(Contest-Friendly) Weekly Topic Inspiration: Drink Recipes

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   Simone Smithposted 12 years ago

   Did you know that one of the final prizes in the Cookbook Contest is designated for drink recipes- AND that this type of recipe sees less competition online? You should consider branching out into this recipe genre- it can really pay off! We invite you to join in on the fun with this week’s Weekly Topic Inspiration. Stop by the forum thread for search-friendly titles:
   
   (Contest-Friendly) Weekly Topic Inspiration: Drinks Recipes
   
   Our Cookbook Contest is in full swing, and while all recipes are welcome, some specific recipe types are being considered for some of the final prizes (e.g. the prizes for Best Family Recipe, Best Healthy Recipe, Best Budget-Friendly Recipe, Best Dessert Recipe, and Best Drink Recipe).
   
   I’ve noticed that not so many folks have been submitting drinks recipes, so those who do write drinks Hubs end up having a better chance of winning. But c’mon, guys! Drinks recipes are awesome, and since they’re generally not as extensively covered online as food recipes, so you’re up against less competition!
   
   I therefore encourage you to branch out and write some drinks recipes- both for WTI, and as entries in the Cookbook contest.
   
   Here are some search-friendly titles to consider (remember, search-friendliness is included in our judging criteria):
   Popular Alcoholic Drinks
   Easy Drink Recipes
   Drink Recipes with Rum
   Classic Cocktail Recipes
   Fruity Alcoholic Drinks
   Frozen Drink Recipes
   Lowest Calorie Alcoholic Drink
   Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Recipes
   Frozen Alcoholic Drinks
   Types of Alcoholic Drinks
   Rum Drink Recipes
   Party Drink Recipes
   Best Mixed Drinks for Parties
   Christmas Martini Recipes
   Cocktail Party Recipes
   Bar Drink Recipes
   5 Good Mixed Drinks
   Simple Cocktail Recipes
   Mixed Drinks with Vodka
   Vodka Mixed Drinks
   The Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks
   Cocktails with Vodka
   Famous Bartender Recipes
   
   And be sure to use the Recipe Capsules (especially the Ratings Capsule set to recipes) so that your Hub gets entered in the contest. For full contest rules, visit the official contest page.
   
   To make sure your recipe is counted as a WTI Hub, follow these steps:
   
   1)    Stop by this week's Weekly Topic Inspiration Question.
   2)    Click the green button "answer this question".
   3)    Click the gray button below the box (leave that empty) that says "make a Hub about it."
   4)    Give your Hub a very specific title, like Easy Summer Gardening Projects for Kids or Challenging Summer Activities for Teens
   5)    Create good quality original content that hasn't been covered before.
   6)    After you publish your Weekly Topic Inspiration Hub, come back to this forum thread and post a link to your Hub with a brief description of what you wrote about and why.
   
   For more information on the Weekly Topic Inspiration program, check out the Learning Center guide.

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      Kaili Bissonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Simone,
      I submitted two of my favorite drink recipes on Friday; one was after noon PST, so technically Saturday. The Amaretto Summer Soother goes down way to smoothly. The Cranberry Mandarin Martini too. They both have fruit juice, so I tell myself they are healthy (in moderation of course!). Here they are:
      http://kailibisson.hubpages.com/hub/Dri … er-Soother
      
      http://kailibisson.hubpages.com/hub/Dri … in-Martini

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         MarleneBposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Both of these recipes are quite refreshing. You know I'll be sipping one or another this summer.

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         MarleneBposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Both of your recipes look quite refreshing. I know I'm going to be trying them this summer.

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         diplessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         mmm these look amazing, roll on some sunshine so i can try them.

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         Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Absolutely love these, Kaili Bisson! Though be sure that they're at least 500 words each- otherwise they won't qualify as contest entries!!

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            Kaili Bissonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Back I go to write about Absolut and how Amaretto is made  :-)

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            Kaili Bissonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            I have edited the Amaretto Summer Soother to include some info on Amaretto and Disaronno. Are all words counted from all capsules i.e. not just text capsules?

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               Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Yep! And great additions!

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                  Kaili Bissonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  Thank you Simone. The Cranberry Mandarin Martini now is "contest-ready" as well. I added the story of ABSOLUT, which is really quite interesting  :-)
                  
                  http://kailibisson.hubpages.com/hub/Dri … in-Martini

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      Jenn-Anneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      OK, I decided to play along.  Here's a hub about my favorite rum cocktail.  And since I can't talk about rum without talking about pirates, I've included some information about how to make grog as well.
      
      http://jenn-anne.hubpages.com/hub/Rum-D … ner-Pirate

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         Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I'm glad you did! I'm a fan of both rum AND pirates.
         I love the additional background and history you added. They really make it into a fun recipe Hub!!

