I Tried a Cocktail Subscription Box: Here Are My Thoughts

In an era where you can subscribe to pretty much anything with the exception of a lifetime subscription to heaven (though that would be nice), I have definitely had my fair share of being swindled out of my $9.99-$40/month for everything including razors, shoes, panties, dinner and more by clever little advertisements. 

Tempt me with a subscription to booze? I didn't stand a chance. I'd been curious about how much I'd appreciate a service like this (since I am a self-proclaimed at-home master mixologist, of course), so I was excited to try American Cocktail Club -- because that sounds like THE club for me.  

It's a simple concept: you sign up on their site and opt-in for one of two box options and they send you a monthly box with everything you need to whip up your own cocktail at home. 

I received the August box that featured The Summer Belinni created by Gabby Cirigliano. The cocktail is sparkling wine-based and included two canned sparkling wines, some fancy cocktail blend by American Juice Company called Harriett Peacher Stowe, and a guava-flavored ginger ale. The box even included flower petals for garnish.  

I spent a couple minutes of my Labor Day mixing this very simple cocktail and enjoyed one while catching up on Sunday's episode of Insecure. I'd never heard of 2/3 of the ingredients, but it was surprsingly pretty tasty. A little weak, but tasty. 

Here are the pros and cons. 

Pros: 

• The box includes everything you need to whip up a cocktail at home 
• You get enough ingredients for about 4 cocktails 
• Makes a great date night activity 
• You have an option between the Everything Box (that includes the booze) and the Everything But the Booze Box (which doesn't include the booze)
• If you by your own booze, you can likely get more servings out of the ingredients 
• You get a cute little recipe card to add to your cocktail recipe folder
• You get a fancy an all-natural cocktail blend by American Juice Company in every box 
• The cocktail was pretty tasty 

Cons:

• While they say you get 4 cocktails per box, I managed to only get two (different strokes for different folks)
• Boxes aren't initially customized to you preferences 
• I'm not a huge sparking wine fan, and would've appreciated something a little more spirit-forward 
• The flower garnish that came in my box weren't as vibrantly colored as shown in the pictures 
• $44.99 is a little high for the Everything Box in my opinion 

I think the one thing I would change off top is the lack of customizing your box based on preference. It would've been awesome to take a short survey based on my drinking habits and tastes and then sent a box with those things considered. Their website says that after a couple of boxes, you will be able to provide feedback so they can better customize your box, but there's definitely a huge opportunity to do that upfront. 

All-in-all, there are few things I can appreciate more than having a box of booze delivered to my front door monthly. While I would've totally appreciated something a little more heavy-hitting than a belinni, I still enjoyed it for the most part. If you're open to trying a variety of different cocktails and have little preferences, or if you just want to hone in on your at-home mixology skills, I would totally recommend trying them out. 

I hope you all had a great Labor Day weekend. Anyone else need an encore? 

Xo, 
Aquia

This post was produced in collaboration with American Cocktail Club. As always, thoughts are my own. Thank you for supporting sponsors who keep content fresh on The Faux Fancy. 

Jackson Morgan Banana Pudding Cocktail

Happy Spring! I'm over the moon for this weather we've had in Texas the past couple of days. Blue skies and high 70º temps have their way of putting me in the best of moods. Speaking of good moods, I never knew how much a banana pudding cocktail on a warm Spring day could also contribute to said mood. But let me tell ya. 

I've had my eye on the Jackson Morgan brand for quite some time now. I love all things creamy, so when you take a creamy treat and mix it with whiskey? I'm sold. I've been dying to get my hands on the Salted Caramel flavor because salted caramel is hands down my favorite flavor combination of all time. But banana pudding isn't too far behind. 

Jackson Morgan Southern Cream can be served chilled straight up or mixed into a cocktail. I wanted to give this a real banana pudding feel so I served it shaken with a float of homemade whipped cream and garnished it with crumbled Nilla Wafers. 

When I tell you it was GOODT, I tell you no lies. Yes, good with a t for flavor. I knew I wanted a whipped cream float to sit atop of the shaken liqueur, so I didn't want to get the canned crap and spray it on. I've mastered the art of perfectly whipped cream from all of the Irish coffees I made over the holidays, so I took this route. 

Jackson Morgan is an American brand born out of the need for a craft whiskey cream. They have flavors such as peaches and cream, salted caramel, and orange whip to name a few, and they are all on my must try list. Check out their store locator to find a bottle near you. 

Check out the recipe below and try this boozy dessert in a cocktail glass. 

