regular lemonade by mistake!

Can I spike it?

Absofreakinglultly you can with just about any liquor you like.

Why This is the Best Lemonade Recipe Around

MiMi’s Lemonade hits that perfect balance of sweet and tart with just enough citrus to keep in interesting. It’s the drink you’ll keep coming back to – easy enough to throw together on a whim and crowd-pleasing enough to serve at every gathering.

It’s the kind of recipe you scribble on an index card or scrap of paper and tuck into a family cookbook to pass down for generations.

If you make MiMi’s Lemonade, I’d love to hear about it! Snap a photo, tag me on Instagram, or just drop a comment below letting me know what you thought.

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Farmhouse Favorite: MiMi’s Lemonade with Country Time and OJ

The easiest, most refreshing lemonade with a secret extra citrus twist.

Servings 8 cups

Calories 106kcal

Author Jent

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup Country Time Lemonade
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 2 Tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate or 4 Tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

• In a 2 quart pitcher, combine lemonade mix and sugar.
• Add orange juice concentrate or orange juice.
• Fill the pitcher with cold water and stir well until everything is dissolved.
• Serve over ice and enjoy!

Notes

I like to keep a can of frozen juice concentrate in my freezer all summer, so this drink is easy to make. If you don’t have frozen just use regular orange juice just be sure to double it, add 4 Tablespoons, since it is not concentrate!

Nutrition

Serving: 8ounces | Calories: 106kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.003g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 16IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.1mg

The post Farmhouse Favorite: MiMi’s Lemonade with Country Time and OJ appeared first on The Farmwife Feeds.

To quote my taste-tester (AKA my husband):

“A very well-balanced margarita, and I can taste the tequila without it being too much!”

Mistletoe Margaritas

If you’re hosting a Christmas party, planning a holiday gathering, or just looking for a festive drink to sip by the fire, this easy-to-make cocktail is a showstopper. Its vibrant red hue and garnish options—like fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary—make it as visually stunning as it is delicious. It’s the ideal addition to your repertoire of holiday drink recipes.

This holiday margarita recipe tastes amazing, but it’s also simple to mix up in a pitcher for serving a crowd or to make one glass at a time for cozy nights in. With ingredients easy to keep on hand, it’s a hassle-free option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Whether you’re a tequila connoisseur or just dipping your toes into cocktail-making, this recipe is approachable and sure to impress. Raise your glass and let the holiday magic flow with every sip of this festive margarita!

Grab The Goods

• 2 limes for juicing and rimming glasses
• 2½ cups cranberry juice
• 2½ cups orange juice
• 2 cups lemon/lime soda 7Up or Sprite
• ¼ cup simple syrup
• ½ cup maraschino cherry juice
• 2 cups tequila
• cranberries and rosemary sprigs garnish – optional
• rimming salt optional
• rimming sugar optional

Let’s Mix A Pitcher of Cocktails

1. Prepare the Glasses:
2. Mix the Margarita:
   • In a large pitcher, combine the cranberry juice, orange juice, maraschino cherry juice, simple syrup, and juice of 1 lime.
   • Add the tequila and stir to blend.
3. Add the Fizz:
   • Just before serving, pour in the lemon-lime soda (7Up or Sprite) and gently stir to keep the carbonation intact.
4. Serve the Margaritas:
   • Fill the prepared glasses with ice and pour the margarita mixture over the ice.
5. Garnish:
   • Add fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary to each glass for a festive touch.
6. Enjoy:
   • Serve immediately and toast to the holiday season.

This recipe makes enough for about 6-8 servings, perfect for your next holiday gathering!

Tips, Tricks, Comments, and Questions

Chill

Chilling your ingredients is a simple but important step in making cocktails. Cold ingredients keep your drink refreshingly cool and help maintain its ideal balance of flavors. When juices, mixers, and spirits are chilled before mixing, they blend more smoothly, reducing the need for excessive ice that can dilute the drink. For cocktails like margaritas, where flavor and consistency are key, chilled ingredients enhance the crispness of citrus and the boldness of the alcohol.

Mocktail

Absolutely! To make a mocktail version, skip the tequila and replace it with extra cranberry juice, orange juice, or even a splash of club soda for some extra fizz. It’ll still be just as festive and delicious!

Tequila

Silver (blanco) tequila is the best choice for this recipe because its clean, crisp flavor lets the fruit juices shine. If you prefer a slightly warmer, more robust taste, reposado tequila can also work beautifully.

Rim The Glass

When it comes to rimming your Mistletoe Margarita glass, the great debate arises: salt or sugar? While the classic margarita often leans toward a salted rim, this festive version opens the door to the sweet, sparkling charm of a sugared rim. Here’s the scoop so you can choose your side—or maybe even mix it up!

