I have such a huge passion for blogging, and I always have a blast with the different opportunities that approach me. Recently, one of the coolest things happened to me. BACARDI® Mixers selected Best Friends For Frosting as one of their personality platforms to highlight and showcase their 99 days and drinks. They had me fill out a survey with information about my personality, and before I knew it, they had one of their expert mixologists create a drink to match my personality based on my answers. Pretty cool, right?!

It gets even cooler in the process. They sent me a blender, drink recipes, and BACARDI® Mixers swag to style and host a chic party in the almost-summer sunshine with my girlfriends.

When I think of summer, I think of fruit and light colors. I really wanted the entertaining decor to embrace those summer qualities. With rosey colors of peach and crisp, fresh fruit, I set the patio table. I served fresh custard fruit tartlets. And, of course, I had to serve something icy to keep the crowd cool, so I whipped out my blender and got busy making drink after drink using that special recipe I was talking to you about in the first paragraph.

I probably should give you a little preview of this drink so you’ll know what you’re getting yourself into. The mixologists at BACARDI® Mixers said, “In honor of your chic, feminine style and love for all things girly, we have created your personalized cocktail. Like a rom-com kiss, this blend of cherries and cream is sweet and unforgettable! This drink is as decadent as a dessert!” I completely feel like we’ve been best friends forever, because they totally got it spot on. It’s safe to say that this one’s for the girls!

This drink includes Strawberry Daiquiri BACARDI® Mixers and is best complemented with BACARDI® USA rum. If you’re feeling bold and want to mix it up, BACARDI® Mixers also makes flavors such as Margarita and Piña Colada, which can be found in the frozen juice section at the grocery store, which means you have an extra excuse to stock up. Because BACARDI® Mixers is a premium line of non-alcoholic mixers, you can even make great non-alcoholic beverages with fun alternatives. Need another reason to stock up? Rumor has it, it’s fresher tasting than a shelf-stable mixer. It’s made 100% with fruit juice with quality ingredients.

So, it’s safe to say this drink was a huge success. My girlfriends loved it, and I am confident you will love it too. If you’re planning some outdoor festivities this summer, you won’t want to miss all the drinks that BACARDI® Mixers is sharing on their Facebook page. They are sharing new cocktail ideas daily while inviting their followers to submit photos to them on Facebook where they transform your ideas into recipes.

Cheers!

WINK AND A SMILE RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 can frozen BACARDI®  Mixers Strawberry Daigquiri
• Mix 1 Cup BACARDI® USA Superior Rum
• 1/3 cup half & half
• 1/8 cup BACARDI®  Torched Cherry
• 3 cups of ice
• 6 cherries for garnishes

 Directions

• Combine all ingredients except garnishes in a blender and mix on high for about 30 seconds or until completely smooth
• Pour into a chilled cocktail or martini glass garnish with a ceherry
• Serve 6 people

BACARDI® Mixers is a premium line of non-alcoholic mixers available n 10oz cans in the frozen juice aisle. With seven easy-to-make flavors to choose from – including Strawberry Daiquiri, Margarita, and Piña Colada – there are endless ways to make your next party come together instantly! By providing cocktail recipes, party tips and food pairings yearround, we continue to give new reasons to blend every day. Find yours at www.facebook.com/bacardimixers

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by BACARDI® Mixers via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of BACARDI® Mixers.”

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. ©2013 THE COCA-COLA COMPANY. ©2013 BACARDI AND THE BAT DEVICE ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF BACARDI & COMPANY LIMITED. BACARDI U.S.A., INC., CORAL GABLES, FL. NON-ALCOHOLIC MIXERS.

Get your passport ready and your bags packed… Or better yet, just stay where you are and grab a fork! Hang on tight, because we’re taking you on the best dessert tour of your life. This isn’t your normal afternoon city bakery crawl. Its much bigger than that. From Italy to Argentina to Canada, we’ve rounded up sweets from all over the world!

