This post was created in sponsored collaboration with Chila ‘Orchata. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For more information about Chila, visit on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest. This message is intended for those of age 21+, please enjoy Chila responsibly.
A Tres Leches Martini made with Chila ‘Orchata Cinnamon Cream Rum is the perfect beverage to sip while wishing you were vacationing on a Caribbean island or while you’re spending an afternoon with your girlfriends on a patio.
Though the trees are finally sprouting a few buds and we’ve had a few glimmers of sunshine here and there, Chicago isn’t exactly known for it’s warm, lush, spring weather. The expression “April showers bring May flowers” was probably coined here.
Luckily, Chicago has a way of making you fall in love all over again, just when you’re about to hop on the next plane south and call it quits. This past weekend we had two beautiful, glorious, wonderful days of sunshine. I wish I could have captured that little slice of spring in a bottle, but being a realistic adult, I know that isn’t actually possible.
The next best way to cure a case of the grey sky blues? Shaking up a batch of cocktails that will take you on a whirlwind trip to the Caribbean, Central America, and Tahiti — all in a single sip.
This month, I partnered with Chila ‘Orchata to throw a sweet and simple spring brunch for a few girlfriends. Even though I made a couple of savory dishes, the theme of the menu can be summed up in one word: sweet.
There’s no better way to celebrate spring or summer weather than by channeling vacation with the richness of Puerto Rican rum, the spice of cinnamon horchata, and the sweetness of Tahitian vanilla.
Chila ‘Orchata, combines the goodness of Puerto Rican rum with real dairy cream, Tahitian vanilla, and a sprinkle of exotic cinnamon. Inspired by horchata, a creamy milk-based drink flavored with spices like vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg, Chila is a fanciful flavor name for the Latin American inspired cinnamon cream rum.
I tried it for the first time in November and because of it’s creamy consistency, immediately thought “winter” until I tasted it and discovered that it’s actually quite light and refreshing as an after-dinner drink over ice or for a special treat, in another Latin American inspired cocktail.
Before we talk cocktails though, let’s start with the sweet and simple spring brunch menu.
Even when the focus is on sweets, you’ll want to add something savory to the mix to balance out the sugar. I love to make a super simple flatbread with brie, dried cranberries and either some green spring onions or chopped leeks. You can buy the base of the flatbread pre-packaged in the bread section of any high end grocery or gourmet food store and serve the rest of the brie with you favorite crackers or toast points.
Brie, Cranberry and Leek Flatbread
Another easy option is to make a quick smoked salmon and goat cheese quiche. I’m addicted to lox or smoked salmon, so I chopped up some leftover lox and folded some goat cheese into my egg mixture, but it’s easy to customize the recipe with cheddar or bacon if you’re cooking for an anti-lox audience (as I would if I were cooking for say, my boyfriend or my brother).
As far as the sweet treats go, I love to stick with simple additions that you know people will like. I used to create elaborate recipes for parties, but the truth is, most people just want simple sugar cookies and cinnamon coffee cake.
In addition to some iced sugar cookies that I picked up from a local bakery, I served a dense vanilla pound cake that pairs nicely with strawberries and whipped cream (bonus points if you make this Chila-infused whipped cream to go with it).
If you skip the whipped cream, then you’ll need to round out your menu with a smooth, creamy cocktail. Chila is perfect for mixing with just about any flavors: strawberry, peach, raspberry and key lime are all refreshing options, but I like the idea of channeling the island vacation vibe with something richer, like this creamy, smooth Tres Leches martini.
Tres Leches cake is a sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. It’s usually frosted with fresh whipped cream and garnished with maraschino cherries, but you can skip all of that and break out your cocktail shaker for your next spring gathering.
All of these recipes were made for entertaining, and taste even better when eaten outdoors, preferably in a garden or in the presence of some type of floral arrangements. I live in the city but I have a large balcony off my living room, making it easy to keep most of the food indoors for quality control, but still enjoy the surprise spring sunshine.
- 6 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 2 ounces evaporated milk
- 2 ounces Chila 'Orchata Cinnamon Cream Rum
- 1 ounce vanilla vodka
- Cinnamon and vanilla bean (optional, as garnish)
- Place the first four ingredients in a cocktail shaker full of ice. Shake well, until mixture is frothy and drink is chilled. Pour into a martini glass or coupe glass and lightly dust with cinnamon. Garnish with a vanilla bean or maraschino cherry. Serve and enjoy.
37 Comments
carrie @ frugal foodie mama
April 20, 2017 at 6:23 amI just over Orchata! And this cocktail sounds like a delicious addition to a spring brunch. 🙂
Michelle | A Latte Food
June 6, 2016 at 11:44 amThis brunch looks fantastic! Those tres leche martinis look amazing!!
Rachel
June 5, 2016 at 9:02 pm“You’ll want to add something savory to the mix to balance out the sugar”. So true!
Nancy | The Bitter Side of Sweet
June 5, 2016 at 8:20 amWow! That spread you made looks amazing but that drink looks out of this world!!
