Drinks Archives - thedancingcucumber.com thedancingcucumber.com Wed, 10 Apr 2024 09:50:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 This Orange Crush Cocktail Comes Just in Time for Summer https://thedancingcucumber.com/this-orange-crush-cocktail-comes-just-in-time-for-summer/ Fri, 12 Apr 2024 08:48:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=9634 Originally made in Maryland, this tasty cocktail quickly became popular across the United States. With its robust flavor and tropical colors, this cocktail could be your perfect summer drink. Here’s your guide to making an Orange Crush cocktail just in time for summer. Ingredients: View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Wheelhouse […]

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]]> Originally made in Maryland, this tasty cocktail quickly became popular across the United States. With its robust flavor and tropical colors, this cocktail could be your perfect summer drink. Here’s your guide to making an Orange Crush cocktail just in time for summer.

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium orange, juiced (1 cup)
  • 2 ounces triple sec
  • 2 ounces vodka
  • Sprite
  • Lemon-lime soda
  • Orange slice

Instructions:

  1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
  2. Pour the vodka into the glass, followed by triple sec and orange juice. Stir to combine.
  3. Add lemon-lime soda until the glass is full and garnish with an orange slice to serve.

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]]> Prebiotic Soda is Trending, Here’s Three Reasons Why You Should Try It https://thedancingcucumber.com/prebiotic-soda-is-trending-heres-three-reasons-why-you-should-try-it/ Thu, 11 Jan 2024 08:59:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=9443 Prebiotic sodas have taken the natural-health food world by storm and with good reason. The soda is fizzy, delicious, and comes in a variety of fun flavors similar to that of seltzer and or other flavored sparkling water beverages on the market. We recommend trying prebiotic brands, such as Poppi, for a burst of flavor […]

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]]> Prebiotic sodas have taken the natural-health food world by storm and with good reason. The soda is fizzy, delicious, and comes in a variety of fun flavors similar to that of seltzer and or other flavored sparkling water beverages on the market. We recommend trying prebiotic brands, such as Poppi, for a burst of flavor and a healthier alternative to regular soda. Keep reading for a few reasons why you should try it.

Gut Health

Prebiotic sodas offer some of the many gut health benefits that kombucha offers without the same bitter, and acidic taste. The prebiotic benefits are great for helping digestion, maintaining regular bowel movements, and lowering inflammation in the body. If you do not take a a daily pre or probiotic already, prebiotic sodas might be a fun place to start.

Low Sugar

These sodas have far less sugar and calories than regular sodas making them a healthier alternative to regular and diet sodas. Each can has only 25 calories and less than 5 grams of sugar. It is also only sweetened with organic plant based sweetness such as stevia and agave, making it a far better alternative to mainstream diet sodas that use artificial sweetness.

Delicious Flavors

There are also many varieties of flavors to try, making it more exciting to drink your prebiotics than ever before. Enjoy favorites such as strawberry lemonade, cola, lemon lime, and cherry limeade.

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]]> How to Prepare a Whiskey Ginger https://thedancingcucumber.com/how-to-prepare-a-whiskey-ginger/ Wed, 27 Dec 2023 16:22:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=9354 If you love whiskey yet are willing to try something a little alternative, then a whiskey ginger cocktail could prove to be a pleasant yet spicy surprise. Here is how you can concoct this intriguing classic cocktail in your own kitchen. Ingredients: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Market St Rhinebeck (@market_st) […]

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]]> If you love whiskey yet are willing to try something a little alternative, then a whiskey ginger cocktail could prove to be a pleasant yet spicy surprise. Here is how you can concoct this intriguing classic cocktail in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 sugar ginger sliced into 1/8″ coins
  • 1/4 pound sugar
  • 5 ounces ginger ale
  • 2 ounces whiskey
  • 5 candied gingers
  • Lime wheel
  • Toothpick

Instructions:

  1. Place ginger in a medium-sized pan and pour enough water to cover the water. Over medium to high heat, allow the ginger to simmer for about 35 minutes, until tender.
  2. Toss sugar in a pan that equals the amount of ginger. Bring the ginger to a boil before reducing the heat and stir frequently for 15 to 20 minutes.
  3. Once the sugar crystallizes on the ginger, it’s time to allow the ginger to cool. Then, place it in the fridge.
  4. Fill a rocks glass with ice before adding whiskey and ginger ale. Place a lime wheel on the rim and place the ginger pieces on a toothpick before plopping it into the glass before serving.