Italy has so much more to offer than just pasta and gelato. Zeppoles, fried balls of sweet dough covered in powdered sugar, are sure to delight your sweet tooth. (via Brown Eyed Baker)

Chocolate buttercream filling and a sticky caramel coating are just two of the many reasons you’ll fall in love with Hungary’s Dobos Torte. (via Juls’ Kitchen)

Supangle is Turkey’s version of chocolate pudding. The bonus layer of cake or cookie at the bottom is just Supangle showing off! (via Almost Turkish)

Oh, Canada! One Nanaimo Bar contains graham cracker crumbs, coconut flakes, chopped walnuts, custard, and so much chocolate. Talk about a treat that packs a punch! (via Baked Bree)

Not all Pudim, or Brazilian Flan, is created equal, but all are delicious. Obrigada, Brazil! (via The Kitchn)

Thank you, France, for Croquembouche. These caramel-covered cream puffs will transport you to summertime in Paris in just one bite. (via Saveur)

Impressive and easy-to-make, Sopapillas, are the perfect Mexico-inspired dessert. (via Blue Bonnets and Brownies)

It doesn’t get much more American than good ol’ Apple Pie! We couldn’t leave our country’s classic off the list. (via The Merry Gourmet)

Lamingtons, sweet, soft sponges dipped in milk chocolate and rolled in coconut, are no longer just for Australians! (via Perks of Being a Foodie)

Argentina brings us Alfajores! These dulce de leche sandwich cookies are just aching for a glass of milk. (via Roxana’s Home Baking)

No matter your heritage, you’ll enjoy Grandma’s Apple Strudel by way of Germany. (via Cooking for Seven)

If pumpkin pie is the only pumpkin dessert you know, make your way to Korea for Hobak Hotteok. These stuffed pumpkin pancakes are chewy, gooey, and nutty. Feel free to have them for breakfast! (via Korean Bapsang)

Remember Pudim, the Brazilian flan? South African Melktert is like flan but with flour. Dig in!  (via What’s Gaby Cooking)

Drenched in and oozing cardamom-spiced syrup, Gulab Jamun will have you experiencing nirvana. (via The Tiffin Box)

Flaky crusts are nearly impossible to pass up. These Hong Kong Egg Tarts are filled with custard and reminiscent of creme brulee. (via At Kokken)

For those of us who dream of Greece but haven’t made the trip yet, Pistachio Baklava is sure to temporarily satisfy. (via Potato Chips Are Not Dinner)

Dear Poland: We love Kolaczki! It reminds us of rugelach. (via Joe Pastry)

Nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon in a shortbread?! Scotland certainly knows how to dress up a cookie. We recommend Christmas Spice Brown Sugar Shortbread. (via Butter Baking)

Who doesn’t love a Mochi topping on their fro-yo? Now you can make it yourself! (via Krissy’s Creations)

We may call it rice pudding, but in Spain you’d order Medieval Arroz con Leche. (via The Winter Guest)

What’s your favorite worldly dessert?

Sometimes in baking, it’s all about creativity. With the huge amount of resources out there, from recipes to tutorials to store-bought helpers, almost anyone can bake a decent cupcake. It’s when you take that vanilla cupcake and completely transform the flavor that impresses us. We love playing with different flavors, and we love showing off the creativity of others! Today, we’re sharing 10 of the most creative cocktail cupcake flavors that caught our attention. Whether inspired by a cocktail, or actually made with booze in the batter, these cocktail cupcakes are certainly unique!

Spice things up with these fun Margarita Cupcakes. These are perfect for any outdoor summer get-together! (via The Kitchen is My Playground)

When a girl turns 21, one of the first drinks she wants to try is a Cosmo. Add to the party with these Cosmopolitan Cupcakes! (via 84th and 3rd)

Combine Kahlua and vodka to create the perfect White Russian Cupcakes for any celebration. We’re thinking they would be great for New Year’s. (via Baked Perfection)

Summer is upon us! Relax by the pool with these colorful Pina Colada Cupcakes. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Rum and Coke has been a classic cocktail combine for so many years. Spice up the tradition a bit with these Rum and Coke Cupcakes.  (via Coffee and Cannolis)

The Mudslide–every chocolate lover’s dream. Combine the flavors of coffee, chocolate, and Kahlua to make these Mudslide Cupcakes. (via Handle the Heat)

Looking for something a little bit sweeter? The frosting on these Appletini Cupcakes has a whole shaken Appletini mixed in! Talk about a punch of flavor. (via Bakers Royale)

There’s just something about that Irish cream and coffee combination that drives everybody wild. Add Marshmallow Frosting for the perfect topping to these Irish Cream Coffee Cupcakes. (via Cooking Melangery)

Summertime always calls for a refreshing Mint Julep. Surprise your outdoor party guests with Mint Julep cocktails and Mint Julep Cupcakes. (via The Baker Chick)

The sweet flavor of Amaretto is a popular favorite for everyone. Harness that and make Amaretto Cupcakes! (via Katie Cakes)

Do you have a favorite cocktail-inspired cupcake recipe?

