Flavored vodka at work...one would say a PINNACLE of taste!

For those of you who know us, it is common knowledge that we are Vodka drinkers. For those of you who don't know us, now you know! We spend a lot of time researching spirit's and liqueur's among many other booze newz.

Recently we came upon a French vodka distilled using traditional and ancestral recipes according to the website. Its base comes from the finest wheat grain grown in the Brie region of France and their filtration process uses coal which has been said superior to other components used for the same process. This vodka is quadruple distilled producing a high proof spirit.

Pinnacle Vodka has hit the flavored vodka market hard. It's a dream come true for Steve and I. Now we get to play in our favorite playground....behind the bar! I like my martini's mixed and full of flavor and Steve likes to concoct delicious libations for us to share.....pinnacle creates a roster of vodkas that could lead up to months of experimentation? Oh and I'm ready for the challenge.


With 28 flavor options available (70 proof): Apple, Banana, Berry, Blueberry, Butterscotch, Cake, Cherry, Cherry Lemonade, Cherry Whipped, Chocolate, Chocolate Whipped, Citrus, Cotton Candy, Espresso, Grape, Kiwi-Strawberry, Le Double Espresso, Melon, Mango, Orange, Orange Whipped, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Root Beer, Tropical Punch, Vanilla and Whipped Cream…you are sure to find a flavor that suits you. Or stick with Pinnacle Classic Vodka (80 proof) and enjoy it neat or on the rocks.

To the best of my knowledge not all of the flavors are available in Canada but the more we drink the more will come I'm sure. We have contacted the company and waiting to see how their customer service department responds. Their website is pretty cool with flash images that are esthetically pleasing. Its easy to navigate around the website and there is just enough information. It not over inundated with pages of paragraphs rambling on about how good the product is.



The product comes from White Rock Distilleries and great news they have an awesome contest called "WHIP IT UP"!! Where you create your own recipe for a chance to win 10,000.00. We have started the mixology already and even if we don't win we'll enjoy the journey. heehee!



HOW TO ENTER THE SWEEPSTAKES:
To enter Contest Entrant must log onto Facebook at
www.facebook.com/pinnaclevodkas and fill out the official contest entry
form including your number one Pinnacle Whipped Recipe.  Recipe must
include: Pinnacle Whipped, Chocolate Whipped, Cherry Whipped, or
Orange Whipped vodka.
PRIZES AND PRIZE NOTIFICATION SELECTION OF PRIZE
WINNERS:
Selection of Grand Prize Winners: One (1) Grand Prize Winner: $10,000.
Contest Rules may be submitted for public posting on the Contest Site,
starting on April 1, 2011 ending July 31, 2011. By entering the Contest, each
Contest Entrant acknowledges and agrees that, as between Sponsor and any
other party, including Contest Entrant, that any submission however related
to the Contest become the property of Sponsor, including but not limited to
all recipes entered.
PRIZE:
One (1) Grand Prize Winner: $10,000


SELECTION:
All recipe entries will be ranked on the following criteria: originality,
creativity and use of Pinnacle product.





Web link: http://www.facebook.com/pinnaclevodkas?sk=app_158340490889879

Check out a few reviews and other info I found:

http://intoxicology101.net/2010/07/27/pinnacle-vodka-whipped-and-cotton-candy/
http://vodkabuzz.com/vodkas/pinnacle
http://www.livestrong.com/article/300242-pinnacle-vodka-calories/
http://www.helium.com/items/494422-drink-reviews-pinnacle-vodka
http://www.sweepstakeslovers.com/sweepstakes/?p=pinnaclesummer.com

