Simply Cranberry Cocktail Review and $100 Gift Card Giveaway PLUS Cranberry Lime Party Punch-RECIPE
**This Giveaway is now closed!**
Not too long ago I was asked by the Simply Orange Juice Company to try out their new Simply Cranberry Cocktail that is in stores now. They are the only company that provides a cranberry cocktail (found in the chilled section of the grocery store) that is made with not-from-concentrate cranberry juice, for reals folks! As I love Simply Orange, especially the orange with mango flavor, I of course needed to try this product too :-)
Y'all know my love for things simple and natural...so I was on it!
With the weather being so nice lately and the feeling of spring in the air, the kids and I decided to throw a fun "Spring is Here!" party for their little friends and mine too! I'll post more about the party later this week so stay tuned! :-)
This party was the perfect opportunity to try Simply Cranberry Cocktail as the color really made for a great drink presentation, and the simple nature of the ingredients (plus no added preservatives) made it perfect for me to serve it to all the kids who came. Plus I had the chance to have my willing taste-testers tell me what they thought of it!
I made a Cranberry Lime Party Punch as one of our drinks, and it was soooo good. Simply Cranberry Cocktail alone is a delicious blend of sweet and tart, but adding in some lime gave it a nice tart kick we all really enjoyed, especially for a late morning/early afternoon play date party!
{mason jar drink glasses decorated with twine for the mommas!}
Cranberry Lime Party Punch
1 bottle (59 oz) of Simply Cranberry Cocktail
1/2 cup lime juice
Lime slices
1/2 bag whole cranberries
So simple, this one! Just squeeze the juice from 4-6 limes until you get a 1/2 cup of juice or you can use already squeezed lime juice in the bottle. Add it too your drink pitcher along with Simply Cranberry Cocktail and mix well. Slice 1 lime and add it along with the washed whole cranberries to the drink for a pretty presentation. Enjoy on ice!
So here is the bottle of Simply Cranberry Cocktail ...you can find it next to the Simply Orange in the chilled juice and milk section of your local grocery store; Simply Cranberry Cocktail is kept chilled from the time it is blended.
Just squeeze a few limes to get 1/2 cup of lime juice (saving one for slicing!) and add it to your cranberry cocktail, mix well.
I added about 1/2 bag of frozen, thawed and washed cranberries to my drink dispenser as well as the lime slices to enhance the drink's presentation...I love fruit floating in drinks!!!
And there you have it! (I also added a few ice cubes to keep the drink chilled during the party, so that is what else is floating in my drink dispenser!)
PS. If you want to know where I bought my Ball Mason Jar drink dispensers, click here as I talked about it before in this party post!
The verdict? We all enjoyed the Simply Cranberry Cocktail...and the lime addition made for a nice, tart drink that even the kids loved! It was the perfect addition to our spring party, adding in the perfect taste and touch of color!
So I want to know how you liven up your parties?
"What is your favorite way to make a party or get-together at your home more festive?" Tell me about it in the comments for a chance to win a $100 gift card!
**This winner is...
Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 5/7/2012 - 6/6/2012
Be sure to visit the Promotions & Prizes page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggersí reviews and find more chances to win!
"Simply Cranberry" is a trademark of Simply Orange Juice Company.
XOXO,
posted by Maggie @ 5/08/2012
157 Comments:
We like to make a great tasting and pretty punch. We also like to have a nice fruit plate presentation.
That sounds delicious! I love the decorating part of throwing a party or get together.
Sounds great, I think I'll try this but with lemon, I'm not a huge lime fan, but I'm sure both are delightful! Thanks for the idea!
Lively music always makes things more festive!
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
tweet:
https://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/199855926444953600
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
Nice decorations and pleasant music will enhance the party.
I twitted:
https://twitter.com/#!/roso1946/status/199858066370461696
I always make my parties more festive with Music!!! No matter what the occasion is, there is music to set the mood and keep it going. I often receive comments from people about what a difference music makes in my home.
We love to do potluck to make our party more festive. I love finding unique themed party decor and nick nacks at thrift stores. A different twist from usual party decor.
https://twitter.com/#!/vivaciousgold/status/199865131025440769- tweeted
simple, but decorating even minimally makes a big difference, especially if it is something to hang on the walls or ceiling. also, dressing up- a nice change from mom uniform!
tweeted- https://twitter.com/#!/amidrex/status/199866683278622723
We always like to add some games into the mix - it really livens things up! Thanks for the giveaway.
twelve30(at)gmail(dot)com
I love using my crystal glasses to hold veggies instead of a tray. Anytime I get to use my nice dishes it feels more festive.