Why Sugar?

The fruity blend of orange juice, cranberry juice, and Sprite in this holiday margarita leans on the sweeter side, making sugar the natural complement. A sugared rim adds a frosty, sparkling look that screams Christmas cheer. Plus, the sweetness enhances the tartness of the cranberry juice while balancing the tangy tequila, creating a perfect harmony in every sip.

Why Salt?

For traditionalists and those who love the contrast of salty and sweet, a salted rim can still work beautifully. Salt amplifies the citrus notes of the orange juice and adds an earthy depth to the tequila, cutting through the sweetness for a more balanced flavor. If you’re a fan of that signature margarita bite, go salty!

Why Not Both?

Feeling indecisive? Try a half-salt, half-sugar rim—it’s the best of both worlds and lets your guests decide their preference with each sip. Whether you choose sugar, salt, or both, this cocktail’s flavors are sure to shine. Just don’t skip the garnish—it’s the holiday cherry (or cranberry) on top!

Print

Mistletoe Margaritas

A pitcher full of a festive holiday cocktail combining orange juice, cranberry juice, tequila, Sprite, and simple syrup. Salt or sugar on the rim and garnish with cranberries and rosemary.

Servings 8 glasses

Calories 137kcal

Ingredients

• 2 limes for juicing and rimming glasses
• 2½ cups cranberry juice
• 2½ cups orange juice
• 2 cups lemon/lime soda 7Up or Sprite
• ¼ cup simple syrup
• ½ cup maraschino cherry juice
• 2 cups tequila
• cranberries and rosemary sprigs garnish – optional
• rimming salt optional
• rimming sugar optional

Instructions

• Cut one lime in half and rub it around the rims of your margarita glasses.
• Dip the rims into a shallow plate of sugar or salt, whichever you prefer (or both) and set glasses aside.
• In a large pitcher, combine the cranberry juice, orange juice, maraschino cherry juice, simple syrup, juice from one lime, and tequila. Stir well to mix.
• Just before serving, pour in the lemon-lime soda (7Up or Sprite) and ice. Gently Stir to keep the carbonation intact.
• Fill the prepared glasses with ice and pour the margarita mixture over the ice.
• Add fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemarty t each glass as garnish.

Notes

This recipe makes enough for 6-8 servings.

Nutrition

Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 265mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 199IU | Vitamin C: 51mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Mistletoe Margaritas appeared first on The Farmwife Feeds.

Aren’t we lucky that this refreshing summer drink doesn’t have to be seasonal? I wonder what my grandparents would think that any month of the year in the middle of Indiana I can walk into a grocery store and find fresh lemons and fresh strawberries!

Strawberry Lemon Shake-Up

A Lemon Shake-Up is a midwest county fair, state fair, small-town festival staple, so why not just mix it up a bit with other fruit! According to Google they orginated in Indiana, which is kind of perfect since I love them so much and am a born and bred Hoosier!

Basically a lemon shake-up is an individual glass of fresh made lemonade, could it really get any better than that? My recipe here for a Strawberry Lemon Shake-Up adds that delicious strawberry flavor while still using some lemon, just not as much.

Gather Your Supplies and Ingredients

Supplies/Equipment

• 1-quart size jar with a lid or equal size glass with a tight sealing lid
• muddler or wooden spoon

Ingredients

•  quarter lemon
• 4-6 fresh strawberries
• 1/4 cup sugar
• ice
• water
• extra strawberry and a lemon wedge for garnish

How To Make A Strawberry Lemon Shake-Up

1. You will need a quart-size mason jar with lid or a glass with a tight sealing lid.
2. Add 1/4 cup of sugar to the jar or glass
3. Wash your lemon (we are using the rind and all for this recipe) and strawberries (remove the hulls). Then cut the lemon into quarters and the strawberries into smaller pieces then drop both in your jar or glass
4. Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon – mash and stir the lemon into the sugar. This releases the oils in the rind and juicing the lemon and pulp
5. Fill the jar with ice, crushed ice if you are feeling extra boujee
6. Now fill your jar or glass with water. Be sure to leave an inch or so at the top for room to shake. Then place the lid on and shake well to combine and distribute the lemon sugar goodness. Be sure to shake till the sugar dissolves, usually 30-45 seconds
7. Remove the lid, garnish with a slice of lemon if you like. Add a straw and enjoy your County Fair Lemon Shake-Up
8. If you are of age you can always add a shot of your favorite liquor. Vodka is my personal favorite for this already flavorful drink

Tips, Tricks, Questions, and Comments

SUGAR!