Jackson Morgan Banana Pudding Cream Cocktail

• 3-4 oz. Jackson Morgan Banana Pudding Cream
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 
• Nilla Wafers for garnish 
• Banana (optional) 

Shake banana pudding cream in cocktail shaker over ice. 

Strain into coupe glass 

Using a stick blender (very important for whipped cream), whip the cream on low until you get a loose, but thicker consistency. 

Using a spoon, pour whipped cream over spoon, into the glass to separate from the liqueur

Garnish with crumbled Nilla Wafers + banana slice

Enjoy!

 Xo, 

Aquia 

Disclosure: This post was produced in conjunction with Wax Cabin Candle Co. As always, thoughts are my own. Thanks for supporting sponsors that keep content fresh on thefauxfancy.com. 

Holiday Gift Guide: DIY Booze Boxes

We are 6 days away from Christmas (HOW THE HECK DID THAT HAPPEN?!) and here I am, the biggest procrastinator in America. I literally have purchased nothing. But don't worry, if college taught me anything, is that I work best under pressure -- like 3 minutes left in the 4th quarter and we're down 18 type of pressure. 

That said, I'm sharing my go-to last minute (or not) gift for every occasion. You literally can't go wrong with gifting booze -- that is unless the receiver is a recovering alcoholic or doesn't drink for whatever reason. Oh, or pregnant. I forget that's a thing. 

Anyhow, here is a tried and true gift idea for all of your non-alcoholic, not pregnant, social drinking friends and colleagues: The Booze Box. 

It's as simple as it seems -- figure out your friends drink of choice or just pick a classic cocktail and buy all of the components necessary to make said cocktail. My go-to is a Moscow Mule - because everyone loves their own copper cups and they're so simple to make. I refuse to pay the absurd amount that regular stores charge for copper mugs, so about 90% of the time I score one at either Walmart ($5) or TJ Maxx (~$7). 

You simply add a copper mug, a mini bottle (or two) of vodka, a lime and an individual ginger beer. And, if you're fancy, add a cocktail recipe card with instructions on how to craft the perfect cocktail.  

Other cocktail suggestions are an old fashioned (my favorite), side car, mint julep. The list goes on. I purchased mini glass tubes for the bitters and added a few sugar cubes to the box to create a perfect old fashioned.  

Show up to your office Christmas party or gift exchange and have everyone fight over your gift. Because that's always the goal.  

Merry Christmas, kids!

xo, 

Aquia

Figenza Frozé + Sidecar

Fun fact: for several years during and post college, you couldn't pay me to touch anything with vodka in it. Between plastic bottles of McCormick Vodka to every flavor of Smirnoff Vodka under the sky, there were no limits Freshman year. So needless to say, my freshman year ruined it for me. 

It wasn't until recently that both my mind and liver were able to forgive myself for all the harm I'd subjected them to and vodka suddenly stopped tasting like nail polish remover. On a good day, you might find me order a Tito's soda or a cucumber martini. I'm like a born-again vodka virgin. 

When Figenza asked me to come up with a cocktail using their 3x distilled fig vodka, I was super excited about the possibilities. The stuff is actually pretty good and having been scarred in the past by flavored vodka, that says a lot coming from me. 

I made not one, but two equally delicious and refreshing cocktails; a twist on my old faithful Sidecar and a summer favorite Frozé. If you're on the east coast, you're in luck as Figenza is only available there for now, but I'm sure they will make their way across the country soon. Be sure to follow their super pretty instagram feed and check their website to find a bottle near you. 

FIGENZA SIDECAR

FIGENZA FROZÉ

This post was produced in conjunction with Figenza. Please drink responsibly, kids. 

Dragonfruit Rosé Popsicles

It's officially hot as what some might imagine hell to feel like. Luckily for me, I'm stocked up on my summer water (that would be rosé). A girl's gotta stay hydrated. The only thing better than regular rosé is frozen rosé (read: frozé). 

I got a popsicle mold set on Amazon recently, and I have been on a popsicle making frenzy. It's pretty ridiculous, actually. I've made Moscow Mule Popsicles, Not Your Father's Rootbeer popsicles (blog post to come) and every boozy combination in between. This one, however, is one of my favs. Obviously because they're pretty and also because they're tasty. 

Here's what you need: 

1. Popsicle molds (I got mine here)
2. Dragonfruit cut into triangles
3. Bottle of your favorite rosé (I'm obsessed with Dark Horse - it's seasonal, so get on it, and La Vieille Ferme)
4. Splash of simple syrup* (optional. only if you really want the sweetness to shine through)

Pretty self explanatory, I'd say. But simply cut the dragon fruit, add it to the molds, pour in the rosé and freeze for at least 8 hours. And while you wait, you deserve to enjoy the rest of the dragonfruit with a tall glass of leftover wine. No, but really, I was pleasantly surprised by how well they marry. 