We all love those classic cupcake flavors–red velvet, chocolate, carrot, vanilla. Some of us could probably eat one of our favorite flavor every day without getting sick of it, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t switch things up, right? Here at BFFF, we’re huge fans of desserts that surprise us. We love out-of-the-box thinking! And these cupcakes certainly do just that. Today, we’ve gathered some of the most unique, crazy cupcakes flavors around.

Avocado is definitely trending in the food world right now. Make these Chocolate Avocado Cupcakes to be the talk of the town. (via Whisk Kid)

We all know eating our vegetables is good for us. Make these Kale Cupcakes to add a little bit of green to your diet. (via Cupcake Project)

It’s true. Mountain Dew Cupcakes exist, and this lemon-lime recipe sounds great to us! Are you daring enough to try using Doritos as a frosting as well? (via Sweet Frosting)

Add a bit of a kick to your next dessert. Make these Red Hot Cupcakes for a sassy cinnamon flavor. (via Erica’s Sweet Tooth)

We’ve talked about the bacon desserts trend before, but what about adding bacon, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce to your cupcake? Try these Cupcakes Benedict if you’re feeling adventurous. (via Cupcake Project)

These Cherry Coke Float Cupcakes aren’t exactly crazy, but they sure are different than the usual flavors. We’re loving the unique flavor combination! (via Pass the Sushi)

If you’re a fan of chicken and waffles, then you’re sure to love these Chicken and Waffle Cupcakes. Don’t forget to drizzle maple syrup over top! (via The Novice Chef)

Looking for a spicy kick? Make Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes to switch things up. (via Cupcake Project)

These Bacon Cupcakes are perfect for any breakfast lover. Add crumbled bacon to the batter, and decorate with frosting, sunny side up! (via That’s So Michelle)

These Chocolate Mashed Potato Cupcakes are certainly out there! But don’t you think the sweet and salty combination might just be the perfect fit? (via SprinkleBakes)

Have you tried any of these crazy cupcake flavors?

Who’s ready for ice cream?  This summer, think outside the glass and choose fresh, new toppings that suit your personality!

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The sweet signs of summer are here. There’s barbecues being planned, and so many watermelons are being bought. We’re all gearing up for summer! Soon we’ll be packing up picnic baskets, laying down blankets, and watching fireworks sparkle through the sky on the 4^th of July.  It’s time to start planning! Celebrate America’s independence with these great desserts. Because to us, there’s no such thing as too much red, white, and blue, or cake.

Get creative with these Titled Jell-O Parfaits. Swap out the yellow for red and you have the perfect patriotic treat. (via Hostess With The Mostess)

Looking for the perfect barbecue treat? These 4th of July Snow Cone Cupcakes are sure to do the trick! Decorate cupcakes with your favorite patrotic sprinkles and add a straw, and you’re all set! (via Best Friends For Frosting)

These Red, White, and Blue Parfaits are the perfect light snack for any 4th of July celebration. (via Better Homes and Gardens)

These Stained Glass Jello Treats are the perfect grab-and-go snack for a 4th of July picnic. (via Brown Eyed Baker)

Add a splash of fruit to your celebration with this colorful Raspberry, White Chocolate, and Blueberry Tart! (via Zoe Bakes)

There’s nothing that says patriotism quite like stars, stripes, and these Patriotic Star Cut Out Cakes! Cut out mini cakes in the shape of stars for a simple, creative dessert. (via Best Friends For Frosting)

What’s your favorite patriotic dessert?

Elegant, simple, stunning, sweet, glam…there are so many different effects you can create when you decorate your desserts with bows. It’s a trend that has been recreated time and again throughout the decades. From the 50s, 60s, and 70s, all the way to today, bows have been used to decorate all kinds of decadent desserts. And now, in a world of edible glitter and fondant, all of those timeless accessories are given a whole new appeal. If you are looking for inspiration on decorating your desserts with bows, check out these sweet ideas!