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]]> 3 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Espresso Machine https://thedancingcucumber.com/3-tips-for-getting-the-most-out-of-your-espresso-machine/ Sun, 03 Dec 2023 08:27:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=7638 If you’ve decided to devote a chunk of counter space in your kitchen to an espresso machine, you must really love coffee. In that case, you probably want to learn how to make the best possible espresso at home. Here’s what you can do to enjoy the best coffee at home. Use a Scale Always […]

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]]> If you’ve decided to devote a chunk of counter space in your kitchen to an espresso machine, you must really love coffee. In that case, you probably want to learn how to make the best possible espresso at home. Here’s what you can do to enjoy the best coffee at home.

Use a Scale

Always measure ground coffee for your espresso shots using a precise digital scale. Keep in mind that professional baristas use grams to be accurate and that’s the best way to get consistently good coffee every single time

Get The Right Equipment

The espresso machines can get expensive, but it’s not the only thing you need to buy. Even the priciest machine is not complete without a cleaning solution and a brush. A tamping mat, even the most basic one, will protect your counter and your tamper.

Always Use Fresh Beans

Make it a habit to always use fresh beans as they impact the taste of coffee the most. Once roasted, beans are considered fresh for several days, and you can extend this slightly by using vacuum containers to store them. If you store them properly, they can stay fresh for up to a month, but it’s a good idea to get smaller quantities that you’ll drink faster.

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]]> These Useful Tips Will Help You Become a Green Tea Expert https://thedancingcucumber.com/these-useful-tips-will-help-you-become-a-green-tea-expert/ Sat, 02 Dec 2023 08:51:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=8100 Green tea is known for its magical healthy properties, but that’s just not enough to convince some people to drink it. They see its distinct flavor as a deal-breaker, but that’s just because they haven’t mastered the art of making it. If you happen to be one of those people, these useful tips will help […]

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]]> Green tea is known for its magical healthy properties, but that’s just not enough to convince some people to drink it. They see its distinct flavor as a deal-breaker, but that’s just because they haven’t mastered the art of making it. If you happen to be one of those people, these useful tips will help you improve your green tea and fall in love with it.

Quality Leaves

The quality of your green tea leaves defines the taste of this healthy beverage, so get ready to spend some extra money on quality leaves to make sure your tea is super-delicious.

Perfect Temperature

It’s extremely important to brew your green tea leaves at the temperature that suits them, and keeping them somewhere between 150 F and 180 F is your best bet.

Steeping Time

You won’t be able to reach the flavor that you’re aiming for if you don’t steep it for the right amount of time. Stick to two to three minutes because green tea leaves happen to be very delicate and you won’t do them any good for steeping them for longer.

Perfect Mix

You don’t have to brew green tea on its own and mixing it with other herbal teas is always an option, with mint being one of the most popular flavor combos.

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]]> Adding Honey to Your Tea? Here are a Few Things You Should Know https://thedancingcucumber.com/adding-honey-to-your-tea-here-are-a-few-things-you-should-know/ Tue, 28 Nov 2023 16:44:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=8405 As far as natural sweeteners go, nothing really beats honey. You can use it to replace highly-processed sugar in many foods and drinks, including tea. It’s very common to use honey as a tea sweetener due to its many healthy properties, but here are three things you should keep in mind before doing it. No […]

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]]> As far as natural sweeteners go, nothing really beats honey. You can use it to replace highly-processed sugar in many foods and drinks, including tea. It’s very common to use honey as a tea sweetener due to its many healthy properties, but here are three things you should keep in mind before doing it.

