Valentine's Day Gift Guide
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Fair warning guys, Valentine's Day is coming up! Lifestyle expert Nekia Nichelle dropped by the ABC 7 studios for a look at some of the hot gifts now available in Chicago.
Chamilia Valentine's Day Necklace
Cy Fredrics Engagement Rings, Gemstone Earrings & Watches
Contact Lifestyle Expert Nekia Nichelle: Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Periscope, Instagram- @NekiaNichelle or http://www.nekianichelle.com
RECIPES:
The Lovebird Punch
30 oz Cranberry Juice Cocktail
18 oz pineapple juice
4 oz lemon juice
12-18 oz Ginger Beer
***Garnish with fresh fruit slices and edible orchids if available
Heart-All-a-Flutter Coffee Cooler (Mocktail)
an unconventional mocktail to make your heart get a pitter-pattering for the holiday
4 oz cold brewed coffee
2 oz cola
one tsp of maple syrup (or less, to taste)
light drizzle of half & half (milk may be substituted)
shake syrup and coffee to mix, pour in a tall beverage glass over fresh ice, add cola and drizzle top with cream
The Mocked Mule (Mocktail)
A refreshing "mocktail" played off the Staytion Bar cocktail menu, featured at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown.
1.5oz mint simple
1.5oz lime
2 cucumber slices
Ginger beer
Garnish: Cucumber slice roll up with mint leaf.
Add mint simple and cucumber to bottom of mixing glass, muddle cucumber till macerated; add rest of ingredients except ginger beer. Shake well; double strain over fresh ice in highball glass; top with ginger beer.
**Best with Fentiman's Ginger Beer
To make simple syrup, combine 2 cups sugar with 1 cup water and a handful of fresh mint, dissolve sugar into water and simmer with mint for 20 minutes, strain out mint and cool before use
Spirit Suggestion: Just because it's Valentine's Day, the spirit to make your day special doesn't have to be red!
Try adding a little Creme de Violette to a champagne or prosecco to liven up the bubble treat, the light violet color and smooth flavor will lend a little unconventional excitement to your loved one's special holiday!
