Tag Archives: summer

Summer Sipping: UV Sangria

It’s a hot summer day in New York City with the sun shining and people watching at its peak. I find myself in a dilemma. On one hand, I couldn’t imagine anything better than a cool pitcher of red sangria and a picnic spread on the Great Lawn at Central Park. On the other hand, it’s hot and it’s Saturday and I just want to cut loose with some friends.

Enter: UV Sangria

This drink brings the best of both worlds with sweet notes of citrus and exotic fruit alongside that sultry burn of liquor. It’s the first ever of its kind, which makes you wonder, “Why has no one else thought of this yet??” (Note: UV Sriracha hit shelves just before this baby did.)

Upon my first sip, the hairs stood up on the back of my arms. Maybe, I just forgot this was vodka not the mulled juice I’m used to? Maybe it’s a drink that grows on you? Or maybe the more you drink the less you care? Whatever the case, my second go around proved successful as I mixed the spirit as it should be: pitcher-style for all to enjoy.

Combine UV Sangria with sprite, sliced fruit of your liking, and serve over ice for optimal boozing purposes. It’s the American twist on a Spanish classic that makes it perfect for cocktails during outdoor entertaining season and get-togethers with friends and family. (To be honest, it may be why my Fourth of July was such a hit.)

11212640_10153254255687356_3562891766987908294_o

Distilled four times, UV Sangria brings a blend of citrus with a light zest in the background, finishing with an exotic taste that lingers on the palate. UV Vodka offers a diverse portfolio of over 20 fun, colorful flavored vodkas. The lineup also includes interesting flavor profiles of UV Blue Raspberry, Sugar Crush, Cherry, Apple, Salty Watermelon, Chocolate Cake, and even Candy Bar.

The suggested retail price is $12.99 for a one liter bottle, $11.99 for a 750ml bottle and 99 cents for 50ml bottle.

Here are a couple recipes for your next summer gathering:

SANGRIA SUNRISE
1 part UV Sangria
1/3 part grenadine syrup
3 parts orange juice

Pour over ice & garnish with orange slice.


SANGRIA MARTINI
1 part UV Sangria
1 splash cranberry juice
1 splash triple sec

Shake with ice and strain in a martini glass

UV Vodka
www.uvvodka.com
Facebook | Twitter
***Disclaimer: This beauty came to me for free from UV. God Bless America.

THE SOCIAL HOUSE’S SUMMER SIPS & BITES

Summer is upon us, and we all know what that means, Dallas … patio season is now in full swing! With that said, The Social House recently had us come in to try out some fresh bites and Summer cocktails on the patio of their Addison location.

Everything we tried at the tasting was great. It may just be that I love mangos, but my favorite beverage was the Frozen Mango Margarita. The thickness of the fruit itself makes this frozen margarita taste more like a smoothie. It’s pretty awesome. If it’s food you’re after, check out the Irish Pork Nachos. They’re made with house-cut chips, topped with Ancho pulled pork, avocado mousse and pickled jalapeños …yes, it was as good as it sounds.

Whether you are looking for a great patio to lounge on a beautiful day, a tasty beverage after a long day or some delicious food for a grumbling stomach, The Social House is your one-stop shop!

PROTIP: Check out their amazing happy hour specials! For example, the cocktails shown above (or below) are all served at half-price during happy hour… Talk about the happiest of hours!

Social House Addison
5100 Belt Line Rd. #410
Addison, TX 75254
TEL: (972) 392-4300
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday from 4PM till 7PM

Summer’s here. No question. Coppola has a few snow cone recipes for you to try out to attempt to cool yourself down in this weather.  Cheers!

Chardonnay Pink Grapefruit
2 ounces Gold Label Diamond Chardonnay
0.5 ounce Skylite Pink Grapefruit Syrup
8 ounces crushed ice

Merlot Raspberry Lime
2 ounces Blue Label Diamond Merlot
0.75 ounce Skylite Raspberry Lime
8 ounces crushed ice

Pinot Grigio Meyer Lemon Shiso
2 ounces Emerald Label Diamond Pinot Grigio
0.5 ounce Skylite Meyer Lemon Shiso
8 ounces crushed ice

Summer Activities and Events

Beat the heat with these cool events! (So cliché, but I had to!)