I love making decorations for our parties to really set the mood!
hlvognetz at yahoo dot com
I love to decorate! I like your table and the bunting! I think I need to make some of that!!!
I'm just a simple country girl myself and I love to make things just "easy". Nothing fancy, no china and drinking out of a Mason Jar is what we keep in our cabinets. Besides, thats the China of the south.
My new fun thing is to make a candy table - big hit with kids - put a bunting above the table and you have a festive, fun table with goodies.
I always have music, lawn games, plenty of sugary desserts, and adult drinks (adding a little vodka to your cranberry lime punch would be tasty). The link for the ball jugs no longer works. I looked so hard for these a couple years ago with no suck luck. Pottery barn sells something similar for a whopping $69! Ouch. If you know of another link (or if anyone else does) please let me know. Thanks for the chance.
Music is the way to go at our parties! My brother is in a band and if he's not touring Japan..have to brag a little about the little bro..then he is entertaining us!
I like to handmade stuff so I usually like to make everything for the parties. I like having games for the kids and usually give them prizes. That always has their attention.
kperales25{at}aol.com
I blogged..
http://www.texasbargainmom.blogspot.com/2012/05/simply-cranberry-cocktail-review-and.html
kperales25{at}aol.com
unusual theme treats & juice...can't have a party without juice
A selection of great (and visually appealing) appetizers always make get togethers more fun... and this cocktail looks great!
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/#!/gumbydad/status/199917400664186881
I really like to have things be simple, but cute. Pinterest is my go-to place for all kinds of ideas and I try to stick with things I already have available to me so I'm not buying a bunch of stuff I'm just going to have to throw out.
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
https://twitter.com/#!/marialeads I tweeted about it
I haven't had a reason to throw a party lately. My family lives 4 hours away at the least. But last time, we just had a small christmas gathering with candy canes and the traditional decorations. I live in an apartment so no reason to go too crazy lol.
Sounds perfect! I LOVE cranberries and lime. :) I like to make things festive with new outfits for a party. :)
Now that there are SO many ideas on the amazing Pinterest-there is LOTS of things that one can do to liven up the party!! Usually, some delicious treats/drinks makes a party a little more fun! This punch sounds awesome!
great pictures! best way to liven up a party is a bbq pit and a pool!
vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/MeandBells/status/199941848297504770
vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com
I like to use crepe paper and the hanging laterns they are way cheap and you can use it for anything.
tweet. amypugmire@live.com
https://twitter.com/#!/1amypugmire/status/199943729509969921
we like to keep it fun and simple. s0 fun east to decorate cupcakes are my favorite way to go
https://twitter.com/#!/akronugurl/status/199950710937362432
freebiel0ve@yahoo.com
i would make cocktails :)
freebiel0ve@yahoo.com
I always like to make my home seem open and friendly to my guests. I go above and beyond to clean it up and then I set up the lighting so it isn't too harsh! I like to serve easy foods that appeal to everyone and don't keep me in the kitchen.
mommy.2kidsnc(at)yahoo(dot)com
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/#!/Mommy2kidsnc/status/199953600535990272
mommy.2kidsnc(at)yahoo(dot)com
I make my parties more festive by having games,prizes and contests. I make sure that evryone wins and is having a great time.
For indoor parties I like simple decorations, cool lighting i.e. lights or candles and close family/friends!
I love to use fruits/plants/leaves as decorations. Simple, cheap, and oh so festive. Plus if you use fruit, you have extra treats.
I love trying to decorate in a way that ties it all together with pops of colors!
jessicarwarfield at gmail dot com
I tweeted too https://twitter.com/#!/jrwarfield/status/199970459482206208
jessicarwarfield at gmail dot com
I always like to take out the special wine glasses I have and its so nice to serve everyone w/ pretty glasses!
I have to have great music.
hewella1 at gmail dot com
Family and foods makes my parties fun!
That sounds like my kind of drink. Love lime and cranberry.
I'm not much of a party person. It's usually family and friends. Good food is always a winner and usually the main focus. I try to use mix and match serving dishes. I love green glass beverage dispensers.
Retweeted @MonaMP
That looks so refreshing, can't wait to try it especially since we're big fans of the Simply juices :)
We like making it festive by making fresh drinks!
I love balloons for more festive get togethers.
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/KariWins/status/200050158942171136
Fun food. Fun kids. Fun time! We love family time! And we actually love cranberry juice too. It is a special treat when we buy it! :)
Nice music and flowers make party more festive
elena150980@yahoo.com
https://twitter.com/#!/ElenaIstomina/status/200083071700172801
elena150980@yahoo.com
I like to bring out my chocolate fountain!
