Children's Birthday Party = Cocktail Time

This morning was our daughter's 8th birthday party.  I think I mentioned in a previous post that we were doing a Polar Express themed movie  party.  I think everyone had a good time but boy, do these kid's parties suck the life out of you!  Don't get me wrong - I wouldn't have changed a thing and I do enjoy throwing them but it's exhausting.

By the time we cleaned up, packed the kid's in the car, loaded up the bags, drinks, presents and other stuff - in the torrential rain - I was done.  And it was only noon.


So, after the presents were opened, pulled apart and organized, it was time for some Mommy juice!

Pear Martini



Like the picture?  It was taken on my floor since my table and counters were filled with papers, dishes, wrapping paper, markers...you get the idea.  But, sitting on the floor to drink your martini is safer anyway.  Closer to the ground = softer landing when you've had too many.

3 oz. Trader Joe's Pear Cinnamon Cider
2 oz. Fresh Squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp sugar
3 oz. Vodka


In a shaker, add ice, and all above ingredients.  Shake well to combine sugar and chill liquid. Take some lemon juice or a piece of the squeezed lemon and run it around the rim of your martini glass. Pour some extra-fine sugar onto a small plate and run the rim of martini glass along the plate to coat with sugar.  Strain martini into glass and drink up!

For this cocktail, I used the Trader Joe's Pear Cinnamon Cider but you can substitue pear nectar if you are not near TJ's.  The cider is awesome and only available at this time of year so if you really like it, stock up now.  It comes in a 64 oz bottle.  If you are not going to use it all  - do not let it go to waste - freeze into ice cube trays and pop out into ziploc bags.  When you are in need of the juice just grab a couple of cubes and use for the drink.  These also make great ice cubes for sangria or other cocktails and by using the juice cubes, you will not water down your beverage.

Also, for the sugar rim, I used Lemon Sprinkles because I had them on hand.  But, like I said, you can use extra-fine sugar or regular sugar.  You can also kick it up by zesting some lemon into the sugar before you juice it for your drink.

Cheers to all my Mommy friends, non Mommy friends and anyone in need of a Martini - especially the ones who have just attended the kiddie parties!