No Toxic Properties

If you’re thinking of not adding honey to your tea because you’ve heard somewhere it can become toxic when heated, you’ll be happy to hear this is just a common misconception. You can freely add honey to warm water, but it’s best to make sure it’s not boiling hot.

Boiling Hot Water

Adding honey to boiling hot water won’t do you any harm, but it won’t do you any good either. The main reason why you’re using honey in the first place is the many health benefits it contains, but it will be stripped of them if its enzymes change when it’s added to boiling hot water.

Use Honey in Moderation

Despite being healthier than sugar, honey contains more calories and you shouldn’t go overboard when adding it to your foods and drinks, including tea. Use it in moderation and try to stick to one teaspoon per cup of tea.

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]]> Use a Milk Frother For Barista Style Coffee at Home https://thedancingcucumber.com/use-a-milk-frother-for-barista-style-coffee-at-home/ Sat, 25 Nov 2023 20:21:50 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=9187 If you’re a lover of coffee then you’ll know how important it is to get your hands on the perfect cup when you get the craving. For so many of us, this can mean heading out to a cafe to purchase an overpriced yet delicious frothy cup of the good stuff. But it doesn’t have […]

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]]> If you’re a lover of coffee then you’ll know how important it is to get your hands on the perfect cup when you get the craving. For so many of us, this can mean heading out to a cafe to purchase an overpriced yet delicious frothy cup of the good stuff. But it doesn’t have to be this way. 

The Solution: Buy a Milk Frother

This is basically a small electric whisk, which is designed to be placed into milk to froth it up. You press the button, and the small circular head starts spinning around super fast. When this is done while the head is in some milk, the vigorous addition of lots of air bubbles creates the frothy kind of milk that we all love so much. 

Extra Tip: This is Even Better When the Milk is Hot

It may seem like an unnecessary extra step, but if you do this to some milk that’s heating gently on a stovetop, then you really will be in barista heaven. This can be done with any milk, but if using plant milk then look for ones labeled ‘barista’ to achieve the frothiness. 

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]]> Easy Homemade Mulled Wine https://thedancingcucumber.com/easy-homemade-mulled-wine/ Fri, 24 Nov 2023 16:16:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=9186 As the winter season trundles along and things start to feel more festive, the time comes when it’s acceptable to drink mulled wine all the time. There’s nothing more warming on a cold winter’s night than some hot, spiced, sweet red wine. Even more delicious than shop-bought mulled wine is the homemade version, and it’s […]

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]]> As the winter season trundles along and things start to feel more festive, the time comes when it’s acceptable to drink mulled wine all the time. There’s nothing more warming on a cold winter’s night than some hot, spiced, sweet red wine. Even more delicious than shop-bought mulled wine is the homemade version, and it’s so simple to do. You can choose how much of each spice you put in depending on your taste. 

Ingredients:

  • Bottle of red wine
  • 1 piece of star anise
  • 1 stick of cinnamon
  • 1 piece nutmeg 
  • 1 piece ginger
  • ½ orange
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions:

  1. Peel the ginger 
  2. Slice the orange into semi-circles
  3. Pour the wine into a large pot and add all the spices
  4. Put this on a low heat
  5. Continue to heat, giving a little stir from time to time
  6. Make sure it doesn’t boil as this will affect the taste and alcohol levels of the wine
  7. After about 10 minutes of heating, add the sugar and the orange slices and stir through
  8. Continue to heat, stirring occasionally
  9. After another 10 minutes, take it off the heat
  10. Leave to sit for about 5 minutes
  11. Strain the wine into glasses, and enjoy!

