Hello friend,

Cheers to summer! It’s hot outside, and whether you are in vacation mode or you’re manifesting it, I thought I would share some cocktail recipes from some of the woman-owned spirits brands we’ve featured in the newsletter. With a bottle of each brand’s finest and a few simple ingredients, you have the makings of a special drink to toast summertime!

Did you know the brands included in the Summer Discovery Box are offering you a discount to try their products? Whether you bought the box and want to repurchase the items you love, or you want to try them for the first time, be sure to take advantage of genuinely stellar special pricing, just for you!

I had the loveliest time at the Women’s Network Summer Social this week. Founder Kristine Gold knows how to throw a party! What a wonderful and inspiring group of women who came together to network, support, and lift each other! It was fantastic to meet you all! Thank you for having me!

Time for cocktails! Allow me to raise a glass to you and yours and a summer making beautiful memories together.

Enjoy!

 When the drink in your coupe is pink and pretty, it somehow makes it more special, don’t you think? The founder of this pink gin lives her life in shades of rose. She is the embodiment of her brand, Joie De Vivre, and she wants you to experience some joie with the recipe for her Signature Pink G+T.

When the spirit at the heart of your cocktail is smooth enough to drink on its own, making an adult beverage is as simple as adding some ice and a few fresh ingredients. Laneway Distillers uses Canadian botanicals to add depth and flavour to its gins and vodkas. Their cocktail recipes are designed to showcase the flavours of their spirits and they’re easy as 1-2-3!

Fresh spring water from Jessica Schacht’s farm in the Cowichan Valley in BC, and local organic soft white winter wheat are the foundation of Ampersand gin and vodka. Infused in each one are fresh botanicals like lemon rind, coriander, and juniper. Jessica shows you how to bring out the flavours in three simple recipes.

Carmen Marron grew up in Mexico but settled in Toronto after she graduated from business school. She launched Mezcal Agua Santa to bring some tradition from her homeland to Canada. She recommends drinking it neat, but it also makes a beautiful base for your favourite cocktails.

Grab a bottle of your favourite spirit and impress your guests with this no-fuss mix of cold-pressed juice that makes the perfect cocktail. La Presserie makes Paloma and Strawberry Daiquiri mixers that taste like you squeezed the grapefruit and lime or mulled the strawberries just before your guests arrived. You can find La Presserie at the LCBO.

Did you know the brands in the Summer Discovery Box are offering discounts?

Watch this space for five quick things to make your life a little richer.

I love a creative serving suggestion. Check out the cutest little single-serving caprese salad for your next cocktail party.

Looking around your livingroom, do you see furniture in black, grey, bleached oak? If you’ve got your brown wood furniture tucked away in the basement, it might just be time to ressurect it according to some designers. See how they would style it.

I know none of you watch reality tv (very often) but I couldn’t help but be intrigued that Summer House is coming to Muskoka. Will you be watching? (I won’t tell)

Do you know about the little pink pill that’s designed to ignite your sexual desire? Maybe you know the name of it is Addyi. If this is news to you, you’re not alone, despite substantial publicity. Why aren’t perimenopausal women aware of Addyi?

Here’s a peachy keen bite to enjoy with your apertivo this weekend. You’re welcome!

Last week, we filled your cottage pantry with some delicious bites to feed a crowd. Add these woman-owned brands to your grocery list: Stellar Eats, Gingerbug, Butter Bar, Rippah Chili Oil and Purplesful Popcorn. Get the Cottage Pantry issue here.

The makers of a cider brand are making a splash with a new, tasty and good-for-you energy drink. You might be surprised by the key ingredient. Stay tuned to learn more!