I like to decorate by theme and have games
nelly dot barney at yahoo dot com
Tweeted
nelly dot barney at yahoo dot com
I tweeted the giveaway https://twitter.com/#!/melantz/status/200094272496746496
I do a themed party with decorations.
rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/rhoneygee/status/200119444314406912
rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com
Depends on the season! Whether you add a cute watermelon basket with "fruit picks" or a winter sled party with yummy chili, mini cornmuffins, or your super cute spread for spring! Really nice! Thanks! Paula
cornellfamily at centurytel dot net
tweeted! https://twitter.com/#!/juliannerosenau/status/200227439463514112
Decorating as got to be my favorite way to make things festive!
I like a theme to make things festive!
My favorite thing to improve a party is Spinach Dip!
i have this punch that I love to make, but really, just having a variety of fun foods really makes a party...esp. if the food/party has a theme
lauren51990 at aol dot com
music and decorations make it more festive
thepryfamily@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/#!/thepryfamily2/status/200273218970456064
thepryfamily@gmail.com
Plenty of festivity related decorations make my parties a lot more festive!
Nathansmommy619(at)aol(dot)com
https://twitter.com/#!/StaceyRenee711/status/200279843772973057
Nathansmommy619(at)aol(dot)com
I like to add music and balloons to make it more festive.
A good dessert at the end of a party will keep it lively to the end.
I love having great food and fun dishes to serve it on =)
joellenzafacon at gmail dot com
My favorite way to make a party at my home more festive is selecting a theme. So, the decorations, food, drink, party favor and maybe dress code too, would all follow the same theme. It’s really festive and fun!
Amy [at] utry [dot] it
tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/uTry_it/status/200337209574957056
Amy [at] utry [dot] it
I love parties with a theme
i use a music soundtrack with party music! scg00387 at yahoo dot com
https://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/200400383212920833 scg00387 at yahoo dot com
fresh flowers! :)
I love to light up a party with t~lights in mason jars!
http://lavidafranco.blogspot.com/
Ciao
Shell
Having some non-alcholic but great tasting drink usually helps a lot!
I love to give name tags so people that don't know each other don't have to ask!
I fill up the entire living room with balloons - keeps the kiddos occupied.
games and partyware
We like decorating or going with a theme
msjwh21 gmail com
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/msjw11/status/201042287197831168
fresh flowers in the party color scheme!
slay_melissa at yahoo dot com
Love fresh homemade salsa and chips for any party. Just looking at this punch makes me very thirsty! Can't wait to try it.
i can't wait to try this.
I like to hang decorations, put on some music, and make way too much dessert! :)
chambanachik@gmail.com
i like having a party theme
karinaroselee at gmail dot com
https://twitter.com/#!/karinaroselee/status/202153215351984132
karinaroselee at gmail dot com
Plenty of all sorts of desserts and music always help.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
https://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/202159209536692226
I put on upbeat music and put out a lot of snacks. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
songyueyu at gmail
tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/syytta/status/202284775854194688
songyueyu at gmail
lots of games and foods
merleandtina@Yahoo.com
https://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/202555932096462849
merleandtina@Yahoo.com
Organize around a theme, nice presentation, fun people, and have guests help themselves.
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/BBirdie2/status/202848126359449600
I tweeted :) https://twitter.com/#!/abitnerdy/status/203185565699538944
abitnerdygirl at gmail dot com
I love throwing a themed party, everyone gets into mood, Arabian Night, Summer in the Hamptons, Breakfast at Tiffanys it doesnt matter, a theme makes everything so much more fun. :) of course good music, great friends, delicious drinks and food too ;) xx
abitnerdygirl at gmail dot com
I like to make things ahead so I can focus on the guests at the party!!! Thanks for a chance to win and have a great day!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom
P.S. Love the way you served the drinks--very fun!
I put a lot of effort into the decor!
I love a mix of simple and fancy dishes - the fancy ones make the whole party more festive! Music helps, too.
urchiken at gmail dot com
Music and laughter is the best party mix!
I always try to take it outdoors, weather permitting, and make all the fixings for tacos.
wolverina401 at gmail dot com
Can't do much entertaining in the home right now because our house is sooo tiny, but we do like to have BBQs in our back yard (when things warm up more). The music and bonfire pit help things be more festive.
i think almost every party or get-together needs a game of some kind
thismomwins@gmail.com
Can you add vodka? I know the mommies in my city need several stiff drinks to deal with our little rats. Maybe give the kids a little spiked one too just to mellow them out! I might try that know! Ugh kids lol
I agree. Do something according to when the party takes place. The theme would be fall summer winter or spring!