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]]> Healthiest Alcoholic Beverages You Can Drink https://thedancingcucumber.com/healthiest-alcoholic-beverages-you-can-drink/ Thu, 23 Nov 2023 08:46:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=9181 While you may be doing your best to live a healthy lifestyle, no one can blame you for wanting to join in when your friends are drinking alcohol on a fun night out. So, the next time you want to let loose, here are the healthiest alcoholic beverages that you can drink. Dry Wines Because […]

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]]> While you may be doing your best to live a healthy lifestyle, no one can blame you for wanting to join in when your friends are drinking alcohol on a fun night out. So, the next time you want to let loose, here are the healthiest alcoholic beverages that you can drink.

Dry Wines

Because dry wines are given more time to ferment than sweet wines, the yeast is able to consume more sugar from the grapes. Ultimately, this results in a lower-sugar wine.

Hard Seltzers

Typically made of a mixture of sparkling water and a clear liquor like vodka or tequila, hard seltzers do not contain artificial preservatives or added flavoring as is common in mixed drinks. They often come with natural fruit juice essence, meaning that they are available in a variety of flavors.

Hard Kombucha

Kombucha typically has very little alcohol content, meaning that even hard kombucha is barely considered an alcoholic beverage. This beverage comes with probiotics from its fermentation process as well as plant compounds from the tea it’s made from.

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]]> Pumpkin-Themed Cocktails? Yes, Please! https://thedancingcucumber.com/pumpkin-themed-cocktails-yes-please/ Sat, 18 Nov 2023 16:22:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=9158 If you’re looking to impress your guests with something special at your next holiday party, a pumpkin cocktail is the way to go. And one TickTocker has just the recipe you need – a Pumpkin Pie Martini.  @alekasgettogether 🍸🎃 Pumpkin pie martini anyone?? This deliciously rich cocktail is meant for after dinner in place of […]

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]]> If you’re looking to impress your guests with something special at your next holiday party, a pumpkin cocktail is the way to go. And one TickTocker has just the recipe you need – a Pumpkin Pie Martini. 

@alekasgettogether 🍸🎃 Pumpkin pie martini anyone?? This deliciously rich cocktail is meant for after dinner in place of dessert. It tastes SO much like a pumpkin pie it’s hard to resist. The real pumpkin purée is what makes this baby stand out! 🙃 . Save this cocktail for your next fall gathering! . Full recipe on the blog! Ingredients below! . Ingredients ▢ 2 tablespoon pumpkin pie puree ▢ ¾ oz vanilla or whipped cream vodka ▢ 1 oz RumChata cream liqueur ▢ ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice ▢ ½ oz Maple syrup Rim ▢ Caramel Sauce ▢ Graham Cracker Crumbs . #pumpkin #pumpkinmartini #pumpkinpie #pumpkinspice #cocktails #cocktails🍹 #cocktails ♬ Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – 80s Super Hits

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
  • ¾ oz of vanilla or whipped cream vodka
  • 1 oz RumChata cream liquor 
  • ¼ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ oz of maple syrup 

For the Rim 

  • Caramel Sauce
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs

Instructions

  • Add the pumpkin puree, whipped cream, RumChata, pumpkin pie spice, and maple syrup in a glass. Transfer to a shaker with ice and shake well. 
  • In the meantime, prepare your martini glass by dipping the rim first in caramel and then in gram cracker crumbs. Once the glass is ready, strain into pumpkin pie martini into the glass. 
  • If you’re feeling extra fancy, sprinkle with a touch of cinnamon or add a cinnamon stick for garnish. 
  • A few other variations you can play with are making your pumpkin puree by roasting and blending fresh pumpkins. This will add an extra depth of flavor. You can also experiment with adding different spices like nutmeg and cloves to enhance the pumpkin flavor in your cocktail. 

Most importantly, have fun with it. Cheers to the holidays!