Happy summering! Enjoy!

Watermelon Cocktail

Summer is hands down my favorite season. I might complain once or twice about the outlandish Texas heat, but when it's all said and done, I would prefer to be in the sweltering heat than the cold any. day. Life's just so much more pleasant during the warmer months. Patios, pools, cocktails... I mean, come on. Once all this rain decides to chill the hell out, it will feel moe like summer, but I was thankful for the few hours of sunshine we got on Memorial Day. So to pay tribute, I made myself a watermelon cocktail and frolicked in my pool. 

So for fans of summer everywhere, I'd like to share said watermelon cocktail with you. And if you don't like watermelon, then... never mind, I was going to say something rude. 

Cinco de Mayo Mini Patrón Margaritas

Happy Cinco de Drinko! We Americans will find any excuse to have a drink in hand, right? A couple of years ago, I was in Cabo on Cinco de Mayo and my husband and I had our own Cinco de turnup. You know why? Because they don't celebrate that shit in Mexico (outside of Puebla, that is). I won't bore you with a history lesson, but I will share a celebratory cocktail that'll make whatever today is irrelevant. 

These mini patrón margarita shots are as cute as they are good, and while I strongly encourage you to also have a full sized version, these make for awesome party favors...or starters.  

What you'll need: 

• 50 ml patrón bottles (I acquired a 200 ml bottle from a Patron event but had no luck finding it in store. If you have better luck than me, first let me know and then make larger versions). 
• Juice from half a lime  
• 1 teaspoon sugar or simple syrup  
• salt for garnish (optional. I HATE salt on my margaritas) 

*Makes one* Pour tequila, lime juice and sugar in cocktail shaker over ice. Wet rims of tequila bottles and coat in salt. Shake vigorously. Using a small funnel, pour mix back into tequila bottle. Cut straws in half and stick in bottles. Enjoy.  

Beyonce-Inspired Lemonade Cocktail

Beyoncé. I could literally start and end this post with nothing more than... Beyoncé. I've wanted to snorkel in natural springs of lemonade since she blessed the world with her HBO special followed by her sixth studio album, which in my opinion, is the best yet. No but really, I'm drinking the lemonade. By the gallon. 

My best friend and I had a pretty funny text exchange the Monday after she snatched the world by its edges:

Me: I feel like me, you and all of America have been reading all things Lemonade today. 

Amoya: I have tabs of articles up waiting to be read. I did maybe two important things today for work. It's Lemonade Day. 

Me: I went to Target at lunch. Bought an obligatory bottle of lemonade. And a lemon. Because I have sugar at home. 

Amoya: I got lemonade at Raising Cane's today. I did it for Bey. 

Needless to say, I'm blown away by the artistry (I'm going to her show in LA in TWO weeks. Eeek) and felt it only appropriate to share my own rendition of my favorite lemonade recipe. 

When life gives you lemons, make [bourbon] lemonade. 

Bourbon Lemonade Cocktail

Ingredients: 

• 2 oz. Bourbon (I use Bullet)
• 1.5 oz Simple Syrup 
• Half large fresh squeezed lemon 
• Splash of club soda or sparkling lemonade-flavored water (optional. I used the ICE brand) 

Directions: 

In a shaker filled with ice, mix bourbon, syrup and lemon juice and shake rigorously. Strain into martini glass. Top with splash of sparkling water. Garnish with lemon wheel. Go forth and slay. 

Guilt-Free Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies

My weakness = foods of the dessert variety. And french fries. French fries are probably one of the biggest reasons I couldn't be a serious contender of the Paleo life. That is, because I've found a "healthy" paleo-friendly chocolate chip cookie recipe that I like (dare I say it) probably even more than regular chocolate chip cookies. Just trust me on this one. 

My co-worker-friend who has been paleo for about 2.5 years now introduced me and literally flipped my world upside down. BUT THEY'RE SO GOOD HOW THE HELL ARE THESE GLUTEN-CARB-LOVE-HANDLE-FREE? I've made them three times in the last two weeks, so again, just trust me on this one. They're made with almond flour which removes the bloat and coconut oil which removes the guilt. The dark chocolate chips are there because you're an adult and no one tells you what to do. AND there's no egg, so twerk one time for safe cookie dough! 

