How to Make Piña Colada Poptails:

How was your summer holiday?  I hope you were able to get some time off from work and hang out with your family.  We surely had an amazing vacation this summer and I couldn’t wait to share more details with you. I would love to hear where you’ve been and what you’ve done this summer.  So feel free to leave me a comment below.  



What are the key ingredients of an ideal holiday for you?  To me, it’s not a holiday until you’re sipping a nice cocktail with a nice view in front of you!  Forget about all the stress and responsibilities for a while.  Well, even for a few days a year, it’s still nice.  Our bodies and minds definitely need a break and some rest to recharge, so that we can work harder and reach higher after the break.  Don’t you agree?

Although summer vacation might be over, we can still enjoy a little treat over the weekends to bring back those fond memories!  These Piña Colada Poptails definitely bring me back to the tropical paradise instantly!  While they taste just like the cocktail themselves, why not have some fresh fruits and vitamin C at the same time?



If you haven’t done so, check out my video tutorial above.  I’ll show you how to easily cut these pineapple spears to prepare these poptails.  By the way, Poptails = Popsicle + Cocktail.  I’m sure you don’t need any explanation here, but just in case. These Piña Colada Poptails are so refreshing and so much fun to eat.  They are perfect for parties and gatherings.  Or, whenever you need a 'healthier' cocktail. 



There is one thing that I forgot to mention in my video.  It has to do with the rum that you would used to soak the pineapple spears.  Please do not throw them away after soaking!  You can use them to make some nice cocktail later.  Maybe a Piña Colada?  Simply keep the rum in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.  I hope you enjoy today’s post and recipe!  And remember, Eat, Drink, and Be Happy!  Stay tuned for more fun and delicious recipe next week!




Tools and Ingredients Used:
Pitcher (Click here for more information)
Long Bamboo Skewers (Click here for more information)
Maraschino Cherries with Stems (Click here for more information)
Coconut Cream (Click here for more information)
Coconut Flakes (Click here for more information)
Silicone Pastry Brush (Click here for more information)


Disclosure: uTry.it is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Pink Grapefruit Frosé 玫瑰香檳柚子冰冰

How’s your summer so far?  Are you enjoying the summer heat or are you hating it?  For my family, we’ve been visiting the pool, water park, and going to cool places (a.k.a. air-conditioned places) to stay cool.  Please share with me your favorites things to do to stay cool if you have any suggestion!



However, I still turn on my oven from time to time to bake this once or twice a week.  That’s a necessity!  But other than that, I’m trying to keep the house cool and make as many No-Bake treats as possible.  This Pink Grapefruit Frosé 玫瑰香檳柚子冰冰 is one of my favorite summer treat!  It’s super easy to put together and very refreshing.  You might wonder what is a Frosé?  Well, it’s pretty much Frozen Rosé!  Yes, a word that I just made up!?  But hey, this frozen treat is so good that I think Frosé should be included in the dictionary!



This slightly sweet and tangy frozen treat will cool you off instantly!  The pink grapefruit juice is super fresh and it compliments the floral Rosé Champagne perfectly.  You can even substitute the Rosé Champagne with sparking white grape juice (skip the simple syrup because the grape juice is sweet enough) to make a kids’ friendly version.  But for the grown up, this is a perfect treat after any summer meal!



If you’re hosting summer parties, this will be the perfect dessert to make because you can, and should, make it ahead of time; leaving you more time to plan for the rest of your menu.  You can even explore and try other citrus juice with this dessert.  But I personally love the flavor and color of the pink grapefruit, so pretty and elegant! 



I hope you enjoy today’s recipe and video tutorial.  Remember, Eat, Drink, and Be Happy!  If you haven’t done so, please subscribe to my YouTube channel here.  This way, you won’t miss out on any video and you’ll be the first to know when I have a new tutorial published. I share a new video tutorial/recipe every week.




Ingredients and Tools Used:
9x13 Glass Baking Dish with Lid (Click here for more information)
Fleur de Sel (Click here for more information)
Microplane Zester (Click here for more information)
Heat Proof Measuring Cups (Click here for more information)
OXO Measuring Cups Set (Click here for more information)
Small Stemmed Wine Glasses (5 oz) (Click here for more information)




Disclosure: uTry.it is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Strawberry Mojito with Giant Strawberry Ice Sphere

Are you enjoying the strawberry season like I do?  I certainly hope so.  Today, I want to share this super fun cocktail with you that combined 2 of my favorite things, strawberries and Mojito!



