Summertime Entertaining with Que Pasa Liberty Chips

One of the things I love most about the beginning of summer is the excuse to be outside and entertain with friends! From Memorial Day, to Fourth of July (my personal favorite) to barbecues, picnics, and even backyard brunches, the warm weather warrants some fun alfresco. Just like a lot of other people, when entertaining I find that I second guess myself with what to serve, not only to make sure it’s festive, but more importantly that guests will enjoy the spread!

I’ve partnered with Que Pasa Liberty Chips to show you just how simple entertaining during this fun season can be without the worry of those two things! 

These chips are a blend of organic red, white and blue corn tortilla chips that will add a splash of festive color to your favorite party dish. They make entertaining so easy because their eccentric colors really make for the easiest spread, without having to go overboard on holiday décor. They add the perfect touch of celebratory flair, with the prep only being just a few minutes! I always tend to buy the food I’ll be serving super last minute, so knowing that I can just pour a bag into a bowl or platter and be good to go makes planning so much more efficient.  

With just a side of guacamole, salsa, hummus, or delicious dip of your choice the chips can become the main affair – whether you’re hosting a low-key hang out or an elevated backyard summer soirée– and make your job as a host a whole lot easier. It’s great that Liberty Chips are fitting for both! The colors of the chips get guests excited to socialize, munch, laugh and simply have a great time. For me, Que Pasa Liberty Chips are a one stop party starter!

Another thing I love about these chips? You and your guests can eat them without ANY guilt! Que Pasa Chips are crafted from whole kernel corn, ground between volcanic stone, inspired by the traditional way they’ve been made in Mexico for generations. No guest will be left behind because they are made so every guest can indulge in these crunchy noshes. The chips are always organic, GMO-free, nut-free, gluten-free, vegan and kosher, and made using only the highest quality ingredients. Whole grain organic blue corn, whole grain organic white corn, and beet juice are the main elements that make up these delectable chips, and I really admire that only organic, real food coloring is used to give the red chips their vibrant pigment and slightly sweet taste!  As someone who does my best in eating as clean and organic as possible on a daily basis, Liberty Chips are chips that I fully trust and wholeheartedly will love to serve at any summertime party.

Since these are only in stores from May to July, I’ve stocked up on these at Sprouts. They are my chips of the summer! I am so looking forward to diving into a big bag of them with my friends and continue to share my summertime obsession. It’s time to celebrate!

Photography by: Rebecca Gnasso

Red, White & Boozy 4th of July Drink Recipes

4th of July just a few days away and I couldn't be more excited! Independence Day is actually my favorite holiday, partially because I am a huge American history nerd and also because I am obsessed with all the star spangled fun that comes with the entire weekend. How could you not love all the patriotic festivities, the fireworks, the barbecues and of course all of the festive drinks? Each year, I love experimenting and trying unique 4th of July cocktails that not only taste yummy, but look really pretty too (come on, you know you want to Insta a cute one). Here are a few festive cocktail recipes that will be sure to make your 4th of July holiday nothing but Red, White & Boozy!

Go with a crowd pleaser!

You can't go wrong with some great sangria. I'm loving Christina Milian's Strawberry Viva Diva Wine because it's high quality sweet Moscato wine infused with strawberry flavor and is super affordable. If you're planning a big get together with friends, this is a drink that everyone will  love, and will make your job that much easier as a host. Plus, it'll make for great conversation - Christina Milian: singer, actor, and now has her own line of delicious wines?

 Talk about a triple threat!

Red, White & Blue Sangria with

Christina Milian's Viva Diva Wine

Ingredients:

 1 bottle of Viva Diva’s Strawberry Moscato

 1 ½  cups cranberry juice

 1 cup brandy

Juice from one large orange

2 cups fresh blueberries

7 ounces’ fresh red raspberries

6 ounces’ blackberries

 1 large apple red apple

Directions:

1.    In a large pitcher add wine, cranberry juice, brandy, and orange juice.

2.    Add blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and apple.

3.    Chill overnight

4.    When ready to serve, fill half of glass with ice add fruit from pitcher and pour the sangria in the glass.

Make your cocktail game easier!

You know those mini 50ml bottles at your local liquor store? Take advantage of the minimal measuring and use them for simple and delicious 4th of July concoctions! 

RED: Stars and Stripes

1 bottle (50 ml) Jose Cuervo Tradicional

50 ml grapefruit juice 

10 ml Campari

10 ml Fresh Lime Juice

10 ml Simple Syrup 

Build the drink in an ice-filled mason jar, top with club soda and garnish with an orange slice.

WHITE: Boodles the Beautiful

1 bottle (50 ml) Boodles Gin

10 ml Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

10 ml Fresh Lemon Juice

1 can San Pellegrino Pompelmo

Build the drink in an ice-filled mason jar. Add the gin, liqueur and lemon juice, then top with San Pellegrino Pompelmo.

BLUE: Fresh Picked Freedom

1 bottle (50 ml) Hangar 1 Vodka

20 ml Fresh Lemon Juice

20 ml Simple Syrup

Club Soda

Handful of Blueberries, plus more for garnish

6 Fresh Mint Leaves, plus more for garnish

Add the blueberries, mint, lemon juice and simple syrup into a mixing tin, give it a quick muddle, then add the vodka. Add ice and shake. Strain into an ice-filled mason jar and top with club soda and garnish with a mint sprig and some blueberries. 

Introducing... the new Bacardí Raspberry!

If you're throwing a party this Independence Day, a punch is one of the most convenient (and easiest ways to get guests feeling in the mood to celebrate) drinks to serve. Bacardí's newest released flavor, Raspberry makes for the most Instagram-worthy patriotic color... not to mention its mouth-watering berry and citrus taste! If you're a lover of sweet and sour, you'll be craving Bacardí Raspberry since it's got such a yummy sweet and tart blend. It's the perfect summertime rum to incorporate into your punch this 4th of July!

BACARDÍ Red Rum Punch

Ingredients:

1.5 parts BACARDÍ Raspberry

1.5 parts BACARDÍ Limon

1.5 parts BACARDÍ Superior

1 part Grenadine

4 parts Sweet & Sour

1 part cranberry juice

Mint & lemon for garnish

Top it off with a sprig of fresh mint and a lemon wedge slice for a beautiful garnish that complement the rum's flavor profile.

Happy 4th of July!