A big part of a shake-up is the sugar. I use granulated white sugar because that’s how they make them at the fair. In all fairness, it does not dissolve entirely in the mixture and I’m more than okay with that! But if you aren’t you could always use a simple syrup in place of the granulated sugar! I would use a 1:1 ratio for this recipe!

If you would like to make this a bit more calorie friendly, use Splenda! Again it would be a 1:1 ratio and Splenda dissolves really well in cold beverages.

Fresh Strawberries VS. Frozen

I love the fact we can get fresh strawberries year around but they can get more expensive in the off-season and not be as ripe all the way through. Exchanging those fresh berries for frozen ones is an option. Again this would be a 1:1 ratio and you might have to muddle a little harder or allow those strawberries to thaw a bit.

Do you need the lemon?

This is a strawberry shake-up so technically you don’t have to use the lemon. But, because there is always a but, lemon always enhances and brightens other flavors. So while we are using lemon to brighten the strawberry flavor it will not overpower it by any means. Plus look at how beautiful a garnish it is on the side of the jar!

For A Crowd or a Party

These would be so fun for a party! They can be easily made by your guests or prep you mason jars ahead of time with the sugar and fruit! You could easily put out all the ingredients, like a shake-up bar. Then your friends add as much or as little fruit as they like to their jar, the same for the sugar. You could also prep the jars ahead of time with the measured sugar and fruit and your friends can muddle and add ice and water when they are ready!

Ummmm What’s a Muddler?

A muddler is a bartender’s tool, used like a pestle to mash—or muddle—fruits, herbs and spices in the bottom of a glass to release their flavor. I have one I bought off Amazon, they actually come in pretty handy but you don’t have to run out and buy one just for this drink. But don’t let it stop you from making this either! A lot of different things can be used as a muddler – the end of a wooden spoon, the end of a french rolling pen, a small dowel rod, and some bar spoons actually have an end that can be used.

To Rind Or Not To Rind

I’m all in on the rind of the lemon! The rind is the outer most thin layer of the lemon, the yellow part. It contains the oil for the bright flavor and smell of the fruit, and the muddling will bring that out and add flavor and aroma to your drink!

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Strawberry Lemon Shake-Up

A strawberry spin on the classic lemon shake-up. Fresh strawberries muddled with the lemon for a refreshing drink.

Servings 1

Calories 194kcal

Equipment

• 1 quart size jar with a lid or equal size glass with a tight sealing lid
• muddler or wooden spoon

Ingredients

• 1 quarter lemon
• 4-6 fresh strawberries
• 1/4 cup sugar
• ice
• water
• extra strawberry and a lemon wedge for garnish

Instructions

• You will need a quart-size mason jar with lid or a glass with a tight sealing lid.
• Add 1/4 cup of sugar to the jar or glass
• Wash your lemon (we are using the rind and all for this recipe) and strawberries (remove the hulls) then cut the lemon into quarters and the strawberries into smaller pieces then drop both in your jar or glass
  
• Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon – mash and stir the lemon into the sugar – releasing the oils in the rind and juicing the lemon and pulp
  
• Fill the jar with ice, crushed ice if you are feeling extra boujee
  
• Now fill your jar or glass with water, leaving an inch or so at the top for room to shake then place the lid on and shake well to combine and distribute the lemon sugar goodness, shake till the sugar dissolves, usually 30-45 seconds
• Remove the lid, garnish with a slice of lemon if you like, add a straw and enjoy your County Fair Lemon Shake-Up
  
• If you are of age you can always add a shot of your favorite liquor – vodka is my personal favorite for this already flavorful drink
  

Notes

Nutrition information is for alcohol free version.

Nutrition

Calories: 194kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 0.04g | Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 9mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 50g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.1mg

The post Strawberry Lemon Shake-Up appeared first on The Farmwife Feeds.

One of my all-time favorite things to get at our county fair is the Lemon Shake-Ups, well, the county fair, the state fair, and really any small-town festival. They are fresh, tart, and sugary. They always make me smile.

County Fair Lemon Shake-Up

It is so amazing how 4 simple ingredients put in a classic ball jar can evoke so much happiness. These are a must-have when I see them at fairs and festivals, and they are so easy to make at home!

Gather Your Equipment and Ingredients

Equipment

• 1-quart size jar per recipe with a lid or equal size glass with a tight sealing lid-we are going to shake shake shake, so you want something that won’t leak!
• Muddler or wooden spoon- I love my wooden muddler; it was fairly inexpensive and has lasted for years.

