concord grape + coconut water smash

Where I live, Halloween, for those adult years after college and before you have kids, is all about dressing up in something cute, sexy,  scary, or something cleverly related to pop culture, and having some cocktails. In my neighborhood in NYC, it's more about the adults than the kids. Greenwich Village hosts a huge walking parade that marches down 6th avenue, and if you don't mind huge crowds of people dressed up in crazy costumes, then this parade is for you. It's tons of fun, but after having participating in my share of parades over the years, I now pretty much avoid it all together. It's not that I won't be dressed up or drinking cocktails, it's just that nowadays I will be doing it in a (slightly) more civilized environment with less people and fancier cocktails. In fact, this year we are starting the party at our place, and I am in charge of the "fancy" cocktails ....... and this cocktail here will definitely be served. 

I partnered with ZICO to mix up this drink, and I was so excited to do so because, besides being a huge fan of coconut water, when I do have coconut water I like to make sure it is organic, fair trade,  and not from concentrate. ZICO's new certified organic, fair trade coconut water checks all of those boxes. Not only is it great to drink on it's own .... but it's also makes really delicious cocktails such as this grape smash cocktail (or mocktail, if that's how you roll). The best part about adding coconut water to your drinks, since it is super-hydrating, is that it gives you a little leg up on that next day. Some added electrolytes and hydration while you are imbibing are always a good idea!

**This post is sponsored by ZICO's new organic line of coconut water! I only work with companies whose products I believe in and would use myself. All opinions are my own. 

concord grape + coconut water smash 

*If you would like to make this drink alcohol free, just omit the vodka, and add a splash more of coconut or regular (filtered) water. 

MAKES 1 drink

INGREDIENTS

7-8 concord grapes
4-5 mint leaves
2 lime wedges
1 cup of ZICO organic coconut water
2 ounces of vodka
ice

YOU'll ALSO NEED: a cocktail shaker and a pestle (or something with a long handle to smash the ingredients)

METHOD

• Place the grapes, mint, lime wedges, and 1/2 cup of the coconut water into a cocktail shakes and smash really well with the pestle to release the juices and flavors from the ingredients. 
• Add the vodka, the remaining 1/2 cup of coconut water, and a cup full of ice, and shake!
• Fill around an 8oz glass with ice, and strain + pour the cocktail over the ice. Enjoy!