Spiced Hot Toddy

This is just another option for offering hot drink options to your guests (tray-pass them for something extra special)...

•1/2 gallon (8 cups) apple cider
•1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, plus 1 strip zest
•1/2 cup fresh orange juice, plus 1 strip zest
•3 cinnamon sticks
•4 whole cloves
•1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
•Bourbon, rye or whiskey (optional)
•Cinnamon candy sticks, for garnish (optional)

Combine the cider, citrus juices and zest, cinnamon sticks and cloves in a large pot. Simmer over medium heat, about 20 minutes; do not boil.

Ladle the cider into mugs, leaving the zest and spices in the pot, and add about 1/2 teaspoon butter to each mug. Spike the adults’ drinks with a shot of bourbon and garnish with cinnamon candy sticks, if desired.




Thank you to liquor.com for their recipe

Add a little flavor to the entertainment...

I have been fortunate enough to have many brides who have been very creative in demonstrating their culture during their wedding festivities. Live music and cultural rituals are a perfect way to draw attention to the bride and/or groom's cultural heritage or at least their "something special"...

Is your groom Scottish? Maybe have a bagpiper lead the bridal party down the aisle during the procession.


Are you Brazilian? Maybe have colorful Carnival masks (see photo) handed out to your guests to start the dancing hours.


Are you Indian? Have dancers come to perform a Baliwood number to give your guests a break from the dancefloor.


Are you Mexican? Have a mariachi band play at the cocktail hour.


Even hiring a solo guitarist to play some Bob Marley, Jack Johnson, and other mellow, surf music can really set the mood for a beach wedding.

Call or email me for suggested vendors in Santa Barbara!