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      Kaili Bissonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Well, the weather is not so warm today, but here's hoping!
      This drink is super easy and the variations are endless  :-)   
      Cool Beer, made by adding frozen fruit juice concentrate into beer.
      
      http://kailibisson.hubpages.com/hub/Dri … -Cool-Beer

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         Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Fascinating! I had never heard of this being done before.

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            Kaili Bissonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            It is really so good and so easy.
            
            I wasn't sure about making this one a contest recipe as there isn't much to it. However, I have now decided to add tasting notes for three different beers using different concentrates. I may have to wait until end of day for that one, as I still have to work today  :-)

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      robie2posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Ok Simore-- here's my contest entry and thanks for the great weekly topic inspiration.  I got inspired and did a recipe for the classic vodka martini-- well it's more of an homage to the vodka martini with history, lore,  and gossip but I did use the recipe capsules and the ratings capsule just to get the hang of it all and to be in the contest.
      
      http://robie2.hubpages.com/hub/-Making- … ep-By-Step
      
      cheers, Roberta ( robie2)
      
      

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         Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         What a fascinating Hub! Totally enjoyed reading about the history behind the drink.
         Two quick things:
         1. The first image looks a bit pixelated, which leaves your Hub at risk of being moderated. I recommend floating it to the right.
         2. The third image is not given a license that enables you to use it legally, so I'd remove it to make this count as a contest entry. If you don't have written permission to use the second image, I might remove that as well- or change your citation to "used with permission" so we know it's legally used.
         
         Check out our guide on image use/citation- it shares the standard we're going by when evaluating contest entries: hubpages.com/learningcenter/legal-image-use
         
         Hope that helps!

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         Kaili Bissonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Great Hub!

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            robie2posted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Thanks for the kind words. I went to your profile and am really impressed with your photos on Wikimedia Commons-- very generous of you to let everyone use them. They are just great.  Oh yes and I'm proud to be your newest follower:-)

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      Austinstarposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I gave this one a shot and I think it looks like a good recipe for a Fourth of July Party! http://austinstar.hubpages.com/hub/Part … cipes?done

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         Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I agree, and I like the story behind the recipe!

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   cashmereposted 12 years ago

   To think I just published a hub yesterday for the contest! Okay will come up with more drinks

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      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Yeah!! DO SO!!!

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   JPhillipiposted 12 years ago

   Here is a good summer drink recipe. Try it out for the 4th of July!
   http://jphillipi.hubpages.com/hub/Non-Alcoholic-Drink

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      MarleneBposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Wonderful and refreshing recipe.

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      Nell Roseposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Sounds amazing, can't wait to try it!

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      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      A good summer drink recipe indeed!  Might I recommend adding more recipes to the Hub so that it lives up to the title? Also, make sure the Hub is at least 500 words long so that it can qualify as a contest entry!

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   diplessposted 12 years ago

   Hey Jphillipi that is a great looking drink, I love Pomegranate will be sure to give it a try. my entry is a few fruity alcoholic drinks to wet your whistle
   
   http://dipless.hubpages.com/hub/Fruity-Alcoholic-Drinks

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      MarleneBposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Great recipes and the video is amazing.

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         diplessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         thanks very much

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      Kaili Bissonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Noon wine sounds amazing...I will give that a try for sure!

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      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Those look delicious. Did you take the photos? They're so pretty!

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   cclitgirlposted 12 years ago

   Oh my goodness! Simone you just gave me like three hub ideas! I'm doing a lot of traveling, but I will post my hubs for this week's WTI the last week of June. Ooh this is awesome!!!

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      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Yay!! I'm glad to help! Can't wait to see those drinks Hubs! And enjoy your travels.

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   Denise Handlonposted 12 years ago

   I am so bummed that I won't have an opportunity to engage in this great topic this week.  Between my work schedule at the beginning of the week and my spiritual retreat at the end of the week I won't be able to participate...darn! 
   
   I'll swing back next week to check out the hubs.  Have fun everyone. 

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      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      That's a shame- though the retreat sounds divine! I still encourage you to publish drinks recipes later in the month- they're still very welcome in the contest!

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   Nell Roseposted 12 years ago

   For all you Muppet fans, come on over and have a refreshing Kermit Special Cocktail!
   
   http://nell-rose.hubpages.com/_3irgbjxg … l-Cocktail

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      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      OMG, how fun is this!?!?!? Love the original photos and the table you included at the end.

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   JPhillipiposted 12 years ago

   Here is a great lemonade recipe!
   http://jphillipi.hubpages.com/hub/The-Best-Lemonade

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      diplessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I adore proper lemonade, can't wait to try this, thanks for sharing

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      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Lovely recipe! Be sure your Hub is at least 500 words long and includes a properly cited / legally used image so that it qualifies for the contest.

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   kelleywardposted 12 years ago

   Here is my latest drink recipe Cherry Jam Milkshake http://kelleyward.hubpages.com/_3u47dtk … -Milkshake
   

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      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Awesome Hub!!! I love all the photos you've included, and this sounds like a really scrumptious drink!

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         kelleywardposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks Simone! It really is fun and easy to make. My kids love it!!

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            Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Oh, I bet they do! I would have LOVED a drink like this, even as the picky eater I was!

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10. 85

    Simone Smithposted 12 years ago

    Hey everyone! This is really important: If you want your Hubs to qualify as contest entries, they MUST be at least 500 words long, and they MUST only use original or legally used and properly cited images.
    
    See our official contest page for all the rules and qualifying requirements: http://hubpages.com/contest/cookbook
    
    I'd hate to see y'all miss out on prizes because your Hubs don't qualify! I'm sorry to say that one of these Hubs already has.

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       Kaili Bissonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Hi Simone,
       Are the words in all of the capsules counted? Instructions? Ingredients?

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          Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Yep! Photo captions count as well.

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    bushraismailposted 12 years ago

    Hello simone,
    Is it a must that the hub should be an answer to the WTI to be posted in this forum?
    I understand that if the drink hub was not WTI answer then it would anyways be included for the contest. Am I right?
    
    Thank you.
    Wondering if I can reap the WTI benefits without my hub being an answer hub to that question.

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       No, it's not a must- feel free to just share the link here. Though it helps if you create it as an answer to that question!
       
       To be clear, though, your Hub will count as an entry even if it's not created as an answer to that question.
       
       The reason why we encourage folks to create Hub answers to those questions is that it makes us easier to measure involvement with this program. If folks stop getting involved, we'll probably drop it, so it helps if everyone is properly counted!

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    Specialk3749posted 12 years ago

    Here is my hub on how to make a refreshing Raspberry Iced Tea using fresh raspberries!  Enjoy!  http://specialk3749.hubpages.com/t/310946

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Love the Hub! Your original photos, fun nutrition stats, and recipe are fabulous.

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    wrenfrost56posted 12 years ago

    http://wrenfrost56.hubpages.com/hub/Apple-pie-drink
    
    I chose to share this because some people almost don't beleive it and my friends have always been supprised by how good it actually tastes.

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       It's a splendidly surprising recipe! I absolutely love the idea.

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    JPhillipiposted 12 years ago

    Here is a good punch recipe!
    http://jphillipi.hubpages.com/hub/Party-Punch-Recipe

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I love that it includes sherbet! Though heads up- if you want this to count as a contest entry, make sure it's at least 500 words in length!

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    wrenfrost56posted 12 years ago

    http://wrenfrost56.hubpages.com/hub/Green-drink-recipe
    
    Really easy, really healthy.
    
    I'm loving all the recepies on this thread.

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       So few drinks these days are healthy- this is a refreshing break from the usual!

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    chrissieklingerposted 12 years ago

    http://chrissieklinger.hubpages.com/hub … rties?done
    
    
    I love rum and after drinking this candy inspired rum drink, you will too!  I also encourage you to take my rum quiz on this hub:)

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Wow, I bet so! I really enjoyed this Hub- and I love the convenient table you included, too!

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    Danette Wattposted 12 years ago

    Here's a super easy punch I made for an artist reception.
    http://danettewatt.hubpages.com/hub/Mag … -Reception

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Easy AND elegant! Love your punch bowl, BTW.

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          Danette Wattposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks Simone!

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    Mmargie1966posted 12 years ago

    Ok, I've got one for you.  It's simple, sweet, and you can add vodka if you choose to!
    
    
    
    
    http://mmargie1966.hubpages.com/hub/Old … ade-Recipe
    
    I hope everyone enjoys it!

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Hurrah! I love versatile drinks like this.

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    wrenfrost56posted 12 years ago

    http://wrenfrost56.hubpages.com/hub/Ben … ink-recipe
    
    Tropical soya milkshake, soya is a great alternative to milk and I think this might be helpful to those who are dairy intolerant.

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I have never had a soya drink before... probably because I love dairy so much! That said... I'm really impressed by all its health benefits!

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    GoodLadyposted 12 years ago

    http://goodlady.hubpages.com/hub/Peach- … ink-Recipe
    
    Hope you enjoy this recipe for a 'Peach Bellini' from Italy  - and a little bit about where it came from and where it is now!

