let’s talk summer cocktails
June 28, 2009
What are you all drinking this summer? Other than wine, I feel like I have no ideas for a great drink when the weather warms up. My friend Jill was recently enjoying this mojito concoction which I plan on trying soon: Izze grapefruit soda (she used 1/2 a bottle per glass), 2 shots of tequila, fresh mint leaves, lime. If you have a good summer drink, please start typing!
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the concierge mom 
A friend swears by Fresca and vodka for a quick drink.
Allow me to be Martha Stewart-esque for a moment. I’ve been drinking Prosecco and a splash of this for the past month, courtesy of strawberry season:
Strawberry Balsamic Simple Syrup (from CHOWMAMA)
1 1/2 c organic strawberries, cleaned, hulled & quartered
2 tbsp organic balsamic vinegar
1/4 c organic sugar
2 cups water
1. Place all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat to create a constant, low-level simmer. Cook for about 30 minutes, until syrup thickens and has reduced to about 1/3 the original volume.
3. Strain. Get creative. Store in an airtight container in fridge for up to 4 weeks.
I also like the looks of this:
Tamarind and Vodka Cocktail, Bon Appétit
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Tamarind-and-Vodka-Cocktail-353814
And this:
Fresh Lime Gimlet SUNSET
To make simple syrup: Bring 1 cup each water and sugar to a boil. It keeps, covered and chilled, up to 1 month.
Makes 6 cocktails
• 1 1/2 cups vodka or gin
• 3/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 3/4 cup simple syrup (see Notes)
• Ice
• 6 strips lime zest (optional)
In a pitcher or large measuring cup, combine vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill 6 glasses with ice and pour 1/2 cup gimlet into each one. Garnish with lime zest if you like. Serve immediately.
And what about Skinny Margaritas? Alcohol-heavy, but no sugary mix, so lower in calories than regular margaritas. This recipe looks right:
2 ounces clear tequila
splash fresh lime juice
splash Cointreau liqueur or Grand Marnier or triple sec
ice
salt (optional)
sugar (optional)
lime wedge
So many great summer wines! Innocent Bystander Pink Moscato is a sweet, fizzy favorite!
Also, Conundrum is a fabulous white wine blend… perfect for summer.
Cheers!
I love William Sonoma’s mango margarita mix. Just add tequilla and ice…you will feel like you are at a Mexican Cafe!!
I always love champagne in the summer. Barefoot makes a nice one for about $10 . Champagne and lemonade is my current favorite – mix equal parts & add ice – fabulous!!