I modify mine a bit and add ground flax seeds because me and my digestive tract aren't always on the same page. Here's the recipe: 

Ingredients: 

1. 1 3/4 cup of almond flour (you can find it online here or try your local grocery store)
2. 1/4 cup raw honey 
3. 1 tsp vanilla
4. 1/4 cup coconut oil (you can use butter if you're about that life)
5. 1/4 tsp sea salt
6. 1/4 tsp baking soda
7. Optional: ground flax seed mill 
8. 3/4 cup natural dark chocolate chips

How to whip them up:

1. Preheat oven to 325º
2. Combine all wet ingredients and mix (honey, vanilla, oil/butter)
3. Add in dry ingredients (baking soda, salt, flour, flax seeds)
4. Add in chocolate chips
5. Roll into balls and place on parchment paper-lined cookie sheet
6. Press down to flatten (these won't fall themselves like normal cookies)
7. Bake for 6-10 minutes - until bottoms are browned. Do not over cook. I repeat. Do not over cook
8. Try not to eat them all in one sitting

For more paleo-friendly food pics and recipes, follow my coworker-friend, Rita, on Instagram!

Also, it's almond milk. 

xo, 

Aquia

Valentine's Day Brunch Cocktail

This leap year has blessed us with a Sunday Valentine's Day, and because most people I know have adulthood to tend to Monday, I assume most evening/dinner plans have been arranged for Saturday night (unless you're my best friend celebrating her first Valentine's Day with her new beau and has taken Monday off to commemorate this man-made holiday, of course). 

If you're like me, you likely have brunch plans for Sunday because anything after 5pm is a no-go (unless you're really in the Sunday Funday spirit). So whether those brunch plans are inclusive of a home-cooked meal or spending your hard-earned adult monies at Yelp's best-reviewed chicken and waffles spot, I have the perfect brunch (or pre/post brunch) cocktail for you. 

Let's be honest, the only thing that makes this Valentine-y is the blush color, so trust me when I say that this recipe will extend to Memorial Day, and beyond. 

Here's what you'll need: 

1. Blood Orange Soda (I got mine from World Market, but you can also use San Pelligrino)
2. Champagne 
3. Raspberry Liqueur (I used Mathilde Framboise Liqueur)
4. Champagne Flutes (how cute are the ones I got from World Market? They were on a one-day buy one get one FREE sale. Love these and these)
5. 1 Blood Orange (for garnish)

How to make it: 

1. Fill your glass halfway (or more) with champagne 
2. Add blood orange soda (enough to make you content)
3. Add a splash of raspberry liqueur 
4. Garnish with blood orange wedge
5. Make a whole carafe
6. Enjoy several 

Happy Valentine's Day, yall. 

xo, 

Aquia

3 Ingredient Whiskey Cocktail

Cheers to the freakin' weekend! If you know me, you know I love a good cocktail. Typically craft and of the whiskey variety (although I get weak in the knees for a good margarita). When Patrick and I were planning our wedding, I accidentally (not) added a whole lot of bar ware to our registry -- and it just so happened that that's what people bought us. So needless to say, I have had a blast experimenting and playing mixologist (I make a mean old fashioned). However, as you might know by now, I don't do complicated. So if there are more than 4ish ingredients and some of which I have never heard of/can't pronounce, chances are it's not happening. 

So here, friends, is the most simple little cocktail to kick off your Friday night. 

Ingredients 

1. 2 oz. Whiskey 
2. Half lemon 
3. 1 oz. Grade A Maple Syrup
4. Splash of Club Soda (optional)

In a shaker, add ice, whiskey, lemon and maple syrup. Shake it like a shake weight. Pour in a highball glass over ice. If necessary, add a splash of club soda. Enjoy!

xo, 

Aquia

Printables

Every now and again my co-worker and I will spend a few unproductive hours of our days looking at cute prints online. Between Etsy and Pinterest I've found so many that I love. I can't, however, bring myself to pay the usually high asking price for a simple print made with font that I can download online. So, of course I make my own. Photoshop and free font downloads are my friend. 

This is one of my favorites. I love me a good Old Fashioned and knew this could hang marvelously  over my bar cart. But at $72? Yeah, no.

So with Photoshop and 5 minutes to spare, I made my own, printed it and hung it in a frame I'd painted gold a while back and had nothing to put in. 

Anyway, I have a few that I've made (some that I've printed, others that I haven't) that I can share! All you have to do is download and print and frame. Most are 8x10 so if you have a frame smaller than that, you'll have to resize. Which one is your favorite? 

Click to download. 

Enjoy!

xo, 

Aquia