I love summertime!  The flowers appear, the sun starts shining and it’s time to take the party outside!  Making a feature cocktail for parties big or small is something I enjoy doing!  It’s an easy way to  have a fancy drink without worrying about making them while hosting a party.  Best part about this raspberry drink is that it can be a cocktail or mocktail!

An easy way to get a Pinterest worthy set up is checking out your local Salvation Army Thrift Store. I found these cute little glasses for $1 each at my local store!  They have a great vintage look with the etching on the glass.  The gold tray was also a thrift find for only $3 at my local Salvation Army Thrift Store.  Thrifting items for a party is a great way to find unique pieces, save money and impress your guests!

HOW TO PREP:

* Make the raspberry ice cubes the night before – simply add raspberries to your ice cube trays.  Note: I did try the “boil your water” first to get clear ice cubes, it didn’t work.  I would suggest adding the raspberries to your water and freezing, they melt quickly anyway, but the pop of red still looks great.

* Make the raspberry syrup – this cocktail get’s the red colour from a homemade raspberry syrup.  See recipe below.

RASPBERRY SYRUP

1 cup raspberries

2/3 cup water

2/3 cup sugar (I used half this amount)

* Bring water and sugar to a boil, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved.

* Remove from heat.

* Stir in raspberries and mash up.  Let sit for an hour to steep.

* Drain mixture through a fine mesh strainer, pressing the pulp to extract as much liquid as possible.  Discard solids.

* Store syrup in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 6 weeks.

Now set up a little drink station!  I offered champagne or sparkling water for this, which was a total hit!

Cocktail ingredients:

* Champagne or sparkling water

* A splash of raspberry syrup

* Raspberry ice cubes

If you want to add some colour to your party check out what is growing in your garden!  These beautiful peonies are from my garden.  They look stunning and lasted for a couple weeks inside after the party!  I like to enjoy the flowers that grow in my garden, no point in them wilting where no one can see them!

A Plentiful Life Abundant Affordable budget Budget Decor Budget Party Budget Party Planning Cocktail Frugal Living Frugal Party Mocktail Money Saving Tips Salvation Army Thrift Store Saving Money Signature Cocktail Thrift Decor Thrift Finds Thrift Store Thrift Store Finds Thrifting