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the nutritional information for all your Pinnacle Products?Click here to download a PDF containing all our nutritional information.
• Are all your products gluten free?Yes all of our Pinnacle Vodkas are gluten free.
• Does the Pinnacle Whipped line of products contain dairy?None of our Pinnacle Vodkas contain dairy.
• Where can I find drink recipes for all your flavors?Go to our recipe page on this website and download the PDF that contains all our fabulous drink recipes.
• Is Pinnacle Vodka kosher?Pinnacle Vodka is not kosher.
• Where can I buy Pinnacle online?Type “Buy Pinnacle Vodka” in your browser and view the list of online stores that sell Pinnacle Vodka.
• I can’t find Pinnacle Vodka in my area?If you cannot find Pinnacle Vodka in your local retail outlet, just ask for it! Stores are more than happy to bring in product that is requested. You can also contact your local distributor who will provide a list of locations. Check our distributor map on this website for contact information.
• Who do I contact to get Pinnacle to sponsor an event or do a promotion in my bar?Please contact marketing@whiterockdistilleries.com and they will direct you to the appropriate person in your area.
• Is Pinnacle available outside the U.S?Please email marketing@whiterockdistilleries.com and we can help you find a location.
• Why haven’t I received my rebate check?Please contact marketing@whiterockdistilleries.com for the status of your check.
• I have a great recipe who can I send it to?We love to hear new recipe ideas! Please email marketing@whiterockdistilleries.com or post it to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/pinnaclevodkas.
• Where can I download photos, logos or sell sheet of your product?Please go to our corporate website www.whiterockdistilleries.com and click on our menu page where you can download EPS, PDF and JPG files.

Summer is here and we found our new favorite beer!! by Cori

Granville Island Raspberry Wheat Ale is awesome!!!! After a long day and sitting down on my beautiful couch I had the pleasure of knocking back an ice cold Raspberry Wheat Ale!!
We had the pleasure of touring the brewery earlier this year and we were waiting for the release of this product. At this time it is only a seasonal item, however if we get more of you drinking this delicious libation then maybe they will be forced to produce MORE!! It is Delicious!!




About Granville Island Brewing (GIB)
Established is 1984, Granville Island Brewing (GIB) is Canada’s first microbrewery offering a variety of award-winning beers which are brewed and sold here in BC. In celebration of their West Coast heritage GIB names each beer after iconic Vancouver locations that embody the local lifestyle. GIB is dedicated to handcrafting only the finest premium beers that are 100 per cent all-natural and brewed in small batches to provide consumers with the ultimate tasting experience. From the original Island Lager and English Bay Pale Ale, to Cypress Honey Lager, and now their latest innovation; Brockton IPA, GIB continues to produce a diverse portfolio of beers inspired by life on the West Coast. For more information, visit www.gib.ca.

(Vancouver, BC) – Summer is finally here and so too is GIB’s annual summer release of the ever-popular Raspberry Wheat Ale. This year’s batch will offer more than just refreshment as the local craft brewer is committing 50 cents from every bottle sold to the Weekend to End Women’s Cancers. This one weekend, August 14-15, 2010, invites people to join together to battle all types of cancers effecting women.

“Our Raspberry Wheat Ale is definitely a summer favourite, and it has one of the strongest female followings of any of our Limited Release beers. It’s a great fit for showing our support for such a worthy cause,” says Vern Lambourne, brewmaster, Granville Island Brewing. “This unique and flavourful limited release is the perfect complement to a fruit-filled dessert, or perhaps a grilled chicken salad.”

This crisp Raspberry Wheat Ale was created with the flawless combination of malt, water, hops, yeast, and the perfect amount of Fraser Valley raspberries. With a refreshingly light, fruity taste, this craft-brewed ale provides unique summertime refreshment.

Raspberry Wheat Ale is available in individual bottles for a 6-week limited time period, in select lower mainland government liquor stores and in our retail store on Granville Island, for $5.75/650ml bottle. Visit bcliquorstores.com for stores and availability.

reference:beernews.org

Our FALSE CREEK RASPBERRY ALE is an ultra-refreshing summer ale that combines premium malt and hops with Fraser Valley raspberries. Well-balanced with raspberry colour, aroma and finish, it pairs well with summer salads, fresh air and sunny afternoons.

TASTING NOTES

Fresh raspberries, without being too sweet. Refreshingly tart with enough pale malt character, so it tastes like an ale, not a wine cooler.