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]]> ersion="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> Drinks Archives - thedancingcucumber.com thedancingcucumber.com Wed, 10 Apr 2024 09:50:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 This Orange Crush Cocktail Comes Just in Time for Summer https://thedancingcucumber.com/this-orange-crush-cocktail-comes-just-in-time-for-summer/ Fri, 12 Apr 2024 08:48:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=9634 Originally made in Maryland, this tasty cocktail quickly became popular across the United States. With its robust flavor and tropical colors, this cocktail could be your perfect summer drink. Here’s your guide to making an Orange Crush cocktail just in time for summer. Ingredients: View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Wheelhouse […]

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]]> Originally made in Maryland, this tasty cocktail quickly became popular across the United States. With its robust flavor and tropical colors, this cocktail could be your perfect summer drink. Here’s your guide to making an Orange Crush cocktail just in time for summer.

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium orange, juiced (1 cup)
  • 2 ounces triple sec
  • 2 ounces vodka
  • Sprite
  • Lemon-lime soda
  • Orange slice

Instructions:

  1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
  2. Pour the vodka into the glass, followed by triple sec and orange juice. Stir to combine.
  3. Add lemon-lime soda until the glass is full and garnish with an orange slice to serve.

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]]> Prebiotic Soda is Trending, Here’s Three Reasons Why You Should Try It https://thedancingcucumber.com/prebiotic-soda-is-trending-heres-three-reasons-why-you-should-try-it/ Thu, 11 Jan 2024 08:59:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=9443 Prebiotic sodas have taken the natural-health food world by storm and with good reason. The soda is fizzy, delicious, and comes in a variety of fun flavors similar to that of seltzer and or other flavored sparkling water beverages on the market. We recommend trying prebiotic brands, such as Poppi, for a burst of flavor […]

The post Prebiotic Soda is Trending, Here’s Three Reasons Why You Should Try It appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> Prebiotic sodas have taken the natural-health food world by storm and with good reason. The soda is fizzy, delicious, and comes in a variety of fun flavors similar to that of seltzer and or other flavored sparkling water beverages on the market. We recommend trying prebiotic brands, such as Poppi, for a burst of flavor and a healthier alternative to regular soda. Keep reading for a few reasons why you should try it.

Gut Health

Prebiotic sodas offer some of the many gut health benefits that kombucha offers without the same bitter, and acidic taste. The prebiotic benefits are great for helping digestion, maintaining regular bowel movements, and lowering inflammation in the body. If you do not take a a daily pre or probiotic already, prebiotic sodas might be a fun place to start.

Low Sugar

These sodas have far less sugar and calories than regular sodas making them a healthier alternative to regular and diet sodas. Each can has only 25 calories and less than 5 grams of sugar. It is also only sweetened with organic plant based sweetness such as stevia and agave, making it a far better alternative to mainstream diet sodas that use artificial sweetness.

Delicious Flavors

There are also many varieties of flavors to try, making it more exciting to drink your prebiotics than ever before. Enjoy favorites such as strawberry lemonade, cola, lemon lime, and cherry limeade.

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]]> How to Prepare a Whiskey Ginger https://thedancingcucumber.com/how-to-prepare-a-whiskey-ginger/ Wed, 27 Dec 2023 16:22:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=9354 If you love whiskey yet are willing to try something a little alternative, then a whiskey ginger cocktail could prove to be a pleasant yet spicy surprise. Here is how you can concoct this intriguing classic cocktail in your own kitchen. Ingredients: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Market St Rhinebeck (@market_st) […]

The post How to Prepare a Whiskey Ginger appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> If you love whiskey yet are willing to try something a little alternative, then a whiskey ginger cocktail could prove to be a pleasant yet spicy surprise. Here is how you can concoct this intriguing classic cocktail in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 sugar ginger sliced into 1/8″ coins
  • 1/4 pound sugar
  • 5 ounces ginger ale
  • 2 ounces whiskey
  • 5 candied gingers
  • Lime wheel
  • Toothpick

Instructions:

  1. Place ginger in a medium-sized pan and pour enough water to cover the water. Over medium to high heat, allow the ginger to simmer for about 35 minutes, until tender.
  2. Toss sugar in a pan that equals the amount of ginger. Bring the ginger to a boil before reducing the heat and stir frequently for 15 to 20 minutes.
  3. Once the sugar crystallizes on the ginger, it’s time to allow the ginger to cool. Then, place it in the fridge.
  4. Fill a rocks glass with ice before adding whiskey and ginger ale. Place a lime wheel on the rim and place the ginger pieces on a toothpick before plopping it into the glass before serving.