3RD ANNUAL HOMEGROWN MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL | live music in the park from Ben Kweller, Eisley, Octopus Project, Black Joe Lewis, and many more!
Where: Main Street Garden Park (Downtown)
When: Saturday, May 26
Time: 10 a.m. and onnnnnnnnn
Need to know: tickets from Prekindle.com for $18.75

2ND ANNUAL DALLAS MARGARITA MELTDOWN | margaritas … lost of margaritas.
Where: Bishop Arts District (Oak Cliff)
When: Sunday, May 27
Time: 3 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Need to know: tickets from Prekindle.com for $27.25


TASTE OF ADDISON | delicious food and live music from Mat Kearney, Wade Bowen, Rhett Miller, and The Dirty Guv’Nahs
Where: 
When: May 18-20
Time: Friday 6pm-midnight, Saturday 12pm-midnight, Sunday 12-5pm
Need to know: tickets here or at area Albertsons stores, $5-15, enter to win a free gift basket from Taste of Addison —- look at my newest posts to find out how!!

SUMMER BLOCK PARTY | activities, live music
Where: Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher
When: June 15


TASTE OF DALLAS
Where: Fair Park (3600 Grand Avenue)
When: July 13-15
Time: Friday 4-11pm. Saturday 11am-11pm, Sunday 11am-9pm
Need to know: tickets here or at area Albertsons stores, daily admission $8 at the gate (children <12 are free), parking $12 with trams or take the DART Green Line, no pets allowed (womp)


ONGOING EVENTS


LIVE AT FIVE* | live music and signature drink specials
Where: Galleria Dallas (between The Grill and Townhouse)
When: Thursdays through May 31
Time: 5-8 p.m.

MOVIES UNDER THE MOON* | Family-friendly movies
Where: The Shops at Park Lane
When: Fridays in June
Time: movies begin at 8:30 p.m.
Need to know: June 1 (“Secretariat”), June 8 (“Toy Story”), June 15 (“Remember the Titans”), June 22 (“Happy Feet”).  Gordon Biersch will have food and drinks for purchase.  Bring your own chair/blanket/picnic/etc.

CONCERT IN THE GARDEN | hang out on on a blanket, eat a picnic, and enjoy music from the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.  I have been going to this since I was a wee one, and it’s a wonderful experience.
Where: Fort Worth Botanic Gardens
When: various nights June through July 4
Time: 8 p.m. (gates open at 6:30 p.m.)
Need to know: FIREWORKS AT EVERY CONCERT, tickets are $16-43, parking $10-25 (valet available), no animals allowed

LATE NIGHTS AFTER HOURS MUSIC SHOWCASE | live music on the lawn, contests at some concerts
Where: Dallas Museum of Art
When: every third Friday (after Late Nights at the DMA)
Time: 10-11 p.m.
Need to know: this series is an addition to Late Nights at the DMA

PATIO SESSIONS* | live music on the lawn
Where: AT&T Performing Arts Center
When: every Thursday through May 31 (there may be more after…)
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Need to know: BYO food, no alcohol

CONCERTS AT THE ARBORETUM | live music on the lawn, contests at some concerts
Where: Dallas Arboretum
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays through July 31 and Thursdays through October 25 
Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Need to know: BYOB, short chair/blanket, and food – buy your tickets way ahead of time because they’re selling out!

BAREFOOT AT THE BELMONT | live music on the lawn
Where: Belmont Hotel
When: select Thursdays through August 9 (schedule)
Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Need to know: tickets from Prekindle.com for $27.25, FAQ

JAZZ IN THE ATRIUM | live music in the DMA Atrium
Where: Dallas Museum of Art
When: Thursday in June, July, and August
Time: 6-8:30 p.m.
 