Interactive video games and good music tend to make gatherings more lively and festive.
chainmail (at)iwon (dot) com
I tweeted this
https://twitter.com/The_Sunshyn/status/204764311875362817
I love plugging up the Wii and putting in Dance Revolution
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/204794048928686080
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
I love all the Simply beverages!!
freebiel0ve@yahoo.com
https://twitter.com/#!/akronugurl/status/204927356710830081
freebiel0ve@yahoo.com
we don't entertain a lot but when we do - good food and music make it festive
debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com
tweeted;
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/205267503444791296
debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com
We love having dress up theme parties like jimmy buffet night or nautical night! fun fun!
kelliescamera at gmail dot com
tweeted here:
https://twitter.com/kelliechio/status/205530187645984768
kelliescamera at gmail dot com
That punch sounds great and the mason jars with twine are a perfect touch! I like to work a theme into all aspects of my parties to keep the festive vibe.
tweet https://twitter.com/thismomwins2/status/206510221399572482
thismomwins@gmail.com
we love to decorate in the theme of the party
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/206804701021351936
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
I love making a party more festive by making cupcakes catered to the theme of the get together as well as themed ice cubes! :)
deeg131 at gmail dot com
tweeted http://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/206814530746073088
deeg131 at gmail dot com
I always make sure I have lots of different kinds of food to make sure there is something for everyone's taste.
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/206935973773328385
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
My favorite way to make a party or get-together at my home more festive is selecting a theme but with simple decorations. I love to prepare homemade finger food, nice dessert and drinks. Love your juice cocktail idea, will plan it for my next party. Thanks for the giveaway.
ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com
I tweeted about this giveaway: https://twitter.com/ctong2/status/207027273021407232
ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com
The link to purchase the Mason drink dispensers says the site is under construction. Is the link wrong or is the site really gone? I really want to buy some of these!
WE HAVE YEARLY FAMILY REUNIONS WHERE EVERYONE BRINGS A SUIT, A DISH OF FOOD & MEETS UP AT THE BEACH. IT CAN'T GET MORE FESTIVE THAN SWIMMING INTO THE NIGHT! =)
THANKS! kytah00@yahoo.com
2ND ENTRY TWEET https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/207225730445225987
I make sure to provide a variety of foods and drinks.
MCantu1019 at aol dot com
tweet-https://twitter.com/CrazyItalian0/status/207633609522286592
gina.m.maddox (AT) gmail (DOT) com
I love to add great music and lighting to make a gathering more festive.
gina.m.maddox (AT) gmail (DOT) com
I always like to have a theme for the food & drink. We did a taco bar one year for my daughter's birthday and all the appetizers and drinks were authentic Mexican too.
dmarie824 at aol dot com
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/208772772678205440
dmarie824 at aol dot com
I like to do themed foods. It's fun to see how creative we can get from appetizers to dessert with a sandwich theme or slow cooker only.
willitara [at] gmail [dot] com
Tweet - https://twitter.com/willitara/status/209193334307172352
willitara [at] gmail [dot] com
tweet https://twitter.com/prizepuzzle/status/209463712971628544
Blogged:
http://slehan.blogspot.com/2012/06/win-100-visa-from-simply-cranberry.html
Fresh flowers always make it more festive.
Thanks for the contest.
LOVE your drink servers!
I like to have great music playing.
I love having tons of little finger foods as the main course! You can have a huge variety of food to offer and appetizers are always delicious!
jfong1130 at yahoo dot com
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/jfong1130/status/209839748037087233
jfong1130 at yahoo dot com
I love to make a fun punch and light candles. That says party to me!! :)
Tweeted too! @Emags55
https://twitter.com/EMags55/status/210035751247814658
Lots of good food! Nothing says welcome to my home like the smell of good food cooking when you walk in the door. I always make a pot of chili or have something chocolatey baking/just baked when the party starts. It makes everyone smile and sets the mood for the evening!
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/210041750360829952
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com
We have a theme for every event and encourage guests to dress accordingly.
mybeachylife at gmail dot com
I do like entertaining and my favorite thing is to do theme parties. I customize my food, drinks and decorations/decor around a theme and everyone really enjoys it....I just try not to get too hokey!
I love having bring a dish party it help everyone feel like that are a part of it and it keep me from having to cook everything and every love to show of by bring the best dish.
purple_lover_04 at msn dot com
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/210401655387205632
We play festive music and put up décor that creates an ambiance.
runningmatey at hotmail dot com
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