KATIE KENNEDY

Cocktails With Katie: Paloma

Similar Shirt || Shorts || Loafers || Earrings || Bracelet || Watch

I can’t believe I’ve only entered into my fourth year of blogging with Orange to Apple. It’s been so fun to see this little site grow and I want to make that trend continue. So, I’ve been trying think of ways to diversify my content and add another dimension. While there are a few different ideas on the drawing board, I’m so excited to release Cocktails With Katie. Once a month, give or take, I will share a new cocktail recipe that I’ve been playing with. I want them to be easy, I want them to be “skinny”, and I want them to be delicious. This month, we’ll be starting with one of my personal favorites, the Paloma.

Background

As a lifelong Floridian, I’d like to think of myself as a citrus connoisseur. Childhood mornings would almost always start with a fresh glass of orange or grapefruit juice from the trees in our backyard. Citrus is my preferred flavor, scent, and even decorative accent. With all of that being said, it shouldn’t come as a shock that one of my favorite cocktails is citrus inspired. With a mix of grapefruit, lime, and tequila, Palomas are always a crowd please.

History

Although the official origins of this grapefruit cocktail are unknown, it was absolutely created in Mexico. Even though Americans think the Margarita is the most cherished drink in the country, the Paloma actually holds that title. The Margarita became hugely popular in the states, and the Paloma sort of fell behind. That’s mainly because yearly grapefruit production in Mexico beats the United States by over half-a-million tons. In states where grapefruit is plentiful, like Florida, you’re going to see the popularity be a little more balanced. Besides, some of the finest tequila experts believe that grapefruit is actually a better pairing than lime.

Ingredients

Amounts are adjustable to fit your preference!

• 1 cup of tequila blanco (I prefer Altos or Casamigos)
• Juice from 4-5 fresh grapefuits
• Sparkling grapefruit soda or water
• Juice from 1-2 limes
• Crushed ice
• Grapefruit wedge for garnish

Preparation

To make this cocktail, there are no special steps, or shaker flips, required. I simply put everything straight into the pitcher. I have this one from William and Sonoma and it fits all of my beverage making needs. After everything is mixed together, pour into your favorite glass and sip away! I like to add a grapefruit wedge for a garnish, but I know having a salted rim is also very popular.

Warmer weather, looking at you Spring Break, is just around the corner. Prepping your packing guide is always a must, but finding the perfection concoction is just as important. Absolutely, please drink responsibly!

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.

Heart On Your Sleeve

Dress || Wedges || Handbag (Similar) || Earrings || Watch || Bracelet

To wear your heart on your sleeve is a phrase that dates back all the way to the Middle Ages. Although the meaning has changed a number of times over the last hundreds of years, it still has a strong meaning today. Nowadays, it means to show your true feelings. In all honesty, I think that’s something that people could put into practice more often. Be honest and let others know how you feel.

Clearly, that can be much easier said than done. Since being forthcoming with how you feel is almost a feat of bravery, it would be much easier to literally wear your heart instead. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, now is the time! This little red dress from LOFT is just about as festive as you can get! At first glance, the print is subtle, but on closer inspection, it’s a sprinkling of sweet hearts. It’s a frock that just screams Valentine’s Day.

I couldn’t help but give this dress a little bit of tropical flair. Since these bright red espadrilles were delivered last week, they’ve been a new go-to for footwear. Normally, they would serve as a pop of color, but are a perfect match to the darling dress. On the handbag front, I had been on the hunt for a black rattan crossbody since moving back to Florida. Knowing I didn’t want to break the bank, I was smitten with this bamboo accented pick I found on Amazon. For more of a splurge, I also love this similar option from Tuckernuck.

If this dress doesn’t make your heart patter, there are plenty of other options to wear your heart on your sleeve… Or shoulder… Or wrist. Since you all have probably learned about my love for rattan bags, it should come as no surprise that I found one in the cutest heart shape. This crossbody from Mali + Lili is perfectly for a date night on the town and comes in two different colors.

If you do want a heart themed dress, but one that’s not so bright, let me introduce you to this pick from Talbots. The navy color makes it more versatile, while faux-wrap style gives it an incredibly flattering shape. Talbots is one of my favorite destinations for finding holiday inspired pieces. They are always cheerful and timeless, but never kitschy. I’ve been lusting over this navy heart sweater for just that reason!

As we go into another Valentine’s Day, let’s try to be more open to wearing our heart on our sleeve. Even when the holiday has come and gone, and heart shaped candies are at huge discount, always be open about how you feel to those you love.

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.