KATIE KENNEDY

My Quarantine Key Lime Cocktail

My Quarantine Key Lime Cocktail

Cocktail, Key Lime, Tequila, Margarita

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Cheers to Friday! Even though the days are starting to blur together, I still hold Friday Happy Hour close to my heart, even if it’s virtual. It’s what I save the cocktails for. I’ve had an obvious cocktail of choice as of late. It’s a Floridian spin on an old favorite, but I could drink it every day. The best news is that it’s extremely light and refreshing with zero added sugar to worry about. I also want to note that I was hugely inspired by Bradley Agather at Luella & June. She’s a huge inspiration in more ways than one! Anyways, let me introduce to you my Key Lime Margarita!

Background

Floridians take their citrus very seriously. While oranges (on our license plate) and grapefruits are the first two you think of, there’s a third that instantly makes me feel at home. The Key Lime! It’s smaller and tarter than your standard, Parisian, lime, but the flavor and aroma are incredible. Don’t be fooled by the imitations. Key Lime anything is not supposed to be green. In fact, a ripe key lime isn’t green at all! That’s why an authentic key lime pie, and my cocktail, have more of pale yellow color. Outside of Florida, it’s a little known fact, but oh so important to get right!

Cocktail, Key Lime, Tequila, Margarita
Ingredients

Amounts are adjustable to fit your preference!

  • 2 ounces of tequila blanco (I prefer Altos or Casamigos)
  • 1 ounce of Key Lime Juice (Nellie and Joes is the best)
  • Top of with LaCroix Key Lime
  • Drizzle of Orange Blossom Honey
  • Crushed ice
  • Lime wedge for garnish (optional)
Preparation

To make this cocktail, there are no special steps, or shaker flips, required. I simply put everything straight into my glass, and stir with a swizzle stick. If I want to take the drink to go, and it’s becoming more and more frequent, I lean on my sea green Yeti tumbler to keep my drink ice cold.

Variations

Since this is a margarita, tequila is going to be the name of the game. That being said, this can be turned into a daiquiri with the quickest adjustment. Just swap your tequila blanco for a silver rum. We have Bacardi in our bar cart, but whatever you prefer will work! Because the mixers are light and crisp, I would venture to guess that vodka or even gin would work perfectly too.

Cocktail, Key Lime, Tequila, Margarita

I’m having so much fun mixing and matching new cocktails to share. Regardless of whether you’re driving or not, be sure to drink responsibly. While we’re social distancing at home, it’s just as easy to get out of control. Moderation, like with anything, is absolutely critical.

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Cocktail, Key Lime, Tequila, Margarita

City Guide: Dunedin

City Guide: Dunedin

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Deep down, everyone loves their hometown, right? Revisiting home always brings up feelings of nostalgia and childhood memories. I’m lucky enough to live a short drive away from my hometown and it’s become a local hotspot in recent years. I’m talking about Dunedin. It’s the charming little town on the Gulf and it absolutely deserves a special trip. The other weekend, I convinced David to make a detour there while we were visiting my parents. Here’s what should absolutely be on your to-do list.

Book your stay at the Fenway Hotel.

Even though it’s a small town, there’s still way too much in Dunedin to cover in one day. That’s why I recommend booking a room for at least one night. Whatever you do, be sure to stay at the Fenway Hotel. Originally built in 1924, at the height of the roaring 20s, it fell in disrepair and was defunct for most of my childhood. It wasn’t until 2015, when the local Taoist Tai Chi Society purchased it, did it start to come back to life. Now, it’s back to its original glory as a luxury boutique hotel with sweeping views of the Gulf. Even if you just want to enjoy a sunset and cocktail, this is the spot that local and tourists alike flock to. Fun fact: There rooftop bar, the Hi-Fi, used to be the home to the area’s first radio station.

  • Florida, Dunedin, hometown, Gulf Coast, travel
Brewery hop around the town.

Dunedin has recently become a beer-lover’s Mecca. The town boasts seven breweries within a one-mile radius, plus several local loving tap houses. No trip is complete without visiting at least one. The most notable would have to be Dunedin Brewery. Apart from having the town’s namesake, it’s also the oldest continually running microbrewery in all of Florida. They have a long list of options, my favorite being the Apricot Peach Ale, and a hearty food menu to go with it. The other day we visited Caledonia Brewery for the first time and I was blown away by their selection. In reality, you can’t go wrong with any brewery you come across in Dunedin.

  • Florida, Dunedin, hometown, Gulf Coast, travel
Have lunch at some of my favorite restaurants.

Some of my favorite restaurants in entire state of Florida call Dunedin home. My top pick would probably have to be Sea Sea Riders. It has been a town staple for over 30 years, serving Florida style seafood and fare. On the other end of the spectrum is Casa Tina, the spot to find authentic Mexican cuisine. Do I really need to say anything else? It was even voted the best Mexican restaurant in all of the Tampa Bay Area. I particularly love their Sunday Brunch, where I order the huevos rancheros and a fresh squeezed mimosa.