In a traditional Mojito, this cocktail consists of white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint.  It’s a super refreshing cocktail that has a combination of sweetness, refreshing citrus and mint that complement the potent of the rum.  The soda water adds a little evanescent that takes this refreshing cocktail to another level.



In my version of Mojito, not only that I muddle in some fresh strawberries along with the mint leaves, there’s also a strawberry simple syrup along with a giant strawberry ice sphere that makes this drink looks super cool, in my opinion!  Pun intended! 



Don’t you love the vibrant color of this drink?  I absolutely love how gorgeous it looks and it tastes just as amazing!  It’s slightly sweet and the tartness from the fresh lime juice and strawberries balanced well with each other.



If you’re hosting a Spring or Summer party! You’ve got to prepare this cocktail!  For me, this Strawberry Mojito is definitely a Friday 5 o’clock regular! It’s the perfect way to unwind a work week!  I hope that you enjoy today’s recipe and tutorial.  Stay tuned for more fun and refreshing recipe next week!  Cheers!





Tools and Ingredients used  (May contain affiliate links):

Tovolo Ice Sphere Mold (Click here for more information)
Ninja Blender (Click here for more information)
Potato Masher (Click here for more information)
Cocktail Shaker (Click here for more information)
Old Fashion Glasses (Click here for more information)
Mojito Glasses (Click here for more information)
Perrier Sparkling Natural Mineral Water (Click here for more information)





Please drink responsibly.  Health and General Disclaimers.

Pomegranate Mimosa

How was your Christmas holiday?  I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful time with your family and friends.  My family had a wonderful reunion with relatives travelling from Hong Kong.  The Kiddos had so much fun playing with their cousins.  We sure hope they’ll visit again soon. 



With so many things and events happened in 2016, some were great and some were definitely bad, it’s quite a mixed feeling to say goodbye to 2016!  On the bright side, there are many great things to look forward to.  The key is not to lose hope!  I constantly remind myself not to worry about the things that I cannot change, but to focus on how to improve myself in case I need to change and make things better!  I always tell my kids to think positive, but prepare for the worst!    



On a lighter note.  Today, I wanted to share with you the very last recipe and video tutorial for this year: Pomegranate Mimosa.  It’s a perfect cocktail to ring in the new year!  Usually, mimosa is a mix of fresh orange juice and champagne.  I’m changing things up and used pomegranate juice instead.  It’s a gorgeous and delightful twist to the traditional mimosa for sure!  I hope you’ll give this delicious cocktail a try soon.

Last but not least, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all your supports in 2016!  I’m truly grateful for each and everyone of you.  Your comments, feedback, and encouragement mean a lot to me.  Wish you and your family a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2017!  Cheers!




Please drink responsibly.  Health and General Disclaimers. 

Fourth of July Cocktail–Happy Independence Day!

Do you and your family celebrate the Fourth of July?  It’s the Independence Day in the U.S. and many of us celebrate this National holiday with gatherings and parties.  I love summer time parties because it usually involves B.B.Q.  I’ll list a few of my favorite grilling recipes, side dishes, and no bake desserts at the end of this post for your reference.  Of course, in my humble opinion, any celebration should includes a refreshing cocktail as well.  Today, I want to share this festive and refreshing Fourth of July Cocktail with you, it has all the patriotic colors of the American Flag!  



Don’t forget to watch the video tutorial on how to make this festive cocktail, the link is at the top of this post.  It’s super easy to make and so much fun.  Watch the video and you’ll see what I mean.



This Fourth of July Cocktail has a few different layers.  We start with a little bit of grenadine (pomegranate syrup) at the bottom for the red color.  It’s sweet and tart at the same time, which goes really well with the blue layer, the HPNOTIQ.  HPNOTIQ is an alcoholic beverage, native to New York but bottled in France.  It’s made from fruit juices, vodka and a cognac.  It’s slightly sweet, super refreshing, and has all the fruity delicious flavors.  Last but not least, I top the cocktail with some prosecco, you can also use Champagne if you like.  I serve this cocktail in a festive sugar rimmed martini glass garnished with maraschino cherries!  It’ll be the best cocktail for your summer celebration, I guaranteed it! 



I added a few edible gold star glitters around the sugar rim, but that is totally optional.  I’ll list the items used at the bottom of this post for your convenience.



