Home to Walt Disney World Resort, Sea World, Legoland, and Universal Resort, just to name a few attractions, there’s no disputing Central Florida is the theme park capital of the world. But don’t think it’s the kids who have all the fun. I’ve blogged plenty about visiting theme parks alone without feeling like the creepy single lady but the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek offers some adult-only fun without feeling out of place.
I’ve previously blogged how during the summer months the hotel offers SummerBlast! weekends while its sister property, Waldorf Astoria Orlando offers Enchanted Evenings. While both hotels are family-friendly these specialty weekends have some fun adult-only activities including indulging in tasty libations reminding me of my youth yet reinforcing I’m an adult.
Shaken or Stirred?
During my visit to the Hilton Bonnet Creek’s Cupcake Lover’s Weekend last month I had the honor of learning how to make some of the resort’s delicious themed martinis. Since it was Cupcake Lover’s Weekend I learned how to make three cupcake-flavored martinis during a mixology lesson.
My teacher was Mr. Daniel Iachello, general manager of Beech, the hotel’s pool bar and grille and genius mixologist, sommelier and a totally sweet, gently and patient person. It happened to be his birthday that day, too!
He and his team came up with the following fun martini recipes and Daniel substituted where necessary. For instance, rather than using cream, use melted vanilla ice cream. Rather than using chocolate covered espresso beans in the first recipe, he made espresso bean chocolate bark and cut them into slivers. Very clever.
All drinks were creamy, sweet and delicious and relatively easy to make. I have to admit, some combinations seemed weird, like adding frosting to the glass rim but trust me, it worked! See the recipes below and be sure to visit www.HiltonBonnetCreek.com/specialtyweekends for specials and additional information about SummerBlast! weekends.
Enchanted Evenings at Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Over at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, they celebrate Enchanted Evenings during summer weekends and have a rad Cocktail Creations session in Peacock Alley. It’s casual and the mixologist I met was playful and knowledgeable about the cocktails he was crafting.
Having a spa treatment at the Waldorf Astoria Spa? (I highly recommend the HydraFacial!) Pamper your taste buds following your treatment by participating in Spa “Happy Hour” with complimentary champagne and chocolate in the spa lounge. Seriously, can life get any better?
Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Cupcake Martini Recipes
If you like Girl Scout Thin Mints, you love this martini…
Espresso Mint Midnight
1/2 oz of Van Gogh Dbl Espresso
1/2 oz Green Creme de Menthe Liqueur
1/4 oz Frangelico
3/4 oz Irish Whiskey and Cream Liqueur (such as Bailey’s)
1.5 oz Cream
5 Chocolate covered espresso beans as garnish
Shake all ingredients and ice in a martini shaker.
Strain into the glass and garnish with the chocolate covered espresso beans.
An oh-so-Southern cocktail…
Red Velvet Martini
1 oz Godiva White Chocolate Vodka
1 oz Godiva Dark Chocolate Vodka
1 oz Vanilla Flavored Vodka (such as Absolut)
2 oz Chocolate Milk
Shake all ingredients and ice in a martini shaker.
Garnish chilled martini glass rim with cream cheese frosting and roll in chocolate shavings.
Strain into the glass.
This cupcake brings out the kid in you…
Banana Pecan Cupcake
3/4 oz Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur
3/4 oz Irish Whiskey and Cream Liqueur (such as Bailey’s)
1 oz Vanilla Flavored Vodka
1 oz Banana Flavored Rum
1 oz Half and Half
Shake all ingredients and ice in a martini shaker.
Garnish a chilled martini glass with rim vanilla butter cream frosting with toasted pecan chips.
Strain into the glass.
Nuts & Bolts About Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando are surrounded by Walt Disney World Resort so it makes it easy to hop on a nearby free shuttle to visit the park of your choice. A 482-acre nature preserve surrounds the resort making it a quiet retreat from the thrill of Central Florida’s theme parks. I’m a Hilton Honors member so these hotels also appeal to me because I can earn points for future free stays or upgrades.
Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane
Orlando, Fla. 32821
Tel: 407-597-3600
www.hiltonbonnetcreek.com
www.HiltonBonnetCreek.com/specialtyweekends
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane
Orlando Fla. 32821
Tel: 407-597-5500
www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com
www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com/spaandfitness
