adjoystudio

Like most people, when I think of Fall I think of pumpkin spiced everything. With Fall officially around the corner, I am putting a pumpkin twist to one of my favorite cocktails, the Moscow Mule. So, if you love pumpkin as much as I do, try the below cocktail!

Cannot or do not consume alcohol? No Problem— I have you covered with a mocktail version!

Note: Ginger Beer is non alcoholic

Pumpkin Moscow Mule (Cocktail)

Ingredients:
Ice
4 oz. (8 Tbsp) Ginger Beer
1.5 oz. (or 3 Tbsp) Pumpkin Flavor Liquor (Vodka or Rum)
.5 oz. (or 1 Tbsp) Lime Juice

Pumpkin Moscow Mule (Mocktail)

Ingredients:
Ice
4 oz. (8 Tbsp) Ginger Beer
1 oz. (or 2 Tbsp) Homemade Pumpkin Syrup* – for sweeter taste add additional Tbsp
.5 oz. (or 1 Tbsp) Lime Juice

Fill cup with ice, combine all ingredients, and stir. Garnish with lime slices and Enjoy!

Tip: For a quick and easy way to differentiate the Mocktails from the Cocktails – Just add a straw to the Mocktail

*You can buy Pumpkin Syrup in stores however, you can make your own in less than 10 minutes and with only 4 ingredients! The syrup is absolutely delicious and can be used in cocktails, mocktails, coffee, on pancakes & waffles, french toast, mixed in oatmeal, or anything your heart desires.*

Homemade Pumpkin Syrup

Ingredients:
¾ c. Water
¾ c. Brown sugar
¼ c. Pumpkin puree
2 tsp. Pumpkin spice

Add all ingredients into a stainless-steel pot and whisk together until fully combined. Put on stovetop and bring to a boil – stir constantly. Turn heat to low and let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes while continuing to stir. Pour the pumpkin spice syrup though a fine mesh strainer into a bowl to separate any solids from the liquid. Transfer into glass bottle with lid and store in refrigerator. Enjoy!

As Always, Live Creatively – Xoxo Joyce

So, you did it! You’ve married the love of your life and celebrated the night away. Now what do you do with your wedding dress? There are endless options – cleaned and stored away, donate, sell, or have a Trash the Dress photo shoot. But what about repurposing the garment to create even more special memories? The moment I found my dress I knew my “Live Creatively” way of life would apply as it has in so many other aspects of my life.

One of the most magical days was when I walked into a bridal store with my mother and saw a lace Judd Waddell wedding gown hanging on display. Without even trying it on I said, “that’s the one” and said yes to the dress that day. Fast forward to December 4th of 2015, I had the time of my life marrying the man I love so deeply and unconditionally. So obviously, I knew exactly what I was going to do…. Cut It Up! Yes, you read that correctly- Cut It Up! But let me explain because it’s not as dramatic as you might think.

In accordance with Live Creatively, I had the idea to transform my wedding dress into a beautiful baptism outfit. For those of you thinking, “I can’t sew” – well neither can I. What I can do is search the internet (Yelp) for an amazing seamstress. I found one, told her my vision, and she made it into a magnificent reality. The best part is, you can 100% tell it came from my dress. The next best part is, she only used the top layer lace from the bottom half and six buttons so my gown is fully intact! My seamstress even advised that I can always add another material in the future and create yet another masterpiece. Thinking our 50th wedding vow renewal ceremony and the repurpose cycle will continue!

Whatever you decide to do, do something that will bring joy into your life. For me, it was creating something special for my daughter Adeline and any future children (and dare I say grandchildren in the WAY future) we might have.

As Always, Live Creatively – Xoxo Joyce