Hello wine lovers and happy #wineWednesday and happy Christmas Eve Day.  My world has been a bit of a whirlwind, as I am sure many of you can relate, with last minute grocery lists, final gift buying, forgetting stocking stuffers, wrapping presents, drinking Rum and Eggnog ( or is that just me? )…But I love it!  I love the energy of this time of year and driving up Capilano Road on my way home to see the lights all lit up and twinkling in the gorgeous Capilano Park.  I enjoy thinking about people who have come into my life and I send out a quiet blessing to those who have left…

In an effort to not get overtly sentimental or emotional, my hubby and I came up with an idea quite a few years ago now that has become tradition.  On Christmas Eve, we go ‘Mexican’.  No, we haven’t purchased sombreros yet but the alcohol focus is Tequila.

On one of my Palm Springs vacations, I met a wonderfully fabulous couple at a drag show at Toucans Tiki Lounge.  My sister and I had taken my Mom down for a birthday celebration and the ‘ladies’ performing really paid my Mom a lot of attention.  The fabulous couple ( I forget their names, unfortunately ) came to the rescue and we ended up dancing together and shutting the place down…so fun!  The three of us were invited to their home the next night and they served us the BEST Margarita I had ever tasted.  Their secret was none other than Trader Joe’s Margarita Mix.  I think I brought home five bottles of the mix in my suitcase that trip.

Tonight, we will be mixing Margaritas and serving up Mexican fare.  It is family time but also old friend or new friend time.  And why the heck not?  Even a dedicated wine drinker needs to change it up from time to time!  Here is the ‘Joe’s Fiesta Margarita’ recipe:

  • 2 oz Trade Joe’s Margarita Mix
  • 1 oz Tequila
  • 1 oz Triple Sec
  • 1 cup of ice
  • 1 lime wedge

Shake everything up to the ice in a shaker for 10 seconds then moisten the rim of a glass with the lime wedge, dip rim in salt, strain into glass, add lime wedge and you are good to go!  The mix retails for $2.99 and you look like a star.

I hope you all have a peaceful, healthy and Merry Christmas this year.

XO
C