Ingredients

• 1 whole lemon
• 1/4 cup sugar
• ice
• water

How To Make A County Fair Lemon Shake-Up

• Place 1/4 cup of sugar in your jar or glass that can be fitted with a tight-fitting lid.
• Wash your lemon (we are using the rind and all for this recipe) and then cut the lemon into quarters and drop them in your jar.
• Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon you want to mash and stir the lemons in the sugar. This will release the oils in the rind and juice the lemon pulp.
• Now fill the jar with ice, cubes, or crushed, either works great.
• Now fill your jar with water, leaving an inch or so at the top for toom to shake. Place the lid on tight and shake!
• Keep shaking.
• Shake some more.
• Shake well to combine and distribute the lemon sugary goodness until the sugar is mostly dissolved; this usually takes 30 seconds to a minute.
• Remove the lid, garnish with an extra lemon slice if you like, add a straw, and enjoy your County Fair Lemon Shake-Up.
• Bonus: If you are of age, you can always add a shot of your favorite liquor. A flavored vodka is my personal favorite.

Tips, Tricks, Questions, and Comments

I am somewhat of a jar hoarder, so I always have plenty on hand. But you are not my personal favorite for this recipe are the wide-mouth jars. They are readily available at places like Walmart, Target, or Meijer and are easy to order through Amazon. But honestly, any jar with a tight-fitting lid will work as long as you measure or adjust ingredient amounts to match your jar size.

These would be a fun addition to any party or get-together. You could pre-measure the jars with sugar and set out a bowl of quartered lemons. Have an ice bucket full of ice and a big pitcher of water, and you have an instant Lemon Shake-Up Bar.

Add a fun array of straws and some lemon slices for garnish! What a fun idea for any occasion.

If you are so inclined, you could use a simple syrup instead of straight sugar. My only advice might be that while the sugar will obviously be less, for lack of a better description, raw and gritty, I will say that using just sugar works to help muddle the lemons. An abrasive surface, if you will to help extract the oils from the rind and juice from the pulp.

More County Fair Recipes

Remember that year we had to spend in our homes social distancing? Because I wasn’t about to miss out on all my favorite parts of The Johnson County Fair, I worked hard to re-create them at home! Will I still attend every single fair? Absolutely, but now I can eat like I’m at the fair anytime of the year!

County Fair Pork Kabobs

Funnel Cakes

County Fair Chocolate Milkshakes

County Fair Beaver Tail

Print

County Fair Lemon Shake-Up

A refreshing simple 4 ingredient freshly made lemonade just like you get at your county fair or a festival.

Calories 193kcal

Equipment

• 1 quart size jar with a lid or equal size glass with a tight sealing lid
• muddler or wooden spoon

Ingredients

• 1 whole lemon
• 1/4 cup sugar
• ice
• water

Instructions

• Add 1/4 cup of sugar to your jar or glass
• Wash your lemon (we are using the rind and all for this recipe) and then cut the lemon into quarters and drop in your jar or glass
• Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon – mash and stir the lemon into the sugar – releasing the oils in the rind and juicing the lemon and pulp
• Fill the jar with ice, crushed ice if you are feeling extra boujee
• Now fill your jar or glass with water, leaving an inch or so at the top for room to shake. Now place the lid on tight and shake well to combine and distribute the lemon sugar goodness. Keep shaking until the sugar dissolves, usually 30-45 seconds
• Remove the lid, garnish with a slice of lemon if you like, add a straw and enjoy your County Fair Lemon Shake-Up
• If you are of age you can always add a shot of your favorite liquor – a flavored vodka is my personal favorite

Notes

Nutrition values are calculated without the addition of alcohol.

Nutrition

Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 0.01g | Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 2mg | Fiber: 0.03g | Sugar: 50g | Vitamin A: 0.2IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.04mg

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Cheers! A Birthday Cake Martini with icing and sprinkles on the rim along with a candle will make anyone feel special on their special day! A cocktail made with flavored vodka, cranberry juice finished with a bubbly presecco is a great way to celebrate!

Birthday Cake Martini

Perfect for birthday celebrations (add a candle to the rim), an anniversary, or just the fact you made it to Tuesday without killing anyone!

Combining the sweetness of whipped cream vodka, the tanginess of cranberry juice, and the bubbly effervescence of Prosecco. Served in a sprinkle-rimmed glass makes for a celebration in a cocktail!

