Kathleen Finnegan

Fun Extras Category

client appreciation party, october 2015 – speakeasy

Check out this video captured at the annual Client Appreciation Party - Speakeasy. The costumes look amazing, thanks to all who joined in on the fun!   Continue Reading >

stir things up this Memorial Day

The thing about weekends is that they’re usually too short. The glorious exception is, of course, the much anticipated holiday weekend. There’s something about a three day summer weekend that begs for lots of time spent with drinks over chilled drinks – and as Memorial Day weekend is officially here, it seems only appropriate that we share some fabulous drink recipes that can be made by the pitcher. After all, the fun only really begins when there are enough drinks... Continue Reading >

rainy day cocktail : hot toddy

Warm and toasty and just in time for a rainy day in LA, the Hot Toddy is a classic hot drink and it is very simple to make. The basic recipe only requires a base liquor, honey, lemon, and tea, though some people prefer to skip the tea bag. It will be a matter of personal taste as to which of the liquors you choose for your toddy. Brandy, rum, and whiskey each bring their own characteristics to the drink and... Continue Reading >

happy fall Friday : bourbon cider cocktail

It's the first Friday of Fall and what better way to celebrate than with a cocktail! While the kids have gone back to school and the football season has already started, it’s not officially fall at my house until we whip up a batch of cider. So I thought I would share one of my fav recipes , check it out. Bourbon and Apple Cider Cocktail Prep Time: 10 minutes The perfect fall cocktail with the flavors of apple, bourbon and ginger. Ingredients 2 parts Apple Cider, refrigerated 2 parts... Continue Reading >

happy friday : Martinique

 This cool, tart cocktail is kind of like a classic daiquiri with the added tangy, floral flavor of elderflower. What to buy: For this drink you can use either elderflower syrup or elderflower liqueur. If you opt for syrup, look for it at specialty grocers or online. If you go with the liqueur, look for St-Germain, which can be found at high-end liquor stores and online. INGREDIENTS •3/4 ounce elderflower syrup or elderflower liqueur •1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice •1 1/2 ounces light rum •Ice INSTRUCTIONS Place... Continue Reading >

happy friday : cucumber gimlet

Cucumber Gimlet Since it’s Friday I’m going to share another one of my favorite cocktails. A cool pre-dinner drink.  These cocktails are quite easy and quick. You whiz some peeled cucumber with lime juice, strain it, add gin and simple syrup (and, in my case, a bit of rosemary) and pour it over ice. I wanted my drink loosened up just a bit so I shook it and also added a splash of soda at the end. Cool and delicious; these go down way too... Continue Reading >

spicy jalapeno margaritas

  Happy Friday! I just wanted to pop in for a minute and share this easy recipe for the spicy margaritas we served at our margarita party a few weeks ago. They were such a big hit – tart, smooth, not too sweet, and most importantly – spicy. The perfect refreshing cocktail for a Valentines day! Jalapeño margaritas Yield: party size - fills 1 pitcher Ingredients ◾3 cups good (plain) tequila ◾1 cup Grand Marnier ◾1.5 cups fresh lime juice ◾1 cup simple syrup (or sub agave syrup... Continue Reading >

straight up!

You probably recognize the name of this cocktail - round our circle of friends, we know it as Finnegan favorite. Moscow Mules usually contain sugar syrup - which involves melting sugar and water together. To make it easier, I add Sierra Mist Natural as the sweetener instead of the sugar syrup... and did you know it is made with real sugar, no artificial ingredients, 100% natural flavoring? The addition of Sierra Mist adds a light, sparkling touch without adding too much... Continue Reading >

Orange-Cranberry Gin and Tonic

  This tasty little number is really great all year, but something just says holiday to me! Ingredients 1 (2-inch) orange rind strip 1 tablespoon fresh cranberries* 1 teaspoon sugar 1 cup ice cubes 3 tablespoons gin 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice 1/4 cup tonic water Preparation Muddle orange rind strip, fresh cranberries, and sugar in a cocktail shaker. Add ice cubes, gin, and fresh orange juice. Cover with lid, and shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled (about 30 seconds). Pour into an 8-oz. glass; top with tonic water. Serve immediately. *Frozen cranberries,... Continue Reading >

roasted strawberry ice cream, yum!

Strawberries and Summer go hand in hand.             Growing up we had strawberries in the garden and on a hot summer day I remember picking them right off the vine. Recently I was strolling through the farmers market and I came upon some of the freshest looking strawberries I've seen. I couldn't help but buy a few packs. When I got home I went on the hunt for a unique recipe and sure enough I found Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream. It's the perfect way... Continue Reading >