It's starting to warm up here in Los Angeles, so why not cool down a little this weekend with a yummy, Historic LA-based cocktail?

Let's talk about the Moscow Mule!

As with most wonderful things in life, this cocktail was created on accident and on a whim. Believe it or not, vodka and ginger beer haven't always been popular. Let's rewind to Los Angeles, circa 1941. Inside the late Cock 'n Bull Restaurant in Hollywood sat 3 dudes: "Jack" Morgan (the owner of the restaurant & ginger beer brewer), Wes Price (bartender at the restaurant), and John G. Martin (owner of Smirnoff Vodka). Morgan and Martin were discussing what to do with the surplus of both vodka and ginger beer that they had in the basement. Their solution? Add ice and limes! Little did they know that they had a magical recipe on their hands.

Fast forward to 2017, there are few mixed-drink fans that haven't heard of the concoction - and if you're like me, perhaps you've indulged in one yourself. But, if you've never tried it, this drink is a dream come true! It's refreshing, with a little bite and just the right touch of sour and sweet. Plus, you get to drink it out of a cool mug! Thirsty, yet?

And where does the copper mug come in, you ask? Besides being very aesthetically pleasing, the copper locks in the temperature, keeping your tasty beverage colder longer. Also, if you have ever had a Moscow Mule in a glass, you will notice a slight taste variation. A combination of increased oxidation and decreased temperature enhances the taste of the tangy lime complimenting the spice of the ginger beer.

I recently had the honor of partnering up with The Copper Mug Company, who distributes and sells the most beautiful copper-wares. As luck would have it, they are also based locally out of Southern California (win!). I couldn't be more excited to put their products to use in creating my favorite cocktail!

What you'll need:
Vodka (I recommend Titos)
Cock 'n Bull Ginger Beer (or a similar spicy brew)
Fresh Lime
Fresh Mint
Ice
Copper Mug, recommended

Directions:
Squeeze ~1oz lime juice into Copper Mug and place remaining skin at bottom.

Add desired ice (the more the better in my opinion)

Pour in 2oz Vodka

6oz Ginger Beer

Garnish with fresh mint

Stir & ENJOY!

2017 will be the biggest travel year for Danny & I (amongst other things.. like getting MARRIED) so what better way to kick it off than with a 4-day vacation in Loreto, Mexico!

Last year we were invited to the wedding of two wonderful friends of ours, Dan & Debbie, which was to take place in Loreto and at its majestic Villa del Palmar Hotel. Loreto is a small, beachfront town with sprawling panoramic views of deep blue ocean and impressive mountain ranges. We were so excited for them, and couldn't wait to celebrate with old friends and make new friends in such a beautiful place!

Since Loreto is pretty remote, there is only one flight per day out of Los Angeles. This held also to be exciting since most of our flight would hold wedding-goers as well as other wanderlust explorers! Danny and I were seated next to a very personable and worldly man from Calgary, Canada who shared quite a few stories with us throughout the hour & half excursion (including that he had been married for 30 years but since he travels so much it was more like, "net 16 years.")

Once we landed the party started! From that moment on to the time we landed back in LA, it was a whirlwind of tequila, laughs, and story of exchanges of how we all knew the soon-to-be-married bride and groom!

As the storm began to blow in Friday, it was also the couple's rehearsal dinner located above the hotel that their parent's so generously provided - including these amazing watermelon mojitos!

Come Saturday morning... it was cold and cloudy but hey, we were in a beautiful part of Mexico, so we made the best of it and set out for a hike. Only about 20 minutes in, we got caught in the torrential hurricane-like downpour and had to take shelter in a cave. We huddled and watched lounge chairs fly off the beach into the ocean and pool umbrellas and heaters topple down. As rocks started to slide down off the front of the cave from this storm's fury, we decided to make a run for it. Completely soaked, we made it back safely and hours later the sun was out for probably one of the most sweetest and touching weddings I have ever been a part of.

We sipped on probably too much tequila, indulged in savory tacos, and danced the night away. But all things must come to an end and as we descending back to the concrete, grey jungle that is Los Angeles, we'll be left with memories of this magical weekend forever. Until next time, Mexico.

Travel Tip: Leaving Loreto - their security is INCREDIBLY strict, even with checked bags. Be prepared to have most of your toiletries to be confiscated including tooth paste. They don't care how expensive your hair products are! Pack smart!