Showing posts with label GALentines Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GALentines Day. Show all posts

Thursday, February 8, 2018

#Ad: {21+} Drink Your Dessert During National Chocolate Lovers Month! {#Recipe Printable} #worldmarkettribe #DiscoverWorldMarket

To celebrate National Chocolate Lovers Month, I am partnering with Cost Plus World Market to bring you some cocktails so indulgent they could be considered Dessert! Thanks Cost Plus World Market for Sponsoring this Post. All views are my own.


It is National Chocolate Lovers Month! UM YES, PLEASE!

I love chocolate and I am no stranger to sweet cocktails so I thought I would combine my love of both and bring you two of my favorite Martini's - a Dark Chocolate and a White Chocolate Martini. Perfect for your Valentine or Galentine, or a fun Star Wars Viewing Party - Set out your Martinis and let your friends choose the dark side or the rebellion!

National Chocolate Lovers Month Specialty Cocktails Dark and White Chocolate Martinis, #DiscoverWorldMarket, #worldmarkettribe, martini glasses, barware, cocktail shaker, mirrored serving tray, cost plus world market


A lot of my barware has been those cool commemorative glasses you get at restaurants or bars for ordering a specialty cocktail, cute, but all branded for different places. Not quite the sophisticated set up.

I wanted a more sophisticated bar area with the challenge of being in a super small space, so I converted one of my favorite Cost Plus World Market sideboards into a bar on the inside, I bought a wine rack to put inside the sideboard where I could store wine and spirits neatly and also include my barware. I purchased a mirrored serving tray and my very first set of matching NON-BRANDED Martini Glasses! 

Chocolate Martini's are indulgent, decadent and as sweet as you want them to be, remember to dim down the sweetness and add more 'pow' to the drink you just need to up the amount of Vodka used in the recipe.

National Chocolate Lovers Month Specialty Cocktails Dark and White Chocolate Martinis, #DiscoverWorldMarket, #worldmarkettribe, martini glasses, barware, cocktail shaker, mirrored serving tray, cost plus world market


Above: Even though I refrigerated my Torani Dark Chocoloate Syrup prior to working with it, it definitely started to melt down fast when the vodka hit the glass and my cute design got kind of melded together, I also formed a heart with the dusting of cocoa powder! The White Chocolate syrup also sort of pooled to the bottom so it is a bit hard to see.

A lot of folks like to line the top of the glass and rim it with the chocolate sort of like a margarita, but I can tell you if you are wearing lipstick or lipgloss you do NOT want that! So start your chocolate swirl pattern what I call 'lip length down' so you don't get the sauce on your lips with each sip. Unless you are wearing a truly bulletproof lip stain that won't budge every time you lick your lips.

CHOCOLATE MARTINI INGREDIENTS, INSTRUCTIONS, RECIPE:

Chocolate Martini Recipe Printable
AbovePress on the photo above to make it bigger, and it becomes a printable, you will also find this on our pinterest page in the cocktails anyone? board HERE.

I post one recipe, because the substitution is simple, for a darker effect you use more chocolate liquer, and for a lighter chocolate martini, you can eliminate the chocolate liquer or use it in a lesser ratio and/or just use the baileys. If you notice I wasn't specific with the Vodka brand or the chocolate liquer brand because that really amounts to personal taste, most bartenders use Vanilla Flavored Vodka and I am not a fan of it so I use a regular vodka and let the liquer (Godiva is really good) and the Baileys give it the taste profile. Remember your syrup (I prefer Torani) which you are using for decoration, drops to the bottom so it flavors the drink in its own way as well. I do however get specific with the Baileys, it adds such a smooth, rich flavor, and the torani syrups say 'coffe house flavor' but it is NOT overwhelming and it adds such a richness to the drink. With the Dark Chocolate Torani Syrup being a stronger flavor profile and the white chocolate syrup much sweeter.

Sorry that the white chocolate blended into the glass so much you can't see the swirl design, it sort of pooled more to the bottom. Maybe I should have layered it like Sand Art? ;-)

National Chocolate Lovers Month Specialty Cocktails Dark and White Chocolate Martinis, #DiscoverWorldMarket, #worldmarkettribe, martini glasses, barware, cocktail shaker, mirrored serving tray, cost plus world market

I personally freeze my vodka so I know it's cold when I am ready for it, but you definitely want to add a lot of ice to your shaker, this drink is best served and consumed while it is still super cold.