FOOD PAIRINGS

Crisp and clean. Goes well with salads, particularly crisp greens with light fresh dressings. Perfect pairing: Plain chevre on crackers or smoked chicken topped spring greens with walnuts and blue cheese.

Beer in review....taste it, then rate it like a pro at the link below...


http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/granville-island-raspberry-wheat-ale/63343/

Jack Daniels Update

I have never been more excited to introduce a newer version of my favorite libation. Jack Daniel's went and got sweeter on us. We had the pleasure of enjoying this sweet beverage with 3 awesome guys from Vegas. Chris, Mike and Justin or as we like to call him "Slick Rick" Lol!!!


Jack Daniel’s latest adds a hint of honey liquor to take the edge off the potent Tennessee whiskey. Not for serious whiskey drinkers, but nice for a summery cocktail or a lazy afternoon on the porch.

We took some great pics of these boys and just found out our camera will only develop in the states from Walgreens.....Damn It!!! We met them outside Casino Royale and they shared with us this tasty Whiskey....they even went as far as adding it to our lime margarita's.....they are good in our books!!! Cheers mates!

We also would like to let you know that

Check out this website for "AWESOME" stuff!
http://theawesomer.com/jack-daniels-honey-whiskey/92756/

Email from Jack Daniel's:

Things move slowly here in Lynchburg, so the addition of a clock on the town courthouse or Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey to our family is big news! Well, we have a little more news to share - although it isn't as big a story as Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey. And, to tell the truth, some of our friends may not notice. Still, we'd like you to be one of the first to know about some minor refinements we're making to the Jack Daniel's bottle and label. Mr. Jack put his whiskey in a square bottle so it would stand out, and we want to make sure that it continues to do so. For that reason, we've squared the bottle a bit and given the label a cleaner look. Please be assured that while the bottle has been updated a bit to reflect the quality of the Tennessee Whiskey within, the whiskey itself remains unchanged. We still craft each and every bottle of Jack Daniel's here in Lynchburg using the recipe Mr. Jack came up with back in 1866. We use water from the Jack Daniel's Cave Spring, and mellow our whiskey drop by drop through 10 feet of hard sugar maple charcoal to give it the distinctive smooth character you've come to love, and we still mature our whiskey to taste in new, charred, white oak barrels. We believe that by better reflecting the quality and craftsmanship of the whiskey within, our bottle honors Mr. Jack's mandate that "Every day we make it we'll make it the best we can." And, we think Mr. Jack would be proud to see the way we've continued to revere the whiskey he created with such care. We hope you agree and that you'll share our excitement. Most of our friends will start seeing our refined bottles in early summer. Once you have a chance to look one over in person, we hope you'll drop us a line through our website or on our Facebook page.  Cheers to our dear friend Jack!!!!

Happy National Wine Day!!

Is it really National Wine Day? Unofficial Holiday?



Well us here at SipSum Cocktailz would love to join in on this very fine holiday and indulge in such a beautiful occasion. YEEHAAAAW!

All I could really find is a few small publications on this day but hell "wine" not enjoy a glass. Check out our wine drinking friends on the net.....

http://www.nationalwineday.org/
http://www.facebook.com/wineday
http://downtownprintwear.wordpress.com/2011/05/25/national-wine-day/
http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/national-wine-day





We chose a red from Chile:
Vina Maipo      Carmenere/Cabernet Sauvignon

This beautiful Winery is located in "Quinta de Maipo", just 38 Kilometres from Santiago. This wine is 85% Carmenere and 15% Cabernet. According to the website it is handpicked and mechanically harvested in April. Perfect for our celebration in May. Our bottle is labelled  ~Central Valley 2010~. This wine is aged for 2-5 Months and now they deliver to over 60 countries.




It comes on soft to the "touch" on your tongue and the flavor has a surprisingly lasting taste. I would enjoy this wine with something spicy, maybe a nice pork loin dinner with a sweet glaze of some sort or a seafood pasta dish.

Tonight we enjoyed it with popcorn and cajun spice. YUMMY!