Thank you for stopping by today.  I want to wish you all a wonderful Fourth of July celebration.  How do you and your family celebrate?  Do you host parties or BBQ cookouts?  Or do you spend it quietly, or at the poolside?   I would love to hear from you!  Cheers!




Please drink responsibly.  Health and General Disclaimers. 


Favorite Grilling Recipes:
American Classic Burger
Grilledd Ribeyee Steaks with Coffee Rub
Citrus Marinated Tri Top Roast
Spinach Pesto Spaghetti with Grilled Shrimps
Penne Pasta Salad with Rib Eyes Steak

Favorite Side Dishes:
Grilled Vegetable Salad
Honey Roasted Carrot Salad
Rainbow Salad
Broccoli Salad
Roasted Shrimp Salad with Thyme and Lemon Frico

No Bake Desserts:
Sparkling Watermelon Bubbles
Strawberry Tiramisu
Mango Panna Cotta
Nutella Cheesecake
Meyer Lemon Sorbet

Tools and Ingredients:
Edible Gold Star Sprinkles (Click here for more information)
Martini Glasses (Click here for more information)
Grenadine (Click here for more information)
Maraschino Cherry (Click here for more information)
Cocktail Picks (Click here for more information)

Apple Harvest Cocktail

Are you ready for Fall yet?  I guess I’ve been ready since last winter!  However, the nature is not quite cooperating as we’re still having pretty warm temperature.  The good news is, this Apple Harvest Cocktail will sure put you in the mood for Fall, or at least help makes me feel Fall has arrived!



This is a delightful and crisp cocktail that you can enjoy any time of the year.  But the apple cider and cinnamon really helps set the tone for Autumn. 




I’ve also added some bourbon, which harmonized wonderfully with apple and cinnamon.  The maple syrup slightly sweetened the drink and gives a depth of flavor as well.



Of course, the dash of ground cinnamon on top isn’t just for garnish.  It adds the earthy and warmth to this drink which complement the apple cider perfectly. 



I top this cocktail with a little bit of ginger ale for the evanescent and the little carbonation really makes this drink crisp and refreshing.



Last but not least, this cocktail also serves as a small snack with the thin apple slice on top!  I hope you really enjoy today’s video tutorial and recipe.  Give this recipe a try on your next gathering, or simply because, it’s 5 o’clock!  Cheers!

Props and Ingredients used:

9 ounce Old Fashion Glasses (click here for more information)
Ground Cinnamon (click here for more information)
Cinnamon Sticks (Click here for more information)
Hard wood coasters (Click here for more information)




Please drink responsibly.  Health and General Disclaimers.

Pineapple Gin Fizz

Raise your hands if you’ve already dusted off the grill and started off the Barbeque season!  If you’ve done so, good for you!  Well, I have to say, I am a little bit behind on starting the grill this year.  Maybe because it’s already too hot out there even without the grill?  Or, I just haven’t get the inspiration on new BBQ recipes to try, just yet.  Are you the same like me, who needs a little motivation, or a kick at the back?  Guess what, I guess this Pineapple Gin Fizz will help.  It’s super refreshing and it is such a fun drink to enjoy while you man the grill. 



This Pineapple Gin Fizz is both sweet and slightly tart at the same time.  I love the tropical flavor of pineapple and orange in this drink.  The little carbonated bubbly makes it extra refreshing.  Perfect for the hot summer days, especially when you’re firing up the grill.  Hm….I guess I’ll be grilling some pineapple slices to make Hawaiian Hamburgers to kick off the BBQ season along with this Pineapple Gin Fizz!  Want to see how I made this cocktail?  Click on the video tutorial below! 










I hope you enjoyed watching my video tutorial.  If you haven’t done so, please subscribe to my YouTube channel here.  You’ll be the first to know when I have new video tutorials published.  Do you have a favorite cocktail?  Please share in the comment below.  Thank you for stopping by and stay tuned for more fun summer recipes.



Please drink responsibly.  Health and General Disclaimers.

Prosecco-Blueberry-Lemon Pops and a Giveaway!

Still remember this gorgeous Nutella Melt Winter Cocktail that I shared (<—click on the name for the recipe) a while ago?  Great news!  The author of Winter Cocktails, María del Mar Sacasa,  just published her new book, Summer Cocktails!   With L.A.’s crazily hot temperature over the past few months, I’ve been longing for refreshing summer cocktails, way before summer arrives!  If you love to host summer parties, this book is a must have and I’ll tell you why.




