Grapefruit & Mint Mojito - A Summer Time Cocktail Obesession

If there are two things in this world I love dearly, it's a great cocktail and Martha Stewart. When the two join forces, I'm not sure what to do with myself - like right now.

Martha released her favorite 31 specialty cocktails yesterday via her online wedding site and of course I immediately read every single recipe. Cocktails are such an important part of wedding and event celebrations and selecting the right signature cocktail is so important to the overall theme of your big day. It might sound surprising, but I have had status calls with brides and grooms to talk about one thing, the SIGNATURE COCKTAIL. So, when Martha puts together a list of her favs, you know they are not only delicious, but are gorgeous. If you know me, I love anything that is delicious wrapped up in beautiful.

Since I'm throwing a pink themed bridal shower for one of my best college girlfriends next month, I've been on the search for a refreshing pretty pink cocktail that packs a punch. Thanks to Martha, I have found it - a Grapefruit-Mint Mojito. YUM. Give a whirl, I have included the recipe below.

To view Martha's top 31 favorite signature cocktails, go here. Cheers and enjoy!

Grapefruit Mint Mojito

Grapefruit-Mint Mojito
A simple mint syrup takes the place of crushed leaves in this grapefruit-mint mojito. Be sure to add fresh sprigs on top for a dash of color and heady aroma. Tall, slender glasses and long stirring sticks impart a modern elegance.

INGREDIENTS (makes 4 servings):
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
1 ruby-red grapefruit

3/4 cup white rum

3 cups ice

1 cup seltzer

DIRECTIONS:

Bring sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat, and add mint leaves. Let steep 10 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve into a small bowl, and discard mint. Let cool.

Using a vegetable peeler, remove zest from grapefruit in long, wide strips. Place in a large glass, and add rum. Cover, and let stand for 30 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve intoa large glass measure, and discard zest.

Cut away remaining pith from grapefruit. Cut between membranes to release segments. For each drink, place 2 to 3 segments in a glass. Top with 3/4 cup ice. Stir 3 tablespoons infused rum, 2 tablespoons mint syrup, and 1/4 cup seltzer in a glass measure, and pour over ice. Garnish with mint sprigs.

Happy Planning!

Letterpress Trunk Show - Daupine Press @ Union Street Papery on Wed. August 10th

Letterpress is king among invitation ensembles and anyone who knows stationary or invitation suites will agree with me. The craftsmanship, quality and customization that goes into each invitation ensemble is simply exquisite and is really incomparable to any other printing process. If you are a bride and receive a letterpress invitation, then you know the couple is making a serious artistic or aesthetic statement about their wedding.

As with all amazing, one-of-a-kind, simply exquisite products, it's pricey.

If you are a letterpress junkie, like myself, then you may know of Dauphine Press. If you don't know of them, I am more than honored to introduce you to them. At Dauphine Press, they take letterpress to a whole other level - using sophisticated and modern patterns, fonts and colors - it's simple stunning.

I've had a chance to view Dauphine's new collection last month with a couple of my 2012 brides and I was in awe of the gorgeousness they have put out this year. To top it all off, all of their suites in their new collection are named after Bay Area locations - Rutherford, Sausalito, Marinwood and Meadowood to name a few.

If you have always wanted letterpress for any part of your special event, attend Dauphine Press' trunk show this coming Wednesday, August 10th at Union Street Papery's Bridal Bungalow for a view of their 2011 collection wedding invitations and other products. To have a representative from a company such as Dauphine Press on hand to answer any related questions is invaluable when it comes to such a fine crafted custom product. What's the best part? If you purchase your wedding invitation ensemble during the trunk show, Dauphine will throw in 20 invitations to your order for free. Ummm.... if you haven't done the math yet, that's hundreds of dollars off your bottom line. Man, if there is any one who loves to provide their clients with a great deal, its ME! If that's not enough to spark an interest, Union Street Papery will be hosting the event with wine and cheese. That's enough for me to reschedule a few things in my calendar. 

UNION STREET PAPERY - SAN FRANCISCO
If you haven't visited Union Street Papery in the Marina district of San Francisco, you are missing out big time. This amazing stationary specialty boutique has the most beautiful bridal bungalow and knowledgeable staff in the business. Ask for Nichele, she's one of the best assets a bride can find in the world of paper, wedding invitations and design. She will help you find the most perfect collection to match your wedding day, not to mention, she's one of the nicest people ever!

See you there!

DAUPHINE PRESS 20% OFF FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH OF AUGUST
For those of you who can't make it to the trunk show, Dauphine is running a special this month only giving you 20% off your entire order. See promo below for details.