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]]> 3 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Espresso Machine https://thedancingcucumber.com/3-tips-for-getting-the-most-out-of-your-espresso-machine/ Sun, 03 Dec 2023 08:27:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=7638 If you’ve decided to devote a chunk of counter space in your kitchen to an espresso machine, you must really love coffee. In that case, you probably want to learn how to make the best possible espresso at home. Here’s what you can do to enjoy the best coffee at home. Use a Scale Always […]

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]]> If you’ve decided to devote a chunk of counter space in your kitchen to an espresso machine, you must really love coffee. In that case, you probably want to learn how to make the best possible espresso at home. Here’s what you can do to enjoy the best coffee at home.

Use a Scale

Always measure ground coffee for your espresso shots using a precise digital scale. Keep in mind that professional baristas use grams to be accurate and that’s the best way to get consistently good coffee every single time

Get The Right Equipment

The espresso machines can get expensive, but it’s not the only thing you need to buy. Even the priciest machine is not complete without a cleaning solution and a brush. A tamping mat, even the most basic one, will protect your counter and your tamper.

Always Use Fresh Beans

Make it a habit to always use fresh beans as they impact the taste of coffee the most. Once roasted, beans are considered fresh for several days, and you can extend this slightly by using vacuum containers to store them. If you store them properly, they can stay fresh for up to a month, but it’s a good idea to get smaller quantities that you’ll drink faster.

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]]> These Useful Tips Will Help You Become a Green Tea Expert https://thedancingcucumber.com/these-useful-tips-will-help-you-become-a-green-tea-expert/ Sat, 02 Dec 2023 08:51:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=8100 Green tea is known for its magical healthy properties, but that’s just not enough to convince some people to drink it. They see its distinct flavor as a deal-breaker, but that’s just because they haven’t mastered the art of making it. If you happen to be one of those people, these useful tips will help […]

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]]> Green tea is known for its magical healthy properties, but that’s just not enough to convince some people to drink it. They see its distinct flavor as a deal-breaker, but that’s just because they haven’t mastered the art of making it. If you happen to be one of those people, these useful tips will help you improve your green tea and fall in love with it.

Quality Leaves

The quality of your green tea leaves defines the taste of this healthy beverage, so get ready to spend some extra money on quality leaves to make sure your tea is super-delicious.

Perfect Temperature

It’s extremely important to brew your green tea leaves at the temperature that suits them, and keeping them somewhere between 150 F and 180 F is your best bet.

Steeping Time

You won’t be able to reach the flavor that you’re aiming for if you don’t steep it for the right amount of time. Stick to two to three minutes because green tea leaves happen to be very delicate and you won’t do them any good for steeping them for longer.

Perfect Mix

You don’t have to brew green tea on its own and mixing it with other herbal teas is always an option, with mint being one of the most popular flavor combos.

The post These Useful Tips Will Help You Become a Green Tea Expert appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> Adding Honey to Your Tea? Here are a Few Things You Should Know https://thedancingcucumber.com/adding-honey-to-your-tea-here-are-a-few-things-you-should-know/ Tue, 28 Nov 2023 16:44:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=8405 As far as natural sweeteners go, nothing really beats honey. You can use it to replace highly-processed sugar in many foods and drinks, including tea. It’s very common to use honey as a tea sweetener due to its many healthy properties, but here are three things you should keep in mind before doing it. No […]

The post Adding Honey to Your Tea? Here are a Few Things You Should Know appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> As far as natural sweeteners go, nothing really beats honey. You can use it to replace highly-processed sugar in many foods and drinks, including tea. It’s very common to use honey as a tea sweetener due to its many healthy properties, but here are three things you should keep in mind before doing it.