Ingredients and Bar Tools To Gather

• Cocktail Shaker or jar with a sealing lid
• martini glass
• Vanilla frosting/icing
• Sprinkles or non-perils
• ice
• whipped cream vodka
• cranberry juice
• your favorite Prosecco

How To Make A Birthday Cake Martini

1. Place your sprinkles of choice on a small plate, dip the rim of your glass into the frosting (or you can use a knife or your finger to spread around the rim) then immediately dip the frosted rim into your sprinkles – set the glass aside.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker, or a jar that has a secure lid, with ice then add the whipped cream vodka and cranberry juice – give a good shake for 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain into your rimmed cocktail glass and add the Prosecco!
4. ENJOY

YOU ARE WORTH A RIMMED GLASS!

Tips, Tricks, Questions, and Comments

Bar Glasses

Served in a fancy martini glass or a mason jar this cocktail will taste the same either way. I won’t lie I used to think I needed all the fancy different kinds of cocktail glasses until I realized I didn’t! Actually, one of my favorite things to do is shop for fun glasses at Goodwill. Sometimes you can find matching sets, but my favorite is to mix and match!

Flavored Vodka

Whipped Cream Vodka is my first choice because I always have it on hand for various other cocktails. I love utilizing flavored vodkas in different drinks so I’m not overwhelmed with a million different flavors and bottles. If you want to switch it up a bit feel free to use either a vanilla vodka or an iced cake-flavored vodka. We are shooting for delicious here not rocket science!

Prosecco or Champagne

Don’t freak out….like I did! Find one you like, then when you go to the store to buy it to make this cocktail and see one named Cupcake immediately abandon ship and buy it for fun!

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Birthday Cake Martini

A simple cocktail with a spinkle rim WOW factor!

Ingredients

• 1.5 ounces whipped cream vodka
• 1 ounce cranberry juice
• 2 ounces Prosecco
• ice
• icing
• colored sugar sprinkles to rim glass

Instructions

• Place your sprinkles of choice on a small plate, dip the rim of your glass into the frosting (or you can use a knife or your finger to spread around rim) then immediately dip the frosted rim into your sprinkles – set glass aside.
• Fill a cocktail shaker, or a jar that has a secure lid, with ice then add the whipped cream vodka and cranberry juice – give a good shake for 15-20 seconds.
• Strain into your rimmed cocktail glass and add the Prosecco!
• CHEERS

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Orange Shake-Up

These orange shake-ups are so easy to make and with minimal help from adults, kids can have fun making them as well.

Ingredients and Kitchen Tools To Gather

• Quart size jar with a tight sealing lid
• oranges
• granulated sugar
• crushed ice
• water
• muddler, or something to muddle with such as a wooden spoon handle
• knife to cut up the orange

How To Make An Orange Shake-Up

These orange shake-ups are so easy to make and with minimal help from adults, kids can have fun making them as well.

• Grab a ball jar and lid or a glass with a tight-fitting lid, since this is a “shake-up” you want something that seals! We don’t want to lose any goodness or have to clean up a mess!
• Add a quarter cup of white sugar to your jar or glass.
• You’re going to use one orange per drink, so give the orange a good wash. We are going to use the whole orange in our drink so you’ll want to get it clean. Now cut your orange in half then into quarters and drop into your jar or glass. If you are feeling fancy be sure to save a slice for garnish!
• Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon – mash and stir the orange pieces into the sugar – releasing the oils in the rind and juicing the orange and pulp.
• Now fill the jar with ice cubes or if you are feeling extra boujee use crushed ice.
• Once filled with ice then fill the jar with water, leaving an inch or so at the top for the shaking room. Then give all that goodness a good shake – 30-45 seconds of vigorous shaking, until the sugar is dissolved and you now have an Orange Shake-Up.
• Remove the lid and garnish with a slice of orange and a straw!
• Looking to make it “adult”? Add a shot of your favorite liquor, I love whipped cream vodka in mine.

Tips, Tricks, Questions, and Comments

I am somewhat of a jar hoarder so I always have plenty on hand. But my personal favorite for this recipe are the wide-mouth jars. They are readily available at places like Walmart, Target, or Meijer and are easy to order through Amazon. But honestly, any jar with a tight-fitting lid will work as long as you measure or adjust ingredient amounts to match your jar size.

These would be a fun addition to any party or get-together. You could pre-measure the jars with sugar and set out a bowl of sliced oranges. Have an ice bucket full of ice and a big pitcher of water and you have an instant Orange Shake-Up Bar.

Add a fun array of straws and some lemon slices for garnish! What a fun idea for any occasion.

I had an inkling that if I added some of my Whipped Cream Vodka to my Orange Shake-up I could make it taste like a creamsicle! I was not wrong, holy moly it went down easy!

More Fun Drink Recipes

The one and only original – County Fair Lemon Shake-Up. A classic at so many fairs and festivals, the County Fair Lemon Shake-Up. Such a simple delicious drink that tastes like summer.