Jenny | Honey and Birch
June 4, 2016 at 2:50 pmNow I really want to host a brunch! I am sure my guests would love this cocktail!
Eliese
June 4, 2016 at 8:06 amThis looks AMAZING! Thanks for the awesome ideas which I will be incorporating into my next soirée.
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer
June 3, 2016 at 6:09 pmI am really picky when it comes to my drinks but you have a winner here! I so need this in my life!
Matthew From Nomageddon
June 3, 2016 at 1:09 pmWhat?! OMG! At a loss for words. OK I’ve regained my composure and feel I must say “this looks phenomenal!” (quietly freaks out)
Hillary Garland
June 3, 2016 at 10:59 amLove everything about this!
Liz
June 3, 2016 at 10:31 amThis all sound delicious, I love dairy in cocktails!
Katerina @ Diethood
June 3, 2016 at 9:32 amOoooh! I wish I was sitting at that table!! It’s gorgeous. And a few of those martinis would be ideal!
Pamela Farnsworth Smith
June 3, 2016 at 9:20 amAs usual, Maris, you created here the most delectable menu ever and took my senses to the Islands for this food and drink taste treat! Your romantic presentation of each and every course of this late afternoon meal (hold the lox!), coupled with this fabulous cocktail is alluring and sending me out to the market for a new adventure. Thank you!
Kate
June 3, 2016 at 8:40 amLooks delicious!!! Can’t wait to try!!!
Lisa keys
June 3, 2016 at 8:33 amWhat a fabulous spread and I will be making this cocktail. Thanks for sharing
ananda
June 2, 2016 at 11:43 pmeverything looks so delish!! the flatbread with brie & dried cranberries is making me very hungry! <3
Denay DeGuzman
June 2, 2016 at 2:59 pmI need this beautiful beverage right now! The next time I’m at BevMo I’m picking up a bottle of that luscious Chila ‘Orchata Cinnamon Cream Rum. I spend part of the year in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and I am a huge fan of Horchata and fragrant vanilla. When I’m here in California I will use your recipe to channel the vibes of Latin paradise!
Leah
June 2, 2016 at 2:58 pmI love brunches! This cocktail sounds fantastic, what a great flavor combo! Cheers!
Anita Mettille
June 2, 2016 at 1:17 pmI just tried Chila Orchata Cinnamon Cream Rum. Deliciously decadent!!! Perfect to relax and pamper yourself after a tough day at work, or a special treat when entertaining guests.
Kelley N.
June 2, 2016 at 11:50 amDefinitely Pinning this for future reference!
Brian
June 2, 2016 at 11:30 amLooks scrumptious, something I would definitely do. Thanks for the delicious ideas.
Candy
June 2, 2016 at 11:20 amBrunch looks lovely and food looks delicious.
Leigh
June 2, 2016 at 11:15 amThis cocktail was absolutely delicious, I was one of the lucky friends to attend the mixer and I promise these will be a bit for any summer party you plan to host!
Claudia Etienne
June 2, 2016 at 11:11 amThis recipe looks so good!!!! Perfect for the hubby birthday this weekend XO!
Daryl
June 2, 2016 at 11:00 amCan I buy that at any liquor store?
Daryl
June 2, 2016 at 10:59 amThe brunch looks and sounds amazing but the highlight for me would be that cocktail. Oh my goodness does that look fantastic. I will be making that drink.
Angela
June 2, 2016 at 10:59 amThis looks outstanding!! Can’t wait to try this!
Brandy O'Neill
May 24, 2016 at 11:05 amOh man, I need a fancy brunch in my life STAT! Love the look of these martinis as well – so tasty!
cathy @ Noble Pig
May 23, 2016 at 1:25 pmNothing makes me happier than a boozy alternative to my favorite cake!!
eat good 4 life
May 21, 2016 at 7:58 amOh boy does this look good. I love horchata so I know this martini would be right up my alley 🙂
Susannah // Feast + West
May 20, 2016 at 10:41 pmThis looks insanely good! I love the sound of that Cinnamon Cream Rum!
Andi @ The Weary Chef
April 28, 2016 at 2:38 pmI love all the recipes! Sounds so much fun! 😀
Renee - Kudos Kitchen
April 28, 2016 at 7:47 amThis looks like one heck of a brunch! A perfect way to celebrate the perfect weather we had in the Chicagoland area last weekend. I wish I had had your tres leche martini to sip on. It would have made my weekend even better!
Tonia
April 27, 2016 at 11:51 pmBrunch with friends sounds like so much fun and it looks like you had so many delicious things to eat!
Serene @ House of Yumm
April 27, 2016 at 9:37 pmWhat a fun drink idea!! Perfect for a Mother’s Day brunch!
Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen
April 27, 2016 at 4:16 pmThese cocktails are super fun (and looks super delicious) – that whole spread looks fantastic. I want to run away with that flatbread…
Krista
April 27, 2016 at 3:34 pmRomantic dinner for two is now in the makes! It will revolve around these Martini’s!
Justine | Cooking and Beer
April 27, 2016 at 1:26 pmI wish it were at least 5pm so I can whip up a batch of these martinis! They look amazing!