Everyone has a go-to summer beverage when the days get long and the temperatures tip over 80.
You can’t beat the ‘classics’ – like a bright summer shandy, crisp gin and tonic, or a non-alcoholic Arnold Palmer – or can you?
Adding a pop of herbs, rimming a glass of flavored salt or sugar, or a new fusion of ripe fruit flavors can definitely up your beverage game.
Here’s what we’re sipping and sharing this month:
Bloomer Droppers (serves 4)
Blend, but leave pieces of peaches and some crushed ice. Serve in tall chilled glasses with peach and strawberry garnishes.
Lemon Drop Martini (serves 4)
Wash and Zest lemon. Moisten martini glass rims with lemon juice, then dip in sugar & lemon zest; set aside.
Trim ends of lemon, chop trimmed lemon, and place in blender or food processor. Add 2 cups of ice, vodka/gin and sugar. Blend until smooth and frothy.
Press mixture through mesh strainer, retaining as much liquid as possible. Discard solids. Garnish with curled lemon rind and basil leaf.
Bourbon Bramble (serves 4)
Combine bourbon and blackberries in a cocktail shaker and muddle lightly.
Add remaining cocktail ingredients to shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with basil leaf and fresh blackberries.
Sit back, sip and relax into summer!
