This is a recipe that evolved in my mind. I was imagining a sophisticated martini sporting with a fancy swizzle stick with a rind of orange artfully twisted onto it. In reality, the drink took me where it wanted to go with the taste and I rather like the result! So here we go! To make an Orange Twist you will need:

• Cointreau
• Vodka
• 1 Orange (juice and some rind)
• Crushed Ice
• 2 Teaspoons Sugar

Step 1

Slice two thin pieces of the orange peel, each about 5 cm long, and place into your cocktail shaker.

Step 2

Add 2 teaspoons of sugar and use your muddler (or the end of a wooden spoon) to press the rind and release the natural orange oils.

Step 3

Once your orange has release it’s oils add 6 tablespoons of crushed ice, the juice of your orange, 1.5 shots of cointreau and 1.5 shots of vodka Give it a shake for a good 2 to 3 minutes as you want to make sure all your sugar is dissolved. When you’re done, strain your mixture into two glasses.

Step 4

Add some more crushed ice and a fresh piece of orange rind and enjoy!

Photography by Ms Gingham

Cocktail Friday, Made, Recipes | Comments 0

Milk glass vessels are such pretty pieces to add to your wedding decor. But let’s face it: the cost of collecting enough vintage originals (especially if you want that gorgeous clustered centpiece look for every table) is really going to add up.

Here’s an easy way to recreate the look at a fraction of the cost.

You will need:

• Various cheap vases, jugs and dishes (ask your mum or grandma if they have any they don’t want, and hit up garage sales and op shops)

• Dimensional paint (not puff paint – you want something that dries hard or else you’ll have puffy blobs falling into your guests’ prawn cocktail)

• Gloss white spray paint

1. Carefully create dot patterns with the dimensional paint (mix it up with different patterns for a more authentic look). Repeat with remaining vessels (you may need to take breaks as the painting will tire out your hand). Allow to dry thoroughly.

2. Place vases in a large cardboard box (to contain overspray) in a well-ventilated area and coat with a couple of coats of spray paint.

The dot painting might be a little fiddly but with a bit of concentration it’s not difficult. Overall an easy and cost effective way to achieve milk glass en masse.

Styling: White Room Events / Venue: Tin Cat Cafe

Photography by Alicia Parsons

Ms Gingham says: Love, love, love this! Great idea!

I am Alicia Parsons, the Atypical Type A. I live in Adelaide, South Australia in a modest townhouse with my new hubby Ryan (aka The Man). I am the owner and graphic designer behind Akimbo, which specialises in quirky invitations, announcements and greetings.

Alicia contributes regular DIY projects to Polka Dot Made. You can view her posts here.

Tags http://www.akimbo.com.au/ | DIY Tutorials, Made | Comments 0

Having a rustic farm wedding? Or perhaps a handmade DIY event? This handwritten style font is perfect to convey the handmade look for your invitations and other stationery.

Designer Notes Pro comes in a four font family of regular, italic, bold and bold italic, and comes with a full Latin set of 228 characters/glyphs .

Designer Notes Pro is available from My Fonts

Made, Tuesday Type | Comments 1

1. Innocence spot tulle garter from Florrie Mitton  2. Satin, Ivory and platinum pearl embellishment from Crystal Avenue 3. Organza, silver and ivory rhinestone beaded from MillielCARO 4. Vintage inspired in white Venice lace from   PetalnPearl Boutique 5. Ivory pleated French lace with pearl drape from Atelier Rousseau 6. Vintage lace garter with ivory satin flower and Swarovski crystals from Natalie Briggs

Etsy Roundup, Made | Comments 0

If you are Italian, or marrying into an Italian family, this classic cocktail would be a wonderful drink to serve at your wedding reception or engagement party.

It’s a little bitter, a little sweet and a stunning colour. Combined with salty, savoury grissini and prosciutto to snack on, this bittersweet drink tantalizes the taste buds.

Ingredients:

-       30ml Campari

-       30ml Gin

-       30m Sweet Vermouth

Method:

1. Fill a glass with ice cubes

2. Add Campari, Gin and Sweet Vermouth

3. Stir well

4. Garnish with a slice of orange or orange twist

5. Raise your glass and celebrate to love and life … “Cin Cin”

6. Enjoy with a gorgeous large Italian olive

Campari can be an acquired taste, but the sweet vermouth in this cocktail offsets the bitterness of the Italian spirit. It’s a true classic that can be traced back to Italy in the 1860’s. The Italians at your party will love it!

Photos by Nicky McLauchlan

Ms Gingham says: Another winner in my book. Great styling too Ms Lace!

About Ms Lace: A Brisbane girl who writes the inspiring wedding blog, Chasing Rainbows Kissing Frogs which showcases ideas, vendors and weddings from around the world. Having lived everywhere from Paris to Beirut and Saudi Arabia, the only language Ms Lace is fluent in is weddings. “Weddings make me giddy!”

Ms Lace writes regularly for the blog. Read her previous posts here.

Cocktail Friday, Made | Comments 0