A flavor spin on a classic – Strawberry Lemon Shake-Up. Aren’t we lucky that this refreshing summer drink doesn’t have to be seasonal?

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Orange Shake-Up

A refreshing simple 4 ingredient freshly made fresh orange drink just like you get at your county fair or a festival.

Servings 1

Calories 193kcal

Equipment

• 1 quart size jar with a lid or equal size glass with a tight sealing lid
• muddler or wooden spoon

Ingredients

• 1 whole orange
• 1/4 cup sugar
• ice
• water

Instructions

• Add 1/4 cup of sugar to your jar or glass
  
• Wash your orange (we are using the rind and all for this recipe) and then cut the orange into thick slices or wedges and drop in your jar or glass
• Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon – mash and stir the orange pieces into the sugar – releasing the oils in the rind and juicing the orange and pulp
  
• Fill the jar with ice, crushed ice if you are feeling extra boujee
  
• Now fill your jar or glass with water, leaving an inch or so at the top for room to shake. Now place the lid on tight and shake well to combine and distribute the orange sugar goodness. Keep shaking until the sugar dissolves, usually 30-45 seconds
• Remove the lid, garnish with a slice of orange if you like, add a straw and enjoy your easy fresh Orange Shake-Up
  
• If you are of age you can always add a shot of your favorite liquor – a flavored vodka is my personal favorite
  

Notes

Nutrition values are calculated without the addition of alcohol.

Nutrition

Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 0.01g | Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 3mg | Fiber: 0.02g | Sugar: 50g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.03mg

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This cocktail is a little higher maintenance than most but it’s totally worth it. A combination of liquors and a lot of types of coconut mix together to create this beautiful white cocktail. A perfect Christmas drink for a quiet night at home by the tree or for celebrating with friends.

It is the perfect cocktail for parties but pulling out that thrift store silver tray for an intimate drink for 2 is just as ideal.

White Christmas Cocktail

This beautiful creamy white mixed drink is a perfect dreamy holiday cocktail. The white base is all coconut ingredients, but the coconut flavor is ever so subtle. As a matter of fact, it is so subtle I add coconut extract to up the flavor sometimes.

This combination of flavors and liquor make this a festive favorite. A good silver tequila, Grand Marnier, and coconut rum blend perfectly. These typically tropic flavors make for a festive holiday treat.

Grand Marnier is a cognac-based orange liquor with notes of bitter and sweet. My very favorite coconut rum for this recipe (and in general) is the toasted coconut rum from Hard Truth. I am by no means a tequila connoisseur so I depend on my husband and friends for references use your favorite in this recipe. Just keep in mind to keep that white color such as a silver works best.

Gather All The Ingredients

Cocktail Ingredients

• 8 ounces of coconut water
• 8 ounces of coconut milk
• 6 ounces of coconut cream
• 8 ounces of lime juice
• 6 ounces of simple syrup
• 1-2 teaspoons coconut extract optional
• 10 ounces silver tequila
• 8 ounces Grand Marnier
• 6 ounces of coconut rum

Garnish Options

• sprigs of rosemary
• fresh cranberries
• miniature candy canes

Rimming The Glass Options

• simple syrup or a lime wedge
• shredded or chopped coconut
• crushed candy canes

How To Make A White Christmas Cocktail

1. In a plastic pitcher or mixing bowl combine the coconut water, coconut milk, coconut cream, and coconut extract with a whisk or immersion blender. This can be done ahead of time but could need to be re-mixed, the nature of these ingredients causes separation but this isn’t a big deal just give a quick stir.
2. When ready to serve add the tequila, Grand Marnier, coconut rum, lime juice, and simple syrup – stir to combine.
3. Taste test and add more simple syrup if needed.
4. To rim the glasses simply dip the edge of the glass in simple syrup or run the lime wedge around the edge of the glass then dip in your choice of rimming options.
5. Serve by the pitcher with optional garnishes or rimmed glasses or both.

Cocktail Simple Syrup

A rich simple syrup that is easy to make and works perfect for cocktails and keeps in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks.

Check out this recipe

Tips, Tricks, Questions, and Comments

This recipe is for multiple drinks, batch or pitcher style. If a single or double is what you are looking for to spend a quiet evening watching Hallmark Christmas movies you can definitely cut this recipe in half.