Soak up the sun on the Honeymoon Island.

Just a few minutes away from the sweet downtown area is the beach where I practically grew up. Honeymoon Island is a rare find in this part of Florida. Because it’s a state park, you won’t find overbuilt hotels, touristy restaurants, or the hoards of vacationers. Instead, it’s just a pristine strip of sand, leading to the Gulf of Mexico. Relax like the locals do. Pack a Publix Sub, a bag of chips, and ice tea to go. If you’re wanting to be served after a day in the sunshine, you can stop by Frenchy’s Outpost for a fresh grouper sandwich and boat drink. I highly recommend the smoked fish dip, a Gulf Coast delicacy.

  • Florida, Dunedin, hometown, Gulf Coast, travel

For a population of just over 36,0000 people, I’m only scratching the surface. I haven’t even mentioned the other seasonal attractions that make Dunedin so special. They have one of the biggest Mardi Gras parades in South Florida, a minor league baseball team with a beautiful new stadium, and celebrates the Highlander Games to keep in touch with their Scottish history. Whatever you’re pleasure, Dunedin has something to offer you and more.

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

An Evening with Flamingo Mag and J.McLaughlin

An Evening with Flamingo Mag and J.McLaughlin

Dress || Wedges || Handbag || Earrings || Bracelet

Since moving back to Florida, I have become extremely focused on reaching out to local businesses. One of those is Flamingo Magazine. It’s a lifestyle magazine on the scene, written by Floridians for Floridians. On a whim one day, I decided to introduce myself. Whenever I pitch my blog I never really know what to expect, but I was so happy when they quickly responded and invited me to a fun event right in my backyard!

  • Florida, Flamingo Mag, J. McLaughlin, Preppy, Tampa, Hyde Park
The Location

Even though it’s only 30 minutes away, I don’t really get into Tampa very often. Trust me, the traffic can be such a nightmare! So, when the opportunity presents itself, I try to make the most of it! Last night’s event was hosted in the gorgeous Hyde Park neighborhood of Tampa. It’s an extremely picturesque part of town with a great selection of boutiques and restaurants. David actually works nearby, so he was able to meet me before hand for a cup of coffee at Buddy Brew. It was such a nice way to unwind and have some one-on-one time.

  • Florida, Flamingo Mag, J. McLaughlin, Preppy, Tampa, Hyde Park
The Partnership

The event was hosted at the chic J.McLaughlin boutique. It’s harder to get more ‘Florida’ than with this brand. Although it was originally founded and based out of New York, it has fully embraced that resort mentality. Imagine bright colors, exciting fabrics, and lots of rattan! It has won a place in my heart and is slowly taking over my closet. Their sweet shop served as the perfect location to celebrate the best of what Florida has to offer.

  • Florida, Flamingo Mag, J. McLaughlin, Preppy, Tampa, Hyde Park
The Cause

Last night wasn’t just all fun and games. There was a good cause that went behind it too! 15% of last night’s proceeds went to the Path of the Panther charity. The Florida Panther is one of the most endangered species in the country and land development continues to shrink their habitat. The donations received will help researchers find efficient pathways for Florida wildlife to roam freely. To really drive the point home, pictures of the panther were displayed throughout and couldn’t help but catch your eye.

  • Florida, Flamingo Mag, J. McLaughlin, Preppy, Tampa, Hyde Park
The Event

What’s a party without music, food, and drink? All three were accounted for at last night’s soirée, and then some. Nearby bartaco catered the event with delicious little bites and their delicious salsas. The cocktail of the evening was affectionately named the Jungle Bird and was right up my alley. The exact recipe remains a mystery, but it was blend of local Florida Cane silver rum, Aperitivo, strawberry, pineapple, and lime juice. The result was a drink I could seriously sip all day. Finally, music from J.T. Brown made the shindig really feel like a party!

  • Florida, Flamingo Mag, J. McLaughlin, Preppy, Tampa, Hyde Park
The Collection

Last night’s event also celebrated the latest new arrivals from J.McLaughlin. Let me tell you, everything is simply stunning! I’m pretty sure I openly drooled over this particular blue floral dress. The boho silhouette and carefree shape is exactly my style! J.McLaughlin can also serve as your ultimate destination for summer bags. Countless rattan bags, many with bamboo accents, are perfect for the woman who always dresses for summer. Don’t forget the men in your life. While at the event with me, David spotted several pieces, including this belt and pullover sweater, that he wants to add to his own closet.

  • Florida, Flamingo Mag, J. McLaughlin, Preppy, Tampa, Hyde Park

When it comes to throwing a party, Flamingo Magazine really knows how to stand out! Again, I’m so thankful to have been included and can’t wait to get the next issue in the mail. If you’re a fellow Floridian, I cannot recommend this magazine enough to stay in touch with what’s going on around the Sunshine State. To see my favorite pieces from last night, be sure to shop below!

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.