No Toxic Properties

If you’re thinking of not adding honey to your tea because you’ve heard somewhere it can become toxic when heated, you’ll be happy to hear this is just a common misconception. You can freely add honey to warm water, but it’s best to make sure it’s not boiling hot.

Boiling Hot Water

Adding honey to boiling hot water won’t do you any harm, but it won’t do you any good either. The main reason why you’re using honey in the first place is the many health benefits it contains, but it will be stripped of them if its enzymes change when it’s added to boiling hot water.

Use Honey in Moderation

Despite being healthier than sugar, honey contains more calories and you shouldn’t go overboard when adding it to your foods and drinks, including tea. Use it in moderation and try to stick to one teaspoon per cup of tea.

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]]> Use a Milk Frother For Barista Style Coffee at Home https://thedancingcucumber.com/use-a-milk-frother-for-barista-style-coffee-at-home/ Sat, 25 Nov 2023 20:21:50 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=9187 If you’re a lover of coffee then you’ll know how important it is to get your hands on the perfect cup when you get the craving. For so many of us, this can mean heading out to a cafe to purchase an overpriced yet delicious frothy cup of the good stuff. But it doesn’t have […]

The post Use a Milk Frother For Barista Style Coffee at Home appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

]]> If you’re a lover of coffee then you’ll know how important it is to get your hands on the perfect cup when you get the craving. For so many of us, this can mean heading out to a cafe to purchase an overpriced yet delicious frothy cup of the good stuff. But it doesn’t have to be this way. 

The Solution: Buy a Milk Frother

This is basically a small electric whisk, which is designed to be placed into milk to froth it up. You press the button, and the small circular head starts spinning around super fast. When this is done while the head is in some milk, the vigorous addition of lots of air bubbles creates the frothy kind of milk that we all love so much. 

Extra Tip: This is Even Better When the Milk is Hot

It may seem like an unnecessary extra step, but if you do this to some milk that’s heating gently on a stovetop, then you really will be in barista heaven. This can be done with any milk, but if using plant milk then look for ones labeled ‘barista’ to achieve the frothiness. 

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]]> Easy Homemade Mulled Wine https://thedancingcucumber.com/easy-homemade-mulled-wine/ Fri, 24 Nov 2023 16:16:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=9186 As the winter season trundles along and things start to feel more festive, the time comes when it’s acceptable to drink mulled wine all the time. There’s nothing more warming on a cold winter’s night than some hot, spiced, sweet red wine. Even more delicious than shop-bought mulled wine is the homemade version, and it’s […]

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]]> As the winter season trundles along and things start to feel more festive, the time comes when it’s acceptable to drink mulled wine all the time. There’s nothing more warming on a cold winter’s night than some hot, spiced, sweet red wine. Even more delicious than shop-bought mulled wine is the homemade version, and it’s so simple to do. You can choose how much of each spice you put in depending on your taste. 

Ingredients:

  • Bottle of red wine
  • 1 piece of star anise
  • 1 stick of cinnamon
  • 1 piece nutmeg 
  • 1 piece ginger
  • ½ orange
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions:

  1. Peel the ginger 
  2. Slice the orange into semi-circles
  3. Pour the wine into a large pot and add all the spices
  4. Put this on a low heat
  5. Continue to heat, giving a little stir from time to time
  6. Make sure it doesn’t boil as this will affect the taste and alcohol levels of the wine
  7. After about 10 minutes of heating, add the sugar and the orange slices and stir through
  8. Continue to heat, stirring occasionally
  9. After another 10 minutes, take it off the heat
  10. Leave to sit for about 5 minutes
  11. Strain the wine into glasses, and enjoy!

