By Erin Hansen

Ever in the mood for a mixed drink but A) don’t have the energy to juggle a whole bunch of bottles/ingredients or B) just don’t happen to have the necessary components in stock? Well, have I got a delicious solution for you ~ Mixerz, an all-natural line of cocktail mixers that make it easier than ever to create today’s hottest “bar chef” inspired cocktail creations anywhere, anytime. They’re handmade from only fresh fruit juices and purees, pure cane sugar, and other premium, all-natural ingredients…and they are d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s. I was in heaven sampling the Pomegranate [Martini], Bloody Mary, and Mango [Martini], and I assure you I’ll be trying the Cosmopolitan, Mojito, Lemoncello, and Sour Apple Mixerz this weekend (talk about a reason to get through the work week!). The website (www.mixerz.com) also promises more seasonal flavors to come ~ and if you check it out, you’ll find hundreds of recipes, event listings (if Mixerz hosts an event in Worcester County, GO!), and press clippings ~ oh, and mention of another really cool fact, that Mixerz were chosen to be placed into the prestigious gift bags at the 2008 International Emmy Awards, Nov. 22nd and 23rd.

If pressed to choose a favorite flavor right now, I’d have to say the Mango, which came in a 6 oz. mini bottle (all eight flavors come in both the 6oz and 750ml sizes ~ and the bottles are really cool looking). It added just the right amount of sweetness and a really nice consistency to the vodka. The Pomegranate(which, along with the Bloody Mary, came in a colorful 750 ml glass bottle) was nice and sophisticated (holding it I felt very Carrie Bradshaw), and the Bloody Mary was chock full of great flavors ~ pepper, tomato, anchovie (I know, sounds weird, but it WORKED), balsamic…very satisfying.

For someone who usually settles for wine or beer because they take no preparation, Mixerz are a godsend…finally, I may be able to join the grownups’ table with a cosmo or martini in hand!