Always remember it is delicious even on it's own!!!



Cheers

A city of lights, undying entertainment and of course "BOOZE"!

Our recent visit to the city that never sleeps was amazing. We had something to do everyday there and didn't even touch on what you "CAN" do while there.

What would be a trip without a few bumps...we had our camera stolen on the first day we arrived. 

 

We stayed at Harrah's and our room was suppose to be upgraded but when we looked out our window all you could see was air conditioning hood fans....not pretty at all. You could see part of the Strip and for Steve's first time it was better than looking at some back alley.  We did miss out on a lot as well cause we rushed our trip....but it was only our first trip there....a break in if you will!!! lol!

Now with that being said we had some amazing experiences as well.... We ziplined over Freemont street during the lightshow...it was incredible...

We had dinner and drinks at Lavo in Palazzo......

  

It was a beautiful restaurant and club but super expensive and really our scene...

We drank 1.00 Margarita's and ate extremly large hot dogs at Casino Royale

We visited the Wynn hotel and it's beautiful garden..... It was amazing and the smell of the flowers.....yummy!! 

Aside from the shortness of the trip and our camera stolen we had a great time. We met some amazing people.....We'll share more photos when they are published.

We still have to tell you about our 3 buddies we met outside Casino Royale...

May Long Weekend upon us!

Let's celebrate with a cocktail...or 3.

The May Day is one of the cocktails on Metro Marche's Bond Cocktails menu for the release ofCasino Royale. This one is an interesting blend of fresh fruit flavors with a rum and apple juice base. This recipe makes two highball drinks.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe peaches, pitted and roughly chopped
• 1 part rum
• 4 strawberries, cubed
• flesh and seeds of 2 passion fruit
• 4 oz cloudy apple juice
• 1 Tbsp superfine sugar
• 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
• crushed ice
• apple fans for garnish

Preparation:

1. Blend all the ingredients together with crushed ice.
2. Pour the mix equally into two highball glasses.
3. Garnish with an apple fan.

Another reason to get your drink on...We usually camp but I think Las Vegas is in order for this coming May adventure. It's about time Steve experiences the lights, drinks and strip action....

Dark and Stormy
Deliciously spicy ginger beer is mixed with rich, dark rum and accented with a zippy wedge of lime. Even if you're just enjoying a sunny moment on your fire escape, Bermuda's national drink is the perfect thing to put you in an island mood. (Full recipehere.)

Pimm's Cup
This very British, very refreshing drink brings to mind Wimbledon, cricket matches, and sailing regattas. The delicately spicy liquor, Pimm's No. 1 is mixed with ginger ale or lemonade, and garnished with fresh herbs and fruit. Nothing like it after a day of gardening. (Full recipe here.)

Gin and Tonic
We featured this summer classic just last week - and it's well worth mentioning again. Cool, zesty, and crisp, the Gin and Tonic is one of the most perennially popular patio drinks. (More on G & Ts here.)

HERSHE BAR - May Long Weekend Party

Red Room Ultra Bar Vancouver BC (Downtown)

Sunday, May 22, 2011
9:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Red Room Ultra Bar
398 Richards Street
Vancouver BC (Downtown)
Venue Details

Min. Age: 19+
Dress Code: casual
Music: party party!...

Today marks the first day of our "Patio Series"!!!

Were starting in our home town Richmond BC.



Stay tuned........

Cinco De Mayo

The History of Cinco de Mayo

Story of Benito Juárez  -  Short History of Porfirio DíazMaximilian I, Emperor of Mexico & The French Intervention