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]]> Healthiest Alcoholic Beverages You Can Drink https://thedancingcucumber.com/healthiest-alcoholic-beverages-you-can-drink/ Thu, 23 Nov 2023 08:46:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=9181 While you may be doing your best to live a healthy lifestyle, no one can blame you for wanting to join in when your friends are drinking alcohol on a fun night out. So, the next time you want to let loose, here are the healthiest alcoholic beverages that you can drink. Dry Wines Because […]

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]]> While you may be doing your best to live a healthy lifestyle, no one can blame you for wanting to join in when your friends are drinking alcohol on a fun night out. So, the next time you want to let loose, here are the healthiest alcoholic beverages that you can drink.

Dry Wines

Because dry wines are given more time to ferment than sweet wines, the yeast is able to consume more sugar from the grapes. Ultimately, this results in a lower-sugar wine.

Hard Seltzers

Typically made of a mixture of sparkling water and a clear liquor like vodka or tequila, hard seltzers do not contain artificial preservatives or added flavoring as is common in mixed drinks. They often come with natural fruit juice essence, meaning that they are available in a variety of flavors.

Hard Kombucha

Kombucha typically has very little alcohol content, meaning that even hard kombucha is barely considered an alcoholic beverage. This beverage comes with probiotics from its fermentation process as well as plant compounds from the tea it’s made from.

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]]> Pumpkin-Themed Cocktails? Yes, Please! https://thedancingcucumber.com/pumpkin-themed-cocktails-yes-please/ Sat, 18 Nov 2023 16:22:00 +0000 https://thedancingcucumber.com/?p=9158 If you’re looking to impress your guests with something special at your next holiday party, a pumpkin cocktail is the way to go. And one TickTocker has just the recipe you need – a Pumpkin Pie Martini.  @alekasgettogether 🍸🎃 Pumpkin pie martini anyone?? This deliciously rich cocktail is meant for after dinner in place of […]

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]]> If you’re looking to impress your guests with something special at your next holiday party, a pumpkin cocktail is the way to go. And one TickTocker has just the recipe you need – a Pumpkin Pie Martini. 

@alekasgettogether 🍸🎃 Pumpkin pie martini anyone?? This deliciously rich cocktail is meant for after dinner in place of dessert. It tastes SO much like a pumpkin pie it’s hard to resist. The real pumpkin purée is what makes this baby stand out! 🙃 . Save this cocktail for your next fall gathering! . Full recipe on the blog! Ingredients below! . Ingredients ▢ 2 tablespoon pumpkin pie puree ▢ ¾ oz vanilla or whipped cream vodka ▢ 1 oz RumChata cream liqueur ▢ ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice ▢ ½ oz Maple syrup Rim ▢ Caramel Sauce ▢ Graham Cracker Crumbs . #pumpkin #pumpkinmartini #pumpkinpie #pumpkinspice #cocktails #cocktails🍹 #cocktails ♬ Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – 80s Super Hits

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
  • ¾ oz of vanilla or whipped cream vodka
  • 1 oz RumChata cream liquor 
  • ¼ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ oz of maple syrup 

For the Rim 

  • Caramel Sauce
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs

Instructions

  • Add the pumpkin puree, whipped cream, RumChata, pumpkin pie spice, and maple syrup in a glass. Transfer to a shaker with ice and shake well. 
  • In the meantime, prepare your martini glass by dipping the rim first in caramel and then in gram cracker crumbs. Once the glass is ready, strain into pumpkin pie martini into the glass. 
  • If you’re feeling extra fancy, sprinkle with a touch of cinnamon or add a cinnamon stick for garnish. 
  • A few other variations you can play with are making your pumpkin puree by roasting and blending fresh pumpkins. This will add an extra depth of flavor. You can also experiment with adding different spices like nutmeg and cloves to enhance the pumpkin flavor in your cocktail. 

Most importantly, have fun with it. Cheers to the holidays!

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