SHOP THE POST:

All the elements used to create this recipe, from the sideboard that I converted into a bar, the mirrored serving tray, glasses, syrups and shaker are included below!

Holbrook Sideboard from Cost Plus World Market
Holbrook Sideboard
Above: I fell in LOVE with this sideboard when I attended the Grand Opening of my local Cost Plus World Market in New York City - 620 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10011 in Manhattan's trendy Chelsea area. I had already been eyeing them on the website but seeing them in person definitely put it over the top for me! I fell so much in love, that I ordered two. But I recently decided to repurpose one of them and because I live in a super small space, this is now my foyer entryway table that blends perfectly into my modern zen décor, but the inside is all barware and bottles as I purchased several racks to go inside of it. It is incredibly spacious on the inside, and once I lived with them for awhile in other rooms I realized that several actual 'bars' I had been researching for that space were no where near as spacious and I love that when it is closed you can't tell I am using it for that purpose. So double perk. I also love using this piece to stage my product photos, and the chocolate martini's were put out on this sideboard.

Torani White Chocolate Sauce from Cost Plus World Market
Torani White Chocolate Sauce from Cost Plus World Market
Above: I love the flavor of Torani White Chocolate Sauce and it was fun using it for my White Chocolate Martini - both to rim the martini glass and to flavor the drink. This is sweet in a good way NOT a cloying way! And you will want to use this in tons of other ways, on ice cream as an icing for pastries, and definitely in your coffee/cappuccino

Torani Dark Chocolate Sauce from Cost Plus World Market
Torani Dark Chocolate Sauce from Cost Plus World Market
Above: The Dark Chocolate Sauce by Torani has a bolder less sweet flavor profile than the White Chocolate Sauce and is also delicious, you can definitely use this on other stuff and trust me when I tell you that you will. You will find excuses to drizzle it on almost everything! Once you try this one you won't go back to your regular brand.

Madison Martini Glasses - Set of 6 - Cost Plus World Market
Madison Martini Glasses - Set of 6 - Cost Plus World Market

Above: I always read reviews before I purchase ANYTHING, and the reviews on these were quite positive and I can see why. They are a great value for the money, they are sturdy, definitely not thin or cheaply made, and make a great presentation. I also like using martini glasses for small snacks during a party for an elegant presentation as well. And I have always considered them the glass to present shrimp cocktails in.

Gold Mirrored Tabletop Tray from Cost Plus World Market
Gold Mirrored Tabletop Tray from Cost Plus World Market

Above: I Love this one so much I plan to order another one for my Vanity! It is perfect for all kinds of staging and presentation!

Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker from Cost Plus World Market
Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker from Cost Plus World Market
Above: To mix the perfect Martini every time you want a good cocktail shaker!

also know you guys like non-alcohol alternatives, so I just can't help but to share the amazing post by Laura Leigh on her blog Louella Reese where she creates a copy cat Frozen Hot Chocolate Recipe inspired by wildly popular ones at Serendipity restaurants in my hometown New York City!

My Take:

You can pick up all these items at your local Cost Plus World Market location (I am linking you directly to the store locator) or online and they are currently having a sale for 25% off Valentine's Day Shop Food Favorites so you can nab yours for a great discount!

Save 25% on ALL Valentine's Day Shop Food Favorites at World Market! Save an additional 10% with code SAVEBIG10

I am always game to try something new and I like that the Chocolate Martini lets you mix things up a bit. And you can make them to suit your mood, sweet or powerful!

What is your favorite specialty cocktail?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored and compensated post, and all opinions are 100% my own!  I am a member of Cost Plus World Market Ambassador Program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Monday, February 13, 2017

#ValentinesDay Gift Buying Guide presented by @Ascending1 and @Corkcicle #wine #whiskey #beer

Disclosure: 2017 Valentine's Day Gift Buying Guide presented by Ascending Butterfly sponsored by Corkcicle. Products were provided for Editorial Consideration.


This gift guide is all about the 'perfect spirits' and has a little 'something-something' for both him or her!

The Corkcicle One, Wine Aerator, Wine Pourer, Wine Chiller
The Corkcicle One

Let's start with the Oenophile in your life who by now has an Electronic Wine Opener, Corkscrew and Foil Cutter at their disposal right? But how about an aerator that also keeps that wine bottle cool? The Corkcicle One (this is an amazon affiliate link) has a built-in aerator that enhances the aromatic profile of any wine, coupled with an easy pour spout that makes serving your favorite wine a breeze, and the unique freezing gel maintains chilled whites for up to an hour without the need for an ice bucket and can cool down room temp reds in 15 minutes.

