citrusy Archives - The Amiable Gourmand

Tag: citrusy

July 12, 2025

THE SOUTHERN BELLE SMASH

The Southern Belle Smash cocktail is a refined, garden-inspired drink. It evokes charm, hospitality, and summer elegance in every sip. This cocktail marries the warmth of the South with the freshness of mint and citrus. It is emphatically an elegant cocktail that is elegantly garnished Read More

Cocktails

by Mr. Sam

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July 11, 2025

THE GOLDEN GROVE

The Golden Grove is a vibrant cocktail that bridges the comforting warmth of classic liqueurs with fresh, garden-inspired brightness. I created this cocktail after discovering that many people still enjoy Amaretto, and not just Amaretto Stone Sours. Built on a foundation of amaretto, this drink Read More

Cocktails

by Mr. Sam

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March 21, 2025

MARGARITA MOCKTAIL

A Margarita Mocktail is a refreshing, alcohol-free version of the classic margarita, delivering the same tangy, citrusy flavors without tequila. Perfect for all ages and occasions, this mocktail balances sweetness, tartness, and a hint of salt for a satisfying sip. Flavor Profile & Ingredients The Read More

Mocktails, Non-Alcoholic Drinks

by Mr. Sam

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Halloween is one of the most enchanting nights of the year, full of glowing jack-o’-lanterns, playful scares, and creative costumes. Celebrated every October 31st, it’s a time when children race through neighborhoods trick-or-treating, adults gather for costume parties, and homes are decorated with cobwebs, skeletons, and flickering candlelight. But behind all the fun and festivity lies a fascinating history that stretches back thousands of years. The holiday began with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a harvest celebration marking the end of summer and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that on the night of October 31st, the boundary between the living and the spirit world grew thin. Ghosts and other supernatural beings were thought to walk among the living. To protect themselves, people lit bonfires, wore disguises to confuse wandering spirits, and left out offerings of food. These traditions were meant to keep danger at bay, while also honoring loved ones who had passed away. As Christianity spread through Europe, the church blended Samhain with its own holy days. November 1st became All Saints’ Day (also called All Hallows’ Day), and October 31st became All Hallows’ Eve, later shortened to Halloween. Over time, the customs grew and shifted. In medieval Europe, people practiced “souling,” where they went door to door, offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food. This was one of the earliest versions of what we now know as trick-or-treating. When Irish and Scottish immigrants brought these traditions to America in the 1800s, Halloween began to take on its modern form. Pumpkins replaced turnips as the lantern of choice, thanks to their size and abundance. Communities embraced costume parades, neighborhood parties, and eventually candy-giving as central features of the holiday. By the 20th century, Halloween had transformed into the colorful, playful celebration we know today. Now, Halloween is as much about creativity and fun as it is about spookiness. From haunted houses and ghost stories to caramel apples and carved pumpkins, it’s a holiday that mixes mystery with merriment. At its heart, Halloween is about imagination—becoming someone (or something) else for a night, while celebrating the thrill of the eerie and the joy of community.