Garnishing Your Drink

Fresh rosemary is one of my favorite things to keep around during the holiday season. It’s the perfect garnish for seasonal cocktails. It resembles pine boughs so perfect! It smells earthy and piney so every time you take a sip the smell only enhances your experience. I like to buy a fresh plant and just cut off sprigs as needed. But cut rosemary sprigs are easily stored in the refrigerator, simply wrap in a damp paper towel and place them in a ziplock bag. I will easily last 1-2 weeks like this

You can’t go wrong with fresh cranberries for this drink. The beautiful deep red contrasting with the creamy white makes a statement. Seasonal and easily found during the holiday time.

Riming your cocktail glass bumps up the fun and festive a whole other level. The options are numerous for this drink. The first step to rimming a glass is dipping the edge in something that will allow your garnish to stick. I would choose something simple for this particular drink. It already calls for simple syrup as an ingredient so that would work perfectly, corn syrup would also be a good choice.

So much fun can be had by choosing a rimming option. Coconut, shredded or chopped would be a beautiful choice, and keep it simple with the taste. But imagine the crushed candy canes, crushed gingerbread man cookies, simple white sugar crystals – the options just go on and on.

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White Christmas Cocktail

My White Christmas Cocktail is made by the pitcher and has a subtle creamy coconut flavor to compliment the silver tequila and Grand Marnier.

Ingredients

Cocktail Ingredients

• 8 ounces coconut water
• 8 ounces coconut milk
• 6 ounces coconut cream
• 8 ounces lime juice
• 6 ounces simple syrup
• 1-2 teaspoons coconut extract optional
• 10 ounces silver tequila
• 8 ounces Grand Marnier
• 6 ounces coconut rum

Garnish Options

• sprigs of rosemary
• fresh cranberries
• miniature candy canes

Rimming The Glass Options

• simple syrup or a lime wedge
• shredded or chopped coconut
• crushed candy canes

Instructions

• In a plastic pitcher or mixing bowl combine the coconut water, coconut milk, coconut cream, and coconut extract with a whisk or immersion blender. This can be done ahead of time but could need to be re-mixed, the nature of these ingredients causes separation but this isn't a big deal just give a quick stir.
• When ready to serve add the tequila, Grand Marnier, coconut rum, lime juice, and simple syrup – stir to combine.
• Taste test and add more simple syrup if needed.
• To rim the glasses simply dip the edge of the glass in simple syrup or run the lime wedge around the edge of the glass then dip in your choice of rimming options.
• Serve by the pitcher with optional garnishes or rimmed glasses

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Much like a traditional Whiskey Sour the main ingredients in this cocktail will be your favorite bourbon, a sweet component, and a sour component. But I’ve kicked this holiday version up a couple of notches with my Cranberry Simple Syrup as the sweet and an egg white to tone down the sharpness as well as add the richness a holiday cocktail deserves.

Cranberry Whiskey Sour

A whiskey sour is a fairly simple drink to mix at home. There are only three main ingredients – a good bourbon, lemon juice and simple syrup. This festive version also uses egg whites, it won’t make or break this cocktail but it does elevate it. The key to making this a really good cocktail is the quality of the ingredients.

Starting with a really good bourbon or whiskey. The best kind is your favorite kind, one that you like to drink. My husband truly enjoys taste-testing bourbon, but as a general rule, we are a Buffalo Trace family. Bourbon is an American made whiskey with at least 51% corn in its mash and as corn farmers we support that!

When it comes to lemon juice I might be a tad snobby. We are so lucky to have fresh fruits available year around here so fresh squeezed lemon juice for me. I also like to buy lemons on sale and go ahead and squeeze the juice and just keep a bottle of it in my refrigerator. I don’t mind baking with purchased lemon juice or using it in a pinch when I need a drink!

Simple syrup is a super easy thing to make. It is a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water and stores in the refrigerator. In this version of a whiskey sour I use my Cranberry Simple Syrup, it’s super easy to make!

Cranberry Simple Syrup

3 simple ingredients to a perfect holiday flavor for all the things!

Check out this recipe

Last but not least for this festive version is egg whites. An egg white adds a richness to the cocktail and can tone down any bitterness you might taste from the bourbon. I am not a huge bourbon fan and I love this cocktail, I truly think it is the egg white. I have separated and used a egg straight from the carton but for guests I like to buy pasturized liquid egg whites.

Gather Your Ingredients and Supplies

• Bourbon – your favorite, we love Buffalo Trace but there are all kinds out there. Feel free to use a traditional whisky as well if you like
• Lemon juice – I love fresh squeezed but I’m not passing up a cocktail if it isn’t
• Cranberry Simple Syrup – this is one of my holiday favorites and is super easy to make
• Fresh Rosemary for garnish – trust me on this one
• Fresh sugar coated cranberries for garnish – because it just fun
• Cocktail shaker or a jar with a tight fitting lid
• Glass with ice in it

Let’s Make a Cranberry Whiskey Sour

1. Add 3 ounce each of your favorite bourbon, lemon juice, cranberry simple syrup along with 4 Tablespoons of egg whites to a cocktail shaker or jar with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Shake to thoroughly combine and to be sure the egg white is incorporated.
3. Pour into a glass full of ice.
4. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and some sugar-coated fresh cranberries.

