Summer Cocktails
While it’s still technically Spring, I know I’m not alone when I say this upcoming long weekend is the unofficial start of summer. Hot, sunny, glorious summer!
We’ll be spending this weekend at our cottage where we entertain a lot of friends and family. Some with kids, some without. Some like to water-ski, some like to read. We’ve got early risers and night-owls. Most are in to games, others love a good nap. But one thing all the grown-ups enjoy together is a good cocktail.
So to kick off the long weekend I thought I’d share some of my favourite cocktails recipes! I call myself our resident cocktailier (made it up) because I love experimenting with drinks. I also love vintage glassware and all of these are pieces I’ve found on our antiquing adventures.
THE AMAL
Because it’s sophisticated, powerful and looks like a dream. This is my spin on the classic and beloved Aperol spritz. (Take that New York Times)
If you’re a fan of the OG, you’ll love this one. The elderflower water adds a beautiful freshness. And the fresh grapefruit juice really makes it pop. This one is just the right balance of bitter and sweet and is super refreshing on a hot day.
Ingredients:
1 oz Aperol
1 oz Gin
2 oz Freshly Squeezed Grapefruit Juice
2 oz Elderflower Water
Sparkling water to top it off
Mint for garnish
Directions:
To a tall glass, add a bunch of ice. Add your gin and Aperol. Next add the grapefruit juice and elderflower water. Give it a good stir. Top it off with sparkling water and a sprig of mint for garnish. Serves 1.
THE NIC CAGE
(By Randall Graham)
Nicolas Cage is a dichotomy. He can be brilliant (Adaptation). He can be dreadful (The Wicker Man). But even when he’s bad, it’s still really good (Con Air). In fact there’s only a handful of things more enjoyable than watching a bad Nic Cage film. And one of them is this cocktail. Sweet, spicy and significantly easier to pull off than stealing the Declaration of Independence. Suggested pairings: Face/Off, Gone in 60 Seconds, Raising Arizona.
For this you need to plan ahead about 48hrs to infuse your vodka. (Directions below) You can also make a big batch at the beginning of the summer because this stuff will keep for a few months.
Ingredients:
2 oz jalapeño infused vodka
1 oz mango juice concentrate + 2oz water
OR 3 oz of regular mango juice
1oz freshly squeezed lime juice
Sparkling water to top it off
Directions:
In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, mango juice concentrate and water (or regular mango juice) and lime. Shake really well. Pour into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with lime. Serves 2.
Jalapeño infused vodka Ingredients:
2 jalapeños (with seeds) sliced into rings
2 cups vodka
Mason jar
Directions:
Thinly slice your jalapeños and add to mason jar. Pour in vodka. Pop on the lid. And let it infuse for 48 hours or longer.
THE MOLLY RINGWALD
Because it’s pretty ‘n pink.
I love to have a welcome drink ready for guests when they arrive and are settled in. A pitcher drink is easy prepare ahead and pour when you’re ready to serve. This one can be made ahead, and for kids or guests who don’t want alcohol. See below**
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh watermelon diced
2.5 cups premade lemonade (I use Simply Lemonade)
5oz gin
Sparkling water
Basil & watermelon wedge for garnish
Directions:
Add diced watermelon to blender and purée. Add to pitcher along with lemonade and gin and stir. Add ice and top with sparking water. Pour in glasses full of ice and finish with basil and a watermelon slice. Serves 4-6.
*If making ahead, just leave out the ice and sparkling water until you’re ready to serve.
** For kids/non-drinkers omit gin in the pitcher and simply add 1oz of gin in each glass, then fill with watermelon lemonade.
Wishing you a wonderful and safe long weekend!