Introduction The holiday of Cinco De Mayo, The 5th Of May, commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. It is primarily a regional holiday celebrated in the Mexican state capital city of Pueblaand throughout the state of Puebla, with some limited recognition in other parts of Mexico, and especially in U.S. cities with a significant Mexican population. It is not, as many people think, Mexico's Independence Day, which is actually September 16.  Setting The Stage The battle at Puebla in 1862 happened at a violent and chaotic time in Mexico's history. Mexico had finally gained independence from Spain in 1821 after a difficult and bloody struggle, and a number of internal political takeovers and wars, including the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) and the Mexican Civil War of 1858, had ruined the national economy. Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian During this period of struggle Mexico had accumulated heavy debts to several nations, including Spain, England and France, who were demanding repayment. Similar debt to the U.S. was previously settled after the Mexican-American War. France was eager to expand its empire at that time, and used the debt issue to move forward with goals of establishing its own leadership in Mexico. Realizing France's intent of empire expansion, Spain and England withdrew their support. When Mexico finally stopped making any loan payments, France took action on its own to install Napoleon III's relative, Archduke Maximilian of Austria, as ruler of Mexico. Mexico Confronts The Invasion Map showing Veracruz, site of the French invasion France invaded at the gulf coast of Mexico along the state of Veracruz (see map) and began to march toward Mexico City, a distance today of less than 600 miles. Although American President Abraham Lincoln was sympathetic to Mexico's cause, and for which he is honored in Mexico, the U.S. was involved in its own Civil War at the time and was unable to provide any direct assistance. Gen. Zaragoza Marching on toward Mexico City, the French army encountered strong resistance near Puebla at the Mexican forts of Loreto and Guadalupe. Lead by Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin, a smaller, poorly armed militia estimated at 4,500 men were able to stop and defeat a well outfitted French army of 6,500 soldiers, which stopped the invasion of the country. The victory was a glorious moment for Mexican patriots, which at the time helped to develop a needed sense of national unity, and is the cause for the historical date's celebration. Unfortunately, the victory was short lived. Upon hearing the bad news, Napoleon III had found an excuse to send more troops overseas to try and invade Mexico again, even against the wishes of the French populace. 30,000 more troops and a full year later, the French were eventually able to depose the Mexican army, take over Mexico City and install Maximilian as the ruler of Mexico. Maximilian's rule of Mexico was also short lived, from 1864 to 1867. With the American Civil War now over, the U.S. began to provide more political and military assistance to Mexico to expel the French, after which Maximilian was executed by the Mexicans - his bullet riddled shirt is kept at the museum at Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. So despite the eventual French invasion of Mexico City, Cinco de Mayo honors the bravery and victory of General Zaragoza's smaller, outnumbered militia at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Today's Celebration For the most part, the holiday of Cinco de Mayo is more of a regional holiday in Mexico, celebrated most vigorously in the state of Puebla. There is some limited recognition of the holiday throughout the country with different levels of enthusiasm, but it's nothing like that found in Puebla. Celebrating Cinco de Mayo has become increasingly popular along the U.S.-Mexico border and in parts of the U.S. that have a high population of people with a Mexican heritage. In these areas the holiday is a celebration of Mexican culture, of food, music, beverage and customs unique to Mexico. Commercial interests in the United States and Mexico have also had a hand in promoting the holiday, with products and services focused on Mexican food, beverages and festivities, with music playing a more visible role as well. Several cities throughout the U.S. hold parades and concerts during the week following up to May 5th, so that Cinco de Mayo has become a bigger holiday north of the border than it is to the south, and being adopted into the holiday calendar of more and more people every year. Now that you know the history let's talk COCKTAILZ!!!!! Cinco de Mayo recipe rating 7.8 13 votes   Vote! 