The reality is that we all need drama.  It is a forgotten component on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.  And, drama-created-through-risk is all around us –  and we live in that state of delicate tension more frequently than may be recognized.   That is why shows like Dancing with the Stars and Celebrity Apprentice don’t romance me.  The thought of following those shows seems so dull.  After all, they are so…safe.  Where is the risk?  Brilliant editing can create the look of drama, but when really examined, is performing the fox trot really risky?

 
 The minute shows like” Celebrity Brain Surgeon” or “Celebrity Death Penalty Trial Attorney” begin to air, I will block out time on my calendar.  

Until then, a true source of risk and drama is At Home Bartender.  Hosting friends and mixing up some refreshing drinks is a fundamental building block of entertaining.   I have often been accused by my friends of pouring with too heavy a hand. 

Easy as 1, 2. There isn't even a 3. It is really that simple.

Pardon my generous heart. 

To be honest, I want to make great cocktails.  But, I am lazy by nature and want some options that are fool-proof, quick, and easy.  If this piques your interest, try the following:

Sparkling Orange Cocktails for 2 
1 can Sophia champagne
1 orange
1 airplane-size bottle vanilla vodka
2 Tablespoons Cointreau
Peel two orange rind twists from the orange.  Set aside.  Cut and juice the orange for 4 Tablespoons of OJ.  Put OJ, small bottle of vanilla vodka, and 2 Tablespoons of Cointreau in cocktail shaker with ice and shake.  Divide between two martini glasses.  Split the can of champagne between the two glasses.  Garnish with the orange rind.  Serve.

Raspberry Iced Espresso for 2

This cocktail is almost as easy as throwing beans and a bottle in a glass

1 can Starbucks Doubleshot
1 airplane-size bottle raspberry vodka
Put Doubleshot and raspberry vodka in cocktail shaker with ice and shake.  Divide between two cocktail glasses and serve.  You can serve straight up in a martini glass or over the rocks in an Old Fashion glass.
As an alternate, you can use vanilla vodka.
The key to this drink is to serve it cold, cold, cold.  Freezing the vodka and chilling the Doubleshot ahead of time is a plus.  Shaking it with lots of ice also helps. 

If you find yourself making this without any prep time, pour the Doubleshot in your cocktail shaker and put in the freezer and put the bottle of vodka in the freezer as well.  Retrieve after about 10 minutes and mix the drink with ice.

Check back for more quick and easy cocktail options for summer.  In the meantime, start making ice to be a prepared A Home Bartender, because I don’t think the TV programming will be getting very interesting any time soon.