Look at these Aqua Cake Pops with Polka Dot Bows! The black and white polka dots are so simple, yet striking. (via Honeycomb Events & Design)

The use of a gold bow on this 1950s wedding ruffle cake is spot on when thinking retro-glam. It makes us want to throw on our saddle shoes and poodle skirt and do the Bunny Hop! (via 100 Layer Cake)

If you are looking for an adorable theme for a baby shower, here it is! This Darling Bow-Tie Baby Shower has such a cute bow-tie cake, and matching bow-tie cookies! (via Hostess with the Mostess)

This Jimmy Cake, topped with simple white bows, is stunning! The rainbow sprinkles contrasting the stark white fondant bows creates a beautiful visual effect. (via Storyboard Wedding)

This cute decorated cupcake with a Big Pink Fondant Bow is adorable. Any little girl would be delighted to blow out her birthday candles on this cupcake! (via Sweet Lavender Bake Shoppe)

I have been so excited to share some BIG news with you guys!  We are re-launching Best Friends For Frosting in July 2013 to bring you even more ideas for living creatively. I can’t spill the beans just yet on exactly what we have in store, but I know you will love it.  I can tell you that the site will have a whole new look and so much more.  There will be so much to celebrate!  As a matter of fact, we are in the works of planning our re-launch party as I type this.  The location and details will all be announced within the next 2 weeks.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Subscribe to our newsletter so we can keep you in the loop on all the details.  Thank you so much for all of your support over the past two years.  I can hardly wait to share what we have up our sleeves. Stay tuned!

Sunshine and specialty drinks–these are a few of our favorite things! With the end of spring, the beginning of summer, and warmer weather on the way, it’s a perfect time to turn off the oven and turn on the ice machine. Cool off with drinks that taste just as good as they look! Your guests are sure to be impressed! From glitter to paper straws, here are some of our favorite ways to style a pretty drink.

Treat yourself to a sip of this Pretty in Pink Cocktail. Rim the glass with colored sugar or sprinkles for an extra-sweet boost. (via Burnett’s Boards)

Personalize the beverages at your next get-together by mixing and matching the glassware with handmade markers. Forget the tape and name idea — no red solo cups here! (via Oh Joy!)

Relax and refresh with these Pink and Orange Cocktails with simple, yet elegant, garnishes. (via Inspired by This)

Satisfy that sweet tooth and keep cool with Cherry Ice Cream in a fancy glass. What more could you want? (via Delicieux)

Add a touch of whimsical to your drink with Marshmallow Fairy Wands. These pair perfectly with hot cocoa, or ice-cold chocolate milk! (via Yummy Mummy Kitchen)

Dress up mason jars with do-it-yourself Burlap Wrapped Jars. Add a pink bow to complete the look! (via Southern Weddings)

Celebrate Christmas in July with these gold dusted Holiday Eggnog Shooters. (via Hostess with the Mostess)

Entertaining in the summer doesn’t have to mean breaking a sweat! Serve up your favorite drink in this Mason Jar Drink Dispenser. Add fresh cut fruit for flavor and flair! (via Pottery Barn)

What’s your favorite summer drink?

Today, we’re thrilled to have Becca of CAKE. sharing this flavorful cookie recipe. The combination of coconut and lime is absolutely perfect for summer! Here’s what Becca has to say:

These delicious cookies were a total happy accident. I set out to make my mom some of my favorite Lemon Currant Cookies for Mother’s Day, only to discover that I’d forgotten to buy currants. After a slight meltdown, I decided to see what other useable inclusions I had around the house. I’d just bought some some toasted coconut flakes from Trader Joe’s, but I wasn’t sure about pairing them with lemon. Then I remembered we had some key limes left over from Cinco De Mayo. Score! Lime and coconut always go hand in hand.

I followed the original recipe with my substitutions, and somehow, they were a smashing success. I think my mom described them best when she said, “I would never think to call a cookie refreshing, but these totally are.” So there you go. When life hands you coconut in place of currants…go make some cookies!

For more great recipes, please visit CAKE.

COCONUT LIME COOKIES INGREDIENTS:

—1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, plus more for baking sheets
—1 cup sugar
—1/4 cup sour cream
—1 large egg
—1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
—1/4 teaspoon baking powder
—1/4 teaspoon salt
—1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes
—1 tablespoon grated lime zest
—1/4 cup lime juice

STEP BY STEP COCONUT LIME COOKIES INSTRUCTIONS: