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Disney Drinks You Must Try

United States

 I recently returned from 11 days at Walt Disney World for the sole purpose of all-star cheerleading.  Yes, eleven days is a long time.  Would I stay 11 days in a row again? Probably not if I can help it, but this stay was unavoidable because my daughter was on a Worlds Team, an International Summit Team, and Junior Coached a Regular Summit team.  But we're not writing to talk about cheer, but rather two mocktails that I had while at resorts that I enjoyed immensely. So much so that I wanted to share them with you. 


"SO MANY WISHES" MOCKTAIL at OUTER RIM BAR in WDW CONTEMPORARY RESORT 


Tea drink Served in Contemporary Resort



During the day, I am constantly seeking out unsweetened tea. The Outer Rim Bar in the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World did not serve unsweetened tea.  At 2 pm, I didn't want a cocktail, so the bartender suggested I look over the mocktails rather than a soda.  I was the only customer in the place, and so glad I took his advice, I ordered the "So Many Wishes" mocktail. I loved it so much, I drank two. As I am at home writing today, I wish I could order it here in Raleigh.  It hit the spot for my unsweetened tea fix, but offered so much more flavor. 


So Many Wishes

Pomegranate Green Tea, Hibiscus, Lemon, and a dash of Star Dust.  Star Dust is edible glitter that gives the drink a shimmer without affecting taste. This drink was so refreshing for a hot Orlando day, and would be awesome this summer. I'm fairly certain the Hibiscus was a tea syrup, which I could make at home if I wanted to try making my own. 









"AGAVE GARDEN" ZERO-PROOF COCKTAIL at RIVER ROOST in WDW PORT ORLEANS RIVERSIDE 


I spent one night at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside in between cheer comps because I wanted to experience it.  Before dinner at Boatwright's Dining Hall, I stopped in River Roost to have a mocktail while waiting for my friend to have dinner with me. 

Refreshing Drink Served at River Roost at Port Orleans



Agave Garden

Lyre’s Agave Non-Alcoholic Spirit, Cold-pressed Lime Juice, Passion Fruit-Papaya Green Tea, and Cucumber

I don't actively seek out mocktails when I travel, but I don't always want an alcoholic beverage either so it's nice to have choices. The hospitality industry has come a long way in offering non-alcoholic cocktails to its guests. It's a trend here to stay, especially for the health-conscious, and I appreciate it.  For me, it's about the experience of having something in a pretty glass that has a great taste; not drinking alcohol. 


I am excited to learn about the Lyre brand. This summer, I plan to try the gin alternative for some non-alcoholic gin and tonic mocktails. Simple, but a classic drink to sip on while cooking dinner.  I love the taste. 

Lyre's non-alcoholic G&T


I plan to try my own version's at home and while share the results with you on Instagram. 
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Kids Can Make Peppermint Bark In Minutes

Raleigh, NC, USA
I've shared that I am not a baker. But my daughter loves to bake, so more often than not, I have to make something sweet for the holidays. 



candy cane and white and dark chocolate peppermint bark





Peppermint Bark is probably the easiest thing to bake for a non-baker, and Liza can do it unsupervised now. All you need are sheets, candy canes, and white and dark chocolate. I like European chocolates, but any chocolate will do.  


Easy Peppermint Bark Recipe 

homemade peppermint bark with crushed candy canes on top of white and dark chocolate



Easy Peppermint Bark Ingredients

2 large Lindt White Chocolate Bars
2 large Lindt Milk or Dark Chocolate  ( I mixed my chocolates for a unique twist)
25 small candy canes broken

Melt white chocolate in a double boiler. I mix in a bit of butter to help smooth the chocolate. Scoop melted white chocolate onto parchment paper on top of a cookie sheet. If you are using Sheet Pan Silicone liners, then you do not need to use parchment paper. 

Melt dark chocolate in a double broiler. I add a tablespoon of butter for richness and to help the chocolate soften. Spread the dark chocolate mixture over the white chocolate. Mash candy canes. 

My kids love doing this (to get the candy canes as smashed as high-quality retail peppermint bark, then the peppermint needs to be very fine), but you can do this version any way you like, and my kids made chunky. Sprinkle the peppermint on top of the chocolate and press some into the chocolate. Freeze for 30 minutes to an hour. Break into squares. Or let it soften and cut squares neatly.

It is that simple. 


Peppermint Bark in a red, white and green gift box.


 
This is also great to make after the holidays, since all candy is on sale, making the new year a little more festive. 

Originally posted in December 2014 and updated in December 2025. 













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Effortless Ways to Support Raleigh Dog Rescue While Scoring Boutique Finds!

Raleigh, NC, USA

Shopping for gifts under one roof, such as in a mall, can be a blessing for busy people. But busy malls aren't my favorite places to be during the holidays. In contrast, my sixteen-year-old daughter loves the mall.  I prefer local, intimate mom-and-pop shops. 


Tea Towels with saying "Romaine Calm" and "Gotta Pee" with Veggies


A place where some local business owners carefully curated the items in their shop. You get my vibe?  If you have the same shopping style, then you need to browse in the Painted Tree Boutiques in Cary, N.C. 


Gifts at Painted Tree Boutique in Cary, NC



This store's slogan is "the big way to shop small." It's amazing. You really need to set aside several hours if you are walking into this store for the first time. Literally, lunch at my favorite Cary Sushi restaurant, Kashin Japanese Restaurant, and browsing the Painted Tree Boutiques is a full-day agenda. Once you become a frequent shopper and know the vendors, you can pop in quickly (Maybe). 


Freedom Ride Rescue, a non-profit, as an adorable shop at Painted Tree for animal lovers



I popped into Painted Tree last month to take some photos to help Freedom Ride Rescue market its vendor booth, where 100 percent of all proceeds go to the rescue's operating budget. My chiahuahua, Hannah, was rescued from Freedom Ride, and I volunteer at their adoption events when my schedule allows. 


Dog lover holiday mug for the holidays at Freedom Ride Boutique in Painted Tree in Cary, NC



This would be a quick in-and-out type of thing. I was so naive. It took me 30 minutes to find the Freedom Ride booth. By the time I finally decided to ask a worker about its location, I already had my Mom's Christmas gift in my hand. This store is impressive.  


From local artisans to sports to pet lovers, there is something for everyone in this store. The Home Decor shops are my favorite. That's where I got lost browsing. I skipped the fashion boutiques because my daughter was in the car, running, waiting for me. 


Pet lovers can find all sorts of gifts at the Freedom Ride Booth in Painted Tree Boutiques in Cary, NC



Freedom Ride's booth is adorable with so many affordable finds. The rescue also uses the space to showcase dogs looking for homes. "Painted Tree has given Freedom Ride Rescue an entirely new audience!" explained Freedom Ride Founder, Mollie Doll. Our 'Backyard' space is filled with dog-themed items for sale and general info about our rescue!! The booth is managed by Gwenn Glotnis, one of our core volunteers AND a FRR adopter!"


At the Freedom Ride Shop at Painted Tree, shoppers can learn about the Rescue and dogs in need of a home



The Painted Tree Boutiques is open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm at 240 Crossroads Boulevard in Cary, N.C.


Learn more about Freedom Ride Rescue and how you can volunteer, donate, foster, and/or adopt a new family member.

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