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Hurrah! I love recipes that come with history and backstory! This is a beautifully executed Hub- something that really exemplifies what the judges are looking for!

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    angela_michelleposted 12 years ago

    http://angela-michelle.hubpages.com/hub … t-Smoothie
    
    Strawberry Banana Yogurt Fruit Smoothie

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Yay- those are three of my favorite foods in the world! This smoothie must be really tasty!

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    JPhillipiposted 12 years ago

    This is a very pretty golden punch recipe.
    http://jphillipi.hubpages.com/hub/Gold-Punch

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Very pretty indeed! Be sure to include at least 500 words in your Hub if you would like it to count as a contest entry.

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    DzyMsLizzyposted 12 years ago

    Here is my rather tardy contribution--I struggled with the photo, as I did not actually have the ingredients on hand--so I did what all fancy food photo editors do:  I faked it!  But it's a 'real' fake--done in my own kitchen, shot by me, and not copied from anywhere!
    
    http://dzymslizzy.hubpages.com/hub/Cran … nd-Festive
    
      HOWever--- a 500 word minimum???? For a RECIPE??!!!  Impossible to do reasonably, especially for a simple recipe for a drink.
    
    In order to get to the contest-level number of words, I would have to insert all sorts of ridiculous extra word-stuffing like this, that says nothing at all, just to add word count--much in the same way as a politician does when making a speech:  a lot of words to say nothing at all.
    And as you can see by this example, I am more than capable of doing exactly that, except that I do not in any way believe that is what Hub Pages is looking for in the way of "quality content."  Am I right?  I believe I am. 
    So,  in my opinion, that particular criterion needs to be eliminated for drink recipes--they are simply not complex enough to reasonably generate 500 words!!  (And since there is no word count in the ingredients and instructions capsules...)
    I just re-checked this particular hub--WITH the backstory explaining the origin of the recipe, I have 87 words--not counting ingredients and assembly instructions.  There is no way to reasonably stretch this hub by an additional 400+ words!

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I love the witty manner in which you "faked" the image, DzyMsLizzy!
       
       One thing you can do to extend the length of recipe Hubs is to follow in GoodLady's footsteps and add some additional information on the dish or drink's background and history. Other folks add additional information about the health aspects of a certain drink, or why it is budget-friendly or great for families.

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          DzyMsLizzyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          So, adding biographical information on the person who came up with the dish/drink is acceptable in a recipe hub????

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    brittanytoddposted 12 years ago

    Guava and Coconut Mojito
    
    

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       angela_michelleposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Yummy!

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          brittanytoddposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks!

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Gorgeous Hub, brittanytodd. That drink sounds divine!

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          brittanytoddposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks, Simone!  Have a great night!

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    rmcrayneposted 12 years ago

    Simple Beverages for Everyday- Over 30 Simple and Delicious Drink Recipes
    
    http://rmcrayne.hubpages.com/hub/Simple … nk-Recipes
    
    A treat doesn’t always have to be something you eat.  Make your day just a little less ordinary with a beverage treat.  It can be as easy as adding a little fruit to a soda, or mixing two juice flavors.  The possibilities are endless. 
    
    All personal photos
    
    

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I absolutely love this collection of recipes- and your original photos are awesome! So many!! Love it!

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    GoodLadyposted 12 years ago

    http://goodlady.hubpages.com/hub/Easy-M … Grapefruit
    
    Hope you really enjoy this refreshing mixed drink cocktail - from Italy!

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Refreshing, beautiful, and fascinating! Love the additional background and the beautiful photos.

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    wrenfrost56posted 12 years ago

    http://wrenfrost56.hubpages.com/hub/Hea … ink-recipe
    
    Really easy, yummy and healthy. I love pineapple and this drink I really enjoy.

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I've always  been a fan of pineapples. Enjoyable Hub! I'd float the image to the right though- it's looking a bit on the pixelated side of things.

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    Simone Smithposted 12 years ago

    Hey everyone, the new WTI thread is up! This week, we're focusing on the Family-Friendly aspect of the Cookbook Contest, since that section is also seeing relatively little action (despite being both fun AND search-friendly).
    
    I'll hope you'll join in on the fun and share on of your favorite family recipes!

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    bushraismailposted 12 years ago

    Here's something different
    
    MAKING YOUR DESIGNER COFFEE POWDER AT HOME
    from drying, roasting, blending to TOASTING
    
    http://bushraismail.hubpages.com/hub/Ma … er-at-home
    
    
    
    
    

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    cardeleanposted 12 years ago

    A week late, but here's mine.
    
    http://cardelean.hubpages.com/hub/How-t … ry-Liqueur

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