Here’s a survey for you – do you drink alcoholic beverages or not? I’m a person who only drinks alcohol when it’s involved in a super fun drink – aka a sugar-laden drink of love. Give me a spicy margarita or a homemade mojito, but if you expect me to drink whiskey on the rocks or some sad vodka soda, you’re high. If I’m drinking alcohol, I’m going to enjoy the hell out of it. That’s that. But the thing about this drink is that it’s delicious with or without alcohol. So if you’re not a drinker, not to worry, you still can enjoy this drink as a mocktail! Just remove the alcohol! And if you’re hosting a Thanksgiving party with kids involved this year, you can simply set the vodka on the side for people to add to this drink on their own. That way everyone at the entire party can pour this punch into their glass!
Since I’m obviously gearing up with Thanksgiving recipes on the blog lately with my recent Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars and Creamy Butternut Squash Pomegranate Dip, I’m wondering what you’re whipping up this year!? Are you bringing dessert or making a side dish or are you being the star of the show by making an entire roasted turkey? What are your plans?! Tell me everything.
On a total non-thanksgiving related note, last night was a big night. Ya see, Jackson (my French Bulldog) has been going through this super not cute stage where he wakes us up sometime between 12am and 4am by simply whining until one of us gets up and goes to the couch with him. We don’t let him sleep in bed with us but we do let him on the couch. And since sometimes I’ll wake up drenched in sweat for no apparent reason, which leads me to the couch to sleep for the rest of the night, Jackson has become quite comfortable with this happening. Too comfortable. And once he wakes up and starts to whine for the night, there’s no stopping him. It’s been an awful couple of weeks of him doing this. Is this what parenthood is like? Because I’m not into it.
At one point I thought something really might be wrong, but as soon as one of us goes to the couch with him, he’s good to go. He’s just a spoiled only child who wants to be cuddled at all times. But that’s not going to work for me and my 30-year-old sleep lifestyle. Recently my SIL recommended CBD dog treats because it worked for her friend and his dogs separation anxiety. And since CBD (and actual weed) is absolutely huge here, she grabbed some for him and he had his first one last night. And guess what? He slept completely through the night. For the first time in probably a month. It was magical. Is this what it feels like to have a baby and it finally sleeps through the night for the first time? I’m into it. And if you don’t know what CBD is, don’t freak TF out, I’m not giving my dog THC. Just use the ole’ goog to help you understand CBD. I recently started taking it myself to help with sleep as well and it’s been magical. Is there anything better than sleep when you get older? Maybe chocolate cake. But sleep is still probably better.
Now go drink punch. Kloveyoubyeeeeee!
Apple Cider Vodka Punch
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 128 fluid ounces apple cider
- 1 cup orange juice
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1–2 cups vodka*
- 3 apples, sliced
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 4 star anise
- 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a large pitcher or beverage dispenser and place in the fridge for 1-3 hours before serving in a glass over ice!
- If you want it to look extra cute, garnish each class with an apple slice, some of the pomegranate seeds and a cinnamon stick!
Notes
*This amount is completely up to you. And I’m not choosing the amount for you since I think less vodka tastes better. I don’t like to taste my alcohol in my cocktails. I think 1.5 cups of vodka is the perfect amount, but you decide for yourself and your taste buds!
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More Cocktail Ideas!
Mandarin Vodka Mojitos (+ new cooking video!)
Caramelized Grapefruit Gin & Tonic
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What brand of CBD oil have you tried? Also, where can I find these dog treats? Our puppy is nocturnal and sleeps all day while we’re at work and likes to play with all of the loud toys, eat dinner and jump in and out of bed from 10pm on. It’s a good thing she’s cute….
i got a brand called holistic hound at a local shop called republic of paws
Canna-pet brand is unbelievable! My senior Golden Retrievers have been on their capsules, oils and biscuits for well over 2 years and they have been a lifesaver- for them and us. They help with anxiety, appetite, tumor growth repression aches and pain. Their website is Easy to use and if you sign up for their mailing list you get a 30% coupon to use on your order…
Also if you have to pick your favorite, which one? Pumpkin cheesecake bars or cheesecake brownies? I can’t decide which ones to make this weekend.
pumpkin cheesecake bars
I’m actually going to do that for my dogs during the fourth of july because they can not handle it, and I had someone tell me they did it over the fourth this past summer, and it worked amazing. I’ll do anything for my dogs to not be so stressed out and upset during that. Because it is horrible.
i feel so lucky that jackson doesn’t even notice fireworks, even when they are in our neighbors backyard. it sounds so incredibly sad and challenging. and people can’t even enjoy their holidays because of it. that would be so cool if the treats could help!
Yes Juli, that is spot on what parenting is DON’T DO IT! Tee hee kidding…..sort of.
hahahahaha
My dog, he’s a basset hound, recently started doing the SAME THING…only he doesn’t want to cuddle on the couch, he wants to go outside and explore., because apparently the middle of the night is the best time for exploring…
Also, I am LOVING the Holiday Guide tab, thank you for taking the time to put it together!!!!
i wonder if the CBD would help him! it’s been so awesome for Jackson! and YAY! so glad you’re liking it!!
I LOVE cocktails. Just like you though, they have to be a good, high-quality, fun cocktail! Not going to waste my alcohol calories on some cheap crap lol. For making cocktails at home, Tito’s vodka is the BEST!
agreed! love Tito’s!
Hey Juli! I just read your email ( haven’t even read this post yet – I’ve got some catching up to do! #newmomlife) but anyways I just wanted to drop in and say how much I look forward to your content on a daily basis! You inspire me to eat better, move more and create a life designed by ME! Trust me I know, life gets gray at times and it’s easy to have a piss pore attitude at times. Been there and in a bit of a funk myself. Just know you are inspiring so many people, have so many blessings in your life (even though it’s sometimes hard to see) and a role model to so many! Keep being you and don’t let life stressors get in the way!
thank you so much for the kind words Brooke!! i hate having weeks like this but i definitely appreciate the brighter days more because of it! thanks for all the love and i’m so glad i could help inspire you in some way! that’s so damn cool!
I dont drink any alcohol but this beverage looks so beautiful so I will definitely try the version without vodka or maybe add some sparkling water in place of it. I just love how you garnished it!
thanks Jojo!
I love alcohol and spicy drinks also! But unfortunately since turning 40 (what!!?) alcohol does not like me. Makes me feel awful. Gym trainer says it’s normal when u workout regularly and eat super clean. WHATEVER!
I sooo want to just drink a cocktail or glass of wine and not pay for it tomorrow by feeling like crap (slug tired sloth-like achy).
Soooo, that being said, this drink looks amazeballs and I’ll try it. Super festive and fallish.
Love your blog and podcasts girl. Keep em comin! ????????????????????????????????????????????????
i feel ya girl. i feel that way at 30 years old. stupid alcohol
This looks so good but I’m not much of a vodka person. Do you think rum would go with this?
sure! whatever alcohol suits your fancy!