MORE TO COME (hopefully):

  • Main Street Gardens movie series*
  • Park Lane Movies Under the Moon*
  • Palomar/Central 214 movie series*
  • Fairmont Summer Dive-In Movies*
  • Belmont Hotel dive-in movies*
  • Half Price Books movie series*

*FREE EVENTS

Summer Activities and Events

AT&T Performing Arts Center

Sunset Screenings – the third Saturday of each month | Sunset (FREE)
The AT&T Performing Arts Center and the Dallas Film Society present these free outdoor shows at Strauss Square as an opportunity for the public to relax in a spectacular downtown venue in the Dallas Arts District while enjoying a movie. Concessions stands will have refreshments available for purchase. No outside food or drinks are allowed in Annette Strauss Square.

BELMONT HOTEL
Barefoot at the Belmont – August 4 (Sahara Smith with Dylan LeBlanc), August 18 (James McMurtry with Greg Schroeder) | $15-20
“It’s time once again for Barefoot at the Belmont, KXT 91.7’s annual summer concert series at the beautiful Belmont Hotel in Dallas. Bringing great regional and national acts to a beautiful outdoor stage, Barefoot at the Belmont has limited seating…”
Buy tickets here. 

Dallas Museum of Art
Summer Film Series –  Thursdays through August 18 | 7:00 p.m.

Included in general admission to the Museum; DMA members FREE. General admission is half price ($5) on Thursdays in June, July, and August. Reservations recommended; reserve your seat online or by phone at 214-922-1818.

FAIRMONT DALLAS
Dive-In Movies – Fridays through September 2 | 8:30 p.m.
“Dive-In Movies are back!  Each week, enjoy a film while lounging by (or in) our junior Olympic size pool located atop our Terrace level. ”  You can also order food and drink at the pool during the movie.

  • August 12th: Nanny McPhee Returns 
  • August 19th: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
  • August 26th: Old School
  • September 2nd: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl 

 

WEST VILLAGE
Friday Evening Market  – the first Friday of each month | 5-10 p.m. (FREE)
live music, artisan goods, handcrafted jewelry, and much more. Inspired by the summertime markets found along the seashores of popular European vacation destinations

Farm-to-Market – Saturdays | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m
the season’s freshest produce, organic meats, and artisan treats. FM 3699 provides an authentic farm fresh experience to urban dwellers in the heart of Uptown!

LA DUNI – NorthPark
Mojito class – every Monday at 5:30 pm ($18 in advance)
Call (214)987-2260 for reservations 

RUSSO’S
Free wine tasting – August 2, August 16 |  6-8 p.m.
Guests are invited to a complimentary wine tasting featuring handpicked varietals from around the world. Selected wines such as Boutari Monschofilero, Sokol Blosser Evolution, M Chapoutier Belle Ruche and Coppola Directors Cut Zinfandel will be featured at the tasting.  More information: (318) 564-5442.

HALF PRICE BOOKS (NW Highway)
Free movie screenings – various | 8:45 p.m. (FREE)
July 30: “Star Trek” (2009)
August 13: “The Incredibles”
August 27: “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” 

DALLAS ARBORETUM
$1 Admission – until August 31 ($1, parking is $7)
“With school right around the corner, don’t miss your chance for a money-saving final summer visit to the Dallas Arboretum.”


SUMMER FOOD SPECIALS

THE COMMISSARY
Sunday Lobster Bakes – call (214)643-6557 for reservations

PATRIZIO’S
Bellinis for next-to-nothing ($1) – daily through July 31
From The Dallas Socials: The rumors are true. Patrizio is celebrating Bellini Fest throughout the month of July with $1 (yes, ONE DOLLAR) baby Bellinis. Bellini Fest is being held at each of their six North Texas locations listed here.

VERITAS WINE ROOM
Il Cane Rosso – Tuesdays | 6-9 p.m.
Enjoy the delicious Neapolitan pizza from Il Cane Rosso’s mobile oven and a glass of wine