As I read through the book (yes, I am a nerd and I read cookbooks like they’re novels), this Prosecco-Blueberry-Lemon Pops really caught my attention.  I love prosecco and always have a bottle or 2 chilled in the fridge, in case of emergency!  So, I gave this recipe a try and it was amazing.  You can serve these boozy pops as is, or as Sacasa suggested, add them to your glass of Prosecco to keep your drink chilled and add some wonderful flavors at the same time.  What a great idea!



Summer Cocktails is one of the most gorgeous books that I’ve came across as it’s filled with gorgeous photography and design that will give you lots of inspiration on things to serve for a cool summer party.  Of course, you’ve got to have cocktails and small bits at the party while your guests mingle.  Summer Cocktails includes many familiar classics, throwbacks, and modern updates.  It also covers punches and pitchers that are perfect for entertaining.  The frosty drinks, infused liquors, gourmet snacks sections all include tutorials to guide you through the preparation process!  Best of all, the recipes are clear and very easy to follow.  You’re going to fall in love with this book, just like I did!  




You can purchase your copy by clicking here.  Or, try your luck in winning a copy of “Summer Cocktails”, courtesy of Quirk Books!

Here are the details on how to enter this giveaway.

One lucky uTry.it reader (with an U.S., Canada or U.K. mailing address) will win a copy of “Summer Cocktails”.

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post and tell me what’s your all time favorite cocktail (mine is apple martini). Deadline to enter is May 4th, 2015 by mid-night PST.  Winner will be selected through Random.org and announce shortly after the giveaway is closed.

For extra entries, do any or all of the following (leave a separate comment for each extra entry):
1)  Add me to your Google+ circle here
2) "Like" uTry.it's Facebook Page, click here.
3) Pin a picture from this post onto your Pinterest board.
4) Share this giveaway on Facebook (with a link back to this post please)
5) Share this giveaway on Twitter (with a link back to this post please)
6) Subscribe to my Youtube channel here and never miss a video
7) Subscribe to my email updates and never miss a post (see the right hand side bar right below my profile picture)

That’s all and Good Luck everyone!  Please stay cool this summer and cheers!





Disclaimer:  I received a copy of “Summer Cocktails” for the purpose of this review and I was not compensated in any way to write this post.  Quirk Books is providing a copy of the book for the giveaway.  As always, all comments and opinions are 100% my own.
Please drink responsibly.  Health and General Disclaimers.

Rudolph’s Cranberry Fizz

♪ ♫ Rudolph the red nose reindeer, have a very shiny nose ♪ ♫….I have been listening to this song quite often lately while the kids practicing their Christmas songs for the school’s holiday performance.  Over the weekend, I’ve borrowed some children’s books from the library, all with the Christmas theme as well.  Plus, we’ve just put up the Christmas tree and the Kiddos help decorated it (you might have seen it if you follow me on my Instagram).  I say, we’re pretty much ready for the holidays.  Are you?   



If you’re not in the holiday mood yet, this Rudolph’s Cranberry Fizz will surely help!  This drink is not only adorable to look at, it’s refreshing and packed with the holiday’s flavors.  While I was cutting some rosemary springs from my little garden, the gorgeous and earthy scents filled the whole kitchen.  I can’t help it but took a deep breath to savor the aromas whenever I passed by the kitchen.  See the cute little Rudolph floating on top of this drink?  They are easy to make and here’s what you need (please see picture below).    



Ready to do a little crafts with me?  My Kiddos helped me in putting these Rudolphs together while we munch on some marshmallows and cranberries here and there in between the process.  Here’s how we made the Rudolph.

1) Break the toothpick in half, and insert one side half way into the cranberry.

2) Insert the other side of the toothpick into the middle of the marshmallow to create the nose.

3) Insert 2 cloves above the cranberry to create the eyes.

4) Remove a few leaves from the bottom of the rosemary springs.

5) Insert the rosemary on top of the marshmallow to create the antlers.



Super simple, isn’t it?  This is such a fun and simple craft to do with the kids, too.  I say, the edible Rudolph makes the perfect decoration for any Holiday drinks.  This Rudolph’s Cranberry Fizz (see full recipe below) is a cocktail for the grown ups, but you can easily make a kids friendly version.  Simply mix equal parts of cranberry juice with club soda or lemon lime soda (for the fizz portion), it’ll be equally festive and delicious! 