Tips, Tricks, Comments, and Questions

Garnishing drinks makes me happy, are they necessary? Nope but do they add to the festive feel and taste? Absolutly!

Fresh cranberries are easy to find and a quick dunk in a little lemon juice or even water than tossed in sugar get you an easy and beautiful garnish for this drink. And that fresh rosemary sprig not only looks good but smells like fresh pine when you take a drink.

This is a dry shake cocktail, because of the egg whites. That simply means that there is no ice in the cocktail shaker, it ensures and allows the egg white to thoroughly combine for a frothy foamy outcome.

I love fun cocktails for special occasions and this is my Thanksgiving cocktail. I also like to serve my Sparkling Cranberry Sangria, as opposed to over complicating cocktail hour offering 2 choices there is something for everyone.

Sparkling Cranberry Sangria

All the sangria flavors highlighted with fresh cranberries and topped off with bubbly.

Check out this recipe

Cranberry Christmas Martini

Made with 3 ingredients. Simple to make as a single cocktail or festive as a punch for a holiday party!

 

Check out this recipe

Cranberry Christmas Cocktail

Cranberry Christmas Cocktail is a glass full of holiday spirit, see what I did there, spirit!! A few high-quality easy ingredients make the season bright.

Check out this recipe

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Cranberry Whiskey Sour

A festive holiday spin on the traditional cocktail.

Ingredients

• 3 ounces bourbon
• 3 ounces lemon juice
• 3 ounces cranberry simple syrup
• 4 Tablespoons egg whites
• ice
• rosemary sprig for garnish
• sugar-coated cranberries for garnish

Instructions

• Add the first four ingredients -your favorite bourbon, lemon juice, cranberry simple syrup and egg whites -to a cocktail shaker or jar with a tight-fitting lid.
• Shake to thoroughly combine and to be sure the egg white is incorporated.
• Pour into a glass full of ice.
• Garnish with a rosemary sprig and some sugar-coated fresh cranberries.

Notes

This is a dry shake cocktail, because of the egg whites. That simply means that there is no ice in the cocktail shaker, it ensures and allows the egg white to thoroughly combine for a frothy foamy outcome.

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Grab those Easter basket Peeps and let’s drink!

Guys what I wouldn’t have given for this festive cocktail when my kids were little.

That little pick-me-up I needed between Sunrise Service and church.

Between egg hunts and family dinners.

I know Easter is about Jesus but I’m pretty sure he would understand!

Easter Morning Mimosa

Researching Easter Mimosa’s the first thing that comes up is ones made with carrot juice. Well, I’ll be honest that was a big NO GO for me, I’ll leave that one for the bunny who has to hide all the eggs!

My kids love Welches Sparkling White Grape Juice so this seemed like the perfect choice as the juice for my cocktail. And frozen sweet and sour grapes plopped in were the chef’s kiss garnish!

These frozen sweet and sour grapes are so good and super easy. They taste like sour patch candy, kids love them, well, and adults too. And they are grapes so they are healthy right?

For that evening drink try my Jelly Bean Martini

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Easter Morning Mimosa

Sparkling white grape juice with your favorite champagne, prosecco or sparkling wine garnished with sweet and sour grapes.

Ingredients

Frozen Sweet and Sour Grapes

• 2 cups green seedless grapes
• 1 lemon
• ¼-½ cup sugar

Easter Morning Mimosa

• 1 bottle Welches White Sparkling Grape Juice
• 1 bottle your favorite champagne, prosecco or sparkling wine

Instructions

Frozen Sweet and Sour Grapes

• Remove grapes from the stem, rinse and pat dry on a paper towel.
• Lay the grapes in a single layer in a freezer-safe dish or cookie sheet - freeze for at least 1 hour or overnight.
• Remove from the freezer and juice the lemon over the grapes and stir to coat.
• Sprinkle the sugar over the grapes and stir to coat.

Mimosa

• Fill each glass half full with your favorite champagne, presecco or sparkling wine then top off each glass with the sparkling white grape juice.
• Add some frozen sweet and sour grapes to each glass and enjoy.

Notes

Kids love these grapes they taste like sour patch candy!

My Amazon Shop!

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