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Share serve in Cocktail Glass alcohol 22% options    Scale ingredients toservings 2 1/2 ozwhite tequila 1 ozgrenadine syrup 1 ozRose's® lime juice Shake well with lots of ice. Strain into glass. Garnish with fresh lime wedge if desired. Read more:Cinco de Mayo recipehttp://www.drinksmixer.com/drink2877.html#ixzz1LDVPjeEt Top 10 Cocktails for Cinco de Mayo By Colleen Graham, About.com Guide See More About: ·                                 tequila ·                                 products of mexico ·                                 cinco de mayo ·                                 holiday parties ·                                 cocktails for special occasions On May 5, 1862 Mexican soldiers won a hard fought battle over the French in Puebla, Mexico. Since that day Cinco de Mayo (Fifth of May) has become a celebration of Mexican heritage, filled with parties, food, fun, cerveza and, of course, tequila. To help you plan your Cinco de Mayo party I've compiled a list of the best tequila and Mexican-inspired cocktails. Many of these cocktails feature tropical fruit mixers, a perfect springtime accent for the premium distilled spirits that the drinks are designed to show off. As always, party responsibly. Salud! 1. Mexi-tini Photo Courtesy of: © Van Gogh Vodka Orange is the premiere flavor of this Mexi-tini, which features orange-infused vodka, tequila and orange juice. The Mexi-tini is an easy flavored Martini that brings a little sunshine to the spring celebration of Cinco de Mayo. More: Mexi-tini Recipe Sponsored Links Vancouver RestaurantsGet 50% Off Coupons On The Best Restaurants In Vancouver. Sign Up!www.LivingSocial.com Vancouver Deal of the Day50-90% Off Spas, Restaurants & More Eat, See & Do for Less with TeamBuywww.teambuy.ca Cabana CachaçaThe leading artisanal version of Brasil's national spiritwww.cabanacachaca.com 2. Paloma The Paloma is one of the more traditional mixed drinks enjoyed throughout Mexico. For the best Paloma, choose a high quality blanco or reposado tequila, which will be perfectly complimented by the sweet, tart grapefruit juice. More: Paloma Recipe 3. Grenada Take a Tequila Sunrise, replace the orange juice with grapefruit juice, and you'll have yourself one great Grenada. This tart, sweet citrus cocktail is a wonderful springtime drink and since this particular recipe it features one of the best small batch tequilas available (Tezon) it's perfect for Cinco de Mayo. More: Grenada Recipe 4. Maya Magic Photo Courtesy of: © Van Gogh Vodka Okay, so there's no tequila in this cocktail but it is an absolutely delicious, fruity drink nonetheless. What it is is a mix of mango and pineapple vodkas, triple sec and cranberry juice. Think of it as a tropical Cosmopolitan, only I'll go out on a limb and say the Maya Magic is better. More: Maya Magic Recipe 5. Tamarind Margarita Although I had never tasted tamarind before my first Tamarind Margarita, my first sip started an instant love affair with the fruit and, I'll admit, this is by far my favorite blended Margarita. It has tart, sweet and sour taste that is enhanced by only the best reposado tequilas. More: Tamarind Margarita Recipe 6. Toronha Chill out on Cinco de Mayo with this flavor-filled frozen cocktail. Simply combine the delectable tequilas of Tezon (or other super-premium brand) with grapefruit, pomegranate and orange and you've created a blended fruit medley in a glass. More: Toronha Recipe 7. Old Lay You'll hear it from me time and again, gold is not where it's at when we're talking tequilas. However for those die hards for Tequila Shots who are emptying a bottle of Jose Cuevo Gold, here's a cocktail for you when you want to slow down. And, it's easy enough to shake up that you'll still be able to handle it, even after your third shot. More: Old Lay Recipe 8. Crouching Tiger For those who are searching for an awesome tequila shot that doesn't prepare you for a horrible morning, take it easy with a Crouching Tiger. This simple shooter of tequila andlychee liqueur is like east meets south with a brief, flowery brush along the path to inebriation. More: Crouching Tiger Recipe Sponsored Links Diabetes Friendly FoodsNutrition know-how! Get on the road to healthy eating. Recipes & MenusKraftCanada.com/diabetes Diabetic-Friendly RecipesLow-calorie recipes, tips & ideas. SPLENDA® Recipe Club - Join Today!Splenda.ca 9. Freddie Fuddpucker Forget your Harvey Wallbanger for a day, for Cinco de Mayo transform it into a Freddie