I hope you enjoy today’s recipe and crafts.  Please stay tuned for more fun holiday recipes and craft ideas in the near future.  Cheers!

Please drink responsibly.  Health and General Disclaimers.

Frozen Strawberry Margarita

I know the weather is supposed to be cooled down by now.  Isn't it mid-September already?  I guess we really get to enjoy an extended summer in Southern California, year after year.  We've been getting closed to 100F degree in the previous week.  Every Friday evening, when it’s time to relax a little and to unwind the week, naturally, frozen treats and drinks come to my mind.  More specifically, frozen cocktails.  Let me present to you, my Friends, this refreshing Frozen Strawberry Margarita!



Not only that this cocktail is gorgeous to look at, it’s super refreshing as well.  It will definitely crunch your thirst at the very first sip, until the last.  Best of all, this cocktail is super easy to put together.  All you need to do is measure all the ingredients, add them into the blender and blend away until smooth.  So, grab your drink, hang out by the pool or back yard, put your legs up and relax.  You deserve a little cocktail and some quiet time after a whole week of hard work!



I hope you enjoy today’s recipe.  So, what is your favorite cocktail?  Please share yours in the comment below.  Stay tuned for more fun and easy recipes in the future posts.  Cheers!





Please drink responsibly.  Health and General Disclaimers.


Props used in this post:

Margarita Glassware Set (Please click here for more information)
Flower Coaster (Please click here to see similar product)
Silver Serving Tray (Please click here to see similar product)

Blackberry Lime Mimosa

Mimosa is a cocktail drink composed of one part champagne (or sparkling wine) and one part citrus fruit juice, usually orange juice.  It is traditionally served in a tall champagne flute during brunch or to guests at weddings.  Today, I’m twisting and changing things up a bit.  As many of you know that I love having brunch at home, and a cocktail here and there.  This Blackberry Lime Mimosa is a great new taste to try if you’re feeling a little adventurous.



I started this cocktail with a good amount of fresh lime juice for the refreshing citrus flavor; then I muddled some blackberries along with fresh mint leaves for a little sweetness and freshness.  I couldn't help it but took a deep breath to take it all in.  The citrus, berries and mints smelled divine!  Then, I pour in a little simple syrup and shaken it well with some ice; next, I filled my champagne glasses half way with the blackberry lime mixture and top the glasses with some prosecco.  That’s what I usually have on hand (or I should say, available in the fridge so I don't sound like an alcoholic!  hahaha....).  Of course, you can use champagne as well.



This cocktail is slightly sweet and tart at the same time, very refreshing and perfect for Spring.  If you have a brunch to serve or gathering to host, this would make a great cocktail for your guests.  You can make the blackberry lime mixture ahead of time and simply pour the prosecco when your guests arrive.  This is a lovely recipe and I can see myself making it over and over again.  Do you have a favorite cocktail recipe to share?  What is your favorite ingredients to use in a cocktail (I love citrus)?  Leave me a comment below and let me know.  I can't wait to find out!  Cheers to Spring!





Please drink responsibly.  Health and General Disclaimers.

Cranberry Sparkling Martini

Can't believe it's only a few days from Christmas!  Are you in the Holiday mood yet?  If not, give this Cranberry Sparkling Martini a try and you will be in the Holiday mood for sure.  Forget about the holiday baking and chaotic shopping malls for a while.  Let's relax with a Holiday drink, and cheers!



I love the slightly sweet and tart flavors from this Cranberry Sparkling Martini.  First, I prepare the cranberry syrup by cooking up some fresh cranberries with some water, sugar and orange peels.  Let the syrup steep a little so the flavor really infused into the syrup.  When you're ready to put the cocktail together, prepare the orange zest sugar rim for the martini glasses.  The orange zest is so fragrant and refreshing, and truly brightens up this drink.  Not only the sugar rim tastes wonderful with this drink, it makes the martini glasses super festive as well.



I finished up the drink by shaking up some vodka, sherry, and the cranberry syrup along with some ice.  Then, top off the glasses with some champagne, or you can use processo as well.  The bubbly is so refreshing and makes this Cranberry Sparkling Martini really sparkle, fun and festive.



Now, you've got a festive and refreshing cocktail under your sleeves, hope you'll give this a try on your next gathering.  Cheers!




Please drink responsibly.  Health and General Disclaimers.