Isabelle Drake's Blog, page 4

Don't worry about it. This cocktail is just right for a festive afternoon.

 This is not your run-of-the-mill sparkling wine cocktail, ohno, it's the Figurati, and it's a concoction that dances to its own Italiantune. And darling, when you lay your eyes upon its easy-peasy,built-in-the-glass recipe and its low-ABV day-drinking charm, you'll understandwhy this cocktail's name translates into "Don't Worry About It."

Nathan Elliot, the mixology maestro and creator of theFigurati, tossed aside the clichés of Champagne and prosecco, and even thedelightful rosé sparklers, daring to be different. In the Figurati, he unveilsthe true star – lambrusco, the iconic Italian sparkler from the heart ofLombardy. It's a match made in cocktail heaven, my dear, as the vivaciouslambrusco takes center stage.

But Nathan's a man of flair and pizzazz; he cranks up thecharm with a couple of dashes of Peychaud's bitters. These are the darlings ofNew Orleans, famous for their role in the timeless Sazerac. A touch of gentian,a whisper of anise, a hint of citrus, and voilà – you've got a crimson-huedelixir that's bursting with botanical brilliance.

The Figurati is not just any cocktail; it's the perfectpre-dinner aperitif. Picture it – a sultry Italian evening, a charming tableadorned with charcuterie and cheese, and in your hand, a Figurati. It's aninvitation to an unforgettable soirée of the senses, and it's simplyirresistible.

But wait, darling, there's more. Take it to your next patiohappy hour, and bid adieu to your usual Aperol Spritz. The Figurati might justbe the spark you've been missing, and who knows, you might rekindle your loveaffair with lambrusco along the way.

So, darling, don't fret. Embrace the Figurati, and let itwhisk you away on an Italian escapade filled with flavor, charm, and, ofcourse, a touch of "Don't Worry About It." Cheers, to the cocktailthat dares to be different!

INGREDIENTS

4 ounces lambrusco, chilled1 ounce Cappelletti aperitivo, chilled2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters

DIRECTIONS

Add the lambrusco, Cappelletti and Peychaud’s bitters into aChampagne flute, stirring gently to combine.Express the oil from a lemon twist over the glass and placethe twist on the rim to garnish.

GARNISH

Lemon twist

sexy start, easy cocktails and holiday

Hit here for the December newsletter and the cookie recipe 

Christmas thoughts in unlikely places

 The inspiration for and the invitation to write a HallmarkChristmas in reverse story came to me one spring afternoon while I was seatedin a row of black vinyl chairs and half-watching Pimp My Ride. Beyond the hugesingle-pane window at the end of the row of chairs was a stunning view of theinterior of a garage. The whirr of air compressors and hum of car enginesrumbled through the glass, punctuated occasionally by a shout. To my left andto my right were others doing exactly what I was doing: scrolling through theirphones, half watching the ever-cool guys at West Coast Customs transform what Ithink was a late 80’s Cadillac Eldorado. 

My scrolling was on Twitter; I wasreading the same thread that pops up occasionally, a conversation about thepredictability of Hallmark Christmas films. This time the conversation had atwist: what if someone wrote a Hallmark Christmas in reverse. Lori Perkins, thepublisher of Riverdale Avenue Books, posted that she’d love to see such a book.I posted that I’d love to write it.

And there it was, the challenge. My curiosity sparked, Istarted to imagine what elements I’d flip and which ones I’d keep. Obviously,the meet cute and happy ending would stay. The sparkling, festive, snowybackdrop as well as the allover feel good vibe, also were a must. For the flip,I focused on the heroine. I wanted to move her from a rural location to anurban one and take her from a sort-of successful career into a high pressurevery successful one. The hero, I also wanted to flip. Why not a man seeking toget out of his high stress job?

I knew I wanted the happy ending for my story to be asmall-town girl accepting a high-pressure job and moving to a city to be with abusiness-suit-wearing urbanite. Inspired by my personal favorite Christmasmovies, I selected New York for my city. Inspired by my own experiences withcountry living, I added in some chickens and small-town drama.

Curious? Grab your newly expanded, paperback edition of Not Home for the Holidays.

too much fun with scene structure

 

Had fun with Marty Vee who I met at Rally of Writers. I was happy to accept her invite to join her on Romance Writers Therapy and chat about scene structure, critique partners' best practices and The Sixth Sense. Enjoy this craft heavy episode!

pumpkin spice liqueur, DIY style. nice or no?

My adventure with making my pumpkin spice liqueur. Inspired by a cocktail recipe for a pumpkin spice white Russian, a cozy afternoon at home, and my curiosity. 

sassy cooking, inspiration at the tire store & festive drinks🦃

 Hit here for the November newsletter.

47 minutes I won't get back

 Yes, I stood in line for 47 minutes to get one German pretzel, but I can honestly say it was a good time. As other people came and left (guess not everyone wants to wait that long) the line felt like a party of its own. I met some fun girls who took pictures of me taking pictures of the line. So meta. At the time, it was hilarious.

a reveal, a confession, or just a simple update...

Isabelle Drake was born in 2005, the year I (Melissa FordLucken) published my first erotic romance, Everglades Wildfire, with VenusPress. She, I, published several titles with Venus Press before moving on thepublish with the now infamous Ellora's Cave. For those more recently deliveredto this romance book scene, Ellora's Cave was the first big publisher of eroticromance. 

Being an EC author was, despite quick and sad the way things ended,great. Big parties, big promotions, and truly great readers. I learned a lotwriting erotic romance. One thing I learned about my writer self is that I likewriting what "they" tell me I can't. If someone adds to that messagethat I shouldn't write something....that doubles the likelihood that I will bewriting it.

...read the rest in my October newsletter

this cocktail is naughty and nice

What's utterly fab about this cocktail is that it's a bitnaughty and nice, just like the heroine in your favorite novel. The vodka andcoffee liqueur bring that sophisticated, grown-up allure, while the pumpkinspice syrup adds a touch of whimsy, like a quirky best friend who always keepsthings interesting.

It's the kind of drink that's perfect for cozying up withyour latest paperback crush, or better yet, sharing secrets and laughs withyour favorite gal pals over brunch.

So, sip it slow and savor every moment because the PumpkinSpice White Russian is more than a cocktail; it's a delightful plot twist inyour taste adventure, leaving you craving for the next sweet chapter. Cheers tofall, darling! 🍂💕

Pumpkin Spice White Russian Cocktails for Two

INGREDIENTS for the drinks
3 ounces good quality vodka

3 ounces pumpkin spice creamer

1.5 ounces glass Kahlua
INGREDIENTS for the rims
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon sugar or sparkling sugar

3 tablespoons crushed graham crackers
DIRECTIONS  
Mix the ingredients for the rim together on a shallow plate. Dip the edge of two glasses in water and then dip into the graham mixture. Press to coat. Set the two glasses aside.

Pour vodka, creamer, and kahlua into a large cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake lightly until combined and cold.

Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice.

GARNISH
whipped cream & pumpkin pie spice

 

Vacays, a Sneak Peek, and a Bowl of Gin Punch 🥝

 Hit here for the August Newsletter