Fuddpucker instead. Pairing a good, full-agave-flavored tequila (as opposed to vodka) with the unique spiciness of Galliano is a nice change of pace with an earthiness that is perfect for spring celebrations. More: Freddie Fuddpucker Recipe 10. Dulce de Tequila Get decadent, authentic Mexican by following your Cinco de Mayo dinner with Pan Dulce for dessert served alongside this candy-like cocktail. A Dulce de Tequila, with it's tequila, Cognac, Cointreau and agave nectar, is a great compliment for the traditional sugary bread. The Party..... Home » Entertaining » ShareThis | print OLÉ - Head for the border! May 5th is the Mexican holiday known as Cinco de Mayo, but you can celebrate it anytime. What better excuse for a party?  in this article • decorations • drinks  • food The holiday of Cinco De Mayo, "The Fifth of May", commemorates the victory of the Mexicans over the French army at The Battle of Puebla in 1862. It is primarily a regional holiday celebrated in the Mexican state capital city of Puebla and throughout the state of Puebla, but is also celebrated in other parts of the world with a Mexican population. For a complete history visit www.mexonline.com THROW YOUR OWN MEXICAN PARTY If you can't make it to Mexico for the real thing, why not throw your own Mexican theme party? When you are doing a Mexican theme, think vibrant and vivacious. The colors should be bright, loud and excessive. The music should be upbeat and fun.   How to make paper flowers. Find colorful sheets of tissue paper. Place different colors one atop another. Use between 6 to 10 pieces. Fold the stack accordion style and place flower wire in the center to secure. Gently pull the first layer toward the center on the left, then on the right. Continue until you have a round flower. Decorations Decorate the room with lots and lots of colorful streamers. The colors, such as red, green and white, and sheer amount of the paper streamers should be vibrant and overstated. Decorate the room with colorful, oversized paper flowers and make smaller flowers for the female guests to wear in their hair. You're never too old for a piñata To top off your room hang a piñata. It adds a great touch and doubles as a game at the end of the party -- watch them line up to bat. You can find piñata's at a local hobby or novelty store. To buy piñatas (and other Cinco de Mayo supplies) online, visit www.1partysuppliesandfavors.com/ Costumes Keep it simple, a sombrero and a colorful blanket draped over the shoulder for the each gentleman, and colorful dresses for the women. Welcome party goers with Mexican music at the door -- and a Margarita cocktail, of course. Music The music is easy as there are so many choices for Mexican music; Mariachi bands, salsa, and tejano. If it gets too overwhelming, choose something with a little of everything. Something like Viva El Mariachi by Nati Mariachi Los Camperos Cano. It is a collection of traditional Mexican favorites. Drinks GETTING TEQUILA STRAIGHT: Once known as a coarse and fiery spirit that needed to be combined with fruit juice and sugar in order to be palatable, tequila has become respectable — and not just in the sunny states that border Mexico, but all over the world. Learn more about tequila » MARGARITA [mahr-gah-REE-tah] A cocktail made with tequila, an orange-flavored liqueur and lime juice, it has quietly and steadily become an international phenomenon, and according to the readers of Gourmet magazine, it is the now most popular cocktail in North America. Learn more about the Margarita » SALUD CERVEZA South-of-the-border beers provide cool thirst-quenching refreshment on hot days. When the temperature soars, you'll likely want to grab a light lager for the patio or beach. Get the lowdown on Mexican beers » Food Buffet style parties are easier, and more informal, for the hostess and her guests. For this buffet setting use a brightly colored table cloth. Place a sombrero in the center of the table as a centerpiece and scatter bright red chili peppers around the brim to add color. If you are serving tacos use wicker baskets, and put all your fixings in individual clay pots. Large pots for the main ingredients, small pots for the sauces. Newly purchased clay flower pots work well and are inexpensive. (Remember to fill in the hole at the bottom!) Our partners at Canadian Living (www.canadianliving.com) have put together a great Mexican meal plan. Cinco de Mayo celebration menu • Southwestern Pulled Pork with Pineapple • Chili Cornmeal Catfish • Mixed Pepper Rajas • Herbed Sour Cream • Pickled Onions and Jalapeños • Pico de Gallo • White Chocolate Margarita Mousse