Corkcicle One, White Wine Pourer, Aerator, Wine Chiller
Prior to this one I owned the Soiree In Bottle Wine Aerator, (this is an amazon affiliate link) and don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved it, but someone dropped it and broke it and shortly after while hunting for a replacement, I met the Corkcicle team at a tradeshow where I got to see the Corkcicle One in action and the ability to chill down a room temp red or keep a chilled white wine cool for almost an hour without the need for an ice bucket is what swayed me to make the switch and I have never looked back. It's the accessory in your wine arsenal that you had no idea you needed and once you have it just can't live without it!

Corkcicle One, cool room temperature Red Wine in 15 minutes, Pourer, Aerator, Wine Chiller
You can keep the party going without the need for tons of ice, ice buckets, and honestly I would recommend getting a few, if you have ever hosted a dinner party where pretty much everyone wanted something different, having a few of these on hand is a life saver! I can't remember the last time I drank wine without the use of an aerator.

Corkcicle Whiskey Wedge
Is your sweetie more of a 'hard spirits' lover? Would a bourbon or Whiskey be more up their alley? Then no worries Corkcicle has got you covered there too with the Whiskey Wedge (this is an amazon affiliate link) - keep your Whiskey cool without diluting it or watering it down and do it in style! No shade but I love the look of this WAY better than the stones. (and if you are anything like me you can't help but wonder where those stones are sourced and what might be on them, we know what you nasty boys do in the woods! I am just not about sourcing stones to put in my glasses OK? LOL).

Corkcicle Whiskey Wedge
I have been all over Bourbon ever since the signature cocktail I discovered during my last press trip to Brandywine Valley (read more about the Bourbon St. Margarita that I enjoyed at High Street Caffe & Vudu Lounge HERE) - this is that sexy and grown James Bond way to serve your Bourbon. You go Ms. MoneyPenny Get Your Bourbon On! LOL

Corkcicle Whiskey Wedge
Bourbon and I are still in the "getting-to-know-you" stages, but I do know Corkcicle is making this recent love affair that much more sexy and fun!

Corkcicle Invisiball
























Now I don't want you guys to think I am not team ice, some drinks do need real ice, but that doesn't mean you can't do it the way bartenders do, and again, Corkcicle has got you covered with their Invisiball. (this is an amazon affiliate link)

Corkcicle Invisiball












Here is a video of it in action:


As much as I enjoy a good ice carving, I am NOT about to do all that to get the perfect ice for a drink, so thanks Corkcicle, Invisiball is right up my alley, not to mention I love that can you use it to add fruit, herbs, or flower petals to infuse flavor and get perfect cubes every time that melt super slowly so as not to dilute your drink. You can use a freezer bag to prepare a few in advance and have them ready for your next party, or for Valentine's Day! (How about making some with those cute candy hearts in them to send a special message to your sweetie?)

Corckcicle Chillsner























Is your sweetheart more into a good brewski than a good wine? No worries, Corkcicle GOT YOU! They apply the same technology to the Chillsner that they do with the Corkcicle One - Keep your favorite brew as cold as the first sip with each sip using the Corckcicle Chillsner! (this is an amazon affiliate link)

Corckcicle Chillsner

It is with good reason that the Chillsner is a number one Best Seller in the category on Amazon!

Corckcicle Chillsner



I plan on smuggling mine into the bowling alley to keep my beer cold from first sip to last, the bigger the group the longer the wait between bowls....just saying.

Corckcicle Chillsner
CHEERS!

MY TAKE:

I love that Corkcicle has products that keep the party going with a little something for every type of spirit lover in your life. These are amazing hostess gifts, so whether it's just you and your sweetheart staying in for some Netflix and Chill, or GALentine's Day with the girls, or heading off to a party, bring Corkcicle's innovative products with you and you are bound to set the party off right.

Happy Valentine's Day to all my beautiful Butterflies!

Readers Sound Off: Which Corkcicle Product sounds like the right one for YOU? What is your favorite Spirit? Are you team wine all the time? Beer? Bourbon/Whiskey?

·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: Corkcicle provided their innovative product line to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration and all thoughts and opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cocoon of fabulosity: Electronics/Technology (yes I am a Gadget Geek first!), Fashion, Jewelry, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants, Photography and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys (at least not those that are intended for children).

Unless it's charity related, If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey's Butterfly. Still here? Now go make someone happy today.