We will be the first to tell you that we love a good night out.  We spend most weeks looking forward to ending well at our favorite watering hole while sitting at the bar and catching up on the week over a good old fashioned.  BUT sometimes you just need a night in, and it doesn't have to be a downer (even though we've all had enough nights in during 2020 to last a lifetime).

One of the best things to come out of our time in quarantine was flexing our drink-making muscles, and in doing so, we stumbled on one of our favorite social account follows @barbees.bartending...check em out online at https://www.gobarbees.com/ or follow them on insta.

This is a simple blog that you should def save for that rainy day when you're staying in, for when the babysitter cancels, or you want to impress a group of friends with your newfound skill!

Here are our favorite drink recipes from our friends at BarBees (mostly fall inspired)...

Honey Whiskey Sour

This was a great alternative to our old fashioned pallet preferences.  We always prefer whiskey in our cups so we started here and were tempted to stop here because it was so good.

What you’ll need:

• Whiskey or Bourbon 

• 1 lemon

• Honey simple syrup

Instructions:

• Fill glass with ice

• Add 1.5 oz. bourbon or whiskey

• Squeeze 1 whole lemon

• Add 1.5 oz. honey simple syrup

• Garnish with a lemon wheel

Cider Mule

There is also something to be said for simple, but dialed up.   Seriously, pick up some cider, some ginger beer, and then start mixing.  This is one you could do in individual copper mugs or a copper pitcher.  Either way you go, you'll be staring at the bottom of that cup or pitcher very quickly.

What you’ll need:

• Your favorite cider

• Ginger beer

• 1/2 lime

• Optional: 1 oz. vodka

• Apple slice for garnish

Instructions:

• Fill copper or silver mule mug with ice

• Squeeze half a lime

• Option to add 1 oz. vodka

• Add equal parts cider and ginger beer to the top

• Garnish with an apple slice

 Cup O' Love

This one is definitely a mood setter.  If you aim to impress your spouse and finish your nightcap with the other kind of nightcap, break out the rum and rose petals. This recipe is next level on the mixology scale, but it might be exactly what the love doctor ordered for your night in (after the kids are in bed, of course).

What you’ll need:

• Rum

• Maple simple syrup

• 1 lemon

• Apple cider

• Bitters

• Rose petals

Instructions:

• Fill glass with ice

• Add 1 1/2 oz. rum

• Add 1 oz. maple simple syrup ⁣

• Add juice of one half lemon ⁣

• Fill with apple cider ⁣

• Add 3-4 dashes of bitters ⁣

• Stir

• Garnish with a lemon twist and cranberries or rose petals

Boozy London Fog

This drink is comfort in a cup.  If you mix this one up, be ready to curl up on the couch with a blanket and snuggle while you sip.  This might be our favorite drink to binge the show we need to catch up on before going to bed early on a Friday night (like the old couple we aspire to be).

What you’ll need:

• 2 oz. gin

• 1 earl gray tea bag

• Juice of 1/2 grapefruit

• Hot water

• Almond milk

• 3/4 oz. honey simple syrup

• Thyme

Instructions:

• Steep tea bag in 3 oz. hot water

• Shake gin, grapefruit juice + simple syrup

• Strain and top with cooled tea concentrate + milk

• Stir

• Garnish with thyme sprig

Spiked Oat Cold Brew

Let's face it, sometimes you need a little post-meal pick me up to extend the night.  This is literally dessert in a cup with a shot of energy to keep the convos going a little longer.  Add your favorite cookie, cheesecake bites, or a cupcake, and you're in for putting the perfect bow on your at-home dining experience.

What you’ll need:

• Coconut Bacardi Rum

• 1 oz. Honey vanilla simple syrup

• Oat Milk

• Cold Brew

• Cinnamon

• Espresso beans (optional)

Instructions:

• Fill glass with ice

• Add rum and simple syrup

• Add equal parts oat milk and cold brew

• Garnish with cinnamon and espresso beans

Spiced Rum Chai

This drink also falls in the dessert category for us, but it goes best with a donut so you could end your night with it or start your Saturday with it if you want to get crazy.  This one is easy to do with or without alcohol, and it's great to try dirty (with a shot of espresso).

What you'll need:

1 1/2 oz. spiced rum ⁣
4-6 oz. warmed chai concentrate⁣
2-3 oz. steamed milk ⁣
Top with cinnamon sprinkle⁣
Garnish with a cinnamon stick...OR if you're ever in Nashville, try a liquor-glazed chai donut from @drunkendonutsnash at the Barbees's suggestion!

We hope this finds you in time to save a Friday night soon.  And of course, all of these drinks pair well with a video session from one of our marriage courses.  We're being serious here...investing in your relationship can be something you look forward to and benefit from for weeks to come.  Trust us; your future selves will thank you.

Click below to take your relationship to the next level.

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